The STABCON project developed a cost-effective solution for treating polluted sediments in ports, using the stabilisation and solidification method. The method involves mixing contaminated sediments with products that bind them to create a solid material containing hazardous substances, reducing environmental harm and costs.
A team of researchers from Denmark and Japan have developed a new technology to convert waste heat into electricity using oxide materials. The project aims to integrate the technology into existing systems and reduce CO2 emissions, potentially enabling the use of thermoelectric material in various applications such as cars and stoves.
The SRNL filter design uses a patented rotary microfilter to separate solid material from radioactive liquid waste, reducing costs and infrastructure for high-level waste disposal. The adapted system is now being tested at the Hanford Site and made available for other potential users.
Researchers in India have found that various kitchen waste water filtration systems can produce clean water suitable for agricultural or horticultural use. Ceramic microfiltration membrane systems with physicochemical treatments such as biotreatment and adsorption showed promising results, removing up to 98% of BOD and 99% of COD.
Researchers use earthworms to treat wastewater and soil contaminated with nickel, chromium, vanadium, lead, arsenic, and mercury. The method shows promise as an inexpensive alternative to industrial cleanup methods.
A study reviews nuclear power economics and concludes that the current fuel cycle is unsustainable due to uncertainty about waste management. Reprocessing and recycling of spent fuel is an alternative, but its implementation is controversial due to proliferation risks and high costs.
Researchers have trained bacteria to efficiently convert sugars in agricultural bio-wastes into valuable chemicals for bioplastics. The optimized process enables the production of high-quality bioplastics from waste materials, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
A new international population study led by the University of Cincinnati examines the human developmental effects of environmental exposure to complex metal mixtures found in electronic waste. The research aims to identify potential preventative measures to reduce human exposures, particularly for pregnant women and young children livi...
A study by the University of Washington found that 25 commonly used scented products release an average of 17 chemicals each, with nearly a quarter classified as toxic or hazardous. The majority of these chemicals were not listed on product labels or disclosed to consumers.
A new method involves microbial sulfate reduction using an anaerobic bioreactor, reducing over 90% of sulfates in scrubbing water. The treated waste can be converted into elemental sulfur or metal sulfide nanoparticles for industrial use.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new method for converting waste vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel, using a single reaction vessel and environmentally friendly catalysts. The process is six times faster than current methods, consuming less energy and reducing the use of toxic chemicals.
Researchers detect five types of pharmaceuticals in Donana's waters, including anti-inflammatory drugs and hormones. The study suggests advanced technologies can remove these compounds from urban waste water.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has awarded $36 million in grants to support worker safety training programs. These programs aim to reduce exposure to hazards during disaster response, cleanup, and chemical emergency responses.
A pilot study has been funded to evaluate a new approach to weight loss and physical activity in people at increased cardiovascular risk. The Waste the Waist programme aims to encourage behaviour change through lifestyle modifications, targeting individuals who are at risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
NSU's Center for Bioterrorism and All-Hazards Preparedness has received a $1.6 million grant to train oil workers, law enforcement, and others in handling hazardous materials and responding to oil spills. The five-year project aims to provide safety and health training to thousands of employees across various industries.
A renewed federal effort to fix the nation's stalled nuclear waste program is focusing too much on technological issues, neglecting public mistrust. Social science experts warn that ignoring these concerns increases the chances of repeating past failures, such as Yucca Mountain.
A special White House panel on high-level radioactive waste needs to focus more on social and political acceptability. Public mistrust has fueled failed attempts to effectively work with those affected, and addressing this is crucial for developing a publicly acceptable solution.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a more efficient technique for producing biofuels from woody plants, reducing waste and increasing efficiency. The new method uses gaseous ozone to break down lignin and release carbohydrates, eliminating solid and liquid waste.
James C. Liao, UCLA professor, receives Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for his groundbreaking work on recycling carbon dioxide into products used in alternative transportation fuels or chemical feedstock. His technology addresses the problems hampering the development of bio-based chemicals and fuels.
A new study from Ben-Gurion University found that older drivers are more sensitive to potential hazards and focus on risky situations. The research showed that experienced and older-experienced drivers were equally proficient at hazard detection, whereas young-inexperienced drivers struggled with detecting hazardous events.
