Articles tagged with Water Purification
Irrigated mountain hayfields act as large filtration systems, reducing nutrient concentrations in runoff and improving water quality. This study found that voluntary adoption of best management practices can effectively mitigate the impacts of agricultural nutrient use in mountain meadow hay systems.
Researchers developed a rapid biosensor for detecting polystyrene nanoparticles, enabling direct detection without labeling or extensive sample preparation. The device can detect particles as small as 50 nm in fresh water and has a low detection limit of 1.3 μg/mL.
A study by Texas A&M University reveals significant accumulation of PFAS on reverse osmosis filters used in desalination and advanced wastewater treatment. The researchers found that long-chain PFAS compounds bind strongly to organic fouling layers, posing risks to workers handling the equipment or leaching into local groundwater.
Researchers developed a biomimetic water-harvesting system that extracts clean drinking water from contaminated soil using the desert horned lizard's skin and jaw motion. The system uses a porous medium and motor-driven artificial jaw to collect water, achieving more energy efficiency than conventional methods.
Researchers developed a new gel-based material that filters PFAS 'forever chemicals' from water using 'molecular Velcro', improving filtration capacity and reducing the need for fluorinated materials. The material can be reused by flushing out contaminants, offering a potential solution to removing PFAS from water.
Researchers developed a defect-rich catalyst that guides phenol through a direct oxidative transfer process, converting it into polymeric products on the catalyst surface. The study shows controlled polymerization while maintaining high removal efficiency and stability.
A study by Brazilian researchers found that moringa oleifera's saline extract can effectively remove microplastics from water, similar to aluminum sulfate. The treatment method uses in-line filtration and coagulation to destabilize particles and filter out pollutants.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that crushed oyster shells can capture and remove rare earth elements from polluted water. The shells trigger a chemical reaction that converts dissolved metals into solid mineral crystals, making them an effective tool for environmental cleanup.
App Applied Microbiology International will host a free webinar on 'Gender Equality and Water' to mark World Water Day 2026. The event aims to centred women and girls in water solutions, recognizing their voices, leadership and agency as critical enablers of gender equality.
Researchers are making breakthroughs in understanding how water and ions move through membranes at the molecular level. By combining molecular simulations, nanofluidics and advanced experimental tools, scientists can design membranes with unprecedented efficiency and selectivity for clean water, sustainable chemistry and renewable energy.
Researchers at Rice University developed a material that uses light to break down PFAS and other contaminants. The covalent organic framework (COF) material, grown directly onto a hexagonal boron nitride film, requires only light to activate its photocatalytic reactions.
Biochar's applications in urban areas include reducing volatile organic compounds, improving cement durability, increasing crop yields, and removing heavy metals from water. However, large-scale adoption faces challenges such as standardized production methods and economic incentives.
The Universitat Jaume I is participating in four joint research actions under the EDUC-WIDE project, focusing on materials science, psychology, communication, and education. The projects aim to advance sustainable water purification methods, explore social perception mechanisms, bridge communication gaps, and build an international net...
Researchers developed a gravity-driven biochar microreactor from rattan, achieving ultrahigh flux and complete degradation of common pollutants. The system activated peroxymonosulfate through a non-radical pathway, with boundary-like defects as primary active sites.
Researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology have discovered fluorinated covalent organic polymers (FCOPs) that can remove 67.3% of beta-blockers like atenolol and metoprolol within the first minute. The FCOPs' strong adsorption performance is attributed to their rich structure, which enables multiple synergistic ...
The project, designed by Juan José Castellón, represents a powerful model of interdisciplinary collaboration between Rice's School of Architecture and Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The modular system collects and cleans rainwater through hollow ceramic structural columns and a lightweight canopy membrane.
The Trusted Tap project enables households to monitor their tap water quality using commercially available filters and sending them to Washington University in St. Louis for analysis. This allows households to receive guidance on next steps if contaminants are detected, promoting safe drinking water for all Americans.
Researchers at Rice University developed a mechanistic model to simulate how oxidants and pollutants move through and react inside catalytic membranes. The framework identifies the ideal range for catalyst loading and introduces new performance metrics to improve membrane design.
Researchers developed a model to detect early signs of marsh decline using satellite observations, identifying vulnerable areas along Georgia's coast. The study found belowground biomass has declined across 72% of Georgia's coastal marsh since 2014.
