A new study by University of Waterloo researchers found that Canadian electronic waste (e-waste) has more than tripled in the last two decades, generating close to a million tons in 2020. E-waste generation per person has increased from 8.3 kg to 25.3 kg between 2000 and 2020.
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed high-adsorption phosphates that can efficiently capture radionuclide cesium ions. These phosphates outperform standard adsorbents with record-high adsorption capacities, making them promising candidates for radioactive waste disposal.
A community science survey reveals an abundance of floating sea creatures in the North Pacific Garbage Patch, including jellyfish, snails, and crustaceans. The study found a positive correlation between plastic waste and three groups of sea creatures, highlighting the complex relationships within this ecosystem.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan are working on microbial fuel cells that can harness the energy from discarded fruit waste, a byproduct of agriculture in the Okanagan Valley. The study aims to improve energy output and reduce environmental impacts associated with current waste treatment methods.
A researcher at OSU-Cascades is developing an AI-powered smart compost bin that tracks household food waste. The device prompts users to describe deposited items, transcribing notes with automatic speech recognition and collecting 3-D images and sensor measurements.
The grant aims to develop accurate household food waste measurement methodologies and metrics. Innovative technologies will help create impactful interventions to minimize and eliminate food waste in the United States and globally.
Researchers have developed a method to extract valuable metals from old mining waste using microbes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30%. This process also captures carbon dioxide from the air and stores it in the tailings as new minerals.
Researchers highlight gaps in tritium studies, focusing on species uptake and human health risks through the food chain. A global assessment is needed to minimize tritium's impact on individual species and the environment.
Researchers at Shinshu University have developed a closed-loop recycling process for polymers using microparticles, resulting in fully recyclable films with high mechanical stability and fracture energy. The strategy enables the reuse of polymer materials, reducing plastic waste and environmental pollution.
A research team created bioplastic diffraction gratings from chitosan extracted from crab shells, enabling the production of portable and disposable spectrometers. The biodegradable gratings could improve sustainability in optical manufacturing and reduce seafood waste.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a new catalyst that converts plastic and biomass into organosilane compounds. The hybrid gold nanoparticle catalyst on zirconium oxide support enables mild conditions for the reaction, reducing environmental burden.
A team of NYU Abu Dhabi researchers has developed a highly-efficient, organic solvent-free method to convert polyethylene-based plastic bags and polypropylene-based surgical masks into carbon dots. The process can upcycle single-use plastics contaminated with organic waste, reducing harm to ecosystems.
Researchers are developing a deep learning model to predict where waste is accumulating in cities and how often public bins should be cleared. This can help councils optimise their waste management services, schedule bin clearances and relocate rarely used bins.
Scientists at Rice University have developed a new technique using the 'flash Joule' method to transform plastic waste into high-value carbon nanotubes and hybrid nanomaterials. This process is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for recycling plastic waste.
A team of A*STAR scientists has successfully upcycled waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic into polymer electrolytes, key components for safer lithium-ion batteries. The study achieved room temperature conductivity comparable to existing commercial systems and showed promising performance in repeatedly charged and discharged ...
Researchers decipher metabolic mechanisms of Comamonas testosteroni to digest complex carbons, enabling potential for biotechnology platforms that recycle plastic waste. The study reveals a novel approach to upcycle plastic waste into industrially relevant polymers.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a sustainable method for creating high-performance porous membranes from plastic waste, using bio-based solvents to dissolve polyolefins. This process reduces the environmental footprint of industrial separations and creates access to fresh water.
Two research projects aim to convert rejected plastic wastes into materials for construction industries. The first project uses anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis to produce biogas and bio-oils, while the second project employs plasma technology to break down single-use plastics and create biodegradable polymers.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a sustainable biorefinery that turns organic waste, including lignin, into valuable products. The process involves a microbial electrolysis cell that breaks down lignin into aromatic compounds with medicinal properties.
Researchers analyzed 46 waste samples and proposed production opportunities for sustainable fuels, biogas, electricity, chemicals, and organic fertilizer. The study aims to reduce food waste and its environmental impact by finding alternative uses for industrial waste products.
A new computational system detects 966 waste sites in Southeast Asia, nearly three times the number of publicly recorded sites, highlighting the need for better waste management policies. The system also reveals that 20% of detected sites are found near waterways, spilling into rivers and eventually reaching oceans.
