Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed new membranes for desalination that can help eliminate brine waste and produce more sustainable freshwater. The membranes are packed with charge and increase conductivity, allowing them to move more salt with less power.
A research project at the University of Tennessee is developing a method to turn mixed wood waste into a densified material with high strength and toughness. The approach involves removing lignin and compressing the wood, resulting in a substance comparable to steel.
A professor argues that profit-driven policies on waste are exacerbating global inequalities, blaming consumers while industry produces more waste. The book 'Waste: The Basics' calls for responsible consumption and production, regulatory incentives, and national regulations to hold industry accountable for product waste and contamination.
Zheming Wang, a PNNL scientist, has been recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science as an AAAS Fellow. His research focuses on the chemistry underlying radioactive and advanced energy materials, with notable contributions to studying f block elements.
A new enzyme discovered can extract high-value molecules from lignin, a forestry by-product, using a hydrogen peroxide-driven process. This breakthrough could support the development of green chemistry 'enzyme factories' to produce valuable chemicals.
New research suggests converting whey waste into a valuable food product is feasible with significant industry-wide potential. Only a small number of cheese manufacturers have adopted innovative technologies and business models to upcycle whey, highlighting the need for clearer incentives and enabling conditions.
A new study reveals that blockchain-powered freshness tracking can minimize food waste and increase efficiency in retail supply chains. Smart contracts can ensure fair pricing and compensation for suppliers, creating a win-win scenario.
Researchers developed a recycling process for cement waste into a low-carbon, high-strength material that can replace traditional Portland cement. The new cement blend reduces carbon intensity and enables new uses for construction and demolition waste.
Researchers assessed the environmental impact of five waste-to-nutrition technologies in France, finding that their efficiency is variable. They compared these technologies with existing waste recovery methods, such as anaerobic digestion and composting.
A research project from Politecnico di Milano proposes a novel method to recycle used vegetable oil into valuable resources like bio-lubricants and air purification devices. The project optimizes waste treatment processes while reducing waste and promoting European independence in critical raw material supply.
Physicists have measured a nuclear reaction that can occur in neutron star collisions, providing direct experimental data for a process previously only theorized. The study provides new insight into how the universe's heaviest elements are forged, with potential applications in nuclear reactor physics.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated the environmental benefits of turning CO₂ emissions into key chemical ingredients for essential consumer goods. The study found that waste CO₂ can be part of the solution rather than the problem, reducing GWP by around 82% for paper mill emissions.
Researchers from Shinshu University investigated erythritol slurry as a promising heat transfer medium for thermal storage and transport. Their findings could help guide the design of industrial waste heat recovery systems, advancing energy efficiency and carbon neutrality.
A 42-page document called the Key Information File contains crucial information about a final repository in Sweden. The researchers aim to create a habit of sharing and renewing knowledge through playfulness and curiosity.
Researchers at TU Wien have developed a process to recover nickel from spent batteries and convert it into a nanocatalyst that reduces CO2 into valuable methane. This innovation has the potential to reduce waste and provide a sustainable fuel source.
A new PEC strategy converts PS waste into valuable products, offering a promising solution for sustainable plastic waste treatment. The researchers achieved efficient oxidative degradation of PS under sunlight illumination.
Researchers have developed a battery that can harness ambient gamma radiation to produce strong electric outputs, enabling potential applications in space exploration and sensors. The prototype demonstrated a peak power output of 288 nanowatts using cesium-137 and 1.5 microwatts with cobalt-60.
Researchers developed a liquid fertilizer replacing unsustainable chemical fertilizers with organic waste, producing up to 100% of nitrogen and 77% of phosphorus. The method also increases phosphorus solubility by adjusting pH levels.
Plastic Back and a US-based recycler partner to scale low-temperature chemical recycling technology converting hard-to-recycle plastics into valuable byproducts. The partnership aims to address the global plastic waste crisis, reducing landfill waste and dependency on virgin raw materials.
Researchers at UC Davis found that acidifying milk to a pH of 4.1-4.2 with citric acid effectively deactivates the H5N1 virus, providing a cost-effective solution for dairy farms. The process takes only six hours and doesn't require refrigeration, increasing safety and reducing costs.
The discovery of a strong, local increase in two-neutron separation energies when the number of neutrons increases from 92 to 93 provides unique insights into the nuclear structure of neutron-rich lanthanum isotopes. This finding calls for further studies and challenges current nuclear mass models.