A team of scientists has developed a new method for desalination that uses liquid tin to simultaneously purify water and recover valuable metals. The process, powered by concentrated solar energy, can transform desalination brine into a valuable resource.
A new study from UMass Amherst found significant variability between at-home water testing kit abilities to detect contaminants. Single-parameter tests generally had more accurate results than multi-parameter ones, but users should interpret the results with skepticism, especially if testing for high levels of metals.
Menachem Elimelech, a renowned leader in desalination and water purification, received the Sidney Loeb Award for his pioneering contributions to membrane-based water treatment technologies. His research focuses on developing advanced membranes and energy-efficient processes for desalination and wastewater reuse.
Arup K. SenGupta, a renowned water scientist at Lehigh University, has been honored with the ASCE Freese Award and Lecture for his pioneering work in ion exchange science and technology. He will present on 'Development and Global Application of Hybrid Ion Exchange Processes' during the 2025 World Environmental & Water Resources Congress.
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.
Researchers developed an in-situ EPR setup to accurately identify radicals generated by PAA activation under different UV wavelengths, revealing distinct radical generation pathways. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of radical formation and transformation using density functional theory calculations.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a new technique to improve electrode performance in seawater purification, allowing for higher surface area and increased efficiency. The oxygen-doped electrodes show promise for reducing water purification costs and expanding applications beyond water treatment.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo developed novel carbon-based materials to remove harmful 'forever chemicals' from water. The materials, utilizing lignin and glucose as carbon sources, effectively trap PFAS on their surface, allowing for efficient purification using membrane distillation.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a novel method to accelerate the development of single-atom catalysts (SACs) for robust and efficient water purification. Using data-driven predictions, they identified an optimized Fe-SAC with high decontamination performance, breaking down pollutants in water.
Researchers have developed polymer membranes with enhanced selectivity for monovalent ions, allowing for efficient water recycling. The use of metal ions such as copper, zinc, and chromium enables the separation of nitrates from sulphates, opening new possibilities for sustainable water treatment.
A new carbon cloth electrode technology has been developed to remove boron from seawater, making it safer for drinking. This innovation could save up to $6.9 billion annually by reducing the need for expensive chemicals and energy in desalination plants.
Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology developed foldable molecular paths using zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, which can adjust size, shape, and alignment in response to temperature, pressure, and gas interactions. This technology has potential applications in creating filters that adapt to capture harmful ...
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a new material that efficiently detects and removes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from drinking water, potentially revolutionizing water purification efforts worldwide. The breakthrough addresses global concerns over PFAS, or 'forever chemicals', which pose severe health risks.
A new study discovered toxic 'Forever Chemicals' in tap and bottled water from around the world, with 99% of samples containing PFOA and PFOS. Treatment methods such as boiling and activated carbon filtration can substantially reduce PFAS concentrations, with removal rates ranging from 50-90%.
Researchers have developed a sugar-like polymer that traps heavy metals within insoluble clumps for easy removal, demonstrating potential as a recyclable material. The polymer showed high efficiency in removing cadmium and lead from river water, with minimal impact on other metal ions.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that foaming plastic carriers promote 44 times more biofilm formation, enhancing wastewater treatment. Adding waste biomass further improves performance, especially in nitrate removal during the moving bed biofilm reactor process.
The NYU Abu Dhabi team has developed a new type of dual-faced membrane that effectively purifies water from contaminants and boasts strong antibacterial properties. The microwave-mediated synthesis method allows precise control over the membrane's properties, enabling efficient removal of pollutants.
Direct seawater electrolysis is not necessary for green hydrogen production, as a simple desalination process can prepare seawater for conventional electrolysers. The development of new types of electrolysers that can operate steadily in seawater would only save the cheap purification step.
Astronauts on spacewalks will have access to clean drinking water thanks to a novel urine collection and filtration system for spacesuits. The system recycles urine with an efficiency of 87% through forward and reverse osmosis, providing a continuous supply of potable water.
Researchers developed a technique to separate well-mixed mixtures, creating an economically viable process for synthesizing and purifying ionic liquids like [bmim][BF4]. High-purity [bmim][BF4] was produced with a purity exceeding 99%, and the recovered layer containing methylimidazole could be recycled.
