Latest news with #ThomasMiller
BBC News
07-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
More than 100 chemicals polluting South harbours
Researchers have found more than 100 unique chemical pollutants in two UK harbours, raising concerns about their impact on analysis of seawater, seaweed and shellfish from Langstone and Chichester harbours found chemical pollutants surged more than 100-fold after sewage found 105 unique pharmaceuticals, pesticides and illegal week Environment Agency data showed raw sewage was released into England's rivers and seas for a record 3,610,000 hours in 2024. The researchers were from Brunel University of London, the University of Portsmouth and Imperial College London, working with citizen scientists from the Clean Harbours study took 339 samples from 21 spots in the harbours, both Sites of Special Scientific Interest, during the spring and autumn of can slip through some wastewater treatment plants throughout the year but the autumn sampling coincided with rainy days, which caused combined sewer overflows (CSOs) to drive sewage into surface waters. "CSO discharges were an obvious source of chemical pollution in these waters," said Dr Thomas Miller from Brunel University of London, who led the study. "Our study found that some chemicals increased by over 100-fold in water after these discharges, making them a high risk to aquatic wildlife." An insecticide regularly used on domestic pets in flea and tick medication, Imidacloprid, was the highest risk based on levels found in surface water."Out of so many chemicals detected, the presence of pet tick and flea treatments in the harbours was especially concerning," said Dr Leon Barron, from Imperial College London."We urgently need to reassess the practice of blanket preventative treatment of our dogs and cats to help bring the risk down."The team's work will be published in the journal Environment International on Alex Ford, from the University of Portsmouth, added: "The impact of these contaminants we are yet to fully understand, but it's clear from our data that they increase substantially under storm events which discharge untreated sewage." You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
The Independent
07-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Concern for wildlife as 100-fold increase in chemicals found in harbours
Chemical pollution has increased by 100-fold in the waters of two south coast harbours which are home to sites of special scientific interest (SSSI), according to a new study. Researchers from three universities have analysed the waters of Chichester and Langstone harbours and discovered 105 different pharmaceuticals, pesticides and illegal drugs including an insecticide used as a common pet flea treatment. And the environmental scientists found that some of the chemicals increased by over 100-fold following rainy days which led to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) into the harbours which are on the border of Hampshire and West Sussex. The team, made up of researchers from Brunel University, London, University of Portsmouth and Imperial College London, says that they are worried about the impact on the local wildlife in the 21 SSSIs in the area. Dr Thomas Miller, from Brunel University, said: 'CSO discharges were an obvious source of chemical pollution in these waters. 'Our study found that some chemicals increased by over 100-fold in water after these discharges, making them a high risk to aquatic wildlife.' The study, carried out with the help of the Clean Harbours Partnership and published in the journal Environment International, examined 339 water samples which revealed 67 pharmaceuticals, 29 pesticides and nine recreational drugs. It comes after the Environment Agency revealed that storm overflows spilled sewage into England's rivers, lakes and coasts for new highs of more than 3.61 million hours in 2024. The researchers found that seaweed soaked up more chemicals than shellfish and the insecticide imidacloprid, used a pet flea treatment, created the highest risk based on levels found in surface water. Dr Leon Barron, from Imperial College London, said: 'Out of so many chemicals detected, the presence of pet tick and flea treatments in the harbours was especially concerning. 'We urgently need to reassess the practice of blanket preventative treatment of our dogs and cats to help bring the risk down.' The team also found the presence of 1,3-diphenylguanidine, which is used in rubber production and which they say could indicate pollution from tyre-wear particles and road run-off after rainfall events. Lead author Jasmin Uhlhorn, a PhD student from Brunel University, said: 'The research underscores the complexity of chemical mixtures present in transitional and coastal water systems, highlighting the need for more comprehensive monitoring to investigate their sources, including the impacts of CSO discharges. 'While studies on chemical pollution in these environments are limited, the findings suggest that the true risks of chemical mixtures may be underestimated, particularly for marine species.' Professor Alex Ford, from the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Marine Sciences, said: 'The impact of these contaminants we are yet to fully understand, but it's clear from our data that they increase substantially under storm events which discharge untreated sewage.' CHP co-founder Rob Bailey said: 'It is concerning to see such a large cocktail of chemicals being detected and hear their effects are largely unknown. 'As a community-based organisation we will continue to push for better monitoring of these protected marine habitats used by our members.'
