Using a comprehensive set of long-term data, the authors show that shipping has contributed to a significant loss of biodiversity of fish and macroinvertebrates in European rivers in recent decades – and that the animal communities are becoming increasingly homogeneous and river-typical species are being lost. Invasive species, on the other hand, are significantly increasing. 

Urban stormwater runoff is an untapped source of freshwater for many water-scarce regions, but improved stormwater treatment is needed for safe use and to protect human and aquatic health. This work provides insights into the kinetic limitations of contaminant removal within biochar and regenerated activated carbon filters and discusses implications for stormwater filter design and operation.

The authors analysed 8 citizen science projects within Accelerator Programme of the EU H2020 funded ACTION project that deal with environmental pollution. Citizen science involves the public in the scientific process, making research more relevant and responsive. Our findings show that this can lead to a more sustainable future, where science and society work together to solve pressing problems.