Category: Environmental science

Approximately 70% of individuals with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience hyperphosphatemia, a condition where inorganic phosphate accumulates to harmful levels in the blood. This issue extends beyond human health, impacting water quality through pollution and soil health through nutrient imbalances. Effectively addressing the question of how to reduce inorganic phosphate requires a multi-faceted approach, tailored to the specific context—whether it's managing a medical condition or protecting an ecosystem.

Environmental pollution, including industrial discharges and atmospheric deposition, introduces various contaminants into the marine ecosystem that can accumulate in fish like herring. As a small, oily fish, herring is susceptible to absorbing pollutants from its environment, including chemicals, heavy metals, and microplastics.

While many consumers envision pristine mountain springs, a significant percentage of bottled water is sourced from municipal supplies—just like your tap water. This raises a key question: is bottled water basically tap water, or are there important distinctions in how they are treated and regulated?

Over 5% of the Earth's crust is composed of iron, but its availability depends on its oxidation state, with ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) being the more soluble and bioavailable form. While its oxidized counterpart, ferric iron (Fe³⁺), is found in rust, ferrous iron appears in a variety of environments, including underground water supplies, certain dietary sources, and specific geological formations.

While it's a common misconception, kelp is not the sole ingredient of seaweed; in fact, kelp is a large type of brown seaweed. This means that while all kelp is a form of seaweed, not all seaweed is kelp. The term seaweed is a broad, umbrella category that includes over 10,000 species of marine macroalgae, ranging in color, size, and habitat.

Nearly 1.89 million deaths each year are associated with consuming too much sodium, a direct consequence of high salinity in diet and drinking water sources. Understanding how salinity affects humans is vital for preventing these severe health issues, particularly for those living in coastal areas or consuming excessive processed foods.

Over 80% of urinary tract stones are linked to calcium oxalate, a substance influenced by water composition, demonstrating the real-world impact of water chemistry. This is driven by natural processes that introduce key ions into the water, and understanding what causes carbonate bicarbonate in drinking water is essential for addressing water quality issues like hardness and scaling.

According to scientific estimates, over 60% of newly fixed nitrogen each year is assimilated by microorganisms, highlighting the vital importance of this process for life on Earth. This essential biological function is known as assimilation in the nutrient cycle, and it ensures that inorganic elements are converted into usable organic matter for growth and development.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), millions of Americans are exposed to heavy metals in their drinking water, often without knowing it. This raises a critical question for many: is tap water full of metals? The reality is nuanced, with contamination levels varying widely based on location and the infrastructure delivering your water.

Over 5% of asthmatics are sensitive to sulfites, but the sulfur compounds found in natural drinking water are typically different and pose far less risk. This common confusion often leads to questions about the safety of our tap water, but it's crucial to distinguish between food additives and natural mineral compounds. This guide will clarify the real effects of sulfur compounds in your water.