environmental studies topics for assignment

Research Topics & Ideas: Environment

100+ Environmental Science Research Topics & Ideas

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. Here, we’ll explore a variety research ideas and topic thought-starters related to various environmental science disciplines, including ecology, oceanography, hydrology, geology, soil science, environmental chemistry, environmental economics, and environmental ethics.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the environmental sciences. This is the starting point though. To develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. Also be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to develop a high-quality research topic from scratch.

Overview: Environmental Topics

• Ecology /ecological science
• Atmospheric science
• Oceanography
• Soil science
• Environmental chemistry
• Environmental economics
• Environmental ethics
• Examples  of dissertations and theses

Topics & Ideas: Ecological Science

• The impact of land-use change on species diversity and ecosystem functioning in agricultural landscapes
• The role of disturbances such as fire and drought in shaping arid ecosystems
• The impact of climate change on the distribution of migratory marine species
• Investigating the role of mutualistic plant-insect relationships in maintaining ecosystem stability
• The effects of invasive plant species on ecosystem structure and function
• The impact of habitat fragmentation caused by road construction on species diversity and population dynamics in the tropics
• The role of ecosystem services in urban areas and their economic value to a developing nation
• The effectiveness of different grassland restoration techniques in degraded ecosystems
• The impact of land-use change through agriculture and urbanisation on soil microbial communities in a temperate environment
• The role of microbial diversity in ecosystem health and nutrient cycling in an African savannah

Topics & Ideas: Atmospheric Science

• The impact of climate change on atmospheric circulation patterns above tropical rainforests
• The role of atmospheric aerosols in cloud formation and precipitation above cities with high pollution levels
• The impact of agricultural land-use change on global atmospheric composition
• Investigating the role of atmospheric convection in severe weather events in the tropics
• The impact of urbanisation on regional and global atmospheric ozone levels
• The impact of sea surface temperature on atmospheric circulation and tropical cyclones
• The impact of solar flares on the Earth’s atmospheric composition
• The impact of climate change on atmospheric turbulence and air transportation safety
• The impact of stratospheric ozone depletion on atmospheric circulation and climate change
• The role of atmospheric rivers in global water supply and sea-ice formation

Topics & Ideas: Oceanography

• The impact of ocean acidification on kelp forests and biogeochemical cycles
• The role of ocean currents in distributing heat and regulating desert rain
• The impact of carbon monoxide pollution on ocean chemistry and biogeochemical cycles
• Investigating the role of ocean mixing in regulating coastal climates
• The impact of sea level rise on the resource availability of low-income coastal communities
• The impact of ocean warming on the distribution and migration patterns of marine mammals
• The impact of ocean deoxygenation on biogeochemical cycles in the arctic
• The role of ocean-atmosphere interactions in regulating rainfall in arid regions
• The impact of ocean eddies on global ocean circulation and plankton distribution
• The role of ocean-ice interactions in regulating the Earth’s climate and sea level

Tops & Ideas: Hydrology

• The impact of agricultural land-use change on water resources and hydrologic cycles in temperate regions
• The impact of agricultural groundwater availability on irrigation practices in the global south
• The impact of rising sea-surface temperatures on global precipitation patterns and water availability
• Investigating the role of wetlands in regulating water resources for riparian forests
• The impact of tropical ranches on river and stream ecosystems and water quality
• The impact of urbanisation on regional and local hydrologic cycles and water resources for agriculture
• The role of snow cover and mountain hydrology in regulating regional agricultural water resources
• The impact of drought on food security in arid and semi-arid regions
• The role of groundwater recharge in sustaining water resources in arid and semi-arid environments
• The impact of sea level rise on coastal hydrology and the quality of water resources

Topics & Ideas: Geology

• The impact of tectonic activity on the East African rift valley
• The role of mineral deposits in shaping ancient human societies
• The impact of sea-level rise on coastal geomorphology and shoreline evolution
• Investigating the role of erosion in shaping the landscape and impacting desertification
• The impact of mining on soil stability and landslide potential
• The impact of volcanic activity on incoming solar radiation and climate
• The role of geothermal energy in decarbonising the energy mix of megacities
• The impact of Earth’s magnetic field on geological processes and solar wind
• The impact of plate tectonics on the evolution of mammals
• The role of the distribution of mineral resources in shaping human societies and economies, with emphasis on sustainability

Topics & Ideas: Soil Science

• The impact of dam building on soil quality and fertility
• The role of soil organic matter in regulating nutrient cycles in agricultural land
• The impact of climate change on soil erosion and soil organic carbon storage in peatlands
• Investigating the role of above-below-ground interactions in nutrient cycling and soil health
• The impact of deforestation on soil degradation and soil fertility
• The role of soil texture and structure in regulating water and nutrient availability in boreal forests
• The impact of sustainable land management practices on soil health and soil organic matter
• The impact of wetland modification on soil structure and function
• The role of soil-atmosphere exchange and carbon sequestration in regulating regional and global climate
• The impact of salinization on soil health and crop productivity in coastal communities

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Chemistry

• The impact of cobalt mining on water quality and the fate of contaminants in the environment
• The role of atmospheric chemistry in shaping air quality and climate change
• The impact of soil chemistry on nutrient availability and plant growth in wheat monoculture
• Investigating the fate and transport of heavy metal contaminants in the environment
• The impact of climate change on biochemical cycling in tropical rainforests
• The impact of various types of land-use change on biochemical cycling
• The role of soil microbes in mediating contaminant degradation in the environment
• The impact of chemical and oil spills on freshwater and soil chemistry
• The role of atmospheric nitrogen deposition in shaping water and soil chemistry
• The impact of over-irrigation on the cycling and fate of persistent organic pollutants in the environment

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Economics

• The impact of climate change on the economies of developing nations
• The role of market-based mechanisms in promoting sustainable use of forest resources
• The impact of environmental regulations on economic growth and competitiveness
• Investigating the economic benefits and costs of ecosystem services for African countries
• The impact of renewable energy policies on regional and global energy markets
• The role of water markets in promoting sustainable water use in southern Africa
• The impact of land-use change in rural areas on regional and global economies
• The impact of environmental disasters on local and national economies
• The role of green technologies and innovation in shaping the zero-carbon transition and the knock-on effects for local economies
• The impact of environmental and natural resource policies on income distribution and poverty of rural communities

Topics & Ideas: Environmental Ethics

• The ethical foundations of environmentalism and the environmental movement regarding renewable energy
• The role of values and ethics in shaping environmental policy and decision-making in the mining industry
• The impact of cultural and religious beliefs on environmental attitudes and behaviours in first world countries
• Investigating the ethics of biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered species in palm oil plantations
• The ethical implications of sea-level rise for future generations and vulnerable coastal populations
• The role of ethical considerations in shaping sustainable use of natural forest resources
• The impact of environmental justice on marginalized communities and environmental policies in Asia
• The ethical implications of environmental risks and decision-making under uncertainty
• The role of ethics in shaping the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future for the construction industry
• The impact of environmental values on consumer behaviour and the marketplace: a case study of the ‘bring your own shopping bag’ policy

Examples: Real Dissertation & Thesis Topics

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various environmental science-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• The physiology of microorganisms in enhanced biological phosphorous removal (Saunders, 2014)
• The influence of the coastal front on heavy rainfall events along the east coast (Henson, 2019)
• Forage production and diversification for climate-smart tropical and temperate silvopastures (Dibala, 2019)
• Advancing spectral induced polarization for near surface geophysical characterization (Wang, 2021)
• Assessment of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter and Thamnocephalus platyurus as Tools to Monitor Cyanobacterial Bloom Development and Toxicity (Hipsher, 2019)
• Evaluating the Removal of Microcystin Variants with Powdered Activated Carbon (Juang, 2020)
• The effect of hydrological restoration on nutrient concentrations, macroinvertebrate communities, and amphibian populations in Lake Erie coastal wetlands (Berg, 2019)
• Utilizing hydrologic soil grouping to estimate corn nitrogen rate recommendations (Bean, 2019)
• Fungal Function in House Dust and Dust from the International Space Station (Bope, 2021)
• Assessing Vulnerability and the Potential for Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) in Sudan’s Blue Nile Basin (Mohamed, 2022)
• A Microbial Water Quality Analysis of the Recreational Zones in the Los Angeles River of Elysian Valley, CA (Nguyen, 2019)
• Dry Season Water Quality Study on Three Recreational Sites in the San Gabriel Mountains (Vallejo, 2019)
• Wastewater Treatment Plan for Unix Packaging Adjustment of the Potential Hydrogen (PH) Evaluation of Enzymatic Activity After the Addition of Cycle Disgestase Enzyme (Miessi, 2020)
• Laying the Genetic Foundation for the Conservation of Longhorn Fairy Shrimp (Kyle, 2021).

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. To create a top-notch research topic, you will need to be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you’ll need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Need more help?

If you’re still feeling a bit unsure about how to find a research topic for your environmental science dissertation or research project, be sure to check out our private coaching services below, as well as our Research Topic Kickstarter .

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Are you looking for environmental research paper topics? With ongoing debates about global warming, air pollution, and other issues, there is no shortage of exciting topics to craft a research paper around. Whether you’re studying ecology, geology, or marine biology, developing the perfect environmental research topic to get your science research assignment off the ground can be challenging. Stop worrying – we got you covered. Continue reading to learn about 235 different ideas on environmental research topics. In this article, we will discuss environmental topics and show you how to choose an interesting research topic for your subject. We will also provide a list of various environmental topics from our research paper services . In addition, we will present you with environmental science research topics, discuss other ideas about the environment for research papers, and offer our final thoughts on these topics for research papers.

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Environmental topics provide an analysis of environmental issues and their effect on people, culture, nature, or a particular place, often interdisciplinary, drawing from sciences, politics, economics, sociology, and public policy. Topics about environmental science may include environmental justice, engineering and communication, regulation, economics, and health. Environment research topics may focus on environmental sustainability, impact assessment, management systems, and resources. In addition, these areas for research papers offer a few opportunities to explore our relationship with the environment and consider how human activities influence it through climate change, pollution, or other factors such as natural resource usage as well as biodiversity loss.

When choosing an environmental research topic, it is essential to consider what makes good environmental topics. Below is an expert list outlining what your topic should be like:

When choosing research topics for environmental science, it is essential to research the available information and determine its relevance. It all depends on whether the research topic is feasible and has the potential for exploration. Environmental issue topics should be well-defined and interesting to the researcher. The reason is that the researcher should be able to provide solutions or make suggestions on improvement strategies. You can follow the below steps when choosing environmental science topics for research:

Step 1: Identify topics that are relevant to your research context. Step 2: Develop a list of research areas by extracting critical concepts from the available literature.

Step 3: Select interesting and feasible topics by considering the methods available for analysis.

Step 4: Analyze these topics to identify the gaps in current research and formulate questions for further investigation. Step 5: Review the available literature to gain insights about the chosen topic and develop a research proposal.

Step 6: Consult experts in this field to get feedback and refine the proposed research.

Don’t have time for writing your environmental research paper? Count on StudyCrumb. Send us a ‘ write a research paper for me ’ message and get professional assistance in a timely manner. 

Environmental topics for a research paper can be overwhelming to navigate due to the vast number of issues you can discuss in your article. To help narrow down your research paper search, below is a list of environmental research topics that include climate change, renewable energy, ecology, pollution, sustainability, endangered species, ecosystems, nature, and water management. You can choose one of them as a guide to writing an excellent essay

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues that humanity is currently facing due to increased temperature levels. Climate change is amongst the most debated environmental research topics among researchers, policymakers, and governments. Here are critical areas related to climate change that you can use for your environmental science research paper topics:

Renewable energy is essential due to its potential to reduce ecological damage from burning fossil fuels and provides valuable topics in environmental science. You can use renewable energy technologies as a cleaner alternative for generating electricity and heating. In addition, renewable energy is crucial for cooling homes and factories in the world. The following are environmental science topics for research paper on renewable energy:

Ecology studies how living organisms interact with each other and their environment. Also, it is an important area of research for understanding how the environment affects the function of various species and ecosystems. It also gives a background for one of the best environment research paper topics. Below are topics for environmental research paper on ecology:

Pollution is an issue at the forefront of scientific research. As one of the environmental science paper topics, it offers insights into how pollution destroys the environment and its negative impact on human and animal health. Stated below are hot environmental science research topics on pollution which you can use for your article:

One of the many topics for environmental research papers is sustainability. Sustainability is an important topic to explore, as it involves finding a way for humans to reduce their ecological footprint and ensure that the environment can recover from our activities. Stated below are environmental topics for research paper on sustainability which you can explore:

Endangered species are one of the environmental topics of great importance to research and find solutions for their conservation. Poaching, habitat destruction, and climate change negatively impact endangered species. Also, human activities have put other species at risk of extinction by competing for resources as well as introducing invasive species. Below is a list of cool environment topics to write about endangered species:

Ecosystems are fascinating to explore in environmental paper topics because they contain a variety of living organisms and are a complex web of interactions between species, the environment, and humans. The subject provides environmental issues topics for research paper essential in exploring the dynamics of ecosystems and their importance. Below is a list of topics for environmental science research paper:

Nature is a broad topic that includes ecological conservation, protection, and sustainability issues. Environmental research topics about nature allow us to explore areas that focus on preserving and conserving the environment. Research papers about nature can provide insight into utilizing nature as a resource, both from a practical and ecological aspect. Below is a list of environment topics that you can explore in your essays:

Water management is an issue that has a significant impact on the environment. Exploring a topic related to water management can provide experts, among others, with insights into environmental science issues and their implications. When it's time to write your project related to water management, you can explore the following topics for environmental issues:

Environmental science studies ecological processes and their interactions with living organisms. Exploring environmental science related topics can provide valuable insights into environmental science issues, their ecological implications, and conservation efforts. In addition, these topics can also be explored in different areas, providing a comprehensive understanding of how different factors impact the environment. This section delves into various environmental science topics for projects related to law, justice, policy, economics, biology, chemistry, and health science.

Environmental law governs environmental processes and their interactions with living organisms. Delving into environmental law can uncover invaluable information on environment paper topics, ranging from legal matters and their consequences to preservation initiatives. Students can use the following environmental issue topics for research papers for their essays:

Environmental justice seeks to ensure equitable treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in ecological protection, regardless of their race, sex, or economic status. Environment topics related to justice can provide valuable insights into ecological issues and their impacts. Listed below are justice-related Environmental topics to research:

Environmental policy is a set of laws, rules, and regulations created to protect the environment as well as its resources. Studying environment-related policies provides an area for students to explore a range of subjects related to the environment, ranging from local to global. Below are potential environmental sciences research topics for your reference.

Environmental economics seeks to understand environmental issues from an economic perspective. Examining environmental studies topics can offer insights into ecological conservation and sustainability while connecting protection efforts with economic interests and helping inform policies. The following are creative topics about environmental science related to economics:

>> Learn more: Economics Research Topics

Environmental biology is a field of science that focuses on understanding the interactions between living organisms and their environment. It covers environmental biology topics such as biodiversity, conservation, pollution, management, health, and sustainability. The following are environment research paper topics related to biology:

Keep in mind that we have a whole blog on biological topics if you need more ideas in this field.

Environmental chemistry research is a complex interdisciplinary field aiming to understand the behavior of a chemical process within an environment. It involves researching the impact of pollutants in the air, soil, water, and other ecological media. Possible research topics about the environment related to this field include:

Need more ideas? There is one more blog with  chemistry research topics  on our platform.

Environmental health is a diverse field focusing on the natural environment as well as its effects on human health. It is an interdisciplinary field that offers environment topics for research, such as environmental epidemiology, toxicology, and ecology, in addition to risk assessment. Provided below is a list of topics for an environmental science project that is suitable for your research paper:

Ecological crisis is a key issue that has continuously affected planet earth. People are becoming more aware of environmental problems as well as their impact on health, well-being, and quality of life. As such, ecological fields for research are becoming ever more critical. This section will explore interesting environmental topics related to current ecological issues, controversial, interesting topics, easy research questions for projects, as well as unique research areas which students might study. These environmental issue project ideas below will help you develop interesting fields for research papers.

Current ecological issues are a hot topic that has become increasingly important. They provide outstanding environmental issues to write about due to their impact on the environment and human health. The following are environmental issue topics for paper writing that are currently in discussion:

Environmental controversies constitute a significant challenge facing society today. From climate change to air and water pollution, the effects of human activity on our natural environment are increasingly becoming a focus of public debate and research. Research papers on environmental controversial topics can help inform the public as well as policymakers about the potential impacts of human activities on the environment. The following are examples of environmental controversy topics for research paper:

In the context of environmental subjects, research topics explore the effects of human activities on the environment as well as the potential solutions to the identified problems. In addition to providing insight into ecological protection and conservation, research areas in this category cover social issues related to environmentalism and ecological justice. Below are interesting environmental science topics to consider when looking for a research topic in the future:

When it comes to environmental science topics for project work, there are plenty of easy options. Research projects in this category can explore ecological issues as well as their consequences or potential solutions to these problems. The following is a list of the top fifteen most accessible environment project topics for your research project.

As environmental issues become increasingly complex, research fields for students become more varied. Unique environmental research topics for college students can range from local ecological concerns to global ones. The following are fifteen unique environmental science research topics for high school students and college students:

This article has provided 235 environmental science research topics for research papers as well as project work that high school and college students can use. Topics range from local issues, such as assessing air pollution levels in an urban area, to global concerns, like examining the ecological effects of plastic pollution. Whether its health risks are associated with air pollution in an environment or the impacts of industrialization, research can help shape your understanding of how to protect as well as preserve our planet. It is up to the students to identify good environmental research topics that are interesting and relevant to them and to delve deeper to understand the earth better.