A team of researchers discovered that tobacco-free cigarettes can cause more DNA damage than tobacco products, making them potentially carcinogenic. The study found double-strand DNA breaks in human lung cells exposed to smoke from 'safe' cigarettes.
The developing world is projected to generate twice as much electronic waste (e-waste) as developed countries by 2030, with 400-700 million PCs discarded annually. Technological advances have led to a rapid decline in consumer electronics lifespan, prompting concerns about environmentally safe disposal methods.
Researchers developed a method to measure the stability of organic waste using respiration indices, which can predict biodegradable content and facilitate efficient treatment facility design. The study applies this methodology to various types of organic wastes, including food and garden waste, municipal solid waste, and sludge.
Tropical Storm 02W is moving northwestward, weakening due to a trough and increasing vertical wind shear. High surf and swells are expected to persist along all shores in Micronesia until Wednesday morning, posing a risk of coastal inundation and hazardous marine conditions.
Primitive recycling processes used in developing countries contaminate air, water, and soil with pollutants like dioxins and toxic cyanide. Alternative solutions, such as paying recyclers not to recycle or promoting repair and reuse, are proposed to address the growing e-waste problem.
Researchers at TU Delft have discovered a way to break down harmful by-products in wood waste, enabling the production of biochemicals and biofuels without costly methods. This breakthrough paves the way for using wood waste as a sustainable raw material.
Researchers estimate that waste in Spain could generate between 8.13 and 20.95 TWh of electricity, reducing the need for fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The most cost-effective option is incineration of solid urban waste, which could offset its environmental costs.
The United Nations University has released a report highlighting the growing e-waste problem in developing countries, with sales of electronic products forecasted to rise sharply over the next decade. If left unaddressed, this could lead to hazardous waste mountains with serious consequences for the environment and public health.
In Europe, strategic cooperation on geological disposal of nuclear waste is crucial for its safe implementation. The IGD-TP platform facilitates stakeholder collaboration to resolve scientific, technological and social challenges.
The study, published by the Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center, reveals hazardous air quality levels due to secondhand tobacco smoke in 'smoking' rooms. The average particulate level measured was beyond the EPA's hazardous extreme, posing a risk to employees and patrons.
Scientists are exploring a new approach to carbon capture technology using proteins that can catalyze reactions with carbon dioxide in an environmentally friendly way. This method has the potential to be more cost-effective and produce less hazardous waste than existing technologies.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new material that permanently traps only the desired radioactive ion, cesium, from a sodium-heavy solution. The synthetic material, made from layers of a gallium, sulfur and antimony compound, sequesters 100% of the cesium ions while ignoring all the sodium ions.
A new study finds that US per capita food waste has increased by about 50% since 1974 to over 1400 Calories per person per day, equivalent to 150 trillion Calories per year. This excessive energy content contributes significantly to freshwater consumption and fossil fuel emissions.
Research by Nick Fulcher and Robert Sablowski found that plant stem cells are sensitive to DNA damage and can detect defects, triggering cell death to prevent them from being passed on. This mechanism helps protect plants against genetic damage caused by environmental stresses such as drought, high salinity, and hazardous chemicals.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that approximately 3.4 million UK children live with at least one binge drinking parent, while 2.6 million have a hazardous drinker. The research aims to raise awareness of the risks of parental substance use on child care and development.
Experts advocate standardizing recycling technologies and government policies worldwide to extend product life, recover valuable metals, and reduce CO2 emissions. The initiative could transform millions of old devices into functional units, reducing e-waste and promoting sustainable consumption.
Brookhaven scientists have developed a cost-effective method to remove mercury contamination from soil and industrial waste using In Situ Mercury Stabilization (ISMS). The technology involves treating mercury-contaminated materials with sulfur-based reagents, reducing environmental impact and making remediation more affordable.
Scientists have recovered uranium from polluted waters using bacteria and inositol phosphate, a cheap waste material. The process is economically viable, especially as the world price of uranium is likely to increase, offering an environmental protection benefit.
The global e-waste problem requires harmonization of disposal and recycling standards across national borders to effectively address the issue. The use of outdated electronic devices poses significant risks to human health and the environment, with 20-50 million tonnes of e-waste generated annually.
