Articles tagged with Natural Resource Recovery
Researchers developed a cost-effective and sustainable approach to produce freshwater by capturing water vapor from the air using specialized materials. The wind-driven strategy utilizes hygroscopic polymer sponges integrated with wind-powered eddy current heating, generating up to 9.9 liters of water per day.
The study demonstrates that biosphere reserves in the Western Amazon effectively prevent deforestation compared to similar areas. Transition areas and buffer zones are particularly effective in conserving biodiversity.
A new study by Hanyang University researchers found that carbon-based pricing can increase pro-environmental behavioral intentions among tourists. Participants who knew wasteful consumption could increase their costs reported stronger conservation intentions.
Researchers analyzed 50 studies of biological records from the Great Lakes to track per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as 'forever chemicals.' The study found that PFAS compounds do not break down due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, leading to biomagnification in top predators.
A study found that megafires force prairie grouse into sub-optimal habitats, including smaller patches near cropland. This can lead to reduced persistence and habitat quality for the species.
A team of researchers has developed rechargeable batteries using biomass-based materials, including sunflower seed shells, as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The batteries achieved competitive results with low environmental impact and can store sufficient energy.
Researchers found that most successful initiatives incorporated multiple intervention categories, with over 80% involving alternative water sources. Implementing policies and environmental markets were also effective strategies. The study highlights the importance of multi-pronged approaches to address declining groundwater resources.
A new framework, 'just-shoring,' aims to shift focus from competition and security to the rights and interests of local communities whose lands are most at risk. The approach prioritizes accountability and transparency, giving communities a legal right to co-govern throughout the mineral lifecycle.
Forest thinning found to improve wildfire risk reduction and hydrological resilience, increasing snowpack depth by 30% on north-facing slopes. The treatment recovered about 12.3 acre-feet of snow-stored water per 100 acres, equivalent to roughly 15 Olympic swimming pools per square kilometer.
Researchers explore how METs convert organic waste into electricity, fuels, fertilizers, and usable water. Pilot deployments demonstrate its potential to reclaim energy from 359 billion cubic meters of wastewater annually.
Emerging microbially-powered technologies can convert up to 35% of wastewater's chemical energy into electricity and extract valuable nutrients. This approach could power agriculture, global sanitation and its own treatment, while reducing pollution and overcoming regulatory obstacles.
A new study by the University of Surrey found that AI technologies can give hotels, restaurants, and cruise lines a competitive edge while improving environmental and social impact. The research calls for targeted staff training, industry-wide partnerships, and government-backed incentives to speed up AI adoption.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets robust targets for protecting marine biodiversity, addressing its complexity and variability. By focusing on key indicators such as species distribution, genetic diversity, and ecosystem structure, policymakers can track changes and implement effective conservation measures.
Researchers at GEOMAR identify that EU fisheries management's reliance on national interests and ICES advice leads to overfishing, resulting in the collapse of many fish stocks. A new approach is proposed to set quotas independently of national interests and prioritize sustainable catches.
A new guidebook from Northern Arizona University provides essential support for individuals and communities affected by wildfires in Arizona. The comprehensive resource covers topics such as insurance, erosion control, emotional recovery, financial aid, and more to help residents recover from the aftermath of these devastating events.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo developed porous organic crystals with ultrahigh-density amines, achieving fast CO2 adsorption and high thermal stability. The unique 2.5-dimensional skeleton reduces the cost for CO2 separation from flue gases.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.
A new study from Colorado State University suggests that transitioning to green wastewater-treatment approaches, financed through carbon markets, could save $15.6 billion and reduce CO2-equivalent emissions by 30 million tonnes over 40 years. The research explores the potential economic tradeoffs of switching to green infrastructure an...
Researchers discovered that spent brewer's yeast, used in Marmite production, can selectively capture metals from electronic waste streams, recovering over 50% of aluminum, copper, and zinc. The yeast can be reused multiple times, making the process economically feasible.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a novel method to extract gold from electronic waste using a protein matrix sponge. This sustainable approach yields a high percentage of gold recovery with minimal energy consumption, making it commercially viable.
The study reveals significant differences in the nucleolus organizing region (NOR) of the two species, which has major implications for blight-resistance in American chestnut restoration. Researchers used fluorescent in situ hybridization to analyze the NOR region and found unique DNA arrangements.
Researchers at UH are expanding research knowledge and building a new curriculum for students to address climate change impacts on food crops. They aim to improve plant growth and build resistance against extreme weather events, such as droughts and heat waves.
A study found nearly a third of mine tailings are stored within or near protected conservation areas, posing an enormous risk to biodiversity. Mine wastes threaten habitats in protected areas worldwide, including Australia's Atlantic Forest and Brazilian ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered that microalgae can be used to sequester carbon dioxide and convert it into mass-produced proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This process has the potential to transform food production, treat wastewater, and produce sustainable biofuels.
Re-wetting southern peatlands along the US south Atlantic coast could significantly boost carbon storage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A new Duke University study reveals that maintaining water levels between 20-30 cm below the local water table can increase CO2 storage by up to 90%.
The UK fashion and textile industry is set for a significant boost with a £6 million investment in sustainability research. The initiative aims to help the sector adopt more sustainable practices, reducing its environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.
New research suggests that rising temperatures may offset the impact of increased precipitation on nitrogen runoff, which could lead to reduced aquatic pollution. The study found that warmer temperatures reduce evaporation, allowing more nitrogen to enter waterways, while also affecting microbial life in soil and sediment.
A recent study by the University of Bologna reveals that the EU is far from meeting its goal of protecting 10% of its land area for biodiversity. The study found that many countries have inadequate protection in place, with some having very few protected areas and others failing to implement integral protection in national parks. To ac...
A $5 million grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service supports a Climate-Smart Sustainability Certificate program for small-scale farmers. The program aims to improve crop production while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon removal.
Scientists discovered that 12 strains of cyanobacteria can passively collect rare earth elements from wastewater through a process called biosorption. This process has great potential for the circular recovery and reuse of rare earth metals in industries such as mining, electronics, and chemicals.
A new study reveals climate-driven conflicts between humans and wildlife are on the rise globally, with six continents experiencing exacerbation of these conflicts. The research identifies trends in human-wildlife conflicts linked to climate change, including altered animal habitats, resource availability, and changes in wildlife behav...
Researchers found that rapid vegetation recovery in Fukushima reduced suspended sediment levels and turbidity effects. The study highlights the need for future remediation projects to include measures like revegetation to mitigate downstream environmental impacts.
The report reveals that electronic waste generated in the region rose by 50% between 2010 and 2019, with only 3.2% collected and safely managed. The regional e-waste total jumped from 1.7 Mt to 2.5 Mt, with Russia generating the most e-waste.