• It should be interesting and relevant to your study field.
• It's essential to consider the topic's potential implications on environment-related policies. Think about the possible positive or negative effects this topic could have when implemented in terms of protecting our environment.
• A good topic should be specific enough to provide a focus for your research paper and allow you to explore a particular issue in depth.
• The research topic should be feasible and manageable to ensure that you can find the necessary information and resources.
• Environmental sciences research topics should be current and relevant to ecological developments.
• Causes and effects of climate change.
• Climate change adaptation strategies.
• Climate change impact on rural communities.
• Role of renewable energy sources in mitigating climate change.
• Carbon dioxide emission policies.
• Global warming and its impact on ocean acidification.
• Social effects of climate change.
• Permafrost melting and its implications.
• Role of international organizations in climate change.
• Climate change and forest fire: examining the role of climate change on wildfire season, frequency, and burned area.
• Renewable energy types, sources, and their impact on the environment.
• Economic benefits of renewable energy.
• Research on new technologies in renewable energy.
• Role of renewable energy in protecting businesses from legal actions.
• Hydropower and its role in renewable energy.
• Chemical batteries for renewable energy storage.
• Green microgrids in optimizing renewable energy usage.
• Ocean energy and its effects on the environment.
• Geothermal drilling and its consequences.
• Biomass resources and their use in renewable energy.
• Biodiversity conservation strategies.
• Impact of pollution on ecosystems.
• Ecological research on saving endangered species from extinction.
• Role of environment in migrations patterns of animals.
• Habitat fragmentation effects on the environment.
• Ecological implications of climate change.
• Ecology and pest control strategies.
• Ecological effects of deforestation.
• Ecology and conservation of marine life.
• Ecological consequences of urbanization.
• Air pollution: causes & effects.
• Water pollution and its consequences for people and other living organisms.
• Issue of urban & industrial pollution.
• Noise pollution and environment-related health risks.
• Marine plastic pollution in oceans.
• Radiological waste disposal policies.
• Nuclear energy, radiation & health impacts.
• Sustainable waste management solutions.
• Impact of pollution on biodiversity.
• Soil pollution and its effects on agriculture.
• Strategies for sustainable development.
• Renewable energy sources and their effects.
• Environmental sustainability and its economic benefits.
• Sustainable energy sources and their effects.
• Implications of sustainable agriculture on the environment.
• Ecological impacts of sustainable forestry.
• Social implications of renewable energy use.
• Strategies for mitigating ecological impact from unsustainable development.
• Psychological effects of ecological awareness on sustainable practices.
• Influence of ecological sustainability on economic growth.
• Endangered species conservation.
• Causes & effects of habitat fragmentation.
• Wildlife conservation strategies.
• Climate change impacts on endangered species.
• Illegal wildlife trade and trafficking.
• Marine protected areas for conserving marine life.
• Ecological restoration and reintroduction programs.
• Endangered species in developing nations.
• Human rights & animal welfare laws .
• Captive breeding for conservation purposes.
• Ecosystem services & their value.
• Climate change impacts on ecosystems.
• Hydrological cycle & effects on ecosystems.
• Ecological restoration & biodiversity conservation.
• Invasive species & their impact on native species.
• Biodiversity hotspots: areas of high endemism.
• Soil degradation & its impact on ecosystems.
• Sustainable forestry practices.
• Ecological restoration of wetlands.
• Nature conservation & preservation strategies.
• Climate change effects on natural environments.
• Natural resource management strategies.
• Policies for natural resources management.
• Impact of human development on wildlands.
• Sustainable use of natural resources.
• Role of ethics in nature conservation.
• De-extinction: pros & cons of bringing back extinct species.
• Protected areas & conservation of rare species.
• Water pollution & its control.
• Groundwater management strategies.
• Climate change impact on water resources.
• Integrated water resources management.
• Wetland conservation & restoration projects.
• Industrial effluents role in water pollution.
• Desalination technologies for freshwater production.
• Urbanization impact on groundwater resources.
• Inland & coastal water management strategies.
• Wastewater treatment & reuse technologies.
• Climate change liability & lawsuits.
• Strategies for conservation and protection under environmental law.
• Consequences of non-compliance with regulations on the environment.
• Impact of trade agreements on environment protection.
• Regulatory strategies for hazardous waste disposal.
• Strategies for enforcement and compliance with environment-related laws.
• International environment treaties and their implications.
• Effects of climate change legislation on the environment.
• Corporate environmental policies and regulations and their effects.
• Role of law in mitigating environment-related issues.
• Implications of unequal access to resources.
• Disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.
• Consequences of marginalization of marginalized communities from environmental processes.
• Links between poverty and environment degradation.
• Effects of non-participation in environment-related decision-making.
• Policies to ensure access to clean air and water.
• Impact of social inequality on environment protection.
• Intersection between gender, race, and environment justice.
• Ecological consequences of corporate negligence of marginalized communities.
• Disproportionate implications of climate change on vulnerable populations.
• Environmental policy initiatives' implications on global climate change.
• Effectiveness of carbon taxes for air pollution control.
• Land use and development impact on the environment.
• Water quality in the united states, focusing on natural resource governance.
• Educational initiative's impact on public opinion and policy outcomes.
• Social aspects of policy making and implementation on the environment.
• Promoting sustainability from a global perspective.
• Potential for justice initiatives in promoting equitable and effective management.
• Rise of green economy its impact.
• Environment policies and their potential for success.
• Economic impacts of regulating the environment.
• Strategies for environmentally sustainable economic growth.
• Consequences of non-compliance with environment-related regulations.
• Environment conservation and protection using economic incentives.
• Taxes and subsidies and their implications on the environment.
• Economic implications of climate change legislation.
• The private sector role in environment conservation and protection.
• Green finance role in mitigating ecological issues.
• Economics of pollution control and management.
• Conservation and protection of the environment in the face of economic interests.
• Biodiversity conservation in managing the environment.
• Role of biotechnology in reducing air pollution.
• Environment degradation and its consequences on wildlife.
• Role of microorganisms in maintaining soil fertility.
• Ecological consequences of over-exploitation of natural resources.
• Habitat fragmentation and its role in species conservation.
• Education's role in environment conservation.
• Environment degradation and its effects on food security.
• Invasive species and their impacts on ecosystem.
• Effect of agricultural chemicals on water systems.
• Air pollution control strategies and their effectiveness.
• Climate change impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
• Sources and implications of persistent organic pollutants.
• Air quality monitoring for urban areas.
• Water quality monitoring in coastal areas.
• Characterization and fate of toxic compounds in soil and groundwater.
• Impact of hazardous chemical waste on the environment.
• Monitoring and remediation of contaminated sites.
• The roles of environmental chemistry in climate change research.
• Air pollution effects on human health.
• Climate change effects on health.
• Water pollution and public health.
• Noise pollution effects on well-being.
• Mental health effects of environment-related toxins.
• Human health effects of natural disasters.
• Urbanization's effect on human health.
• Sustainable development and public health.
• Role of social media in promoting environmental health and awareness.
• Biodiversity preservation and its impact on human health.
• Global warming and how to prevent its impact.
• Sustainable energy and its role in protecting the environment.
• Water conservation practices.
• Renewable energy role in global ecological protection.
• Carbon footprint and climate change.
• Ozone layer depletion and its effects on human health.
• Plastic pollution and its impact.
• Land degradation and soil erosion.
• Energy industry activities effects on ecological health.
• Air pollution and its impact on human health.
• Deforestation and its consequences.
• Effect of agricultural practices on ecological health.
• Overuse and exploitation of natural resources.
• Industrial waste impact on health.
• Green technology role in ecological protection.
• Climate change: is human activity a primary cause of global warming.
• Deforestation: are current logging practices sustainable in the long term.
• Air pollution: what are the health impacts of air pollution.
• Water pollution: how is water pollution impacting biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Geothermal energy: what potential impacts does geothermal energy extraction have on the environment.
• Renewable energy: are wind and solar energy carbon-neutral.
• Arctic drilling: is drilling for oil in the arctic ocean a viable option given current climate conditions.
• Nuclear power: what health risks are associated with nuclear power plants.
• Biodiversity loss: what steps can you take to protect biodiversity from human activities.
• Endangered species: how protecting endangered species can impact conservation efforts and how they live.
• GMO foods: are genetically modified organisms safe for human consumption? how does GMO food affect humans.
• Pesticides: how does pesticide use affect our health and the environment.
• Ocean acidification: how is ocean acidification impacting marine ecosystems.
• Waste management: what are the most effective ways to manage waste and reduce pollution.
• Resource exploitation: how does the exploitation of natural resources impact local communities.
• Effects of environment-related toxins on human health.
• Climate change effects on coastal habitats.
• Agricultural activities impacts on the environment.
• Groundwater contamination and its effects on water quality.
• Pollution from factories and its impact on the environment.
• Waste management strategies and their impacts.
• Consequences of water contamination on local wildlife.
• Impacts of mining.
• Deforestation effects on ecosystems and species diversity.
• Industrial fishing practices effects.
• Sustainable forestry practices and their impact on ecosystems.
• Nuclear energy production and its consequences.
• Reducing emissions from vehicles and their effects on air quality.
• Landfills implications on the environment.
• Implications of plastic pollution.
• Air pollution levels impact on urban areas.
• Agricultural practices effects on the environment.
• Developing strategies for sustainable development.
• Causes of water contamination.
• Factors contributing to global warming.
• Natural disasters effects on the environment.
• Land use changes effects on the environment.
• Energy consumption impacts on the environment.
• Climate change effects on the environment.
• Industrialization and its consequences.
• Impact of plastic pollution.
• Health risks associated with air pollution.
• Deforestation impacts on the environment.
• Soil erosion and its effects on the environment.
• Causes and consequences of species extinction.
• Climate change impact on water quality.
• Acid rain and its effects.
• Urbanization's effect on biodiversity.
• Effects of offshore drilling.
• Ocean acidification and its impact.
• Impact of privatization on natural resources.
• Effectiveness of renewable energy sources.
• Relationship between energy consumption and the environment.
• Potential impacts regarding genetic engineering on biodiversity.
• Toxic waste disposal and its impacts.
• Environment-related policies impact on water quality.
• Deforestation and its effects on soil quality.
• Causes and consequences of ozone layer depletion.
• Relationship between pollution and public health issues.

What Are Environmental Topics?

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140 Best Environmental Science Topics For Academic Writing

Table of Contents

Are you looking for great environmental science topics for your project, debate, or academic writing? If yes, then this blog post is for you. Here, we have shared some excellent environmental science ideas and topics for students of all academic levels to consider for their academic work. Take a look!

What is Environmental Science?

Environmental science is a broad field of study that concentrates on the various aspects of the environment and the issues related to it. Basically, the environment is not only about living beings and nature, but also it deals with a variety of theories associated with Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Medicine, and Engineering.

In recent times, the environment is badly affected by several external factors. Hence, the course has gained more popularity and moreover, many students also wish to have a closer look at the subject and analyze all the issues that exist in the environment.

Environmental Science Topics for Academic Work

Nowadays, we regularly experience a lot of new environmental-related problems in our daily life, and therefore educational institutes often consider environmental science as a trendy topic for academic work.

More commonly, from primary school to university, the teachers and professors provide environmental science topics for debate, speech, project work, essays, and other academic writing. In particular, if you are a student who is pursuing a course in environmental science, then you can’t obtain your graduation without submitting a research paper or dissertation.

No matter whether it is an essay, research paper, speech, or a project, for performing academic work, all you need is a good topic. In case, you need any topics related to environmental science, then get help from this blog post.

List of Environmental Science Topics

Environmental science is a vast discipline with plenty of research areas and topics to focus on. In specific, for your academic work, you can very well choose a topic on any environmental issue, policy, law, and so on.

If you have no idea what topic to choose, have a look at the list of environmental science topic ideas suggested below, and from it pick a topic that matches your interest.

Read More – Excellent Environmental Essay Topics To Explore and Write About

Top Environmental Science Topics

• How to stop the destruction of coral reefs.
• Discuss the myths about global warming.
• Explains the pros and cons of different types of bioremediation.
• Write about the top companies that contribute to the world’s third carbon emission.
• How to protect yourself from smog.
• Write about climate change and Himalayan glacier hazards.
• Discuss the environmental and climate crisis in Australia.
• Have a closer look at bioaccumulation and biomagnifications of toxic chemicals.
• Write about climate change adaptation methods and mitigation strategies.
• Focus on sustainable agricultural practices and their advantages.
• How to improve the environment with innovative technology.
• Explain how to make eco-cities.
• Discuss the causes, effects, and solutions of the pollinator decline of bees.
• Write about environmental discrimination and the significance of environmental justice.
• How to make the home environmentally friendly.
• The concepts of renewable energy and the ways to solve the sustainable energy problem
• The effect of increased temperature on the thermal ecology of the sea creatures
• Discuss the impact of global warming on environmental sustainability
• How much has transport evolution impacted climate change?
• Historical reaction to global changes in climate
• Climate change response that has the most potential in averting the crisis
• Have humans created the problem of climate change?
• List some simple things that governments could do to help address climate change problems.

Interesting Environmental Science Topics

• Discuss the effect of water on residential property prices.
• Analyze the effect of heavy rainfall.
• Discuss the effect of gas flaring on the ecosystem.
• Explain the impact of managing electronic waste to ensure green computing.
• Write about maternal exposure to air pollution and birth outcomes.
• Analyze the effect of groundwater contamination.
• How no-plow farmers try to save soil.
• Analyze the socio-economic effect of flooding on wetlands.
• Examine noise pollution.
• Write about fish markets and sustainability.
• Can life on Earth co-exist with radiation? Artificial vs. natural radioactivity
• How far should humans go in meddling with extinction? Is it the natural cause?
• Industrial plants and their connection to water resources – are they a great cause of human diseases?
• The causes of ocean temperatures increase through the lens of global warming
• Volcano activity in 2021: a clear sign of global warming?
• The role of the world’s scouting in the prevention of climate change dangers.
• Power plants in the United States and carbon dioxide emissions.
• Deforestation problem in Brazil: Amazon Forests case study

Outstanding Environmental Science Topics

• Evaluate toxicity and quality of fishing water.
• Discuss the role of mangrove trees on a marine ecosystem.
• How does climate change affect agricultural production?
• Explain how careless polythene bag disposal affects the ecosystem.
• A study of environmental temperature increase on thermal ecology of sea creatures.
• How to ensure an adequate supply of clean energy in the future/
• Write about the environmental management plans for players in the hospitality industry.
• How to Revive World’s Oceans.
• Discuss the ways to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases in freight transport.
• How to reduce global warming with the help of science.
• Discuss how the amphibians relate to their environment.
• Explain how bacteria get into the food that humans consume.
• How and why acid rain forms.
• Explain how genetic diseases affect humans.
• How the environment contributes to asthma attacks.
• The impact of toxic waste on our environment
• What are the strategic actions to be implemented in order to protect the environment?
• The SARE/LISA and the USDA programs on sustainable agriculture

Awesome Environmental Science Essay Topics

• How does the Earth compare to a living organism?
• Explain how sewage treatment works.
• What is the purpose of crustaceans?
• Is the composition of soil similar everywhere?
• How do invasive species affect the environment?
• Explain how climate change affects the environment.
• A comparative study of the roots of different plants.
• Research and write about the dust found in different areas.
• A comparative study of the photosynthesis of different plants.
• Is composting a good or a bad thing?
• How do viruses work?
• Discuss the diversity of weeds in your community.
• Explain how light sources affect aquariums.
• How can the extinction of honey bees change the world?
• Discuss the diversity of trees in your area.

Amazing Environmental Science Essay Ideas

• Explain the impact of Coronavirus and maintaining the ecosystem.
• Discuss the impact of terrorism on human activities at a local and global level.
• Explain the effects of the Nagasaki and Hiroshima nuclear bombings on the ecosystem.
• How has the US departure from the Paris Climate Agreement changed things?
• Discuss the role of the media in conservation campaigns.
• Explain the global impact of radiation and nuclear accidents.
• Write about the impact of freak weather incidents.
• Explain the impact of Genetically Modified (GM) foods on the environment.
• Microplastics in drinking water – why and how have they got there?
• Discuss the role of the UNEP in environmental conservation.

Health Safety and Environmental Science Research Topics

• How Parkinson’s disease connects to genes and pesticide use.
• Explain how pesticide exposure can cause cognitive decline.
• Evaluate environmental influences on human brain development.
• Research the association between diseases and a person’s environment.
• Environmental pesticide exposure can lead to loss of the sense of smell.
• Why is sustainable development important for the environment?
• How curbing climate change will benefit human health.
• Analyze the effects of economic development on environmental health.
• Explain how to lower pesticide exposure.
• How to integrate environmental health into sustainable development.
• Explain how climate change worsens the impact of air pollution on humans.
• How wildfires affect human health.
• Why is air quality improvement important?
• Discuss the interaction of human genes and the environment.
• How air pollution can cause emphysema in nonsmokers?
• Environmental health and toxic chemical risks that people face in towns.
• Can air pollution cause cancer?
• How involuntary tobacco smoke exposure affects a person’s health?
• Who is affected the most by air pollution?
• How traffic-related air pollution affects human health

Informative Environmental Science Essay Prompts

• Assess the potential of waste to health.
• Discuss the environmental impact of solid waste land-filling.
• Explain the impact of urbanization on environmental health quality.
• Write about the public latrine system and its associated problems.
• Discuss the impact of oil spillage on the built environment.
• How to measure soil erosion.
• Explain the effect of water scarcity on residential property prices.
• Write about the impact of sand and gravel dredging on the environment.
• Assess the management of garbage collection and waste disposal.
• Explain the effect of the hazardous metropolis.
• Examine the environmental and health risk of urban flooding.
• Write about the causes, effects, and control strategies of deforestation.
• Study the effect of fertilizers on the growth of algae.
• Perform chemical analysis of rainwater.
• Ecological footprint analysis.
• Describe the satellite remote sensing data processing and its environmental application
• Machine learning and deep learning for multi-source data processing and data fusion
• Discuss the use of high-throughput data in the time-series analysis monitoring of forest and agriculture
• Explain the vegetation phenology extraction using multi- and hyperspectral images
• Explore the differences in shale oil and gas reservoirs across various sedimentary environments in relation to theories and applications
• Analysis of stratification and sedimentary characteristics of shale deposits
• Describe the ecosystem consequences of climate-induced changes in the migration and phenology of Arctic animals
• Analysis of the permafrost thaw impacts on ecosystem structure and function including contributions to greenhouse gas emissions
• How does climate change impact the Arctic (seasonal) habitats and the migration and phenology of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial animals?
• Describe the influencing factors and pathways (e.g., green transportation, low carbon lifestyle, and application of clean energy) for carbon reduction realization
• Analysis of the connections between  trade-offs of carbon reduction, resources sustainable utilization, and economic development

See Also – Top Environmental Speech Topics and Ideas To Consider

Captivating Environmental Science Topics for Academic Work

• Examine the impact of climate change on public resources and institutions.
• Describe the economic terms and conditions behind biodiversity.
• Discuss the consequences of illegal mining on the economy and the environmental crisis that follows
• How the policies against illegal poaching can be more effective in Africa?
• Explain how environmental sustainability compliments economic growth.
• Examine the significance of public complaints in issues of environmental concerns
• Criticize the international environmental laws
• Examine how Environmental laws interweave with energy laws
• Identify the input of China in the ecosystem
• Examine how tectonic movements play a significant role in the ecosystem

For your environmental science assignments, you can very well consider the topic ideas suggested above. Hopefully, all those topics will help you in preparing outstanding academic work suitable for scoring an A+ grade. simply share your requirements with us through the order form.