A new process converts polycotton textile waste into glucose, a key bio-based feedstock, and separates polyester fibers for reprocessing. The technique is scalable and cost-effective, offering a viable solution to textile waste recycling.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a low-carbon system that transforms materials like plastics and agricultural waste into syngas, producing high-quality chemicals and fuels. The technology achieves a purity of around 90% in a process that takes only a few minutes.
Researchers led by Xianming Shi are exploring the use of agricultural waste to build roadways, aiming to reduce carbon emissions from asphalt production. Biochar, a CO2-negative material produced through pyrolysis, can sequester carbon in asphalt pavement and potentially extend its lifespan.
Researchers developed a metal-organic cage that selectively recognizes and encapsulates radioactive strontium, achieving a 99.7% removal efficiency at low concentrations. The novel material design enables precise recognition sites within the cage's cavity.
Researchers advise reprogramming and repurposing robots for sustainable use, as current recycling methods are often ineffective. The study aims to challenge the robotics industry to design for a circular economy, addressing challenges such as economic viability and technical capability.
A new study showcases a cutting-edge biorefinery that converts sewage sludge and food waste into valuable volatile fatty acids. The biorefinery's dual benefits include efficient waste management and reduced fossil fuel dependency, with potential environmental improvements through location optimization and alternative chemical use.
Researchers developed a novel bioconversion system using mealworm and black soldier fly larvae to transform plastic waste into valuable by-products, including biochar and compost. The system has potential for large-scale adoption in sustainable waste management industries.
The use of plastic in Europe has skyrocketed, with each person generating an average of 36 kg of plastic packaging waste in 2021. KTU researchers conducted a macro-environmental analysis to examine six key areas influencing plastic packaging recycling, including outdated regulations and lower quality recycled plastics. This highlights ...
A new EU-funded project aims to develop innovative methods for recycling lanthanides, a rare earth group used in various industries, from nuclear waste. The MaLaR project will explore the use of graphene oxides as specific element scavengers to extract individual elements from synthetic mixtures.
A new study reveals that US state policies are falling short of reducing food waste, with only California, Vermont, and Arizona projected to achieve the goal. Current policies focus on recycling methods, but experts suggest a shift towards prevention and rescue strategies is needed to address food insecurity.
MIT engineers developed a nanofiltration process to capture aluminum ions from cryolite waste, reducing hazardous waste and improving efficiency. The membrane selectively captured over 99% of aluminum ions, enabling the recovery of aluminum and reducing the need for new mining.
Researchers at Washington State University developed a new technique to identify harmful salts forming in nuclear waste melters, which could help improve clean-up technology at the Hanford Site. The method uses optical and electrical components to detect changes in thermal emissions, allowing for real-time monitoring of salt formation.
A new method predicts the makeup of municipal solid waste with unprecedented detail, allowing waste managers to forecast specific materials and plan accordingly. This improvement enables more efficient recycling and landfill operations, making sustainable waste management a practical reality.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a method to extract gold from e-waste using vinyl-linked covalent organic frameworks (VCOFs), capturing 99.9% of the precious metal while minimizing other metals. This approach converts CO2 into useful chemicals, reducing waste disposal demands and providing environmental benefits.
Researchers developed a heterogeneous catalytic system to depolymerize polyurethane waste into diamines, diols, and lactones. The resulting intermediates were then converted into functional polymers, including energy-storage-capable polyimide and chemically recyclable polylactone.
A new study from Ohio State University finds that freezing food can lead to less waste, with households that practice home freezing exhibiting lower levels of total food waste. The study also highlights the importance of proper food storage techniques and education on reducing food waste, particularly among consumers.
Grocers can reduce food waste by using digital labels that allow for speedy price changes. This technology benefits both consumers and stores, as prices are adjusted to move older stock off shelves. By implementing dynamic pricing, grocers can save time and money while reducing emissions from food waste.
Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have assessed the technical feasibility of automatically separating marine plastic waste from urban recycling. They found that PET plastic bottles of marine and urban origin can be separated with high effectiveness using an optical separation system.
The university's refurbishment project uses waste heat to provide heating to the Joseph Priestly Building and district heating system, reducing fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The initiative is expected to yield substantial energy cost savings and enhance the data center's capacity for high-performance computing.