A new study from the University of Portsmouth explores how to improve sustainable disposal of electronic waste. Researchers found that using metaphorical language, such as comparing battery pollution to Olympic swimming pools, increased recycling rates among consumers.
Researchers have developed a low-cost way to extract gold and other valuable metals from electronic waste, which can be used as catalysts for reactions in pharmaceutical manufacture. The process has the potential to improve the sustainability of drug production by reducing dependence on environmentally damaging mining practices.
The study found that perceived behavior control, gender, monthly living expenses, BMI, mealtime, meal expectations, and food portion significantly correlate with food waste behavior among university students. Prioritizing school cafeteria management on food portions and mealtimes is crucial for reducing food waste.
Researchers have developed a chemical-biological method to upcycle polyethylene waste into valuable and complex compounds of pharmacological interest. Genetically engineered fungi convert carboxylic diacids derived from PE waste into natural products, including asperbenzaldehyde, citreoviridin, and mutilin.
A joint research project by Toyohashi University of Technology found that 78% of Jakarta's river waste is plastic, with PET bottles and bags accounting for over half. The study estimated a daily discharge rate of 7.7-12.6 grams per person, highlighting the need for improved waste management in Indonesia.
Researchers found emerging organophosphate esters (OPEs) at higher concentrations than legacy brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in settled dust from informal end-of-life vehicle recycling sites in Vietnam. Chlorinated OPEs were specifically identified as a major contaminant, possibly released from vehicle upholstery and fabrics.
A UK-wide study found that 60% of home-compostable plastics do not fully disintegrate in home compost bins, ending up in soil. The study highlights the need to revise and redesign sustainable plastic waste management systems.
A new pretreatment technology has been developed that can convert more than 85% of organic material in sewage sludge to biogas, producing 98% more methane than current practice. This efficient process could help communities lower their waste treatment costs while promoting the circular economy.
Researchers developed sustainable concrete by replacing synthetic reinforcement with natural fibres and industrial by-products, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and landfill waste. The new material exhibits superior strength and lower water absorption compared to traditional concrete.
A machine learning multi-city model is developed to predict municipal solid waste generation in China, using a wide range of feature variables. The model shows good performance with an R-squared value of 0.939 and is suitable for predicting MSW generation in China.
The need to reduce diabetes care product waste is a pressing issue, with disposable devices generating enormous amounts of plastic. Experts, including Professor Lutz Heinemann, are exploring strategies to increase recycling and sustainability in the industry.
Researchers aim to create intelligent drones that can autonomously inspect coal waste storage facilities, detecting cracks and deformities with thermal and visual images. The drones will be equipped with AI-based software to identify potential hazards, providing a faster and long-term solution to prevent environmental damage.
A recent study published in One Earth explores the potential for utilizing urban tree waste to reduce global warming potential in the United States. The researchers found that adopting eco-friendly uses for urban tree waste could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. cities.
Researchers at RMIT University developed a method to recycle disposable PPE into stronger concrete, increasing strength by up to 22% and improving resistance to cracking. The study aims to create a circular economy approach for healthcare waste, reducing landfill waste and creating valuable resources.
Researchers investigated bioaerosol emissions from municipal solid waste landfilling, finding high levels of culturable bacteria and fungi. The study highlights the need for source control measures to reduce pollution and protect human health, particularly in areas with active-working zones.
Penn State researchers have developed a method to extract valuable rare earth elements like neodymium from electronic waste using bio-based micro- and nanoparticles created from organic materials. This process can efficiently separate metals from refuse, providing a more sustainable solution than traditional mining methods.
Researchers developed a lifecycle assessment-based framework to manage offshore oil spill cleanup waste. The study suggests combining centrifugation and landfilling as the most suitable remediation approach for low-impact spills.
Researchers have developed a new method to efficiently make nano carriers loaded with radioactive salts for both imaging and treatment, offering a promising alternative to chemotherapy. The radiolabelling method allows clinicians to assess whether patients can benefit from chemotherapeutic treatment with micelles.
Researchers found that sponges release mucus to unclog their internal filter systems, which also serves as a food source for fish. The study published in Current Biology highlights the unique adaptation of sponges to manage their waste and environment.