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50 Best Environmental Science Research Topics

May 31, 2023

Environmental science is a varied discipline that encompasses a variety of subjects, including ecology, atmospheric science, and geology among others. Professionals within this field can pursue many occupations from lab technicians and agricultural engineers to park rangers and environmental lawyers. However, what unites these careers is their focus on how the natural world and the human world interact and impact the surrounding environment. There is also one other significant commonality among environmental science careers: virtually all of them either engage in or rely on research on environmental science topics to ensure their work is accurate and up to date.

In this post, we’ll outline some of the best environmental science research topics to help you explore disciplines within environmental science and kickstart your own research. If you are considering majoring in environmental science or perhaps just need help brainstorming for a research paper, this post will give you a broad sense of timely environmental science research topics.

What makes a research topic good?

Before we dive into specific environmental science research topics, let’s first cover the basics: what qualities make for a viable research topic. Research is the process of collecting information to make discoveries and reach new conclusions. We often think of research as something that occurs in academic or scientific settings. However, everyone engages in informal research in everyday life, from reading product reviews to investigating statistics for admitted students at prospective colleges . While we all conduct research in our day-to-day lives, formal academic research is necessary to advance discoveries and scholarly discourses. Therefore, in this setting, good research hinges on a topic in which there are unanswered questions or ongoing debates. In other words, meaningful research focuses on topics where you can say something new.

However, identifying an interesting research topic is only the first step in the research process. Research topics tend to be broad in scope. Strong research is dependent on developing a specific research question, meaning the query your project will seek to answer. While there are no comprehensive guidelines for research questions, most scholars agree that research questions should be:

1) Specific

Research questions need to clearly identify and define the focus of your research. Without sufficient detail, your research will likely be too broad or imprecise in focus to yield meaningful insights. For example, you might initially be interested in addressing this question: How should governments address the effects of climate change? While that is a worthwhile question to investigate, it’s not clear enough to facilitate meaningful research. What level of government is this question referring to? And what specific effects of global warming will this research focus on? You would need to revise this question to provide a clearer focus for your research. A revised version of this question might look like this: How can state government officials in Florida best mitigate the effects of sea-level rise?

 2) Narrow

Our interest in a given topic often starts quite broad. However, it is difficult to produce meaningful, thorough research on a broad topic. For that reason, it is important that research questions be narrow in scope, focusing on a specific issue or subtopic. For example, one of the more timely environmental science topics is renewable energy. A student who is just learning about this topic might wish to write a research paper on the following question: Which form of renewable energy is best? However, that would be a difficult question to answer in one paper given the various ways in which an energy source could be “best.” Instead, this student might narrow their focus, assessing renewable energy sources through a more specific lens: Which form of renewable energy is best for job creation?

 3) Complex

As we previously discussed, good research leads to new discoveries. These lines of inquiry typically require a complicated and open-ended research question. A question that can be answered with just a “yes” or “no” (or a quick Google search) is likely indicative of a topic in which additional research is unnecessary (i.e. there is no ongoing debate) or a topic that is not well defined. For example, the following question would likely be too simple for academic research: What is environmental justice? You can look up a definition of environmental justice online. You would need to ask a more complex question to sustain a meaningful research project. Instead, you might conduct research on the following query: Which environmental issue(s) disproportionately impact impoverished communities in the Pacific Northwest? This question is narrower and more specific, while also requiring more complex thought and analysis to answer.

4) Debatable

Again, strong research provides new answers and information, which means that they must be situated within topics or discourses where there is ongoing debate. If a research question can only lead to one natural conclusion, that may indicate that it has already been sufficiently addressed in prior research or that the question is leading. For example, Are invasive species bad? is not a very debatable question (the answer is in the term “invasive species”!). A paper that focused on this question would essentially define and provide examples of invasive species (i.e. information that is already well documented). Instead, a researcher might investigate the effects of a specific invasive species. For example: How have Burmese pythons impacted ecosystems in the Everglades, and what mitigation strategies are most effective to reduce Burmese python populations?

Therefore, research topics, including environmental science topics, are those about which there are ample questions yet to be definitively answered. Taking time to develop a thoughtful research question will provide the necessary focus and structure to facilitate meaningful research.

10 Great Environmental Science Research Topics (With Explanations!)

Now that we have a basic understanding of what qualities can make or break a research topic, we can return to our focus on environmental science topics. Although “great” research topics are somewhat subjective, we believe the following topics provide excellent foundations for research due to ongoing debates in these areas, as well as the urgency of the challenges they seek to address.

1) Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

Although climate change is now a well-known concept , there is still much to be learned about how humans can best mitigate and adapt to its effects. Mitigation involves reducing the severity of climate change. However, there are a variety of ways mitigation can occur, from switching to electric vehicles to enforcing carbon taxes on corporations that produce the highest carbon emission levels. Many of these environmental science topics intersect with issues of public policy and economics, making them very nuanced and versatile.

In comparison, climate change adaptation considers how humans can adjust to life in an evolving climate where issues such as food insecurity, floods, droughts, and other severe weather events are more frequent. Research on climate change adaptation is particularly fascinating due to the various levels at which it occurs, from federal down to local governments, to help communities anticipate and adjust to the effects of climate change.

Both climate change mitigation and adaptation represent excellent environmental science research topics as there is still much to be learned to address this issue and its varied effects.

2) Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is another fairly mainstream topic in which there is much to learn and research. Although scientists have identified many forms of sustainable energy, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, questions remain about how to best implement these energy sources. How can politicians, world leaders, and communities advance renewable energy through public policy? What impact will renewable energy have on local and national economies? And how can we minimize the environmental impact of renewable energy technologies? While we have identified alternatives to fossil fuels, questions persist about the best way to utilize these technologies, making renewable energy one of the best environmental science topics to research.

3) Conservation

Conservation is a broad topic within environmental science, focusing on issues such as preserving environments and protecting endangered species. However, conservation efforts are more challenging than ever in the face of a growing world population and climate change. In fact, some scientists theorize that we are currently in the middle of a sixth mass extinction event. While these issues might seem dire, we need scientists to conduct research on conservation efforts for specific species, as well as entire ecosystems, to help combat these challenges and preserve the planet’s biodiversity.

4) Deforestation

The Save the Rainforest movement of the 1980s and 90s introduced many people to the issue of deforestation. Today, the problems associated with deforestation, such as reduced biodiversity and soil erosion, are fairly common knowledge. However, these challenges persist due, in part, to construction and agricultural development projects. While we know the effects of deforestation, it is more difficult to identify and implement feasible solutions. This is particularly true in developing countries where deforestation is often more prevalent due to political, environmental, and economic factors. Environmental science research can help reduce deforestation by identifying strategies to help countries sustainably manage their natural resources.

Environmental Science Topics (Continued)

5) urban ecology.

When we think of “the environment,” our brains often conjure up images of majestic mountain ranges and lush green forests. However, less “natural” environments also warrant study: this is where urban ecology comes in. Urban ecology is the study of how organisms interact with one another and their environment in urban settings. Through urban ecology, researchers can address topics such as how greenspaces in cities can reduce air pollution, or how local governments can adopt more effective waste management practices. As one of the newer environmental science topics, urban ecology represents an exciting research area that can help humans live more sustainably.

6) Environmental Justice

While environmental issues such as climate change impact people on a global scale, not all communities are affected equally. For example, wealthy nations tend to contribute more to greenhouse-gas emissions. However, less developed nations are disproportionately bearing the brunt of climate change . Studies within the field of environmental justice seek to understand how issues such as race, national origin, and income impact the degree to which people experience hardships from environmental issues. Researchers in this field not only document these inequities, but also identify ways in which environmental justice can be achieved. As a result, their work helps communities have access to clean, safe environments in which they can thrive.

7) Water Management

Water is, of course, necessary for life, which is why water management is so important within environmental science research topics. Water management research ensures that water resources are appropriately identified and maintained to meet demand. However, climate change has heightened the need for water management research, due to the occurrence of more severe droughts and wildfires. As a result, water management research is necessary to ensure water is clean and accessible.

8) Pollution and Bioremediation

Another impact of the increase in human population and development is heightened air, water, and soil pollution. Environmental scientists study pollutants to understand how they work and where they originate. Through their research, they can identify solutions to help address pollution, such as bioremediation, which is the use of microorganisms to consume and break down pollutants. Collectively, research on pollution and bioremediation helps us restore environments so they are sufficient for human, animal, and plant life.

9) Disease Ecology

While environmental science topics impact the health of humans, we don’t always think of this discipline as intersecting with medicine. But, believe it or not, they can sometimes overlap! Disease ecology examines how ecological processes and interactions impact disease evolution. For example, malaria is a disease that is highly dependent on ecological variables, such as temperature and precipitation. Both of these factors can help or hinder the breeding of mosquitoes and, therefore, the transmission of malaria. The risk of infectious diseases is likely to increase due to climate change , making disease ecology an important research topic.

10) Ecosystems Ecology

If nothing else, the aforementioned topics and their related debates showcase just how interconnected the world is. None of us live in a vacuum: our environment affects us just as we affect it. That makes ecosystems ecology, which examines how ecosystems operate and interact, an evergreen research topic within environmental science.

40 More Environmental Science Research Topics

Still haven’t stumbled upon the right environmental science research topic? The following ideas may help spark some inspiration:

• The effects of agricultural land use on biodiversity and ecosystems.
• The impact of invasive plant species on ecosystems.
• How wildfires and droughts shape ecosystems.
• The role of fire ecology in addressing wildfire threats.
• The impact of coral bleaching on biodiversity.
• Ways to minimize the environmental impact of clean energies.
• The effects of climate change on ocean currents and migration patterns of marine species.

Environmental Justice and Public Policy

• Opportunities to equalize the benefits of greenspaces for impoverished and marginalized communities.
• The impact of natural disasters on human migration patterns.
• The role of national parks and nature reserves in human health.
• How to address inequalities in the impact of air pollution.
• How to prevent and address the looming climate refugee crisis.
• Environmentally and economically sustainable alternatives to deforestation in less developed countries.
• Effects of environmental policies and regulations on impoverished communities.
• The role of pollutants in endocrine disruption.
• The effects of climate change on the emergence of infectious diseases.

AP Environmental Science Research Topics (Continued)

Soil science.

• Effects of climate change on soil erosion.
• The role of land management in maintaining soil health.
• Agricultural effects of salinization in coastal areas.
• The effects of climate change on agriculture.

Urban Ecology

• How road construction impacts biodiversity and ecosystems.
• The effects of urbanization and city planning on water cycles.
• Impacts of noise pollution on human health.
• The role of city planning in reducing light pollution.

Pollution and Bioremediation

• The role of bioremediation in removing “forever” chemicals from the environment.
• Impacts of air pollution on maternal health.
• How to improve plastic recycling processes.
• Individual measures to reduce consumption and creation of microplastics.
• Environmental impacts of and alternatives to fracking.

Environmental Law and Ethics

• Ethical implications of human intervention in the preservation of endangered species.
• The efficacy and impact of single-use plastic laws.
• Effects of religious and cultural values in environmental beliefs.
• The ethics of climate change policy for future generations.
• Ethical implications of international environmental regulations for less developed countries.
• The impact and efficacy of corporate carbon taxes.
• Ethical and environmental implications of fast fashion.
• The ethics and efficacy of green consumerism.
• Impacts of the hospitality and travel industries on pollution and emissions.
• The ethical implications of greenwashing in marketing.
• Effects of “Right to Repair” laws on pollution.

Final Thoughts: Environmental Science Research Topics

Environmental science is a diverse and very important area of study that impacts all aspects of life on Earth. If you’ve found a topic you’d like to pursue, it’s time to hit the books (or online databases)! Begin reading broadly on your chosen topic so you can define a specific research question. If you’re unsure where to begin, contact a research librarian who can connect you with pertinent resources. As you familiarize yourself with the discourse surrounding your topic, consider what questions spring to mind. Those questions may represent gaps around which you can craft a research question.

Interested in conducting academic research? Check out the following resources for information on research opportunities and programs:

• Research Opportunities for High School Students
• Colleges with the Best Undergraduate Research Programs
• College Success
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Emily Smith

Emily earned a BA in English and Communication Studies from UNC Chapel Hill and an MA in English from Wake Forest University. While at UNC and Wake Forest, she served as a tutor and graduate assistant in each school’s writing center, where she worked with undergraduate and graduate students from all academic backgrounds. She also worked as an editorial intern for the Wake Forest University Press as well as a visiting lecturer in the Department of English at WFU, and currently works as a writing center director in western North Carolina.

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351 Environmental Science Research Topics & Ideas

• Icon Calendar 17 May 2024
• Icon Page 2791 words
• Icon Clock 13 min read

Environmental science research topics depend on a vast range of issues pivotal to understanding and safeguarding the natural world. Some themes may dive deep into studies of climate change, assessing its impact on ecosystems and suggesting mitigation strategies. Various topics also explore biodiversity, looking at species conservation and threats to habitats globally. Pollution is another focal area, investigating the sources, effects, and solutions to air, water, and soil contamination. Moreover, sustainable practices focus on renewable energy, green urban planning, and sustainable agriculture. This interdisciplinary field even scrutinizes human behavior, illustrating the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and environmental health. Thus, environmental science research topics cover exploration, data interpretation, and creative problem-solving, all with the ultimate goal of developing ecologically responsible and sustainable methods for the proper coexistence of people and the natural world.

Hot Environmental Research Topics

• Understanding Climate Change and Food Security Nexus
• Unveiling Mysteries of Deep Ocean Biodiversity
• Exploring Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture
• Harnessing Green Energy: Opportunities and Challenges
• Rethinking Urban Design for Climate Resilience
• Insights Into Ecological Consequences of Deforestation
• Green Building Practices: A Comparative Study
• Endangered Species and Conservation Efforts: A Comprehensive Review
• Examining the Potential of Vertical Farming in Urban Areas
• Strategies for Plastic Waste Management: A Global Perspective
• Microplastics in Marine Ecosystems: An Unseen Threat
• Decoding Links Between Soil Health and Agricultural Productivity
• Effective Water Management Strategies in Arid Regions
• Emerging Contaminants in Freshwater Bodies: Trends and Solutions
• E-Waste Recycling: Technological Advancements and Challenges
• Carbon Sequestration in Forest Ecosystems: A Multidisciplinary Approach
• Human Behavioral Change for Environmental Sustainability
• Analyzing the Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health
• Biodiversity Hotspots and Their Conservation Significance
• Assessing Geoengineering Techniques for Climate Change Mitigation

Easy Environmental Research Topics

• Exploration of Solar Energy Advantages
• Rainwater Harvesting: A Simple Guide
• Why Recycling Matters: A Closer Look
• Green Spaces in Urban Planning
• Wildlife Conservation in Local Communities
• Understanding the Threat of Endangered Species
• Eco-Friendly Farming: The Basics
• Pollution in Cities: An Overview
• Renewable Energy: Current Trends
• Conservation of Water: Simple Methods
• Sustainable Living: Small Changes, Big Effects
• Climate Change: Easy-to-Understand Facts
• Rising Sea Levels: Exploring Causes
• Greenhouse Gases: A Beginner’s Study
• Composting at Home: An Introduction
• Biodiversity in Backyards: A Survey
• Plastic Waste: The Global Picture
• Community Gardens: Environmental and Social Benefits
• Forest Fires and Climate Change: A Link

Interesting Environmental Topics

• Decoding Coral Reef Bleaching Phenomena
• Intricacies of Permaculture Design Principles
• Fascinating World of Biofuels: A Deeper Dive
• Cryptic Life of Microorganisms in Soil Health Maintenance
• Innovative Techniques in Water Purification and Conservation
• Ecology of Urban Bees: A Novel Approach
• Mysterious Decline of Honeybee Populations
• Analysis of Climate Change Predictive Models
• Rise of Veganism: Environmental Implications
• Bizarre Effects of Light Pollution on Wildlife
• Ecosystem Services Provided by Wetlands
• Unfolding the Hidden Costs of Fast Fashion
• Overpopulation and Strain on Environmental Resources
• Wonders of Agroforestry: An Interdisciplinary Investigation
• Unraveling the Puzzle of Eutrophication
• Curious Case of Invasive Species: Winners or Losers?
• Dissecting the Intricacies of Carbon Footprints
• A Magnet for Pollution: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
• Invisible Enemy: Silent Threat of Indoor Air Pollution
• Glacial Retreat: A Story of Changing Climates

Environmental Research Topics for High School

• Influence of Climate Change on Local Weather Patterns
• Renewable Energy Sources: An Overview
• Understanding the Process of Composting
• Examining the Threat of Endangered Species Locally
• Exploring the Concept of Carbon Footprint
• Deforestation and Its Consequences: A Closer Look
• Greenhouse Effect Simplified: Causes and Consequences
• Waste Management: Importance of Recycling and Reusing
• Biodiversity in Your Backyard: An Introduction
• Diving Into the World of Organic Farming
• Air Quality Index and Its Significance
• Examining Coral Reefs: Importance and Threats
• Water Conservation Techniques for Sustainable Use
• Unpacking the Plastic Problem: From Production to Pollution
• Agriculture and Its Environmental Effects: An Overview
• Urban Heat Islands: Causes and Mitigation Strategies
• Natural Disasters: Causes and Preparation Techniques
• Exploring the Connection Between Diet and Environment
• Invasive Species’ Impact on Native Ecosystems
• Sustainability in Action: Everyday Practices for a Greener Future

Environmental Research Topics for College Students

• Unraveling the Mystery of Coral Bleaching
• Environmental Justice: A Multidisciplinary Approach
• Sustainable Transport: A Comparative Study
• Diving Into Deep Sea Mining: Pros and Cons
• Solar Power Efficiency: Opportunities and Challenges
• Biodegradable Plastics: A Solution or a Mirage?
• Hydroelectric Power: Evaluating Environmental Trade-offs
• Permaculture Principles and Its Real-World Applications
• Ecotourism: An Assessment of Environmental and Social Effects
• Air Pollution and Public Health: An Interdisciplinary Study
• Ecological Footprint: Calculation and Interpretation
• Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Agriculture
• Industrial Agriculture vs. Organic Farming: A Comparative Analysis
• Urban Planning for Climate Resilience: A Detailed Review
• Conservation Strategies for Endangered Species
• Wetlands: Ecological Importance and Conservation Measures
• Ocean Acidification: Causes and Effects on Marine Life
• Green Architecture: Innovations and Challenges
• Sustainable Waste Management: Technological Innovations and Best Practices

