Articles tagged with Environmental Engineering
Researchers have developed microrobot collectives that can move in various formations, reconfiguring their behavior quickly and robustly. The systems use a combination of magnetic forces, fluid dynamics, and computation to achieve coordinated patterns of motion.
A new study found that nylon cooking bags and plastic-lined cups can release trillions of nanometer-sized particles into each liter of water they come into contact with. The levels of these particles are below regulatory limits for consumption, but still pose a potential health risk.
Researchers at MIT and NREL have designed a thermophotovoltaic cell that converts heat to electricity with over 40% efficiency, surpassing traditional steam turbines. The new design could enable a fully decarbonized power grid by storing excess energy from renewable sources.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in controlling bacterial nitrogen fixation by cereals, enabling them to produce their own ammonia fertiliser. This development has the potential to reduce reliance on industrially produced ammonia-based fertilisers and mitigate environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study warns that California's water resilience planning may not be financially viable without careful partnership agreements, as benefits may not be evenly distributed among stakeholders. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple factors to construct investment partnerships that satisfy all partners.
Researchers developed a full-function bioelectronic photocell using genetically modified proteins attached to a carbon nanotube. The system can change its electronic properties in response to light, operating as a spotlight or memory cell. This discovery opens the door to environmentally friendly electronic elements, memory devices, an...
Researchers used machine learning to predict the most important factors underlying heavy metal pollution remediation in biochar-treated soils. Biochar nitrogen content and application rate were found to be the most crucial features in determining HM immobilization, with soil properties also playing a significant role.
Researchers at EPFL and ETH Zurich propose a rational explanation for the deaths of nine hikers in 1959, attributing their injuries to a small slab avalanche. The team's work was met with intense media attention and criticism from conspiracy theorists before being accepted by the Russian scientific community.
Researchers found that opening stadiums to fans with safety protocols in place did not lead to an increase in local Covid case counts. The study used synthetic control method to analyze data from 16 stadiums, which mirrored the trajectory of surrounding counties without stadiums.
A study by Jason Hickel reveals that the global North appropriates vast resources and labor from the global South through price differentials in international trade, resulting in a net drain of $10.8 trillion in 2015. This unsustainable practice perpetuates global inequality and ecological breakdown.
A POSTECH research team has proposed a novel filterless and electrokinetic-driven ion separation mechanism for lithium and magnesium without the use of extractants. This method enables precise control over ion migration, reducing losses of lithium during extraction from salt lake brines.
A new study found that large-scale land acquisitions can lead to competition for water resources downstream, threatening the livelihoods of local farmers and Indigenous populations. The research used hydrological models to simulate future cultivation of 160 land deals across Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new technique to break down polyester plastic waste into its fundamental components. This process, called upcycling, has the potential to remove microplastics from rivers and oceans.
Researchers combined X-ray absorption spectroscopy with single-cell inductively couple plasma mass spectrometry to analyze the interaction between precious metals and Galdieria sulphuraria cells. They found that the amount of metal adsorbed depended on the metal type and solution acidity, revealing differential adsorption mechanisms.
A recent study using mercury stable isotopes reveals that industrial discharge is the primary source of mercury pollution in Korea's west coast. This finding highlights the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate industrial mercury releases and protect marine environments.
Researchers at KAUST used drones to track dye plumes in coastal waters, providing insights into the dispersion of materials in the water column and along the coast. The study demonstrated the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles for monitoring time-sensitive events and capturing rapidly developing processes.
The REGARD project, a collaborative effort between international universities, aims to develop competencies in rebuilding communities following disasters and conflicts. The final report presents a detailed summary of the findings, highlighting the built environment's role in supporting community resilience.
Scientists developed an AI approach to model and map the Earth's natural features in greater detail and accuracy. The new system can recognise intricate features and aspects of the terrain far beyond traditional methods, generating enhanced-quality environmental maps.
Researchers from NTU Singapore and KIMM create chemical-free printing technique to fabricate semiconductor wafers with nanowires. The method produces highly uniform and scalable wafers, leading to improved performance and high chip yield.
