Researchers at UCR's CE-CERT are developing a way to convert wet waste, such as sewage sludge and grass clippings, into synthetic diesel fuel and electricity. The process has the potential to produce up to 26 barrels of fuel and 34 megawatt-hours of electricity per day.
Argonne chemist Thurnauer has made a laboratory version of an energy 'pump' that keeps negatively charged electrons away from positively charged holes. This technology could be used to chemically neutralize toxic compounds, such as hazardous waste, through controlled electron movement.
A 40% higher risk of chromosomal anomalies was found for residents living close to landfill sites compared to those further away. The study suggests that proximity to landfill sites is associated with an increased risk of congenital chromosomal abnormalities.
The Idaho National Laboratory has identified a promising alternative to waste incineration, known as the "Silver II" method. This process chemically oxidizes molecules at low temperatures and produces no dioxins or low-emission polyaromatic hydrocarbons.
Researchers at the new Center for Hazardous Substances in Urban Environments will develop tools to gauge risks associated with hazardous waste sites and clean up pollutants. The center's initiatives focus on urban livability and brownfield redevelopment, aiming to create jobs and improve tax bases while addressing environmental concerns.
A new extraction process, known as Universal Extractant (UNEX), has been developed to remove multiple radioactive elements from high-level nuclear waste in a single step. This process reduces the volume of waste by at least twentyfold, making it cheaper and safer to store.
The Purdue-based center will focus on bioremediation and phytoremediation to clean up pollution. It will work with state governments, local communities, and industry to revitalize polluted sites using cost-effective natural remediation technologies.
A new technology, InStreem™, has been successfully demonstrated at the George DeRuyter Dairy in Washington state, reducing odors and solids in waste lagoons. The system converts existing lagoons into extended aeration systems, establishing conditions favorable for both aerobic and anaerobic degradation of wastes.
Researchers at INEEL have developed an energy-efficient process to produce alkylate, a high-octane gasoline blend with low environmental pollutants. The new method uses a solid acid catalyst and supercritical fluid solvent to regenerate the deactivated catalyst, increasing its lifespan by 20 times.
University of Michigan professor Rodney Ewing argues that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's method for assessing the Yucca Mountain site's safety is flawed due to large uncertainties. He proposes a more comprehensive approach by evaluating independent barriers, such as canisters and rock layers, to ensure the site's long-term safety.
Scientists at UNC-CH are studying the effects of hazardous waste on human health and environment. They are developing new strategies for cleaning up Superfund sites, including techniques to measure oxidative stress and understand genetic traits that make individuals more susceptible.
The environment plays a significant role in cancer development, with occupational factors and environmental pollution attributed to 5-7% of cancer deaths. Dr. Richard Clapp reviews the relationship between environmental exposure and cancer, emphasizing the importance of cancer prevention and physician screening for hazardous exposures.
Scientists have identified a class of ceramic materials that may safely contain radioactive waste for long-term storage, featuring disordered atomic structures. The fluorite-type complex oxides show promise as radiation-proof materials, warranting further development for containing nuclear wastes.
The UCSD Superfund program will conduct projects on 20 toxic contaminants, studying their effects on humans, animals, and the environment. Researchers will use molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology to develop tools for evaluating health risks and minimizing hazardous risks.
Researchers created a laboratory test to accelerate concrete aging three times over, allowing them to predict how concrete will weather over hundreds of years. The tests also revealed significant loss of frictional performance in artificially aged cement paste under triaxial stress.
Cornell researchers are developing an enzyme-based process to convert biomass waste into auto fuel, offering a cheaper alternative to oil. The process breaks down plant fibers into fermentable sugars using thermophilic bacteria enzymes.
Researchers at Ohio State University used ground penetrating radar to detect creosote deposits buried beneath an EPA cleanup site in Marion, Ohio. The technique showed promise for finding other kinds of buried hazardous waste.
University of New Orleans researchers have developed a nontoxic corrosion inhibitor for aluminum that inhibits corrosion as much as chromium without hazardous materials. The coating is environmentally acceptable and applies easily, making it safer for workers and the environment.
A new study reveals that backyard burning of household trash can release significant amounts of dioxins and furans into the air. Under controlled conditions, family-sized backyard burns can produce emissions comparable to those from a well-controlled municipal waste incinerator serving tens of thousands of households.
A nonradioactive substitute for 'screamingly radioactive' storage tanks has been developed to aid in nuclear waste clean-up, potentially saving hundreds of millions of dollars. The synthetic sludge mimics the deadly sludge found in underground nuclear waste storage tanks and can be handled safely by lab workers.
