Articles tagged with Environmental Remediation
Researchers at Temple University are developing metal oxide nanoparticles using ferritin protein to remove toxic metals like Chromium-6 and Technetium-7 from lakes, rivers, and groundwater. The nanoparticles can be activated by visible light, reducing chromium from hexavalent to trivalent, making it easier to filter out.
A new study by scientists from Argonne National Laboratory and the Department of Homeland Security highlights the need for specific guidance on cleaning up after a dirty bomb attack. The current lack of common standards for safe contaminant levels could lead to delays and undermine public confidence.
Researchers developed nanoparticles that can target and break down chlorinated organic solvents, such as trichloroethylene, in groundwater. The particles can move easily through soil pores and reach underground pockets of contamination, reducing cleanup costs and improving effectiveness.
Scientists recommend preserving contaminated DOE sites as is, rather than undergoing costly remediation, to protect wildlife, biodiversity, and regional air and water quality. This approach would also reduce remediation costs and minimize public health risks.
The lab recognized for FRAMES, a software system for understanding industrial impact on people and environment; a testing chamber that identifies hard-to-measure chemical emissions; and a test bed for developing fish-friendly designs for roadway culverts.
Researchers have developed a new approach to cleaning up contaminated aquifers by reducing pollutant density and separating contaminants from soil particles. The technique, known as 'density modified displacement,' can cut the cost of environmental remediation by up to 90%.
Hydrologist Robert Lenhard has refined current constitutive theory to predict residual NAPL distribution in subsurface, resolving a critical contamination modeling problem. His new model predicts pulse-like contamination generation during heavy rainstorms and flooding, influencing environmental remediation choices.
A new risk-management model developed by researchers at the University of Illinois combines genetic algorithms, fate and transport simulation models, and risk assessment modules to identify potential remediation designs. The model evaluates tradeoffs among cost, risk, and cleanup time under conditions of uncertainty.
The International Conference on Heavy Metals in the Environment will discuss successes and failures of research on human exposure to toxic metals. Major themes include risk assessment, environmental epidemiology, and human health effects, with a focus on protecting children from toxic metals.
The 100th meeting of the American Society for Microbiology brought together experts in the field to share groundbreaking research on various microbiological topics. Key findings included significant progress in understanding microbial mechanisms and developing new diagnostic tools.
Researchers have identified a bacterial strain called T1 that can break down toluene, a hazardous industrial solvent. This discovery could lead to more cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods for cleaning up contaminated sites, reducing the need for expensive excavation and disposal methods.
The National Water Initiative aims to address the US water crisis through collaboration among universities, states, and federal agencies. The initiative proposes decentralized research work at the state level, with $250 million in new funding for results-oriented research.
Researchers have developed a new approach to solve multi-objective groundwater remediation problems, allowing decision-makers to weigh conflicting objectives like risk and cost. The Niched Pareto procedure will enable the creation of tradeoff curves to guide decision-making towards optimal solutions.
Pacific Northwest researchers have developed In-Situ Redox Manipulation (ISRM) to remove deadly contaminants from groundwater. ISRM has been shown to be effective in removing chromate, technetium, and chlorinated solvents at levels below drinking water standards.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory predicts significant advancements in environmental technology by 2008. Key breakthroughs include smart water treatment, renewable energy storage, micro manufacturing, and bioprocessing for producing environmentally friendly chemicals.
A University of Toronto report suggests charging drivers for environmental damage caused by their cars can encourage sustainable transportation habits. The study found that combining increased prices with better urban planning led to the most significant changes in driving behavior and fuel emissions.
A new report from Cornell University predicts climate change will have a significant impact on US workplaces, with potential job losses of up to 1.6 million. The report identifies numerous strategies for unions and workers to improve environmental performance and create sustainable jobs.
This special journal issue examines the success of ecological engineering in dealing with environmental problems in Central and Eastern Europe. The topics include remediation efforts around the Chernobyl nuclear plant, use of wetlands to filter heavy metals from industrial waste water, and treatment of acidified soils.