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Concern for wildlife as 100-fold increase in chemicals found in harbours
Chemical pollution has increased by 100-fold in the waters of two south coast harbours which are home to sites of special scientific interest (SSSI), according to a new study. Researchers from three universities have analysed the waters of Chichester and Langstone harbours and discovered 105 different pharmaceuticals, pesticides and illegal drugs including an insecticide used as a common pet flea treatment. And the environmental scientists found that some of the chemicals increased by over 100-fold following rainy days which led to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) into the harbours which are on the border of Hampshire and West Sussex. The team, made up of researchers from Brunel University, London, University of Portsmouth and Imperial College London, says that they are worried about the impact on the local wildlife in the 21 SSSIs in the area. Dr Thomas Miller, from Brunel University, said: 'CSO discharges were an obvious source of chemical pollution in these waters. 'Our study found that some chemicals increased by over 100-fold in water after these discharges, making them a high risk to aquatic wildlife.' The study, carried out with the help of the Clean Harbours Partnership and published in the journal Environment International, examined 339 water samples which revealed 67 pharmaceuticals, 29 pesticides and nine recreational drugs. It comes after the Environment Agency revealed that storm overflows spilled sewage into England's rivers, lakes and coasts for new highs of more than 3.61 million hours in 2024. The researchers found that seaweed soaked up more chemicals than shellfish and the insecticide imidacloprid, used a pet flea treatment, created the highest risk based on levels found in surface water. Dr Leon Barron, from Imperial College London, said: 'Out of so many chemicals detected, the presence of pet tick and flea treatments in the harbours was especially concerning. 'We urgently need to reassess the practice of blanket preventative treatment of our dogs and cats to help bring the risk down.' The team also found the presence of 1,3-diphenylguanidine, which is used in rubber production and which they say could indicate pollution from tyre-wear particles and road run-off after rainfall events. Lead author Jasmin Uhlhorn, a PhD student from Brunel University, said: 'The research underscores the complexity of chemical mixtures present in transitional and coastal water systems, highlighting the need for more comprehensive monitoring to investigate their sources, including the impacts of CSO discharges. 'While studies on chemical pollution in these environments are limited, the findings suggest that the true risks of chemical mixtures may be underestimated, particularly for marine species.' Professor Alex Ford, from the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Marine Sciences, said: 'The impact of these contaminants we are yet to fully understand, but it's clear from our data that they increase substantially under storm events which discharge untreated sewage.' CHP co-founder Rob Bailey said: 'It is concerning to see such a large cocktail of chemicals being detected and hear their effects are largely unknown. 'As a community-based organisation we will continue to push for better monitoring of these protected marine habitats used by our members.'
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fatal fire in Massena claims the lives of six people
MASSENA, N.Y (WWTI) – A Monday night fire in St. Lawrence County has claimed the lives of six people. According to the Watertown Daily Times, three children and three adults perished in the fire. One of the adults passed away at Massena Hospital. Closings and delays around NNY as winter weather continues Around 10 p.m. Monday, January 27, fire crews responded to 6 Chase Street in the village of Massena. Upon arriving at the scene, fire crews encountered heavy smoke and fully involved fire that was spreading rapidly throughout the structure. According to the Massena Volunteer Fire Department, an initial attack was conducted while crews performed a primary search of the structure. Multiple victims were located, rescued and transported to area hospitals. Sadly, several residents perished in the fire. Details related to victims will not be released pending identification and notification of family. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy. Massena Fire Chief Thomas Miller A post on the Massena Central School District's Facebook page, the district offered assistance in the grieving process for students, families and staff. The school was closed on Tuesday due to inclement weather. There was no school on Wednesday due to the observance of Lunar New Year. 'I had hoped that we would have remained open (Tuesday), to provide students and staff with the opportunity to have grief counseling,' Massena Central School District Superintendent Ronald Burke said, 'Unfortunately, there was enough doubt about the road conditions which ultimately led to the decision to close.' The school will open on a two-hour delay on Thursday for students only. Faculty and staff should report at the regular time according to the district. A number of crews 'worked diligently and tirelessly to bring the fire under control.' Fire personnel were on scene until Tuesday morning trying to contain the blaze and helping with search and recovery efforts. The St. Lawrence County Fire Investigation Team and New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Crews from Massena Rescue Squad, Potsdam Rescue Squad, Massena Police Department, New York State Police, St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, St. Lawrence County Coroner along fire departments from Louisville, Norfolk and Hogansburg–Akwesasne assisted the Massena fire department at the scene. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