Environmental Research Topics for University

• Interconnections Between Forest Fires and Climate Change
• Assessing Sustainability in Supply Chain Management
• Urban Sprawl and Environmental Degradation: A Case Study
• GMO Crops: An Environmental and Social Analysis
• Geospatial Techniques in Environmental Conservation
• Water Quality in Developing Countries: Comprehensive Study
• Marine Pollution: Sources, Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies
• Environmental Ethics: Perspectives and Applications
• Soil Erosion: Causes, Effects, and Control Measures
• Geoengineering Techniques for Climate Change Mitigation
• Sustainable Urban Development: New Avenues and Challenges
• Nanotechnology in Environmental Remediation: A Critical Review
• Climate Policy and International Relations: A Complex Nexus
• Sustainable Fashion: Practices, Challenges, and Future Directions
• Technological Innovations in Renewable Energy: A Trend Analysis
• Green Spaces and Mental Health: An Interdisciplinary Review
• Trends in Sustainable Aquaculture Practices
• Wildlife Trafficking and Environmental Security: A Global Perspective
• Analyzing the Health Effects of Air Pollution
• Disposal and Management of Hazardous Waste: Current Techniques and Challenges

Topics in Environmental Science Research

• Challenges of Sustainable Resource Management
• Environmental Epigenetics: A New Frontier
• Plant-Based Diets and Sustainability: A Deeper Insight
• Unfolding Mysteries of Climate Migration Patterns
• Urban Ecology: Interactions of Humans and Nature
• Biochar as a Soil Amendment: An Analysis
• Threats to Arctic Ecosystems: A Detailed Review
• Influence of Mining Activities on Local Environments
• Deciphering the Ozone Layer Depletion Puzzle
• Flood Risk Management in Changing Climates
• Regenerative Agriculture: Practices and Prospects
• Methane Emissions From Livestock Farming: A Critical Review
• Ecohydrology: Interactions Between Water and Ecosystems
• Ecological Restoration of Degraded Landscapes
• Exploring the World of Conservation Genetics
• Plastic Pollution in Terrestrial Environments: An Emerging Issue
• Bioinformatics in Biodiversity Conservation: A Novel Approach
• Sustainable Tourism Practices: A Global Overview
• Life Cycle Analysis of Consumer Products
• Urban Farming Innovations: A Potential Solution for Food Security

Research Topics for Environmental Issues

• Deciphering the Global Nitrogen Cycle: Anthropogenic Effects
• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Innovation and Adoption Challenges
• Environmental Governance: Comparative Analysis of Global Frameworks
• Quantifying Biodiversity: Advanced Metrics and Methodologies
• Radiative Forcing From Atmospheric Aerosols: A Detailed Study
• Advancing Sustainable Urban Development: A Systems Perspective
• Environmental Risks of Nanomaterials: A Comprehensive Review
• Plant-Microbe Interactions in Phytoremediation: Molecular Mechanisms
• Ecological Modelling for Ecosystem Service Valuation
• Assessing Future Trajectories of Sea Level Rise
• Climate Change Adaptation: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Policy Interventions
• Agricultural Practices and Soil Carbon Sequestration: An In-Depth Study
• Socioeconomic Determinants of Environmental Behavior: A Cross-Cultural Analysis
• Sustainable Water Management in Arid Regions: Novel Approaches
• Challenges in Implementing a Circular Economy: A Case Study
• Holocene Climate Variability: Paleoenvironmental Reconstructions
• Green Chemistry: Emerging Techniques and Environmental Implications
• Bioenergy Production: Environmental Trade-Offs and Opportunities
• Ecosystem Resilience in the Face of Anthropogenic Disturbances

Environmental Safety and Health Topics for Research

• Health Implications of Air Quality: A Comprehensive Study
• Assessing Occupational Hazards in the Mining Industry
• Water Quality and Public Health: An Interdisciplinary Study
• Developing Safety Protocols in the Chemical Industry
• Exploring the Nexus Between Climate Change and Vector-Borne Diseases
• Managing Safety and Health in the Construction Industry
• Radioactive Pollution: Risks and Mitigation Strategies
• Effects of Noise Pollution on Human Health
• Biosecurity Measures in Agriculture: Policies and Implementation
• Assessing Risks of Genetically Modified Organisms to Human Health
• Exposure to Heavy Metals: Health Risks and Regulatory Standards
• Quantifying Health Impacts of Industrial Pollutants
• Food Safety in a Changing Climate: Challenges and Solutions
• Indoor Air Pollution and Respiratory Diseases: A Detailed Study
• Developing Protocols for Hazardous Waste Management
• Assessing the Health Effects of Microplastics Exposure
• Understanding Health Risks of Pesticide Exposure in Agriculture
• Psychosocial Factors and Safety Culture in the Oil and Gas Industry
• Health Impact Assessment of Nuclear Energy Facilities

Environmental Engineering Topics for Research

• Innovative Techniques in Wastewater Treatment
• Biofuel Production: Process Optimization and Scale-Up Challenges
• Advancements in Water Desalination Technologies
• Novel Materials for Photovoltaic Cells
• Harnessing Energy From Tidal and Wave Power: Engineering Challenges
• Biodegradable Materials for Sustainable Packaging Solutions
• Remediation Techniques for Contaminated Soil
• Carbon Capture and Storage: Technological Developments
• Improving Efficiency of Wind Turbines: A Technical Review
• Sustainable Construction Materials: A Life Cycle Analysis
• Geotechnical Considerations for Offshore Wind Farms
• Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Environmental Applications
• Advanced Oxidation Processes for Water Treatment
• Modeling and Optimization of Landfill Gas Recovery
• Acid Mine Drainage: Mitigation Strategies and Techniques
• Environmental Biotechnology: Harnessing Microbes for Pollution Control
• Heat Transfer in Energy Efficient Buildings: An Analysis
• Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites for Construction Applications
• Sustainable Approaches to Pavement Design and Materials
• Developing Energy Efficient Processes in Chemical Industries

Research Topics for Environmental Biology

• Unraveling Symbiotic Relationships in Coral Reefs
• Genetic Diversity and Conservation: An Interdisciplinary Approach
• Decoding the Functioning of Biofilms in Environmental Systems
• Plant-Soil Interactions in Changing Climate Scenarios
• Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Bioremediation
• Eco-Immunology: Exploring Disease Dynamics in Wildlife Populations
• Plant Adaptation Strategies to Abiotic Stress Factors
• Marine Microbial Ecology: Unseen Life in the Oceans
• Metagenomics Approaches in Soil Microbial Ecology
• Understanding Invasive Species: Genetic and Ecological Perspectives
• Examining Trophic Interactions Under Climate Change
• Phylogenetic Analysis of Endangered Species for Conservation Strategies
• Genomics of Extremophiles: Survival in Harsh Environments
• Investigating Effects of Plastic Pollutants on Aquatic Life
• Landscape Genetics: Applications in Conservation Biology
• Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Plant Responses to Heavy Metal Stress
• Disease Dynamics in Pollinator Populations
• Functional Traits in Community Ecology: A Novel Approach
• Metabolic Engineering for Biofuel Production

Environmental Law Topics for Research

• Environmental Justice in Land Use Planning: A Legal Perspective
• Assessing Regulatory Frameworks for Carbon Markets
• International Law and Marine Plastic Pollution: A Comprehensive Analysis
• Enforcement Challenges in Wildlife Trafficking Laws
• Analysis of Climate Change Litigation: Global Trends
• Understanding the Legal Aspects of Transboundary Water Conflicts
• Legal Frameworks for the Conservation of Migratory Species
• Analysis of Environmental Impact Assessment Laws Across Countries
• Regulating Genetically Modified Organisms: A Comparative Legal Study
• Corporate Environmental Responsibility: Legal and Ethical Dimensions
• Evaluating Legal Mechanisms for Marine Protected Areas
• Exploring Legal Implications of Geoengineering Techniques
• Regulatory Challenges in the Transition to Renewable Energy
• Forest Rights and Conservation: A Legal Analysis
• Legal Frameworks for the Protection of Indigenous Environmental Knowledge
• Laws Regulating Hazardous Waste Management: A Comparative Study
• Legal Implications of Ecological Restoration Projects
• Regulation of Pesticides: Balancing Health and Environmental Concerns
• Legal Instruments for Regulating Noise Pollution: An Overview
• Analysis of International Agreements on Biodiversity Conservation

Environmental Research Topics About Economics

• Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services: A Critical Review
• Economic Analysis of Climate Change Mitigation Strategies
• Socioeconomic Drivers of Deforestation: A Comprehensive Study
• Green Growth: Challenges and Opportunities for Developing Countries
• Assessing the Economic Viability of Renewable Energy Sources
• Economic Incentives for Biodiversity Conservation: An Overview
• Incorporating Environmental Costs in Product Pricing: A Case Study
• Investigating the Economics of Carbon Capture and Storage
• Market-Based Instruments for Pollution Control: A Detailed Analysis
• Economic Impacts of Natural Disasters: A Global Perspective
• Analysis of Cap-and-Trade Systems for Carbon Emissions
• Investigating the Effectiveness of Environmental Taxes
• Economic Analysis of Sustainable Agriculture Practices
• Assessing the Economic Feasibility of Biofuel Production
• Economic Implications of Water Scarcity: A Cross-Country Analysis
• Transition to a Circular Economy: Economic and Policy Considerations
• Economics of Sustainable Urban Development: A Detailed Study
• Cost-Benefit Analysis of Green Building Techniques
• Economic Impacts of Coastal Erosion and Sea Level Rise

Environmental History Research Topics

• Perception of Climate Change: A Historical Analysis
• Amazon Rainforest’s Environmental History Unraveled
• Consequences of the Agricultural Revolution on Environment: A Detailed Study
• United States Environmental Movements: An Historical Exploration
• Influence of the Industrial Revolution on Modern Environmental Challenges
• Green Spaces in Urban Planning: A History of Urban Parks
• Global Patterns and Causes of Deforestation: A Historical Overview
• Insights From Paleoclimatology: Climate Variability in Historical Context
• Arctic Exploration and Its Environmental History
• The Emergence of Environmental Law: A Historical Understanding
• From Fossil Fuels to Renewables: A History of Energy Transition
• River Management and Conservation: Historical Perspectives
• Lessons for Climate Change Adaptation From The Dust Bowl History
• Causes and Consequences of Marine Pollution: A Historical Analysis
• Natural Resource Exploitation in Colonial Periods: A Historical Overview
• Forest Management Practices: Historical Insights
• Endangered Species Conservation: Understanding the Historical Context
• Environmental Implications of Pesticide Use: A Historical Analysis
• Nuclear Age: Unraveling Its Environmental History

Controversial Environmental Research Topics

• Genetically Modified Crops: Environmental Savior or Biohazard?
• Nuclear Energy: A Sustainable Solution or Environmental Risk?
• Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Environmental Consequences
• Climate Change Denial: Analyzing the Motives and Consequences
• Geoengineering Solutions for Climate Change: Promise or Peril?
• Anthropocene: Valid Geological Epoch or Human Egotism?
• Intensive Animal Farming: Environmental Concerns and Ethical Dilemmas
• De-extinction and Its Potential Ecological Consequences
• Plastic Waste Management: Incineration vs. Recycling
• Neonicotinoids and Bee Decline: Assessing the Controversy
• Economic Growth vs. Environmental Protection: Reconciling the Dichotomy
• Landfilling vs. Zero Waste Approach: A Comparative Study
• Ocean Fertilization as a Carbon Sequestration Strategy
• E-Waste Management: Export or Domestic Recycling?
• Noise Pollution: Overlooked Environmental Hazard or Nuisance Issue?
• Fast Fashion Industry and Its Environmental Footprint
• Artificial Intelligence in Environmental Management: Boon or Bane?
• Palm Oil Production and Biodiversity Loss: A Complex Connection
• Desalination Plants: Solution for Water Scarcity or Ecological Threat?

Persuasive Environmental Research Topics

• Promoting Green Energy Transition: Evaluating Success Stories
• Waste Segregation at Source: An Essential Step Toward Effective Waste Management
• Adoption of Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture
• Nature-Based Solutions: An Underutilized Tool in Climate Change Mitigation
• Changing Consumer Behavior for Sustainable Fashion
• Shifting to Public Transportation: A Key to Urban Sustainability
• Coral Reef Protection: Strategies and Success Stories
• Green Building: A Must for Sustainable Urban Development
• Incorporation of Environmental Education Into School Curriculum
• The Shift From Fast to Slow Fashion: Need of the Hour
• Afforestation as a Natural Climate Solution: Examining Its Potential
• Promoting Circular Economy: A Way Forward for Waste Reduction
• Divestment From Fossil Fuels: An Imperative Climate Action
• Supporting Indigenous Knowledge for Biodiversity Conservation
• Plant-Based Diet: A Strategy for Reducing Carbon Footprint
• Urban Green Spaces: Essential for Human Wellbeing and Biodiversity
• Adoption of Electric Vehicles: A Key to Reduce Carbon Emissions
• Reducing Single-Use Plastics: A Critical Move Toward Sustainability
• Transitioning to Sustainable Fishing Practices: A Global Priority
• Decentralized Renewable Energy Systems: A Solution for Energy Access and Climate Mitigation

Argumentative Environmental Research Topics

• Dams and Hydroelectric Power: Net Gain or Loss for the Environment?
• Wind Energy: Assessing Arguments Around Bird Mortality
• Population Control: Necessary Environmental Strategy or Human Rights Violation?
• International Trade and Its Environmental Consequences
• Arguments Around Carbon Trading and Its Efficacy
• Trophy Hunting: Conservation Strategy or Ecological Disaster?
• Marine Protected Areas: Effective Conservation or Displacement of Fishing Pressure?
• Arguments For and Against Climate Change Geoengineering
• Food Waste: Ethical, Environmental, and Economic Implications
• GMOs and Biodiversity: Assessing Potential Risks
• Arguments Surrounding Water Fluoridation: An Environmental Perspective
• Ecotourism: Sustainable Practice or Threat to Wild Areas?
• Carbon Capture and Storage: Viable Solution or Costly Distraction?
• Deep Sea Mining: Economic Opportunity or Ecological Risk?
• Aquaculture: Solution to Overfishing or New Environmental Problem?
• Arguments For and Against Biofuels as a Green Energy Source
• Fusion Energy: Future of Clean Energy or Pipe Dream?
• Debate Around the Environmental Effects of Cryptocurrency Mining
• Environmental Implications of Space Travel and Exploration

Research Topics for Environmental Debates

• Pros and Cons of Solar Geoengineering as a Climate Solution
• Arguments Surrounding the Use of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
• Land Rights vs. Conservation: Examining the Debate
• Debate Around Large-Scale Reforestation and Natural Forest Regrowth
• Investigating the Controversy Over Invasive Species Control
• Environmental Justice in Waste Management: A Heated Debate
• Nuclear Power in the Age of Renewable Energy: An Ongoing Debate
• Controversy and Debate Surrounding Carbon Taxes
• Debating the Effects of Air Travel on Climate Change
• Green New Deal: Revolution or Unrealistic Ambition?
• The Controversy Around Synthetic Meat: Environmental Savior or Unproven Experiment?
• Analyzing the Debate Surrounding E-Waste Export Policies
• Understanding the Ongoing GMO Labeling Debate
• Debates Around Solar Energy and Land Use
• Animal Rights vs. Conservation: Unpacking the Conflict
• Exploring the Controversial Intersection of Environmentalism and Immigration
• Debate Over Ocean Acidification and Its Effects on Marine Life
• Investigating the Debate on the Environmental Impact of Veganism
• Analyzing the Controversy Over Urban Vertical Farming
• Debate Surrounding Environmental Cost of Electric vs. Gasoline Cars

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Lesson Plans, Teacher Guides and Online Environmental Resources for Educators

Find an array of environmental and science based lesson plans, activities and ideas below from EPA, other federal agencies and external organizations.  ​ Encontrar recursos para estudiantes y maestros.

Topics: Air | Climate Change | Ecosystems | Energy | Health | Waste | Water

Acid Rain: A Teacher's Guide   (PDF 56 pp, 4.6 MB) Lesson plan and activities from EPA for teachers on acid rain. Grades: 6-8 Type of Resource: Lesson plan

Acid Rain Student Pages Find the acid rain student pages, as well as general information for older students or adults. Grades: K-12 Type of Resource: Lesson plans and experiments

AIRNOW Get up-to-the-minute information about air pollution in your community, through a joint project from EPA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Park Service and other partners. The AIRNOW website includes maps, forecasts, and information about the health effects of air pollution. Grades: 9-12 Type of Resource: Website

AIRNOW Air Quality Resources  Find air quality curriculum materials and activities from AIRNOW, including a toolkit and workshop opportunities for teachers. Grades: K-8 Type of Resource: Curriculum guide

Measuring Air Quality Improvements from Vegetative Barriers This unit has been designed by EPA as a teaching aid on the topic of air quality; particularly, investigating the role vegetative barriers play in improving air quality for surrounding areas. Grades: K-5 Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

Carl Gets Some Rest (PDF 12 pp, 765 KB) This EPA coloring and story book, for children in pre-school through 2nd grade, teaches a simple lesson: there are many transportation alternatives to using a car. Grades: K-2 Type of Resource: Coloring Book

Creating Healthy Indoor Air Quality in Schools This EPA page provides information on indoor air quality in school buildings and how to order the Tools for Schools Action Kit. The kit shows how to carry out a practical plan of action to improve indoor air quality at little or no cost using common-sense activities and in-house staff. Grades: K-12 Type of Resource: Toolkit

EnviroAtlas Educational Materials These ready-made lesson plans can be used in formal and informal education settings and are aligned with Next Generation and State Science Standards. Grades: K-12 Type of Resource: Lesson Plans

Noise Pollution for Kids   (PDF 15 pp, 6.54 MB) This EPA booklet for your students will teach you how to identify which sounds are loud and ways to protect your hearing and health. Grades: K-5 Type of Resource: Activity book

Particulate Matter (PM) Air Sensor Kits Particle pollution known as particulate matter (PM) is one of the major air pollutants regulated by EPA to protect public health and the environment. A PM air sensor kit has been developed by EPA researchers as an educational tool to teach children about air quality and air science. Grades: 5-12 Type of Resource: Hands-on activity guide

Basic Ozone Layer Science Find a straightforward explanation of the ozone layer and ozone depletion. Grades: 9-12 Type of Resource: Website

AIRNOW's Ozone: Good Up High, Bad Nearby (PDF 4 pp) Ozone acts as a protective layer high above the Earth, but it can be harmful to breathe. This publication provides basic information about ground-level and high-altitude ozone. Grades:6-12 Type of Resource: Booklet/Brochure

Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act A brief introduction to the 1990 version of the Clean Air Act, to help you understand what is in the law and how it may affect you. Grades: 9-12 Type of Resource: Booklet

RadTown USA EPA's RadTown USA is a virtual community that aims to educate students about the sources of radiation in our daily lives. Grades: 9-12 Type of Resource: Virtual activity

Teaching Kids to Conserve Energy at Home: Resources for K-12 teachers and parents This 11-minute presentation focuses on an introduction to energy and the environment, energy saving tips, how to use the Energy Star home energy yardstick, and homework ideas. Grades: K-12 Type of Resource: Video

Village Green Project These lessons provide a unique opportunity for students to learn about air quality as it relates to various topics of science appropriate to their grade level. The purpose of these lessons is to engage students of varying ability levels through hands-on and minds-on thinking. Each lesson is designed to focus around the topic of air quality; from issues of human health to career and 21st century skills. Grades: K-8 Type of Resource: Lesson Plan (PDF)  (52 pp)

Lea en español:  ¿Por qué Coco es de color naranja?

