Nitrogen pollution from agricultural and urban runoff is a serious threat to ocean ecosystems. Nitrogen, in the form of nitrates, could generate algal blooms, create oceanic "dead zones" and kill coral, fish and shellfish in coastal zones. Researchers have discovered that small organisms in streams and rivers can filter out excess nitrogen before it reaches the oceans. However, overloading streams with too many nitrates reduces their filtering ability. --by Margaret Coulombe

To humans, trichloroethene (TCE) is a dangerous pollutant, one that recently forced two Phoenix-area municipalities to shut down their water supplies. But to a group of bacteria called dehalogenerators, TCE is like oxygen. These microorganisms take in TCE and remove the chlorine, leaving harmless ethene behind. Now a team of scientists has developed a specialized water treatment system that employs the bacteria to make water supplies safer. --by Joe Caspermeyer

When you visit the beach, the ocean always looks the same--but that doesn't mean it isn't changing. A new study has taken a comprehensive look at human impacts on marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, estuaries, and pelagic waters. The results show that none of Earth's oceans have escaped human influence. Now, oceanic maps from the study can help policy makers determine where human activities are most likely to cause negative effects. (Read the full story) --by Margaret Coulombe

A team of scientists has developed a new way to close the gaps in the global pollution dragnet using NASA satellite data. The technique uses satellite information to improve computer models of ozone events—filling in the blanks while expanding coverage to much larger areas. --by Nicholas Gerbis

As the volume of discarded computers and other electronic products increases daily, it’s posing a growing environmental hazard. ASU researchers are learning how electronic waste can be managed to minimize environmental damage while increasing the economic and social benefits of reuse and recycling. --by Joe Kullman

Nanotechnology holds great promise for industries ranging from medicine to computers to fashion. But what kind of effect do all these tiny particles have on the environment? A Chandler, Arizona high school student is working with ASU researchers to find out. --by Diane Boudreau

Where some people see slime, Milt Sommerfeld and his colleagues see fuel and food. They believe algae can provide solutions to some of the trickiest environmental problems looming right in front of us. --by Diane Boudreau