The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill saw the first ever use of chemical dispersants to reduce the impacts of an oil spill at a deepwater level. A new study has investigated the fate of these dispersants in deepwater and concluded that they do not biodegrade well.

A new study has mapped levels of chemical elements found in European agricultural soils. In most places, unusually high concentrations are linked to geology, such as high levels of arsenic in the Massif Central in France. Human activity is to blame in some small areas, for example high concentrations of mercury were found near London and Paris. Abnormal concentrations, both too low and too high, could pose an environmental risk. This new data can be used in conjunction with the REACH Regulation1 and can help identify areas where action may be needed in relation to toxic elements in the environment.

Copper (Cu) is frequently used in agricultural practices, particularly in fungicides, used extensively in the management of permanent crops, such as vineyards, olive groves, and fruit orchards — all crops of significant economic importance to the EU. An investigation into the factors influencing Cu distribution in the topsoils of 25 EU Member States has identified that, in conjunction with other factors such as topsoil properties, land cover, and climate, such agricultural management practices play a role in influencing Cu concentration. The analysis used 21 682 soil samples from the EU-funded Land Use and Coverage Area frame Survey (LUCAS)¹ and found that vineyards, olive groves, and orchards had the highest mean soil Cu concentrations of all land use categories. The findings highlight the major impact of land use and agricultural practices on soil Cu concentrations and emphasise a need for more sustainable land management practices.

Some progress has been made towards improving air quality in Europe with levels of sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and benzene all falling substantially in recent years, a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) concludes. However, threats to human health and ecosystems remain, and urban citizens’ exposure to high levels of particulate matter (PM) and ozone are a particular concern.

Researchers have assessed the phyto-toxic effects of copper nanoparticles on vegetables grown within urban gardens, comparing increasing doses of these nanoparticles to simulate potential aerial deposition to extreme pollution of CuO-NP in a range of increasing exposure periods. Lettuce and cabbage absorbed high amounts of copper nanoparticles, after 15 days of exposure, which interfered with photosynthesis, respiration and also reduced growth. Under the specific exposure conditions of the study the researchers indicate that metal nanoparticles could lead to potential health risks to humans from the contamination of crops from pollution.

Grey's productivity is being disrupted, Myke is giving in to the tropes of Youtube, and they both played PewDiePie's Tuber Simulator.

70 percent of Americans surveyed by Zillow Mortgages said they would not abandon their home buying plans should interest rates rise to 4.5%

The cash-strapped NRL is just days away from securing a stunning new TV broadcast deal worth up to $2.3 billion, the richest in Australia’s sporting history.

A local artist’s work has been selected from over 1,500 entries to appear alongside artworks by some of Britain’s leading artists.

Shoppers at Aldi have been warned of voucher scam circulating on social media.

Josh Shaw returned his best figures of the season as Gloucestershire gained the upper hand by bowling Middlesex out on the opening day of their County Championship clash in Northwood.

The post Oz Minerals study confirms West Musgrave copper potential appeared first on The Lead SA.

Join Copper House on Saturday, November 2, for a colourful celebration at their Day of the Dead Party.

Survey by Louisiana oil and gas industry group shows 23-percent layoff and 77.5-percent well shut-in figures.

Love can be confusing and heart-wrenching — but it can also be funny!

New products like the KnoNap may help keep women and men safe while they are drinking and socializing.

To provide complete care for its residents, Chaseley Trust, offers amenities such as a movie theater, a gymnasium and a pool table. And strippers.

Though childbirth is frequently spoken of in terms of pain and punishment, some women do experience what are known as orgasmic or ecstatic births.

From N.H. to Nova Scotia, Ancient forests emerge only during rare periods of extreme low tide.

Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge is rich with wildlife and history — and it's under siege from the waters that surround it. And it's only to get worse.

In his latest project for the DIY Network, Vanilla Ice moves to Ohio's Amish country to learn some old-school renovation techniques.

In Beijing, a city lousy with haunted spots, one historic mansion in need of some TLC just can't seem to catch a break due to its ghostly reputation.

Science Photographer of the Year contest highlights how photos can open a window to science.

These legendary creatures may have something to teach us about survival, even as the clock is ticking on their habitats.

A freshwater lake the size of the state of West Virginia has practically disappeared. The lessons that the Aral Sea may hold for U.S. waterways.

What did Jesus' drink at his last meal? Experts speculate what the modern-day counterpart would be, and you can try this at home, too.

The Indian long pepper's use in traditional medicine dates back thousands of years.

There are 104 nuclear power plants in the continental United States, two of which operate in quake-prone areas and others that are in need of major upgrades.

It's not something you might expect from one of the driest places on Earth.

In "Ajijaak on Turtle Island," a young crane's migration journey brings Native American stories to life.

The Prius-driving, organic chicken-buying crowd give us something to snicker about in the Whole Foods Parking Lot.

A book by Simran Sethi called "Bread, Wine, Chocolate: The Slow Loss of the Foods We Love" documents the loss and looks for solutions.

For many people, summer means music festival season. Here are several steps to protect your hearing while also jamming out to your favorite music.

You're not officially supposed to listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving, but Pentatonix's a cappella cover is worth breaking the rules for.

Student film "Battle Behind the Bottle" tells the story of the cork industry positive response to the “kick in the pants” screw tops and plastics gave it.

Philippe Starck unveils a line of energy-efficient prefab homes with European wood builder Riko.

NYT and Google teamed up to find the most distinctive Thanksgiving dishes by state. Some of the more unusual ones have whipped topping in common.

NASA astronauts make history with an all-female spacewalk — now that the spacesuit problem is resolved.

Chanie Kirschner remembers a time long ago when no one had cell phones.

In 2015, Albuquerque launched an innovative program aimed at helping the area's homeless. Instead of ticketing panhandlers, city officials offered them jobs.

Uncle Ben meets 'Blade Runner' in this wild vertical farming concept that also incorporates aquaculture, wind energy and 'algae facades.'

Botanophobics may want to avert their eyes.

The style-conscious soap wizards at Method unveil plans for a wind and solar-powered manufacturing facility that will also include rooftop food production.