Why is Coco Orange? Coco has a problem. He is a chameleon, but he cannot change colors, and his asthma is acting up. Read how Coco and his friends at Lizard Lick Elementary solve this mystery as they learn about air quality and how to stay healthy when the air quality is bad. Grades: Pre K-2 Type of Resource: Book

Other resources

NOAA's Education Resources Website Explore this site to find the information you need to teach students about weather, climate change, and oceans. You'll find activities, background information, and much more! Grades: 6-12

National Park Service Education Resources Classroom materials, field trip opportunities and professional development programs for educators from the National Park Service. Grades: All

Climate and Health Lesson Plan and Toolkit by The American Public Health Association This lesson adopts materials developed by the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIH) to make it easy for public health professionals to guest teach at local high schools. For more resources aimed directly at teachers, see Climate Change and Human Health Lesson Plans by NIH. Grades: 9-12

EPA Publications

EPA has many publications on every environmental subject that you can download or order. See our predefined searches below on specific search terms to help you view our publication offerings from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP).

Predefined Search Terms:

• Activity Book
• Coloring Books
• Environmental Education
• Science Fair
• Students Home
• Community Service Project Ideas
• Science Fair Projects
• Homework Help and Activities for K-12 Students

Top 111 Environmental Issues Research Topics to Explore

The environment is experiencing a series of problems that have never been seen before. Climate change , which is about to occur, the terrifying rate at which biodiversity is decreasing, and pollution as a ubiquitous problem, among others, have made environmental issues some of the main concerns in today’s world. 

It is important to carry out research and create awareness on these critical topics in order to achieve positive transformation and develop sustainable solutions. 

This list contains 111 thought-provoking and pertinent environmental research topics that will be invaluable for students, academics, policymakers, or anyone else who cares about protecting our planet’s future. 

Whether you are investigating the complexity of ecosystem networks and human activities’ effects on them or looking for new ways of preserving the environment, these issues are perfect for exploring the intricacies of our natural world with an eye toward making it more sustainable.

Importance of Environmental Research

Table of Contents

Studying the environment is extremely important. By doing careful research, we can better understand the connections between human actions and nature. Environmental research helps us in several key ways:

• Growing our Knowledge 

It expands what we know about complex ecosystems, climate patterns, diverse life forms, pollution issues, and how different parts of the environment are linked together. This knowledge lays the groundwork for making good decisions.

• Identifying Environmental Dangers

Research helps spot new environmental threats, such as new types of pollution, habitat loss, or the effects of climate change, by closely examining data and evidence. Knowing about these threats means we can take action to prevent or reduce potential harm.

• Finding Sustainable Solutions

By examining what causes environmental damage, researchers can create new solutions for sustainability—using resources wisely and protecting the environment. Solutions could involve new technologies, policy changes, or changing human behaviors.

• Guiding Policies and Decisions

Environmental research gives policymakers, governments, and organizations the scientific proof and facts needed to make smart choices about environmental rules, conservation efforts, and sustainable development plans.

• Raising Public Awareness

Research findings shared through simple communication play a huge role in raising the public’s awareness of environmental issues. This can influence public opinion and motivate people to be more environmentally responsible.

By investing in environmental research, we gain extremely valuable insights into our planet’s complex workings. This allows us to develop strategies to tackle environmental threats, protect diverse life, and promote sustainability for present and future generations.

Recommended Readings: “225 Social Work Research Topics For College Students – Ideas For College Students “.

Top 111 Environmental Issues Research Topics

Here is our list of the top 111 environmental issues research topics, organized into different categories; let’s take a look. 

Climate Change and Global Warming

• How melting ice at the North and South poles raises sea levels.
• How cutting down forests makes climate change worse.
• Ways to reduce the pollution from cars and trucks.
• What happens to oceans when they become more acidic?
• Reviewing if global agreements, like the Paris Agreement, really work.
• How bad weather harms communities and buildings.
• Ways to switch to cleaner energy like wind and solar power.
• How farm animals produce gas that’s bad for the environment.
• Big cities are becoming hotter than surrounding areas.
• Finding ways for places to handle extreme weather.

Biodiversity and Conservation

• Why is losing homes for animals and plants a big problem?
• Why saving some animals and plants can save whole ecosystems.
• Ways to stop people from selling endangered animals and plants.
• Programs to help animals and plants in danger of disappearing.
• How can tourists help protect nature and help local people?
• Why can animals and plants from other places be a problem?
• Why is having many different plants and animals important?
• How pollution makes water dangerous for plants and animals.
• How some native people can help protect the environment.
• Making special areas where nature is kept safe.

Pollution and Waste Management

• What happens when too much plastic gets into the oceans?
• Ways to use less plastic and make more things out of recycled plastic.
• How dirty air hurts people’s health.
• What happens when old electronics get thrown away?
• Dirty water from factories and farms goes into rivers.
• Cleaning up places that are dirty from old factories.
• Why loud noises can hurt animals and people.
• Getting rid of dangerous waste safely.
• What happens when too many lights at night hurt nature?
• Making chemicals that don’t hurt the environment.

Water Resources and Management

• How to save water in places where it’s very dry.
• What happens when there’s not enough water for farmers?
• Medicine and soap are getting into the water.
• Making dirty rivers and lakes clean again.
• How wetlands can help clean water and stop floods.
• Using less water in cities and on farms.
• Why climate change makes water harder to find.
• Sharing water with people who live nearby.
• What happens when drilling deep into the ground for gas?
• Making sure everyone has clean bathrooms.

Land Use and Agriculture

• How farming can make the ground worse.
• Ways to farm without making climate change worse.
• Cities were growing too big and covering up nature.
• Making dry places into places where things can grow again.
• Growing trees where crops are grown too.
• Why is having only one kind of plant a bad idea?
• The ground is getting dirty from bug killers and metals.
• Making rules about where things can be built.
• People who have always lived in a place protecting nature.
• Growing food in cities to help everyone eat.

Renewable Energy and Technology

• New ways to get energy from the sun.
• How wind can make electricity without pollution.
• Machines using the power of ocean waves.
• Getting heat from underground to make electricity.
• Better batteries to save energy from the sun and wind.
• Poor countries having a hard time getting clean energy.
• Smart ways to use electricity in homes and cities.
• Mixing clean energy into what we already use.
• Big dams hurting animals and plants.
• Making energy from things that were once alive.

Environmental Policy and Governance

• Checking if projects hurt nature before they start.
• How laws can make businesses pollute less.
• How groups speaking up for nature can change laws.
• Fair treatment for everyone when fixing problems.
• Countries work together to fix problems they share.
• Why is it hard to stop people from selling animals and plants?
• Listening to people who have lived in a place for a long time.
• Taxes and rewards for making less pollution.
• Companies take care of the planet they use.
• What people know and feel about nature and rules.

Human Health and Environment

• How getting nature dirty can make people sick.
• Breathing in dirty air makes people cough.
• How bug killers and other chemicals can hurt people.
• Having clean water to drink, cook, and wash with.
• Bugs spread sickness faster when it gets hotter.
• Feeling sad or worried when bad things happen to nature.
• Everyone has the same chance to see a doctor.
• Feel better when there are parks and trees around.
• Jobs that are bad for people and the planet.
• Teaching doctors and nurses about nature and sickness.

Environmental Education and Communication

• Learning about nature helps take care of it.
• Making people care about nature by talking to them.
• Teaching kids in school about taking care of nature.
• How TV and news tell people about problems in nature.
• Regular people help scientists with their work.
• Telling stories about nature to make people care.
• Using social media to talk about nature and problems.
• Sharing stories about nature to make people care more.
• Making sure everyone knows about nature, even if they’re far away.
• Checking if teaching about nature works well.

Sustainable Development and Green Economy

• Using things again and again to make less trash.
• Using money to help make things better for nature.
• Jobs in clean energy and helping nature.
• Making cars and trucks that don’t make bad air.
• Using only what’s needed so as not to make extra trash.
• Making things better for people who don’t have much.
• Making cities with trees and parks to help with heat and rain.
• Traveling in a way that doesn’t hurt nature.
• Using machines that don’t make the air dirty.
• Helping neighborhoods without hurting nature.

Ecosystem Services and Natural Resource Management

• How does nature help people, and what is it worth?
• Paying to keep nature safe and healthy.
• Using nature to help with big weather changes.
• Fishing and taking care of oceans and rivers.
• Bugs that help plants make food and other plants.
• Trees and grasses that stop water from washing away land.
• Cleaning up land and water that’s dirty.
• Using what people knew about nature long ago to help now.
• Parks and trees help people and nature in cities.
• Fixing a broken nature can help with big problems.
• People who lived somewhere for a long time took care of nature.

These topics cover a wide range of environmental issues and offer ample opportunities for research and exploration within each category. Feel free to select a topic that aligns with your interests and expertise for further investigation.

Tips For Choosing the Right Environmental Issues Research Topics 

With so many big environmental issues to study, picking the perfect research topic can feel really hard. But by thinking about a few key things, you can find a topic that fits what you like and your goals and can make an important impact. Here are some helpful tips to guide you:

• Find Your Passion: Choose a topic that truly excites and motivates you. When you really care about the subject, you’ll work on the research with joy and hard work, leading to better results.
• Look at Current Events: Search for topics that are in the news right now or being talked about a lot in the science world. Studying current issues can make your research more impactful and relevant.
• Study Local Problems: Examine environmental problems in your local area or region. Focusing on issues that directly affect your community can provide useful insights and solutions tailored to your situation.
• Check for Links Across Topics: Many environmental issues connect to multiple subjects, such as science, economics, policy, and social studies. Exploring these links across different topics can lead to unique and insightful research angles.
• Find Knowledge Gaps: Review existing research to identify areas that need more study. Filling these gaps in knowledge can greatly advance our understanding of environmental challenges.
• Consider What’s Realistic: Consider whether your chosen topic is possible based on your resources, access to information, and the size of the research. Finding a balance between dreaming big and being realistic is key.
• Ask for Help: Talk to professors, researchers, or professionals to gain valuable advice on selecting an impactful research topic.

Remember, the right environmental research topic should excite you and give you a chance to make meaningful progress on environmental issues . 

By carefully considering these tips, you can find a topic that fits your goals and makes an important contribution to environmental sustainability.

Closing Up 

The environmental problems we face today are very complicated, but through hard work researching and finding solutions, we can build a path toward a more sustainable future. 

The 111 research topics in this big list offer a wide range of opportunities to explore the complex workings of nature deeply and find ways to tackle major issues like climate change, the loss of plant and animal species, pollution, and overuse of resources.

Whether you are a student wanting to make an important contribution, a researcher driven by curiosity, or someone passionate about protecting the environment, these topics provide a solid foundation for exploration and discovery. 

By combining different subjects, working together, and using the power of scientific study, we can gain extremely valuable insights and create new strategies to reduce environmental damage and promote harmony between humans and the natural world.

Environment research is not just for academics; it is crucial work that could shape policies, influence behaviors, and inspire collective action toward a greener, stronger planet. 

As we begin these research journeys, let’s feel a sense of urgency and be firm in our commitment to uncovering solutions that protect the delicate balance of our ecosystems for future generations.

How do I choose an environmental research topic that is relevant and impactful?

Look for topics that align with current global priorities like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals or issues frequently discussed at major environmental conferences. You can also consult experts to gauge the potential impact of your chosen topic.

Can I combine multiple environmental issues into one research topic?

Yes, absolutely! Many environmental challenges are interconnected, so exploring the relationships between different issues can lead to insightful research. For example, you could look at the links between deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change.

Are there any underrepresented or emerging environmental topics to consider?

Yes, there are several underrepresented or new issues that need more attention, such as environmental justice, impacts of microplastics, environmental effects of cryptocurrency mining, and the role of traditional ecological knowledge in conservation.

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100+ Interesting Environmental Science Research Topics

Table of Contents

Since our existence, our environment has provided us with everything – starting from essential resources to means of a better lifestyle. But over the years, human greed and destruction have caused a threat to the environment.

To focus better on the environment and save our home planet, there are several pressing   environmental science research topics that students must focus on. Now, if you are looking for an environmental essay issue that needs elaborate discussion, we bring you a list of the most relevant environmental science topics. We have also categorized the topics under different categories to help you choose the perfect one. But, before that let us show you how you can pick a relevant topic.

How to Choose a Relevant Environmental Science Research Topic?

Picking good topic is vital to make it appealing for the readers. Overused slants and boring topics which are of no interest are paid less attention. So, here is how you can pick a good environmental science topic for yourself:

Let’s have a detailed analysis of the above-mentioned points:

• Trending topic  – Picking a trending topic is important to generate interest and curiosity amongst readers.
• Free writing –  If brainstorming is not working in your favor, then start free writing. This will allow you to jot down all the ideas you have in your head and later you can filter them out.
• Do preliminary research –  Even if a topic sounds good in your head it is time for you to do a preliminary research to determine how well you can cover and research on the topic.
• Ask others –  Getting help from others is never a bad idea. You can get fresh suggestions which can light up your mind to work on better projects.
• Go online –  Anytime you feel blank you can always go online and find tons of news. These can be an interesting topic for your next paper.

Examples of Environmental Science Topics – An Updated List

If you a looking for good environmental science topics, then here are some ideas for you:

• Analysis of floods in China and policies to keep it under control
• UK environmental laws which are working for illegal waste management
• Review on different laws to use waste water from agriculture towards better causes
• Inspection of UK environmental laws to keep rate of carbon emissions under control
• Is the climate getting better or worse? what to expect in the coming years

Continue reading to get some more fresh ideas

Environmental Science Research Topics Ideas

• The importance of endemic wildlife in the environment
• The significance of national parks
• Can society ever get over the destruction caused by floods and earthquakes?
• Reason for acid rain and how to prevent it
• Recent work on hazardous plant diseases
• Is sustainability saving the environment? Or is it just a trend?
• The effect of mountain ecosystem on planets
• The impact of pesticides, GMOs on foods and human health
• The bad effects of ozone layer depletion and how we can prevent it
• Practical ways to control rising sea levels
• Discuss the Paris agreement.
• The difference in human and organism adaptation techniques to changing environments
• Has the pollution rate decreased, or is it increasing day by day?
• State how recycling is saving animals from abuse.

Environmental Science Research Projects Ideas

• The impact of air pollution and human lungs
• Talk about oil pollution and the danger it causes.
• Does the environment exist on other planets except for the earth?
• Does using red lights have any positive impact on the environment?
• Is it possible for earth and radiation to exist?
• Are humans the only cause of animal extinction?
• Does the government have any role in saving the environment?
• Should environmental study make mandatory in class?
• Is too much technology the cause of harm to the environment?
• Benefitsof switching from fossil fuels to hydrogen

Environmental Issues Research Topics

• Steps to save the coral reef
• State how travel and tourism are affecting the environment.
• Discuss acidification of the ocean.
• Myths around global warming
• Common reasons for too much of co2 emissions in the environment
• Side effects of the melting of permafrost over climate and humans
• Issues with soil pollution which we don’t talk about
• Talk about common environmental issues which we all face on a daily basis
• Is there any positive aspect of the greenhouse effect?
• The current situation about the depletion of the ozone layer

Popular Environmental Issues-Based Research Topics

• Easy ways of reducing carbon emissions by changing everyday habits
• Could all the ice glaciers melt? If yes, what would happen next?
• True events where deforestation led to bad effects on the environment
• The impact of air pollution on Asthma
• A comparative study of animal and plant diseases and how much the environment influences them.
• Environmental issues in Antarctica
• The importance of crustaceans on the environment
• Can afforestation save a dying planet?
• State some environmental diseases which are genetic in humans
• The impact of the destruction of wildlife in the Amazon forest

Environmental Science Research Topics for Assignments

• Is Photosynthesis different in different plants?
• Why is earth called a living organism?
• Will the extinction of silkworms end the production of silk?
• Study of different plants in your locality and their importance
• Discuss how insectivorous plants are important for the environment too.
• The impact of hybrid plants on the environment
• Study of the root diseases of plants – Do they effect the environment?
• The impact of pollution on wildlife
• Are harmful microorganisms produced due to environmental problems?
• The hazardous impact of bush burning on the environment

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Environmental Law Research Topics for Essay

• Define environmental criminality
• Impactful waste management policies in the US
• Environmental laws which talk about harnessing energy
• Difference in environmental laws of developing countries and developed countries
• Analysis of forest laws in the UK
• Recent government policies which is set up against animal poaching in Africa
• Discuss the toxic substances control act of 1976.
• Shed light on clean air act (CAA) of 1963.
• Discuss the difference between environmental laws of the UK and USA.
• Major concerns regarding environmental law making

Environmental Law Research Topics Climate

• Analyze the critical components of international laws.
• State the need for modification of rules in emerging countries.
• Ways to reduce the black market of animal body parts
• Bad effects related to animal poaching
• Comparative analysis of similarities and differences between energy laws and environmental laws
• The adverse impact of pollution in Canada and steps taken to preserve it.
• Steps taken by law management bodies to control illegal waste
• Massive threats bought upon by illegal fishing in China
• Throw light on how wildfires in Turkey, Greece and Australia affected the biodiversity of Europe and Oceania.
• Environmental laws which are regulated to protect the great reef in Australia.