Chinese scientists developed a new three-phase OSW electrocatalytic system for efficient production of high-purity benzaldehyde, achieving 97% Faradaic efficiency and 91.7% purity without post-purification processes. The system uses clean energy and water resources, simplifying product separation and purification.
Researchers at TU Wien have created a nanofabric filter using waste cellulose that can efficiently remove hazardous dyes from water. The filter, called 'nanoweb', uses a high surface area to bind organic dye molecules, resulting in a 95% removal rate.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a method to synthesize hundreds of new 2D materials, expanding the possibilities for energy storage, catalysis, and water purification. The study uses a three-step process, including large-scale computations and chemical exfoliation, to identify and create suitable materials.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology created a novel catalyst that enhances the efficiency of reactions using contaminated municipal sewage to produce hydrogen. The catalyst, called nickel-iron-oxalate (O-NFF), successfully lowers the voltage required for hydrogen generation and promotes the urea oxidation reaction.
Researchers found that boiling and filtering calcium-containing tap water can effectively remove nearly 90% of nano- and microplastics. Boiling even in soft water samples removed around 25% of NMPs, suggesting this simple method could be a game-changer for reducing human plastic consumption.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.
Researchers have designed micromotors that purify wastewater and create ammonia, a potential green energy source. An AI method developed at the University of Gothenburg will be used to optimize the motors' performance.
A new solar-powered device can turn polluted water into clean drinking water and hydrogen fuel, addressing global energy and water crises. The device uses solar power to split water molecules, producing clean water and hydrogen with minimal energy loss.
Researchers at the University of Bath have created a novel technique that removes salt from seawater without high pressure or substantial electrical power. The process uses a small amount of electrical energy to pull chloride ions through a membrane, gradually drawing in more water molecules.
Researchers have demonstrated photochemical upconversion in a solid state, enabling potential innovations in renewable energy and water purification. The breakthrough could also enable targeted laser treatments for tumors and medical applications.
Researchers developed a new type of photocatalyst harnessing the visible portion of sunlight spectrum. The photocatalyst achieved high photo-to-chemical conversation efficiency and was found to be extremely stable under various conditions, including high temperatures and different pH levels.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method that collects and purifies water from fog simultaneously, rendering it safe for use in densely populated urban centers. The technology uses a close-mesh lattice coated with polymers and titanium dioxide to break down organic pollutants.
Researchers have created self-assembling protein-mimics that can selectivity transport water across membranes while rejecting salts, offering a potential solution to improve energy efficiency in industrial water purification. The oligourea foldamers are smaller and more stable than existing artificial water channels.
Researchers have demonstrated a method to power water remediation using renewable energy sources, including solar power. Through electrochemical separation and redox reactions, they successfully removed arsenate from wastewater.
A recent study by Nils Heck and Kenneth Dumack reveals that microbial predators like amoebae and ciliates play a significant role in shaping the bacterial community in wastewater treatment. The findings suggest that these predators, which are temperature-dependent, contribute to seasonal variations in wastewater treatment efficiency.
University of Missouri researchers developed a method using thermal induction heating to rapidly break down PFAS on the surface of granular activated carbon and anion exchange resins. The process achieved 98% degradation in just 20 seconds, offering a highly energy-efficient alternative to conventional methods.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a new purification system that uses an electrified version of dialysis to separate salt and other unnecessary particles from wastewater. The method saves money and saps 90% less energy than its counterparts, making it a promising solution for global water scarcity.
A study by Lund University researchers discovered that predatory bacteria, like Bdellovibrio, grew in number and consumed other bacteria when chlorine was removed from drinking water. This finding suggests that efficient filtration systems can reduce the need for chlorine, offering hope for a chlorine-free future.
Stanford University scientists have invented a low-cost, recyclable powder that kills thousands of waterborne bacteria per second when exposed to ordinary sunlight. The new disinfectant consists of nano-size flakes of aluminum oxide, molybdenum sulfide, copper, and iron oxide.
A new study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya researchers has proposed a network architecture and specific hardware requirements to secure the water supply chain, adapting to Industry 4.0 needs and Spanish legislation. The system includes on-site sensors, interference-free networks, data analytics processors, and AI applications.
Researchers have developed a novel photocatalytic hybrid fuel cell that can remove organic pollutants in water while generating electricity. The fuel cell uses BiOCl-NH4PTA as a photocatalyst, which greatly improves electron transfer and charge separation.