A team of researchers has found that plastic waste-derived porous materials can adsorb CO2 from flue gas, reducing plastic pollution and emissions. The study suggests that these materials could be used in industrial-scale applications, making them a promising alternative to conventional CO2 capture technologies.
A panel study in Beijing found a consistent, robust increase in fasting blood glucose levels after exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs). The research suggests potential biological pathways, including pro-opiomelanocortin processing and regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 A function.
Researchers at UTSA are using a three-year DoD grant to improve the reliability of additive manufacturing for critical machinery. They aim to predict mechanical properties and dimensional stability of components fabricated with AM.
Argonne scientists are developing new materials for batteries, researching sustainable fuels, and expanding carbon-free energy sources like nuclear power. They're also exploring ways to capture and utilize CO2, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and slowing global warming.
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University developed a simple synthesis method for iron-based single-atom catalysts that activate peroxymonosulfate to break down difficult-to-degrade pollutants. The team discovered two distinct chemical pathways involving 'high-spin' state iron sites, which interact with peroxymonosulfate to create r...
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.
GIST researchers propose a new strategy for crime prevention using artificial intelligence, trained on a large-scale dataset of deviant incident reports and corresponding images. The model, called DevianceNet, can accurately classify and detect deviant places, making it a useful tool in urban safety development.
Researchers develop alternative diagnostic technology to evaluate Li-ion battery degradation mechanism quickly and efficiently. The approach allows for rapid detection of LLI degradation, facilitating real-time monitoring of individual cells' state of health.
Rice University scientists have developed a method to extract rare earth elements from fly ash, bauxite residue, and electronic waste using flash Joule heating. This process improves yields and reduces the use of strong acids, making it a more sustainable solution for recycling these materials.
A new, reliable kill switch has been developed to eliminate genetically modified microbes that pose environmental risks. By inserting multiple kill switches into the microbial DNA, a success rate of one in billion microbes was achieved during experiments.
A West Virginia University researcher is studying the American implementation of turbo roundabouts, designed to limit weaving and lane changing movements. The study aims to reduce conflict points and severity of crashes, with a focus on gauging motorists' responses via computerized driving simulations.
Computer simulations found that risks of COVID spread on Underground rail were reduced when ventilation was good and passengers complied with mitigation measures. The model predicted low exposure to the virus through routes such as aerosol inhalation and direct droplet deposition.
A transparent air filter with a copper nanowire network enables self-sterilization through chemical and thermal disinfection, as well as capture of airborne particles. This innovation addresses the need for antimicrobial filters while preserving visual communication.
A 2°C warming would lengthen summer by 20 to 21 days in mid-latitude regions like East Asia, the Mediterranean, and USA, resulting in 111 to 112 days of summer. Limiting warming to 1.5°C reduces summer season lengthening by 12 to 13 days.
A meta-analysis of 4280 samples found cell phone use associated with reduced sperm motility, viability, and concentration. The study suggests male users should limit daily cell phone use to protect their fertility.
Researchers found a 30% larger decrease in surface-level NO2 levels in countries with strict lockdowns compared to those without. Within cities, variations were stark, with areas near coal-powered plants or airports seeing greater reductions.
Engineers developed a computational modeling strategy to simulate restoration strategies for reinforced concrete columns. The models predict the effects of repair methods on column strength and ductility before and after repair.
Researchers at West Virginia University have created a simple microwave catalytic process to upcycle single-use plastics into high-value benzene, toluene, and xylene. This technology aims to increase the recycling rate of plastic waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing an alternative source of petrochemical materials.
Researchers aim to develop a biopolymer-based material to replace conventional cement in construction projects. The material has the potential to reduce environmental footprint, minimize dust, and improve soldier health. Biopolymers are naturally produced by living organisms and are safe for human consumption.
Researchers at Pusan National University discovered that tempered glass is more resistant to water-promoted fracture growth than annealed glass. The study found that water droplets penetrate microcracks in glass surfaces, dissolving silicon-oxygen bonds and degrading mechanical strength.