LSU has been awarded a grant to establish a Superfund Research Center, exploring the health effects of toxic combustion products and their potential impact on public health. The center will investigate the role of combustion-related nanoparticles in determining their special properties and harmful effects.
Researchers from Rovira i Virgili University find that using mud from waste water treatment plants as an alternative fuel reduces CO2 emissions by 140,000 tonnes between 2003 and 2006. This sustainable solution enables cement factories to power their operations without harming human health.
Kris Matyjaszewski developed an environmentally friendly form of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP), reducing copper catalyst levels by 1,000 times. This breakthrough has led to the creation of safer materials with tailored functionalities for various industries.
A waste disposal protein called p62 is responsible for disposing of damaged proteins in cells, preventing the accumulation of toxic waste that can promote cancer tumor growth. Researchers discovered that controlling p62 levels can stimulate autophagy and lead to tumor suppression.
Researchers have developed new processes using microorganisms to convert organic waste into biodegradable plastics. These bioplastics can be produced at rates up to three times faster than existing processes and have potential applications in various industries.
A literature review reveals that landfill cover soils oxidize more methane than previously recommended guidelines suggest. The overall mean fraction oxidized was 36%, with a standard error of 6%, indicating that the actual oxidation rate is likely higher than current default values.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new cooling system that can improve the energy efficiency of diesel engines by using waste heat. The system has shown improved efficiencies of 20-30 percent in situations where cooling is needed, and may be used to provide air conditioning or electricity.
Researchers in Japan investigate three technologies for heat recovery: latent heat, reaction heat, and thermoelectric devices. They find that high-temperature waste heat with adequate exergy value exists in many industries, offering effective ways to recover waste heat.
A new study suggests that charging consumers a fee at the time of sale can significantly reduce electronic waste (e-waste) in the US. The approach is found to be more effective than fees upon disposal, increasing manufacturer profits while decreasing e-waste quantities.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health identified common hazardous conditions in home healthcare settings, including environmental and physical hazards. The research highlights the need for simple interventions to mitigate these risks and promote patient safety.
Physicists at the University of Texas at Austin have designed a system that uses fusion to eliminate most of the transuranic waste produced by nuclear power plants. This invention could help combat global warming by making nuclear power a more viable replacement for carbon-heavy energy sources.
A recent study found that adding human hair waste cubes to commercial growth medium can increase plant yields relative to untreated controls. However, results showed lower yields compared to inorganic fertilizers, suggesting hair waste should not be used as a single source for fast-growing crops like lettuce.
Research focuses on transport phenomena in heterogeneous media, exploring anomalous transport and its role in hydrogeology. The study highlights the importance of concentration tails in assessing radioactive waste disposal reliability.
A new study reveals hazardous drinking among NZ university students begins in high school, with high levels of binge drinking and related problems. The study recommends prioritizing reduction of binge drinking in high school and implementing early identification systems on campuses.
A new study reveals a link between alcohol-industry sponsorship and hazardous drinking among sportspeople, with those receiving free or discounted booze reporting higher levels of binge drinking. The research suggests that severing links with the alcohol industry is crucial to promote the health and well-being of athletes.
A recent study found that non-beverage alcohols, including medicinal tinctures and eau-de-colognes, are highly concentrated and cheaper than standard Russian vodka. Researchers believe these products pose a significant health risk to consumers, particularly those who rely on them as an affordable source of alcohol.
Researchers describe how cells recycle protein waste to prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's, cystic fibrosis, and developmental disorders. Cells use enzymes and specialized complexes, known as ESCRTs, to break down and dispose of damaged proteins.
Researchers at Michigan State University are developing a cost-effective technology to turn animal waste into usable heat, electricity, and other valuable products. The Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center aims to provide scalable, modular systems for smaller farms to convert waste into resources.
A new study finds that non-daily smokers are 16 times more likely to be hazardous drinkers than non-smokers, and five times more likely to meet criteria for an AUD. The study suggests that casual smoking may promote hazardous drinking behavior.
A University of Washington study reveals that dozens of toxic chemicals are emitted by top-selling laundry products and air fresheners, with none listed on product labels. The study highlights the need for better labeling and reduced exposure to potentially hazardous fragrances.
Swine waste fertilizer can be improved by altering phosphorus levels in the diet, resulting in slower phosphorus accumulation in soil. This approach reduces excess nutrients that can pollute the environment.