A new distributed recycling system using microwave irradiation recovers 97% of manganese oxide and zinc from spent alkaline batteries, outperforming conventional methods. The system's potential to reduce annual energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in Japan is estimated at 26,500 GJ and 1.54 Gg-CO2 eq, respectively.
Researchers identify fast-fashion waste as a result of low environmental awareness and desire for varied clothing options. The study proposes policy solutions to reduce waste, including sustainable disposal and production tax incentives.
A study in Macao explores the potential for urban mining, analyzing building material stock-flow process and future trends. The research establishes a dynamic MFA model to clarify driving forces of urban building resources, providing data support for recycling and waste management.
The study reveals that the U.S., Brazil, and China are top suppliers of global plastic packaging waste, with North and South America responsible for most production and consumption. The researchers emphasize the need for producers and consumers to share responsibility and costs to reduce plastic use.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have discovered a new non-radioactive compound that can be used to stain and image viruses in clear detail using TEM. The Preyssler-type phosphotungstate molecule is a good alternative to radioactive uranyl acetate, providing easy-to-use and stable results.
A team of scientists has developed a method to extract precious metals like gold and platinum-group metals from electronic waste using the Picasso pigment, Prussian blue. This technique shows promise in improving the recycling of valuable metals from nuclear and electronic wastes.
A new study suggests that younger rocky exoplanets are more likely to support temperate climates due to the decay of radioactive isotopes. This critical heat source is necessary for a planet's mantle convection and surface volcanic degassing, which helps regulate climate.
The study reveals that US landfilled plastic waste is worth $4.5-9.9 billion and has an embodied energy equivalent to 12% of industrial sector energy consumption. The researchers estimate 44 million metric tons of plastic waste in the US, highlighting the need for better recycling techniques.
Researchers developed an enzyme that can break down plastic waste in hours, making it a promising solution for the world's plastic problem. The enzyme, called FAST-PETase, has the potential to revolutionize recycling and reduce global landfill waste by billions of tons.
Researchers are developing radioconjugate drugs that combine radiation with a tumor-targeting agent to selectively kill cancer cells. Two approved drugs, Lutathera and Pluvicto, demonstrate the potential of this therapy, which could change the future of cancer treatment.
A new process has been developed to remove radioactive barium ions from nuclear wastewater, achieving high adsorption capacity and fast equilibrium adsorption time. The adsorbent uses a sulfonic acid group and exhibits excellent capture ability for barium due to strong acid-base and electrostatic interactions.
Researchers from NTU Singapore have developed a new method using pyrolysis to convert challenging plastic waste into hydrogen and carbon nanotubes. The converted energy could power up to 1,000 five-room apartments for a year.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to turn treated plastic waste into an effective carbon dioxide sorbent, capable of removing CO2 from flue gas streams. The process involves heating plastic waste in the presence of potassium acetate, producing particles with nanometer-scale pores that trap CO2 molecules.
Colorado State University researchers have developed a system that creates renewable energy while diverting waste from landfills, producing valuable products like sustainable aviation fuel and cleaning solvents. The ReSOURCE system can offset the carbon dioxide equivalent of 6.2 million cars a year.
A new recycling method using a low-cost, dip-coating process converts common plastic waste into highly functional materials. These materials can selectively separate oil/water mixtures and exhibit self-cleaning properties.
A new study suggests that the majority of ocean plastics are on the seafloor or difficult to monitor, with an estimated 540 million metric tons trapped on land. The research estimates that large plastics and microplastics account for only a small percentage of total ocean plastic waste.
Researchers have developed a sustainable methodology to utilize biomass waste for efficient remediation of antibiotic pollution. Fe-contaminated biomass waste ferns are used to synthesize highly active single atom catalysts, demonstrating an appealing strategy for pollutant control and other applications.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a simple and rapid chemical recycling process for polycarbonates, breaking down plastic waste within 20 minutes at room temperature. The new process can convert waste into its chemical constituents, preserving product quality over an infinite number of cycles.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provide valuable insights on managing C&D waste and reducing carbon emissions in building refurbishment projects. By upcycling generated waste, carbon emissions can be significantly reduced, with a potential reduction of around 40% compared to traditional practices.
Swine waste lagoon construction dates have been established for the first time using satellite imagery, providing insights into their environmental impact. The study focused on North Carolina and found that approximately 16% of lagoons were already in place before 1987.