Research reveals organic aggregates can emit polychromic and white light with high efficiency, opening up new avenues for OLEDs and encryption. However, more work is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and improve performance.
A new technology developed by Aarhus University researchers uses sustainable biochar-based photocatalytic nanomaterial to break down PFAS into harmless substances. The process is powered by solar energy and produces non-toxic fluorides, CO2, and clean water.
A recent study suggests that climate change in some regions is unavoidable even if CO2 levels are reduced. The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) shifts southwards when CO2 decreases, triggering persistent El Niño conditions and regional climate changes.
A groundbreaking study reveals early humans preferred to hunt the largest available animals to provide the greatest quantities of food. Over 1.5 million years, humans repeatedly overhunted large animals to extinction, and then shifted to smaller animals, improving their hunting technologies.
Researchers at University of Rochester Medical Center found that the brain processes attended and unattended speech differently, converting attended speech into linguistic units for understanding. This study contributes to developing better wearable devices, such as hearing aids.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing a framework to understand how herbicides interact and drift onto unintended plants, affecting crops and the environment. The study found that genetically modified crop introduction influences herbicide use rates and practices, leading to increased drift.
Researchers from Japan have developed a new method to synthesize a pure Si-CHA membrane showing much higher CO2 separation performance than existing membranes. The key to this achievement is using a porous silica substrate instead of alumina, eliminating problems with pore size reduction and improving efficiency.
Researchers detected emerging synthetic antioxidants in e-waste recycling dust, including hindered phenol and sulfur antioxidants. The study highlights the need for further research on their environmental behaviors and toxicities.
Researchers at WVU are creating control software for aerial robots to survey Venus' atmosphere, helping model the evolution of climate on Earth. The aerobots will use a hybrid airship design and energy-efficient paths to explore the planet's surface.
A new study models India's climate change impact from varying emissions strategies during the COVID-19 recovery. The research finds that greener scenarios may drive a positive feedback loop, while extreme temperature and precipitation events are expected to increase in magnitude and frequency regardless of the emissions commitments.
A new study led by the University of Pittsburgh reveals that 360 million metric tonnes of new plastic were produced in 2018, with only 9% being recycled. The research found that the greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production are staggering, accounting for 350 million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
A study published in Frontiers in Energy Research found that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) could reduce commercial aviation's CO2 emissions by between 4% and 23% by 2050. The researchers used a model-based approach to analyze data and considered five future SAF scenarios and two passenger-demand projections.
Researchers at MIT created a computational tool to minimize embodied carbon in truss structures by choosing between timber and steel. The analysis suggests that substituting materials or changing the structure can significantly reduce emissions, with potential savings of up to two times current levels.
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.
A team of scientists from GIST developed an AI-based approach to analyze and extract user behavior data, estimating the optimal demand response management for each household. The study showcases how AI can improve electricity consumption, leading to lower prices and a smaller carbon footprint.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have reported the first-ever observation of long-range ferromagnetic order in icosahedral quasicrystals. The discovery was made using conventional X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility, and specific heat measurements.
A study using Google Trends and Wikipedia search volume found that public interest in earthquakes is dependent on the income level of the affected country. Earthquakes in developing countries receive less international attention than those in developed countries, with interest often dwindling within a week. However, interest persists f...
A new study by University of Pittsburgh researchers links econometric models with production profitability to predict the impact of demand shocks on carbon intensity. Small shocks are predicted to displace heavy crudes with higher carbon intensity, but the relation may be counterintuitive.
Researchers at GIST have made a breakthrough in creating a perovskite material with easily tunable electrical properties. The study used ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and low energy electron diffraction to investigate the effects of fabrication conditions on the material's surface.
Researchers from NTU Singapore found significant increases in pollutant emissions at major international seaports during the COVID-19 pandemic. Emissions rose by over 100% in some ports, with container ships and dry bulk carriers experiencing the largest spikes.
The study compared traditional mining and innovative synthesis methods for producing a single carat diamond, revealing that energy consumption varies widely between the two. While some synthetic methods are more efficient than mining, others consume significantly more energy.