Environmental Law Research Topics for Foods

• Environmental laws are made to penalize the oil spill of British petroleum in the ocean – Discuss.
• Environmental laws regarding the usage and consumption of plastic bags
• Shed light on Bhutan- a country with a negative carbon emission rate.
• The downside of the use of chemicals in agriculture
• The role of saline water treatment plants in reducing scarcity of drinking water
• The impact of pollinated crops
• Overuse of chemicals leads to decrees in nutritional value in plant
• Sustainable ways of food production in agriculture
• Mention the ecological part of modern farming
• Laws regarding fisheries and how much they are followed

Environmental Law Research Topics for Population

• Compare human rights with animal rights.
• Can the government ban GMO?
• State common law practice which food industries have to follow
• Should the government ban the export of animals?
• Should the government ban zoos?
• Should the government ban the production of fur?
• Should the government ban the use of plastic bags to reduce their usage?
• Should government enforce taxation laws on carbon emission to reduce it?
• Should vegetarianism be made mandatory?
• Modern laws for environmental protection

Environmental Law Research Topics

• An analysis of environmental policies led down by GCA(Global environment agency)
• Should illegal mining be more strictly monitored?
• The role of the united nations environment program (UNEP)
• Environmental policies and influence on politics
• Rural development laws for sustainable lifestyle development
• Compare environmental laws of different countries and state the best among them.
• Elucidate river conservation laws in India
• Environmental laws post Brexit in the UK
• The connection between international investment law and environmental policy
• Role of politics in determining environmental laws

The Best Research Topics on Environmental Law

• Current developments in incorporating technology for betterment of environmental law
• Laws implicated by disaster management act in 2005
• Recent Indian laws which counter environmental challenges
• Environment laws concerned with conservation of Biodiversity
• Case analysis on Oleum gas leak case
• Current laws which enforce affordable and clean energy  use in urban areas
• State environmental laws related to usage of renewable energy
• Critical analysis of China’s environment law for sustainability and management of resources
• Discuss the relationship between environment crime and law.
• Discuss how the approach of Brazilian government is threatening the Amazon forests

Environmental Economics Research Topics

• Compare and analyze earthquakes over the years
• The economic state of a country after facing natural calamities
• Problems relatedit agricultural biotechnology
• The concept of PET bottles-Are they useful or not?
• Sustainability practices for students in colleges
• Has recycling bought any change, or is it a trend?
• Chemicals which are mostly harming the environment
• Air pollution, soil pollution, water pollution, noise pollution- which is the most dangerous of them all?
• Can production houses be environmentally friendly?
• The impact of war and terrorism on the environment

Environmental Policy Research Topics

• Policies to control environmental production and consumption
• Ethics of working environment
• Policies regarding industrialization to save mother earth
• Recent discoveries in fining connection between environment and heredity
• State how environmental conditions affect international business laws
• Policies to prevent oil drilling and the progress so far
• Study on Hawaii and how tourism has affected he environment
• Discuss about national  environment action plan of Maldives
• Analyze how fast food chain is destroying the environment
• Is it too late to save the environment? List recent disasters and its impact.

Environmental Health and Safety Research Topics

• Common kidney diseases which are caused by pollution
• Discharge process of biomarkers and its negative impact on the society
• Production of iron materials and its harmful water pollution effects
• Rapid population growth and the risks associated with it
• Better food regulation laws should be re-employed – Yes or no?
• Do waste management and food production go hand in hand?
• Steps taken by world health organization to reduce chemical pollution
• List down the diseases and death rates caused by air pollution
• Health protocol laws which are followed by fisheries
• Common homely practices to reduce health effects for microbes

Environmental Engineering Research Topics

• System modelling for wastewater treatment
• Study of the sewage disposal plant
• Advantages of using the ceramic plate in water treatment processes to produce portable water
• Describe steps taken to control waste water production
• Performance analysis of sewage disposal plant using noble UVC-Led reactor system
• Elaborate on the usage of the wet air oxidation process to work on wastewater
• Development in ozone-based technologies
• Performance analysis of vehicles which use alternative sources of fuel to reduce carbon emissions
• Treatment of sulfur which is generated on coal-based plants
• Do old air conditioners produce more harmful air?

Environmental Science Topics for Academics:

• Recent developments in iron nanoparticles
• Elaborate on the process of removal of petroleum hydrocarbons from contaminated soil.
• State difference in ways to dispose nuclear wastes.
• List the harmful components which can be converted into biofertilizers
• Updates on developments in E-waste treatment
• Novel ways to convert CO2 into useful products
• Discuss the role of bioremediation in oil spills.
• Elaborate on the biodegradation of toxic compounds using bacteria species.
• Process of air profiling strategies in metro and urban cities
• Commonly applied ways of extracting useful products from harmful chemicals

These are some of the best environmental science research topics examples. But if you do not know how to compose a flawless environmental research paper for me , you can get help from our writers.

Which topic is best for research in environmental science?

Topics which cover health, law, food and marine life topics would best suit environmental research. If you need more topic ideas on environmental science, you can visit our page for endless recommendations.

What are the 3 major issues happening in environmental science?

Three major issues which are happening in environmental science are:

• Overpopulation
• Climate change

There are also other worries like greenhouse emissions, water disposal, effects of global warming and more.

What is the best topic to research in environmental planning and development?

Some of the best topics from research on the field of environmental planning and development are:

• The development of bioplastic is a big boon for humanity. Justify
• Talk about the production of biocide and the rules to follow
• The production procedure of biogas from coral organic waste
• Are solar panels really environment friendly?

What are 4 common environmental science research problems?

The 4 most common environmental research problems are overpopulation, wildlife, climate and global warming. Apart from this, there are also other areas like pollution, loss in biodiversity etc.

What is the best research topic for the environment?

Topics related to sustainable development, pollution control, environmental laws and climate can be the best. But apart from these topics the impact of food on the environment, environment-friendly methods and manufacturing techniques are also encouraged. To get more ideas, visit our website.

Why do you choose an environmental research topic?

 A good topic is necessary to stand out in class. While many students are only focused on the writing part, wise students know the difference, which good research topics can create. Picking a good environment research topic can attract more readers to your page.

What are the 4 scopes of environmental science research?

Here are the 4 scopes of environmental science research:

• Conservation of natural resources
• Conservation of biodiversity
• Way to keep pollution under control

Success issues related to the human population and environment

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Environmental Research Paper Topics

100 Environmental Research Paper Topics

Embarking on a research journey in environmental studies is an exciting endeavor. It offers an opportunity to delve into diverse environmental issues, examine various practices, and contribute to the development of more sustainable and eco-friendly systems. To help you get started, we have compiled a comprehensive list of environmental research paper topics. These topics are divided into ten categories, each featuring ten unique topics.

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• Climate Change
• The impact of climate change on biodiversity.
• Climate change and its effects on human health.
• The role of renewable energy in mitigating climate change.
• Climate change and its impact on agriculture.
• The role of international cooperation in addressing climate change.
• Climate change and its effects on water resources.
• The impact of climate change on the world’s oceans.
• Climate change and its effects on migration patterns.
• The role of carbon capture technology in mitigating climate change.
• Climate change and its impact on natural disasters.
• The impact of plastic pollution on marine life.
• Air pollution and its effects on human health.
• The role of government regulations in controlling industrial pollution.
• The impact of agricultural practices on soil pollution.
• The effects of noise pollution on wildlife.
• The role of technology in reducing air pollution.
• The impact of pollution on urban environments.
• The effects of light pollution on nocturnal animals.
• The role of recycling in reducing waste pollution.
• The impact of pollution on freshwater ecosystems.

Conservation

• The role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation.
• The impact of deforestation on wildlife conservation.
• The role of community involvement in conservation efforts.
• The impact of climate change on conservation strategies.
• The role of ecotourism in wildlife conservation.
• The impact of invasive species on conservation efforts.
• The role of legislation in protecting endangered species.
• The impact of poaching on wildlife conservation.
• The role of scientific research in conservation planning.
• The impact of urbanization on habitat conservation.
• Sustainable Development
• The role of renewable energy in sustainable development.
• The impact of sustainable agriculture on food security.
• The role of green building in sustainable development.
• The impact of sustainable transport on urban development.
• The role of education in promoting sustainable development.
• The impact of sustainable development on economic growth.
• The role of government policies in promoting sustainable development.
• The impact of sustainable development on poverty reduction.
• The role of corporate social responsibility in sustainable development.
• The impact of sustainable development on quality of life.
• Environmental Policy
• The role of international treaties in environmental protection.
• The impact of environmental policies on business practices.
• The role of environmental impact assessments in policy making.
• The impact of environmental policies on urban planning.
• The role of public participation in environmental policy making.
• The impact of environmental policies on energy production.
• The role of environmental justice in policy making.
• The impact of environmental policies on waste management.
• The role of science in environmental policy making.
• The impact of environmental policies on water resources management.

Environmental Education

• The role of environmental education in promoting sustainable behaviors.
• The impact of environmental education on students’ attitudes towards the environment.
• The role of outdoor education in promoting environmental awareness.
• The impact of environmental education on community engagement.
• The role of environmental education in curriculum development.
• The impact of environmental education on conservation efforts.
• The role of environmental education in promoting recycling behaviors.
• The impact of environmental education on students’ understanding of climate change.
• The role of environmental education in promoting water conservation.
• The impact of environmental education on students’ attitudes towards wildlife.

Environmental Health

• The impact of air pollution on respiratory health.
• The role of clean water in promoting environmental health.
• The impact of chemical pollutants on human health.
• The role of environmental health in disease prevention.
• The impact of climate change on environmental health.
• The role of environmental health in urban planning.
• The impact of noise pollution on human health.
• The role of environmental health in disaster management.
• The impact of environmental health on community wellbeing.
• The role of environmental health in public health policy.
• Environmental Justice
• The impact of environmental justice on community development.
• The impact of environmental justice on health disparities.
• The role of environmental justice in urban planning.
• The impact of environmental justice on indigenous rights.
• The role of environmental justice in climate change mitigation.
• The impact of environmental justice on waste management.
• The role of environmental justice in conservation efforts.
• The impact of environmental justice on access to clean water.
• The role of environmental justice in promoting sustainable development.

Environmental Technology

• The role of renewable energy technology in reducing carbon emissions.
• The impact of green building technology on energy efficiency.
• The role of technology in promoting sustainable agriculture.
• The impact of technology on waste management.
• The role of technology in promoting water conservation.
• The impact of technology on environmental monitoring.
• The role of technology in promoting sustainable transport.
• The impact of technology on environmental education.
• The role of technology in promoting biodiversity conservation.
• The impact of technology on environmental health.
• Environmental Ethics
• The role of environmental ethics in conservation efforts.
• The impact of environmental ethics on business practices.
• The role of environmental ethics in policy making.
• The impact of environmental ethics on sustainable development.
• The role of environmental ethics in environmental education.
• The impact of environmental ethics on animal rights.
• The role of environmental ethics in climate change mitigation.
• The impact of environmental ethics on resource management.
• The role of environmental ethics in promoting environmental justice.
• The impact of environmental ethics on community development.

This comprehensive list of environmental research paper topics provides a starting point for your research journey. Whether your interest lies in climate change, pollution, conservation, sustainable development, environmental policy, environmental education, environmental health, environmental justice, environmental technology, or environmental ethics, there is a topic for you. Remember, the key to a successful research paper is choosing a topic that you are passionate about and willing to explore in depth.

Browse 1200 more Environmental Research Paper Topics in:

• Global Warming
• Air Pollution
• Noise Pollution
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Environmental Studies Research Guide

Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores the relationship between humans and the environment. It integrates knowledge from natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to understand environmental issues and develop sustainable solutions. The field is driven by the recognition that addressing environmental challenges requires a holistic understanding of the environment that includes both natural and human elements.

The natural sciences component of environmental studies includes disciplines such as biology, chemistry, and geology. These disciplines provide essential knowledge about the natural world, such as the functioning of ecosystems, the chemistry of pollutants, and the processes that shape the Earth’s surface. This knowledge is crucial for understanding environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

The social sciences component includes disciplines such as economics, sociology, and political science. These disciplines provide insights into human behavior, economic systems, and political structures, which are critical for understanding how human activities impact the environment and how societies can transition to more sustainable practices.

The humanities component, which includes disciplines such as philosophy, history, and literature, provides insights into human values, historical perspectives, and cultural narratives about the environment. This component enriches our understanding of environmental issues by highlighting the ethical dimensions, historical contexts, and cultural diversity of human-environment relationships.

Research is a vital part of environmental studies. It generates new knowledge, informs policy-making, and promotes public awareness about environmental issues. Research topics in environmental studies are diverse and interdisciplinary, ranging from the study of environmental processes and systems to the analysis of environmental policies and the exploration of human attitudes towards the environment.

How to Choose Environmental Research Paper Topics

Choosing a topic for your environmental research paper is a critical step in your research process. The topic you choose will guide your research, shape your argument, and influence your writing. Here are some factors to consider and steps to follow when choosing an environmental research paper topic.

• Consider Your Interests: The first step in choosing a research paper topic is to consider your interests. Research is a time-consuming process, and it can be challenging if you’re not genuinely interested in the topic. Do you have a passion for climate change issues? Are you interested in conservation efforts? Are you intrigued by the role of technology in environmental protection? Reflect on your interests and choose a topic that you are excited to explore.
• Understand the Assignment Requirements: Before you settle on a topic, make sure you understand the assignment requirements. Does your professor want an argumentative paper or a research report? How long should the paper be? Is there a specific format you need to follow? Understanding the assignment requirements will help you choose a topic that fits the scope of the assignment.
• Conduct Preliminary Research: Once you have a general idea of what you’re interested in, conduct some preliminary research. This will help you understand the current state of research in your area of interest and identify gaps in the literature that you can address. Preliminary research can also help you narrow down a broad topic to a more specific one.
• Evaluate the Scope of the Topic: The scope of your topic is an important consideration. If your topic is too broad, you may have difficulty covering all aspects of it in your paper. On the other hand, if your topic is too narrow, you may struggle to find enough information to support your argument. Aim for a topic that is specific enough to be manageable but broad enough to have sufficient resources.
• Consider the Availability of Resources: Before finalizing your topic, consider the availability of resources. Are there enough scholarly sources related to your topic? Can you access these sources? If resources are limited, you may need to choose a different topic or broaden your current one.
• Reflect on the Relevance and Impact of the Topic: Consider the relevance and impact of your topic. Is the topic relevant to current environmental issues? Does it have the potential to contribute to the field of environmental studies? Choosing a relevant and impactful topic can make your research more meaningful and engaging.
• Seek Feedback: Once you have a potential topic in mind, seek feedback. Discuss your topic with your professor, classmates, or anyone familiar with environmental studies. They can provide valuable insights, suggest resources, and help you refine your topic.
• Formulate a Research Question: Finally, formulate a research question. A good research question is clear, focused, complex, and arguable. It provides a direction for your research and a framework for your argument.

Remember, choosing a research paper topic is not a one-time event. It’s a dynamic process that involves exploration, reflection, and refinement. Don’t be afraid to change your topic if your research takes you in a different direction. The goal is to choose a topic that you are passionate about, meets the assignment requirements, has sufficient resources, and has the potential to contribute to environmental studies.

How to Write an Environment Research Paper

Writing an environmental research paper is a significant academic endeavor. It requires a clear understanding of the topic, thorough research, critical thinking, and effective writing skills. Here are some steps to guide you through the process of writing an environment research paper.

• Understand the Assignment: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the assignment. What is the purpose of the paper? What is the required length? What format should you use? Understanding the assignment will help you plan your research and writing process effectively.
• Choose a Topic: Choose a topic that interests you and fits the assignment requirements. A good topic is one that you are passionate about, is relevant to your course, and has sufficient resources. Refer to the previous section for detailed advice on choosing a topic.
• Conduct Preliminary Research: Conduct preliminary research to familiarize yourself with your topic and identify gaps in the literature. Use reliable sources such as scholarly articles, books, and reputable websites. Preliminary research will help you refine your topic and formulate a research question.
• Formulate a Thesis Statement: Based on your preliminary research, formulate a thesis statement. A thesis statement is a clear, concise statement that expresses the main argument or focus of your paper. It should be specific, arguable, and capable of being supported by evidence.
• Create an Outline: Create an outline for your paper. An outline is a plan that organizes your ideas and evidence. It typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on a single point or argument that supports your thesis.
• Conduct In-depth Research: Once you have an outline, conduct in-depth research. Find evidence that supports your thesis and fits into your outline. Be sure to evaluate the credibility of your sources and take notes as you read.
• Write a Draft: Start writing a draft of your paper. Begin with the body paragraphs, as they form the core of your argument. Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence, evidence to support the topic sentence, and a concluding sentence that ties the evidence back to your thesis.
• Write the Introduction and Conclusion: After writing the body paragraphs, write the introduction and conclusion. The introduction should grab the reader’s attention, provide background information, and present the thesis statement. The conclusion should summarize your main points, restate the thesis in new words, and provide a closing thought or implication.
• Revise Your Draft: Revise your draft to improve its content and clarity. Check that your thesis is clear and arguable, your arguments are logical and supported by evidence, and your conclusion effectively wraps up your paper. Also, check for coherence, transitions, and sentence variety.
• Edit and Proofread: Edit and proofread your paper to correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors. Consider reading your paper aloud or having someone else review it to catch errors you may have missed.
• Cite Your Sources: Finally, cite your sources. Proper citation is crucial to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors. Be sure to follow the citation style specified by your professor, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard.

Writing an environmental research paper is a process that requires time, effort, and patience. But with careful planning, diligent research, and thoughtful writing, you can produce a paper that is informative, engaging, and academically rigorous.

Custom Research Paper Writing Services

In the academic journey, students often find themselves in need of professional assistance, whether it’s due to a lack of time, a complex topic, or the need for a high-quality paper to secure good grades. This is where iResearchNet steps in. We offer a range of writing services designed to help students excel in their academic endeavors, particularly when it comes to writing an environmental research paper.