Researchers at KIER have developed a process that applies circulating fluidized bed technology to recycle waste plastics and produce pyrolysis oil on a large scale. The new technology enables continuous operation and scalability, overcoming limitations of conventional methods.
A study published in Separation and Purification Technology suggests that fly ash can be repurposed for water treatment applications, offering a sustainable solution to environmental concerns. The authors review the literature on fly ash and identify its potential as a low-cost, lightweight material for crafting ceramic membranes.
Researchers develop efficient way to recycle e-waste containing metals, semiconductors and rare elements; microwave-assisted pyrolysis method effectively recovers copper wires, improving recycling process.
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that most US states with food-waste laws have failed to reduce landfill disposal, except for Massachusetts, which saw a 7.3% decrease in waste. The researchers attribute Massachusetts' success to strong infrastructure and enforcement.
A study of U.S. adults on anti-obesity medications found that 25% reported wasting more food since taking the drugs, while changes in diet and eating habits appeared to offset some of this waste, particularly among those who consumed more vegetables.
A study published in Nature Cities analyzed textile waste in various cities, finding that most donated clothes are exported or thrown away. Experts call for a change in how cities handle fashion waste, suggesting the need for local recycling and reuse facilities.
A machine learning study predicts that global plastic waste could double by 2050 without intervention, but a combined policy approach could cut mismanaged plastic waste by up to 91% and decrease emissions by a third. The UN treaty negotiations provide a crucial blueprint for tackling the plastic crisis.
A comprehensive study published in Science finds that implementing four global policies can reduce mismanaged plastic waste by 91% and plastic-related greenhouse gas emissions by one-third. The policies include increasing post-consumer recycled plastic, capping new plastic production, investing in waste management, and implementing a s...
A study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia found that using a single syringe pump for induction and maintenance of anesthesia reduces propofol waste by 30-50%. This eco-friendly approach can also save hospitals money by reducing the number of propofol vials needed. The researchers analyzed data from over 300 surgeries and ...
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that households with older heads produce nearly twice as much food waste, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Vegetables were found to be the most wasted food type, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite Norway's ambitious circular economy goal, the country incinerates more than 65% of collected waste, with significant gaps in data collection and measurement methods. Researchers propose 18 new methods to improve efficiency, highlighting the need for more accurate reporting on recycling rates.
The LANDFEED project aims to develop advanced nutrient recovery technologies and innovative coatings for bio-based fertilisers to improve nutrient release and efficiency. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lessen environmental impact on water resources, and contribute to improved soil health and sustainable agriculture.
A circular bioeconomy aims to reduce waste, transform industries, and regenerate natural systems for environmentally sustainable food and energy production. The concept needs a values-based economic lens with the right policies and incentives to persuade consumers and producers.
Researchers introduce a novel, green approach to convert citrus waste into bioactive pectin and micronized cellulose using cavitation. The process, termed CytroCav, offers a circular economy practice requiring only water and electricity.
Researchers have devised a method to convert caragana waste into a potential ruminant feed by using a two-stage bioaugmentation process. The TBA process improves the nutritional value and safety of the waste, reducing lignin content and anti-nutritional factors.
A new recycling process reduces environmental impact by eliminating energy-intensive methods, producing harmful waste streams. The innovative technique recovers critical metals with high purity (>95%) and yield (>85%), addressing critical metal shortages and negative environmental impacts.
Scientists at Shanghai Jiao Tong University created a novel glucose sensing system using heterogeneous CuxO nano skeletons from electronic waste. The method employed laser-induced transfer techniques to fabricate electrodes with high sensitivity and stability, achieving detection limits of 0.34 μM.
A study found that state-level food waste bans have largely failed to reduce landfilled waste across the US, with Massachusetts being the lone success. Massachusetts implemented a well-designed and enforced policy, resulting in a significant reduction of 13.2% in waste disposal.
A new study from the University of California Rady School of Management finds that most US states with food waste bans have seen little to no reduction in landfill waste, except for Massachusetts. Researchers highlight three key features of Massachusetts' law as effective in reducing waste.
A new study from the University of Leeds reveals that uncollected waste and open burning of plastic waste are major contributors to the plastic pollution crisis. The research estimates that 52 million tonnes of plastic products entered the environment in 2020, with over two-thirds of it coming from uncollected rubbish.