INEEL researchers develop polyphosphazene membranes for efficient chemical separation and waste minimization, offering stability up to 300 degrees Celsius. The hybrid membrane combines organic and inorganic molecules for improved durability and versatility.
The biotrickling filter technology uses naturally occurring microorganisms to metabolize air pollutants into harmless byproducts. It has been successfully tested at the Naval Air Station-North Island in San Diego, reducing HAP emissions from aircraft painting operations by up to 95%.
Researchers from Idaho National Laboratory are developing tools to monitor water flow and contaminants in the vadose zone beneath the Savannah River Site. They planted soil monitoring equipment to measure water content, tritium concentration, and soil tension, providing valuable information about the vadose zone.
A new cleanup system called Anodic Fenton Treatment (AFT) can clean up waste water from pesticides and textile processing on-site in just two to three minutes. The AFT process uses two electrochemical half-cells to produce hydroxyl radicals that break down unwanted chemicals, producing safe water for disposal.
Professor Lynda Warren argues that local residents' opinions are distorted by political rhetoric and underestimated by the industry. She calls for increased transparency and involvement from politicians and companies to address public fears about radioactive waste.
According to Professor Bernard Cohen, nuclear power plants emit fewer carcinogens and pollutants compared to coal burning power stations. This results in a much lower fatality rate, with air pollution from coal causing 25 fatalities per minute versus only 0.018 for nuclear.
Researchers have found that incineration of solid waste has been the dominant source of atmospheric lead to the New York City metropolitan area, contradicting current mainstream thinking. The study also suggests that solid waste combustion may contribute to other atmospheric pollutants.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory report a natural process that removes nearly all toxic metals and uranium from polluted soil, successfully cleaning incinerator ash. The patented process uses citric acid and sunlight to separate metal contaminants from radioactive elements, producing a concentrated and stable form.
The special issue of Interdisciplinary Science Reviews explores various aspects of radioactive waste disposal, including geological disposal, natural analogues, and engineered barriers. Leading experts from different fields share their knowledge to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex problem.
The study concludes that recycling packaging waste reduces energy consumption and generates positive environmental effects, including a reduction in landfill use. The focus on packaging has also led to increased recycled materials, with over 140,000 tons of recyclable packaging increased since 1994.
Russian scientists are developing a bacterial mixture to break down organic waste from astronauts' underwear, reducing storage issues in space. The disposal unit will process plastic, cellulose, and other waste aboard spacecraft, addressing the acute problem of waste management in space.
Scientists are investigating the hydrogeology of the West Siberian Basin to better track and predict the future path of radioactive waste from nuclear weapons material production. This research aims to inform remediation strategies at three former plutonium production sites, influencing both human health and ecosystem safety.
Researchers found that dissolved humic material can bind radionuclides, speeding contaminant migration. This process has significant implications for existing and future waste facilities, as low levels of humics in groundwater can facilitate transport.
The Advanced Applied Technology Demonstration Facility has developed innovative technologies for hazardous waste cleanup, addressing difficult subsurface and ground water contamination problems. The partnership between government, industry, and academia has led to the creation of engineering design manuals and commercialization summaries.
A partnership between Colorado State University and Michigan has made canola-based motor oil available to consumers, offering a cleaner alternative to petroleum-based oils. The oil reduces vehicle emissions by 30 percent and produces no hazardous waste.
A new technique using electricity instead of chemicals to drive chemical separation processes could greatly reduce waste byproducts at the Hanford nuclear site. The method, being tested for large-scale cleanup efforts, has shown promise in reducing radioactive waste and hazardous byproducts.
Using heat-resistant microbes, researchers can treat waste air and water emissions at temperatures up to 70 degrees Celsius. The new process eliminates the need for cooling, saving companies time and money while reducing environmental impact.
A comprehensive international study by Duke University researchers found that waste-to-energy incineration is a competitive alternative only where economic and environmental considerations discourage landfills. Despite improved technology, WTE facilities cannot match conventional power plants in energy outputs or economics.
The University of Massachusetts has introduced an in-vessel composting unit at Tillson Farm, expected to process 10-20 tons of food waste into compost. The system, a self-contained commercial composter, uses a combination of heat, moisture, and air circulation to break down organic waste.
Researchers successfully demonstrated a novel cleanup technology that efficiently destroys various organic contaminants, including benzene and perchloroethylene, using nonthermal plasma. The technology achieved destruction fractions of up to 99.9 percent, with potential commercial applications for treating legacy waste problems.