• Expert Degree-Holding Writers:  At iResearchNet, we have a team of expert degree-holding writers who are well-versed in various academic disciplines, including environmental studies. Our writers are not just experts in their respective fields, but they are also skilled in academic writing, research, and critical analysis. They understand the intricacies of writing a research paper and are committed to producing high-quality, original work.
• Custom Written Works:  We understand that every research paper is unique, with its own set of requirements and expectations. That’s why we offer custom written works. Our writers will work closely with you to understand your assignment requirements, research goals, and writing style to produce a paper that meets your specific needs.
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Top 100 Environmental Science Project Topics

Table of contents

• 1 Climate Change
• 2 Renewable Energy
• 3 Urban Ecology
• 4 Land and Water Use
• 5 Pollution
• 6 Environmental Science Topics for College Students
• 7 Energy Resources and Consumption
• 8 Population
• 9 Noise and Light Pollution
• 10.1 Conclusion

With the environment and global warming in its current predicament, it’s no surprise that environmental science job opportunities will be on the rise in the very near future.

With the environment and global warming in its current predicament, it’s no surprise that environmental science job opportunities will be on the rise in the very near future. Therefore, so are the numbers of students pursuing studies in this field. The last four decades have seen huge changes in the rate of global warming and so more than ever before, we need people to study topics in environmental science.

For anyone majoring in environmental science, anyone needing to write  environmental studies project topics for a science course, or essay writer who is working on topical essays this comprehensive article will talk you through the top ten project topics to pursue. For each project topic, we’ll give you ten ideas.

Climate Change

There’ll always be an environment, but it’s looking more and more likely that it won’t be like our current one in the future. With this in mind, here are the top ten environmental project topics for college students on climate change:

• Is global warming a natural phenomenon?
• The politicization of global warming.
• How do eddy covariance towers work?
• Planetary tilt – does it affect global warming?
• The differences between climate change and the greenhouse effect.
• Why is carbon dioxide a greenhouse gas?
• How do changes to weather patterns affect the Earth’s climate?
• The concept of polar amplification.
• The barriers to climate change responses.
• The “heat island” effect.

Renewable Energy

Our advances through the industrial revolution and the use of fossil fuels are now coming back to bite us. Here are ten environmental topics for project on renewable energy:

• The pros and cons of hydropower.
• Solar energy and pollution.
• Solar energy to help the economy.
• Geothermal energy: an unlikely major energy source?
• The problems caused by renewable energies.
• Understanding geothermal energy.
• Are hydrogen fuel cells a viable alternative?
• The advantages and disadvantages of solar power.
• Transporting geothermal energy: a study.
• The challenges of large-scale biomass energy use.

Urban Ecology

Urban ecology is an important consideration for environmental science projects for college students who are eager to pay for essay to receive high grades for assignments. When we study the environment, we tend to think of green spaces and rural lands, but urban ecology is important too. As such, here are ten environmental science project ideas on this topic:

• How do unequal urban planning and greenspace distribution affect temperatures in a city?
• How does urbanization affect surrounding rural areas?
• How is the local climate affected by buildings and pavements?
• What is the urban heat island effect?
• How are water sources affected by urbanization?
• How has human development affected our green spaces?
• How is social identity linked to urbanization?
• What impact does transport have on rural locations?
• How can the natural environment be integrated into urban planning and design projects?
• What is water harvesting?

Land and Water Use

When humans use natural resources, they also disrupt natural ecosystems. This is an important area of study as we try to claw back and save some of the world’s resources from being entirely depleted. Here are ten interesting  environment related topics for project on this subject:

• How have overfishing and non-sustainable fishing methods affected our oceans?
• How does using water for irrigation affect natural ecosystems?
• The impacts of different societies’ ecological footprints in terms of waste production and resource demands.
• How can we mitigate deforestation?
• An analysis of The Green Revolution.
• The impact of salt application to streams.
• How does using an ANN (artificial neural network) for rainfall-runoff affect ecosystems?
• How do land-use changes impact urban runoff?
• Relationships between water quality, land use and land use change.
• Land use effects on lake water quality.

Pollution is one of the planet and humanity’s worst enemies. Agriculture, transportation, and industry can cause horrific environmental catastrophes. Check out the possible environment science project topics on pollution:

• The impact of pollution on health care.
• The effects of environmental pollution and water pollution on marine life.
• The effects of air pollution on the food chain.
• How environmental pollution affects Arctic.
• The health hazards associated with waste accumulation and water pollution.
• How do human activities change the world’s oceans?
• Conservation and how it helps to reduce air pollution.
• The difficulty of establishing direct links between health problems, air pollution, and air quality.
• Environmental policy regarding air pollution and acid rain.
• The effect of acid rain in urban and natural areas.

Environmental Science Topics for College Students

Environmental studies at college is all about studying in-depth biological, chemical, and physical processes on Earth. Environmental sciences also incorporates social, cultural, and political processes that have an impact. When studying Environmental Science at college level, a project need to seek out ways to present complex relationships in a simple way. Here are some ideal environmental science projects for college students:

• Genetically Modified (GM) foods and their impact on the environment.
• The global impact of radiation and nuclear accidents.
• The role of the UNEP in environmental conservation.
• The impact of freak weather incidents.
• Micro-plastics in drinking water – why and how have they got there?
• The Nagasaki and Hiroshima bombings – what have we learned about nuclear bombs and the effects on the ecosystem?
• The impact of Coronavirus and maintaining the ecosystem.
• The role of the media in conservation campaigns.
• Tourism and the impact of human activities on a local and global level.
• How has the US departure from the Paris Climate Agreement changed things?

Energy Resources and Consumption

Lots of  environmental studies project topics goes into looking at energy resources and consumption, which makes this a great project topic. There is already a lot of information out there, which makes this easy to research.

• What is the relationship between energy efficiency and energy conservation?
• What are the economic, social, and environmental costs of solar energy?
• Was coal pivotal in industrialization?
• The impact of fracking on the environment.
• Compare and contrast the processes of extracting oil and mining coal.
• How is ethanol produced as a biofuel?
• Nuclear energy is a viable clean energy. Discuss.
• The environmental effects of a nuclear conflict explored.
• What is plant biomass?
• The challenges of converting to large-scale biomass energy.

You can't write a list environment project topics  about environmental science, without mentioning population, environmental health, and the changes we've seen over the years. A lot of environment research focuses on population and its effects. Here are some ideas:

• Population growth and its effects on GDP.
• Factors that control population growth and the effect of density.
• An exploration of population momentum.
• The importance of studying population ecology.
• The effect of human migration on populations.
• The effects of overpopulation.
• The effects of global warming on the global population.
• Is sustainable development possible in a growing population?
• What would happen if the demand for natural resources became greater than the supply?
• How serious is the world population explosion?

Noise and Light Pollution

Though lots of people don’t consider light and noise as pollutants, the reality is that they are. Noise levels and light levels can affect organisms. Here are some interesting topics for science projects on noise and light pollution:

• How is local wildlife affected by airport noise?
• What happens if orcas aren’t able to use echolocation due to freight noise?
• Migrating birds and the confusion from bright lights.
• The effect of bright lights in resorts and sea turtles emerging from nests.
• How bright city lights affect nocturnal animals.
• The disruption of nocturnal activity in frogs and toads due to artificial light glare.
• Artificial lights and the effects on migratory birds.
• Light pollution and the effects on plants.
• Changes in animal behavior due to noise pollution.
• Noise pollution and the effects on mating frogs.

Conservation Biology

With as many as 2,000 species becoming extinct each year, we’re experiencing a serious problem. Conservation biology is a huge topic of interest when you need to " write my essay " and want to succeed with this task. Here are some ideas for exploration:

• How has human behavior ramped up endangered species extinction rates?
• How do humans threaten endangered species?
• What will the effects of a loss in biodiversity be for humans?
• If honeybees become extinct, what other changes would we see?
• Why is the decline in pollinating insects so dangerous?
• What happens if we lose endangered species?
• What is the Holocene extinction event?
• The collapse of the world’s coral reef ecosystems.
• The threat of acidification in our oceans.
• How can environmental policy help threats to biodiversity?

It's clear to say that there is a huge variety in topics in environmental science. For anyone looking for an environmental science project topic, we hope this extensive list has helped narrow down your ideas. Whether you're looking for environmental research topics for college students or high school, there is something for everyone here.

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150+ Environmental Studies Micro Project Topics: Making Big Impact on Small Scale

Environmental studies are crucial for understanding and addressing the challenges our planet faces today. While grand initiatives and policies play a significant role in environmental conservation, micro projects offer a unique opportunity for individuals and small groups to make a meaningful impact in their local communities. In this blog, we’ll explore the world of environmental studies micro project topics, why they matter, and how you can choose, plan, and execute your own micro-project.

How to Choose a Micro Project Topic?

Table of Contents

Selecting the right micro project topic is a critical first step. Several factors should influence your choice:

• Personal Interest: Start by considering your own interests and passions. A project you genuinely care about is more likely to succeed and keep you motivated throughout the process.
• Relevance to Environmental Studies: Ensure that your chosen topic aligns with the broader field of environmental studies. It should contribute to the understanding of environmental issues or promote sustainability.
• Feasibility: Assess the feasibility of your project. Do you have access to the necessary resources, such as time, money, and equipment, to carry it out successfully?

Plan For Your Environmental Studies Micro Project Topics

Once you’ve chosen a topic, it’s time to plan your micro project systematically.

Setting Clear Objectives

Start by defining clear objectives for your project. What do you aim to achieve? For example, if you’re working on urban garden composting, your objective might be to reduce organic waste in your community and educate people about sustainable waste management.

Identifying Resources and Budget

List the resources you’ll need for your project. This could include materials, equipment, or even volunteers. Create a budget to estimate the costs involved and explore funding options if necessary.

Defining a Timeline

Set a timeline for your micro project. Determine when you’ll start and finish each phase, from research and planning to execution and evaluation.

Obtaining Necessary Permissions and Permits

Depending on the nature of your project, you may need permits or permissions from local authorities or property owners. Ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork in place before starting your project to avoid legal complications.

How To Conduct Research For Environmental Studies Micro Project Topics?

Before diving into your micro project, thorough research is essential.

• Literature Review

Start with a literature review. Explore existing research and projects related to your topic. This will help you gain insights, identify best practices, and avoid reinventing the wheel.

• Data Collection Methods

Depending on your project, you’ll need to determine the most appropriate data collection methods. For example:

Surveys: If you’re conducting air quality monitoring, design surveys to gather information from local residents about their observations and concerns regarding air quality.

Field Observations: In wildlife habitat restoration, conduct field observations to document the current state of the habitat and identify areas in need of improvement.

Data Analysis: Develop a plan for data analysis. What statistical methods will you use to make sense of your data and draw meaningful conclusions?

150+ Environmental Studies Micro Project Topics

• Urban rooftop gardens for biodiversity.
• Plastic waste reduction in schools.
• Promoting sustainable transportation in your community.
• Monitoring the impact of invasive species.
• Creating a community composting program.
• Investigating water quality in local streams.
• Designing and installing birdhouses.
• Reducing energy consumption in your home.
• Sustainable farming practices.
• Reforestation in urban areas.
• Butterfly garden establishment.
• Organic gardening techniques.
• Building bat houses for local bat populations.
• Reducing food waste at local restaurants.
• Educational workshops on recycling.
• Community clean-up events.
• Promoting wildlife corridors in your neighborhood.
• Greening school campuses with more trees.
• Rain barrel installation for water conservation.
• Energy-efficient lighting retrofit in a public building.
• Monitoring and preserving native plant species.
• Reducing single-use plastics at events.
• Creating a community vegetable garden.
• Sustainable transportation awareness campaign.
• Beekeeping and pollinator protection.
• Sustainable fishing practices.
• Green building certification for local businesses.
• Monitoring air quality in parks.
• Designing and installing a community solar panel system.
• Restoration of a local wetland.
• Promoting electric vehicle adoption.
• Solar-powered charging stations for electronics.
• Sustainable waste management in local markets.
• Promoting eco-friendly cleaning products.
• Energy-efficient home insulation.
• Wildlife-friendly urban design.
• Monitoring noise pollution in your neighborhood.
• Creation of a local wildlife rehabilitation center.
• Promoting responsible pet ownership.
• Reducing light pollution in your area.
• Water-saving initiatives in schools.
• Monitoring and conserving amphibian populations.
• Installing public bike racks.
• Educational campaigns on endangered species.
• Encouraging public transport usage.
• Erosion control and soil conservation.
• Promoting solar water heaters in your community.
• Tree planting for carbon sequestration.
• Promoting paperless offices.
• Monitoring the health of local rivers.
• Sustainable seafood consumption.
• Establishing a community rain garden.
• Recycling awareness in local businesses.
• Wildlife tracking and data collection.
• Promotion of carpooling.
• Designing and installing a green roof.
• Promoting sustainable fashion choices.
• Monitoring and protecting local coral reefs.
• Energy-efficient appliance rebate program.
• Establishing a wildlife photography club.
• Raising awareness about endangered plant species.
• Green purchasing policies for local governments.
• Promoting bicycle commuting.
• Encouraging wildlife-friendly landscaping.
• Invasive species removal and control.
• Environmental film screening events.
• Public transportation infrastructure improvement.
• Promoting water conservation in hotels.
• Environmental education in local schools.
• Establishing a community tool-sharing program.
• Sustainable farming workshops.
• Zero-waste events and festivals.
• Birdwatching and avian conservation.
• Promoting the use of reusable shopping bags.
• Forest regeneration and tree tagging.
• E-waste recycling drives.
• Organic waste composting at schools.
• Sustainable energy fair and expo.
• Reintroducing native species to local habitats.
• Promoting the use of cloth diapers.
• Rainwater harvesting in public buildings.
• Wildlife habitat restoration in city parks.
• Recycling collection points in neighborhoods.
• Solar-powered public phone charging stations.
• Encouraging businesses to go plastic-free.
• Native tree identification and planting.
• Promoting community car-sharing programs.
• Designing and installing wind turbines.
• Sustainable landscaping for homeowners.
• Clean energy information campaigns.
• Marine litter cleanup on local beaches.
• Solar-powered street lighting.
• Encouraging responsible camping practices.
• Water-saving initiatives for hotels.
• Public transportation accessibility for all.
• Promoting green building materials.
• Energy-efficient appliance exchange program.
• Local wildlife conservation documentaries.
• Promoting reusable water bottles.
• Establishing a community seed bank.
• Sustainable forestry management.
• Eco-friendly landscaping for businesses.
• Promoting vegetarian and vegan diets.
• Monitoring and conserving local bird populations.
• Green transportation incentives for employees.
• Energy-efficient home weatherization.
• Promoting wildlife-friendly tourism.
• Urban tree adoption program.
• Reducing food waste in local schools.
• Renewable energy co-op development.
• Beach clean-up initiatives.
• Encouraging compostable packaging.
• Green business certification programs.
• Electric vehicle charging infrastructure expansion.
• Bird migration tracking and conservation.
• Promoting sustainable pet food choices.
• Establishing a community wildlife sanctuary.
• Sustainable construction practices.
• Eco-friendly waste disposal education.
• Promoting sustainable agriculture.
• Energy-efficient technology workshops.
• Wildlife art exhibitions.
• Promoting the use of public transit apps.
• Designing and installing hydroelectric systems.
• Sustainable landscaping for public spaces.
• Green tourism and ecotourism promotion.
• Urban tree planting initiatives.
• Recycling drop-off points at local parks.
• Solar-powered water purification systems.
• Encouraging waste reduction in schools.
• Promoting local and seasonal food consumption.
• Marine conservation awareness campaigns.
• Wildlife photography contests.
• Public transportation-themed art installations.
• Establishing a community butterfly garden.
• Sustainable fishing education programs.
• Birdhouse-building workshops.
• Promoting eco-friendly school supplies.
• Sustainable home renovation guidance.
• Renewable energy technology expos.
• Wildlife habitat preservation walks.
• Promoting the use of electric bikes.
• Environmental book clubs.
• Zero-waste fashion shows.
• Encouraging plastic-free picnics.
• Sustainable product swap events.
• Wildlife-inspired mural projects.
• Promoting sustainable transportation apps.
• Designing and installing micro-hydro systems.
• Recycling education in community centers.

20 Tips for Environmental Studies Micro Projects

• Choose a Passionate Team: If you’re working with a group, ensure that all team members are passionate and committed to the project’s goals. A motivated team is more likely to stay dedicated throughout the project.
• Select a Relevant Topic: Choose a micro project topic that aligns with your interests and has relevance to your community or region. The project should address a specific environmental issue or concern.
• Research Thoroughly: Before starting your project, conduct thorough research on the chosen topic. Understand the background, causes, and potential solutions related to the issue.
• Set Clear Objectives: Define clear and achievable objectives for your project. What do you aim to accomplish? Having specific goals will help you stay focused and measure your project’s success.
• Create a Detailed Plan: Develop a comprehensive project plan that outlines the project’s timeline, tasks, and responsibilities. This plan will serve as your roadmap throughout the project.
• Consider Sustainability: Think about the long-term impact of your project. How can you make it sustainable beyond its initial phase? Sustainability ensures that your efforts continue to benefit the environment.
• Engage with Experts: Seek guidance from environmental experts or organizations in your area. Their knowledge and experience can provide valuable insights and resources for your project.
• Secure Necessary Permissions: If your project involves public spaces or natural habitats, make sure you obtain any required permits or permissions from local authorities or landowners.
• Budget Wisely: Create a budget that outlines the necessary expenses for your project. Look for potential sources of funding, grants, or sponsorships to support your efforts.
• Promote Community Involvement: Encourage community members to get involved in your project. Host workshops, educational sessions, or volunteer opportunities to engage the community.
• Use Technology: Leverage technology for data collection and analysis. Mobile apps, sensors, and data visualization tools can help you gather and present information effectively.
• Document Progress: Keep detailed records of your project’s progress, including photos, videos, and written reports. This documentation will be valuable for reporting and sharing your findings.
• Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt to unforeseen challenges and setbacks. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are essential in the dynamic field of environmental studies.
• Collaborate and Network: Connect with other individuals or organizations working on similar projects. Collaborative efforts can amplify your project’s impact.
• Measure and Evaluate: Continuously measure the progress of your project against your established objectives. Evaluate the results and adjust your approach if necessary.
• Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your project’s achievements. Recognize the contributions of team members and volunteers who helped make it happen.
• Share Findings and Lessons: Communicate your project’s findings and lessons learned with the broader community. This can be through reports, presentations, or social media.
• Inspire Others: Use your project as an inspiration for others to take on similar initiatives. Share your experiences and encourage more people to get involved in environmental studies.
• Reflect and Plan for the Future: Reflect on what you’ve learned from your micro project. Consider how you can build on this experience and plan for future projects or initiatives.
• Stay Committed: Environmental studies micro projects can be challenging, but staying committed to your goals and the betterment of the environment is essential. Your efforts can make a meaningful difference in your community and beyond.

In the world of environmental studies, micro projects play a vital role in creating positive change on a local level. By carefully selecting, planning, and executing your environmental studies micro project topics, you can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. Remember that even small-scale efforts can make a big difference when it comes to protecting our planet.

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31 Topics for Environmental Science Assignment Presentation

Hey there stressed and tensed looking student, are you frantically searching for an assignment topic related to the environment? Or maybe trying to find a unique and cool topic for your upcoming environmental science related presentation? Or maybe you need to write a paper about some environmental topic? If you are looking for any of the above, then you are at the right place at the right time as in this post we will be listing some really interesting and unique Environmental Sciences topics that will ensure your assignment, presentation or paper is the best of all and the most different and unique! Imagine everyone else has discussed the same old boring topics, while you come up with a topic that no one in your class has ever heard of! So check out this list below and prepare to get an A+ as well as the appreciation of your peers and teachers.

The best part of this list is that if you click on the topic, a detailed article on it will open up so you won’t even have to search for material elsewhere! So check them out and ask us in the comments if you need any further help!

• 2019-2021 The Years of Wildfires – Causes and Effects
• Dematerialisation – Environmental Sustainability Benefits
• Impact of Heavy Metal Pollution on the Environment
• Environmental Impact of Extraction of Pearls (Pearl farming)
• Flash Floods – Causes, Effects, Prevention and Management
• Environmental Impacts of Ozone Depletion due to CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)
• What Is Causing Sudden Increase In Sinkholes Around The World?
• What are sinkholes? Causes and Effects
• Biological Warfare and Its Catastrophic Effect on Environment
• Biological Warfare – Agents and Its Types
• Anthropogenic Factors That Cause Species Decline

What Is Decarbonization And How To Do It Successfully?

• What is Biofouling? Causes, Effects, and Solutions
• Can We Still Save Environment Or Is It Too Late?
• What is Greenwashing? – Types and Negative Effects
• Why Ecocide Should Be Made an International Crime?
• What is Ecocide? Causes, Effects, and Solutions
• Makeup Industry and Its Negative Impacts on the Environment
• Fashion Industry and Its Negative Impacts on the Environment
• Cryptocurrency Mining and Its Negative Impact on Environment
• Rooftop Vegetation and Vertical Gardening – Solution to Self-Sustenance
• What’s Biomanipulation? Importance, Advantages, Disadvantages

Deep Sea Mining and Its Negative Effects on the Environment

• Hunting and Poaching of Wildlife – Causes, Effects, and Solutions
• Thermal Pollution – Causes, Effects, and Solutions
• What’s Green Gentrification? Its Causes and Negative Impacts
• Urban Heat Islands – Causes, Effects, and Solutions
• What is Agroecology? Importance and Impact on Environment
• Overfishing and Fish Stock Depletion – Causes, Effects, Solutions
• Negative Impacts of Space Exploration on the Environment
•  What Are Alternative Fuels? Types, Benefits, and Importance

STILL WANT MORE ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE RELATED TOPICS? THEN CHECK THIS LIST OUT:

30 Environmental Science Assignment or Presentation Topics

I hope you all liked this post! Please comment below if you have any suggestions, comments, or feedback! We at #envpk love hearing from our readers! Thanks!

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200+ EVS Project Topics || Environmental Science Research Topics

200+ EVS Project Topics || Environmental Science Research Topics: The research topics of the environment can come from different aspects such as chemical, physical and biological elements of the earth. The globe has experienced an increase in the issues related to the environment and it involves global warming, air pollution and climate change. If you’re struggling in choosing a topic for an EVS project, then no need to worry as we have  alot of topics available for you here.

Also See: Best General Topics For Presentation

Let us shed light on some of the interesting topics below that are associated with Environmental Science.

• Impacts of climate change on the health of a human being
• Are all industrial plants adjacent to the resources of water a major cause for developing human diseases?
• Why should the globe ought to switch from fossil fuels to that of hydrogen?
• How can we stop the destruction of coral reefs?
• How pesticides as well as wastes contribute to the contamination of soil?
• Is ocean acidification a very serious problem to the environment?
• How melting permafrost affects the change in climate?
• The myths and reality that surrounds global warming
• How does increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide affect the environment?
• What is the role of human beings in global warming?
• How significant is paleoecology in the research of the environment?
•  How significant are the resources of small water in the environment?
• Explain the relationship between acid rains and industrialisation?
• How to change to cleaner fuels & vehicles?
• What are some impacts on the destruction of coral reefs?
• Is there any possibility of a new ecosystem in the future?
• How do human activities put up with global warming?
• Will hybrid vehicles be helpful in controlling the atmosphere pollution?
• How does deforestation play a role in global warming?
• Can human beings be helpful in controlling global warming?
• Reasons and formation of acid rain

Also See: Non-Technical Topics

• Relation between amphibians and environment
• How does the environment impact the attacks of asthma?
• Bacteria that human consumes
• Impact of genetic diseases on humans
• A comparison study behind the dust found on various surfaces.
• Impact of climate change on environment
• Composting: Good or bad?
• A comparative analysis on the plant’s roots.
• A comparative study: Photosynthesis on various plants
• Purpose of Crustaceans
• Comparison of the earth with living organisms.
• Impact of invasive species on the environment.
• The working of sewage treatment
• Is there any difference between the sewage treatments?
• Do light sources affect aquariums? How?
• The working of viruses
• Trees diversity in the areas
• Discuss all weed diversity in the community.
• What change can honey extinction have on the globe?
• Impact of climate change on agricultural production
• A toxicity evaluation and quality of the fishing water
• A study on the temperature increase in environment and its impact on sea creatures
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NEW SERIES:  Gray, Green, Blue: Water Security and YOU!

People, businesses and industries, recreation, waste removal, transport, nature and even lawn care all require water. Making sure there’s enough reliable, clean water for the health and livelihoods of people and natural environments is what we mean by water security, and it is one of the biggest challenges we face. Learn how nature can play a role in ensuring water security and what YOU can do to help in this four-part series: Gray, Green, Blue: Water Security and YOU! You can watch this series in Spanish with subtitles. Mira la serie subtítulos en español.

Recording the Rainforest 

In this lesson, students will explore a compelling question: How can we use science and acoustic technology to care for the land and protect the plants and animals in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions?  

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There are multiple ways to protect coastlines. In this lesson, students compare strong (but expensive) construction materials with the less robust (but cheaper) oyster reefs. Students use an online tool to find historic tide data in a selected coastal location and explore the use of different materials in protecting coastlines. 

Biomimicry: Water Security

In this lesson, students follow the journey of water from an area of rural Colombia to its capital city, Bogotá to learn about a special ecosystem high above the city that makes it possible for Bogotá to have clean water year-round. Students will use these plants as inspiration for their own efforts at biomimicry. Vimeo | Powerpoint

Finding Your Flow: Watersheds

Students will use a video about water in Colombia as a jumping off point to explore the issues facing the watershed in which they live and to identify ways they can become involved in protecting their water along its journey. Vimeo

Ecosystem Interdependence: Managing Salmon 

In this lesson plan, students address the impact of unsustainable fishing practices. Salmon runs are an important factor in cycling several nutrients. Overfishing salmon reduces the forest’s capacity for growth and regeneration. Students explore the connection between the size of salmon runs and forest health.  Vimeo

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In this set of activities, students explore sustainable fishing through a specific case study in Peru, which is home to one of the world’s largest fisheries. The challenges to the health of fisheries in the waters off the coast of Peru represent a microcosm of the larger world as similar challenges are faced by fisheries everywhere. Vimeo

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Students will explore the relationship between weather and climate using local data to derive their own definitions. Students will examine the ways that humans have impacted Earth by analyzing real data and online interactives to discover why scientists are calling this the “Anthropocene.” Vimeo

Urban Runoff: Stormwater Management

Whether a city is rebuilding after a devastating storm or simply looking to revitalize and improve, working with nature rather than against it is a key part of the process of redesigning our cities to be more resilient and sustainable. This lesson introduces students to the problem of urban runoff and a variety of nature-based design ideas and solutions. Vimeo

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Scientists develop an affordable sensor for lead contamination

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Engineers at MIT, Nanyang Technological University, and several companies have developed a compact and inexpensive technology for detecting and measuring lead concentrations in water, potentially enabling a significant advance in tackling this persistent global health issue.

The World Health Organization estimates that 240 million people worldwide are exposed to drinking water that contains unsafe amounts of toxic lead, which can affect brain development in children, cause birth defects, and produce a variety of neurological, cardiac, and other damaging effects. In the United States alone, an estimated 10 million households still get drinking water delivered through lead pipes.

“It’s an unaddressed public health crisis that leads to over 1 million deaths annually,” says Jia Xu Brian Sia, an MIT postdoc and the senior author of the paper describing the new technology.

But testing for lead in water requires expensive, cumbersome equipment and typically requires days to get results. Or, it uses simple test strips that simply reveal a yes-or-no answer about the presence of lead but no information about its concentration. Current EPA regulations require drinking water to contain no more that 15 parts per billion of lead, a concentration so low it is difficult to detect.

The new system, which could be ready for commercial deployment within two or three years, could detect lead concentrations as low as 1 part per billion, with high accuracy, using a simple chip-based detector housed in a handheld device. The technology gives nearly instant quantitative measurements and requires just a droplet of water.

The findings are described in a paper appearing today in the journal Nature Communications , by Sia, MIT graduate student and lead author Luigi Ranno, Professor Juejun Hu, and 12 others at MIT and other institutions in academia and industry.

The team set out to find a simple detection method based on the use of photonic chips, which use light to perform measurements. The challenging part was finding a way to attach to the photonic chip surface certain ring-shaped molecules known as crown ethers, which can capture specific ions such as lead. After years of effort, they were able to achieve that attachment via a chemical process known as Fischer esterification. “That is one of the essential breakthroughs we have made in this technology,” Sia says.

In testing the new chip, the researchers showed that it can detect lead in water at concentrations as low as one part per billion. At much higher concentrations, which may be relevant for testing environmental contamination such as mine tailings, the accuracy is within 4 percent.

The device works in water with varying levels of acidity, ranging from pH values of 6 to 8, “which covers most environmental samples,” Sia says. They have tested the device with seawater as well as tap water, and verified the accuracy of the measurements.

In order to achieve such levels of accuracy, current testing requires a device called an inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometer. “These setups can be big and expensive,” Sia says. The sample processing can take days and requires experienced technical personnel.

While the new chip system they developed is “the core part of the innovation,” Ranno says, further work will be needed to develop this into an integrated, handheld device for practical use. “For making an actual product, you would need to package it into a usable form factor,” he explains. This would involve having a small chip-based laser coupled to the photonic chip. “It’s a matter of mechanical design, some optical design, some chemistry, and figuring out the supply chain,” he says. While that takes time, he says, the underlying concepts are straightforward.

The system can be adapted to detect other similar contaminants in water, including cadmium, copper, lithium, barium, cesium, and radium, Ranno says. The device could be used with simple cartridges that can be swapped out to detect different elements, each using slightly different crown ethers that can bind to a specific ion.

“There’s this problem that people don’t measure their water enough, especially in the developing countries,” Ranno says. “And that’s because they need to collect the water, prepare the sample, and bring it to these huge instruments that are extremely expensive.” Instead, “having this handheld device, something compact that even untrained personnel can just bring to the source for on-site monitoring, at low costs,” could make regular, ongoing widespread testing feasible.

Hu, who is the John F. Elliott Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, says, “I’m hoping this will be quickly implemented, so we can benefit human society. This is a good example of a technology coming from a lab innovation where it may actually make a very tangible impact on society, which is of course very fulfilling.”

“If this study can be extended to simultaneous detection of multiple metal elements, especially the presently concerning radioactive elements, its potential would be immense,” says Hou Wang, an associate professor of environmental science and engineering at Hunan University in China, who was not associated with this work.

Wang adds, “This research has engineered a sensor capable of instantaneously detecting lead concentration in water. This can be utilized in real-time to monitor the lead pollution concentration in wastewater discharged from industries such as battery manufacturing and lead smelting, facilitating the establishment of industrial wastewater monitoring systems. I think the innovative aspects and developmental potential of this research are quite commendable.”

Wang Qian, a principal research scientist at the Institute of Materials Research in Singapore, who also was not affiliated with this work, says, “The ability for the pervasive, portable, and quantitative detection of lead has proved to be challenging primarily due to cost concerns. This work demonstrates the potential to do so in a highly integrated form factor and is compatible with large-scale, low-cost manufacturing.”

The team included researchers at MIT, at Nanyang Technological University and Temasek Laboratories in Singapore, at the University of Southampton in the U.K., and at companies Fingate Technologies, in Singapore, and Vulcan Photonics, headquartered in Malaysia. The work used facilities at MIT.nano, the Harvard University Center for Nanoscale Systems, NTU’s Center for Micro- and Nano-Electronics, and the Nanyang Nanofabrication Center.

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Outbreaks and Disease Clusters Related to Environmental Exposures

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CDC investigators also use poison center data to identify outbreaks and disease clusters related to emerging environmental hazards. For more information, see the National Chemical and Radiological Surveillance Program webpage.

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Acute kidney injury among children likely associated with diethylene glycol–contaminated medications

In 2022, The Gambia’s Ministry of Health requested assistance from CDC to help investigate a large cluster of acute kidney injury (AKI) among young children. The investigation involved multiple international partners and personnel from across CDC. Together, they were able to characterize the illness, describe the epidemiology, and identify potential causes and their sources.

The investigation found that in 2022, 78 children were suspected to have AKI, and 66 died. Most patients (75%) were younger than two years of age. After conducting interviews and analyzing medication samples, investigators found that the cause of the illness was likely medications contaminated with diethylene glycol.

Acute nonviral hepatitis associated with a brand of alkaline water

In 2021, CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) , the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services , and the Southern Nevada Health District investigated cases of acute nonviral hepatitis with an unknown cause in Nevada and surrounding states. Acute nonviral hepatitis is liver inflammation that occurs suddenly and can lead to liver failure. The investigation found 21 probable cases and four suspected cases of acute nonviral hepatitis linked to consuming "Real Water," a brand of alkaline water. Eighteen probable cases and four suspected cases were identified in Nevada, and three probable cases were identified in California.

Synthetic cannabinoids

CDC has responded to numerous outbreaks of illnesses related to synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoid products usually consist of various man-made chemicals. Reported side effects from these products are often severe and can include kidney failure, heart attack, and death.

Liver failure associated with dietary supplements

On September 9, 2013, the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) was notified by a hospital that it had observed seven patients with acute hepatitis and liver failure of unknown cause. All patients reported using a dietary supplement marketed for weight loss and muscle gain. As a result, HDOH requested assistance from CDC and the FDA to identify other illnesses, describe common clinical features, and characterize risk factors for illness. In all, investigators identified 92 cases of acute hepatitis of unknown cause.

Unidentified liver disease in Ethiopia

In 2007, the Ethiopia Ministry of Health and Ethiopia Health and Nutrition Research Institute asked CDC and other partners to help investigate an outbreak of an unidentified liver disease. After conducting an extensive investigation, the cause of the outbreak was found to be exposure to toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

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Citizen scientists capture brilliant photos of the aurora.

On May 11, 2024, the day-night band of VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the Suomi NPP satellite spotted the aurora borealis over the United States during the strongest geomagnetic storm in over two decades. That same night, observers on the ground captured spectacular photographs of the dazzling light. The following photos represent just a handful of those shot by citizen scientists as part of NASA’s Aurorasaurus project , which tracks aurora sightings around the planet.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024 at 6:05 pm and is filed under Ground to Space . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

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'Forever chemicals' found to rain down on all five Great Lakes

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or "forever chemicals," have become persistent pollutants in the air, water and soil. Because they are so stable, they can be transported throughout the water cycle, making their way into drinking water sources and precipitation. According to findings published in ACS' Environmental Science & Technology , precipitation introduces similar amounts of PFAS into each of the Great Lakes; however, the lakes eliminate the chemicals at different rates.

Consuming PFAS has been linked to negative health outcomes. And in April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated two forever chemicals -- PFOS and PFOA -- as hazardous substances, placing limits on their concentrations in drinking water. The Great Lakes are a major freshwater source for both the U.S. and Canada, and the EPA reports that the surrounding basin area is home to roughly 10% and 30% of each country's population, respectively. Previous studies demonstrated that these lakes contain PFAS. But Marta Venier at Indiana University and colleagues from the U.S. and Canada wanted to understand where the compounds come from and where they go.

Between 2021 and 2022, 207 precipitation samples and 60 air samples were taken from five sites surrounding the Great Lakes in the U.S.: Chicago; Cleveland; Sturgeon Point, N.Y.; Eagle Harbor, Mich.; and Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mich. During the same period, 87 different water samples were collected from the five Great Lakes. The team analyzed all the samples for 41 types of PFAS and found:

• In precipitation samples, PFAS concentrations largely remained the same across sites, suggesting that the compounds are present at similar levels regardless of population density.
• In air samples, Cleveland had the highest median concentration of PFAS and Sleeping Bear Dunes the lowest, suggesting a strong connection between population density and airborne PFAS.
• In the lake water samples, the highest concentration of PFAS were in Lake Ontario, followed by Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Lake Superior.
• The concentration of PFOS and PFOA in lake water decreased compared to data from previous studies as far back as 2005, but the concentration of a replacement PFAS known as PFBA remained high, suggesting that further regulation efforts may be needed.

The team calculated that airborne deposition from precipitation is primarily how PFAS get into the lakes, while they're removed by sedimentation, attaching to particles as they settle to the lakebed or flowing out through connecting channels. Overall, their calculations showed that the northernmost lakes (Superior, Michigan and Huron) are generally accumulating PFAS. Further south, Lake Ontario is generally eliminating the compounds and levels in Lake Erie remain at a steady state. The researchers say that this work could help inform future actions and policies aimed at mitigating PFAS' presence in the Great Lakes.

The authors acknowledge funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Great Lakes National Program Office.

• Nature of Water
• Nuclear Energy
• Environmental Issues
• Great Lakes
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• Evaporation from plants
• Lake effect snow
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Materials provided by American Chemical Society . Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Chunjie Xia, Staci L. Capozzi, Kevin A. Romanak, Daniel C. Lehman, Alice Dove, Violeta Richardson, Tracie Greenberg, Daryl McGoldrick, Marta Venier. The Ins and Outs of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Great Lakes: The Role of Atmospheric Deposition . Environmental Science & Technology , 2024; DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10098

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