Articles tagged with Water Treatment
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A new study has identified the power of influencer marketing in overcoming psychological resistance to recycling tap water. The research found that sensory and emotional content on Instagram is more effective than rational arguments in encouraging sustainable consumption, making recycled tap water more appealing through mental imagery.
Scientists develop ultra-selective crystalline membranes to recycle polluted textile wastewater and improve pharmaceutical medicine purity. The technology could significantly reduce energy consumption, enabling large-scale water reuse in industries.
Researchers have discovered key design principles for ozone-generating catalysts, which can replace hazardous and carcinogenic chlorine in water treatment. This breakthrough could revolutionize water sanitation practices by providing a safer and more sustainable alternative.
Researchers analyzed 1,240 wastewater samples from 351 cities worldwide and discovered latent antimicrobial resistance genes. The study highlights the need for broader surveillance of resistance in wastewater to curb future pandemics.
Researchers at Rice University have developed lab-grown diamond coatings that can naturally resist scale formation without constant intervention. The nitrogen-terminated diamond surface accumulated significantly less scale than other surfaces, making it a promising anti-scaling material for water desalination and energy systems.
Researchers developed a biochar-based material that dramatically improves nitrate removal from agricultural soils and water, maximizing both nitrate adsorption and ammonium retention. The optimized composite achieved nitrate reduction rates as high as 71 percent and increased ammonium retention by 53 percent compared to biochar alone.
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 ...
A new review highlights how biochar can capture and reduce nitrate contamination in groundwater, agricultural soils, and wastewater. Biochar offers the advantage of being renewable, affordable, and adaptable to different environmental conditions, with removal efficiencies above 80-90 percent in some cases.
Researchers analyzed 11 international constructed floating wetlands projects and found that they can be a competitive solution for improving water quality, especially for nitrogen removal. The cost of removing nitrogen was consistently cheaper than phosphorus, making floating wetlands a more economical option over time.
Researchers developed a portable test to detect miniscule levels of PFAS in water, with the potential to distinguish between different types of contaminants. The new sensor can measure PFAS present at 250 parts per quadrillion, giving utility in monitoring drinking water for toxic chemicals.
Researchers have developed a low-cost material that can clean antibiotics out of water, using steel sludge as a valuable resource. The biochar breaks down tetracycline through chemical reactions, removing over 85% in just two hours.
The Rice WaTER Institute hosted the Water Nexus Conference 2025, bringing together industry, policy, and research experts to discuss integrated approaches for safe and reliable water systems. Key findings include the need for innovative technologies, capital structuring, and operational efficiency to close the growing funding gap in wa...
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.
Recent physicochemical technologies for PFAS removal have been summarized in a comprehensive assessment, offering guidance for sustainable solutions. The methods are capable of breaking PFAS's strong carbon–fluorine bonds, achieving removal rates exceeding 90%.
Researchers have developed a smart hydrogel surface that can instantly recognize whether it's in contact with oil or water and switch its behavior to separate the two. The surface achieves a record-breaking separation speed of 17,750 liters per square meter per hour, three to five times faster than most current membranes.
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.
This book presents innovative nanomaterials for efficient pollutant removal from wastewater, reducing energy consumption and promoting eco-friendly treatment outcomes. It explores emerging trends and future directions in nanotechnology-based purification, providing practical insights for researchers and professionals.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has received a National Science Foundation grant to study an electrochemical system for removing insoluble mineral deposits in water treatment. The goal is to develop a lower-cost, environmentally friendly system that can selectively remove scale-forming cations and prevent the buildup of harmful minerals.
A new membrane design mimics biological systems, allowing for selective control of chemical transport. The system doubles potassium ion flow with a 1% increase in lead ions, opening possibilities for efficient water purification and material extraction.
A new tool helps understand original landscape functioning and supports current land use strategies by generating realistic drone footage of past landscapes. The study uses AI to create photorealistic depictions of the Great Hungarian Plain before water regulations.
A team of Korean researchers has successfully recreated a golden fiber akin to that of 2,000 years ago using the pen shell cultivated in Korean coastal waters. The breakthrough reveals the scientific basis behind its unchanging golden color and demonstrates the potential of eco-friendly materials.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a novel oxidation process using sonicated carbon nanotubes to remove industrial and municipal pollutants from contaminated water. The nonradical pathway achieves unprecedented removal rates within five minutes, targeting distributed water sources.
A breakthrough in wastewater treatment uses bismuth ferrite to degrade reactive dye KN-R with high efficiency, outperforming traditional methods. The material's excellent recyclability and dual-action mechanism make it an eco-friendly solution for environmental applications.
The team developed a demonstrator to optimize water treatment plant operation through full-scale tests at CIRTESU. The system simulates processes, measures water velocity and turbulence, and analyzes mixing effects.
Researchers at Rice University have created a scalable, low-maintenance desalination system that harnesses sunlight and recycles heat for a steady supply of fresh drinking water. The new technology, STREED, can handle high-salinity brines without significant decreases in water production or quality.
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.
Researchers discovered how certain bacteria breathe by generating electricity, using a natural process that pushes electrons into their surroundings. This finding could enable new developments in clean energy and industrial biotechnology.
A study found DDT residues in trout from Canadian lakes, with levels up to ten times the recommended safe limit. The persistence of these residues poses a risk to wildlife that consumes the fish.
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 found that inactive amines used in herbicides could be more important nitrosamine precursors than previously thought, potentially posing serious health risks even at low concentrations. The study suggests shifting trends in herbicide formulation and use necessitate closer examination of these chemicals
Researchers developed an innovative adsorbent that selectively removes perchlorate from water with high efficiency and selectivity. The new adsorbent's mechanism involves unconventional hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic cavities, allowing it to effectively remove perchlorate even at high pH values.
Researchers developed biodegradable bamboo drinking straws with high tensile strength and flexibility. The new straw material absorbs less water than paper straws and retains greater wet strength, making it a cost-effective solution to plastic pollution.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a non-toxic coating that can reduce the flammability of cotton using a single step. The technology uses a polyelectrolyte complex coating and has been optimized for scalability and efficiency, making it suitable for industrial applications.
A new report assesses water resources in the southern US states, finding that forestry best management practices can mitigate climate and land use effects on water quality. The study projects future scenarios of water stress due to extreme precipitation events, emphasizing the importance of adaptive management.
A new study by the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources found high concentrations of neonicotinoids in some ground and surface water sources, including natural springs. This contamination can affect drinking water quality and organisms in streams fed by those springs.
The partnership aims to develop modular autonomous water treatment and reuse processes, leveraging the expertise of both institutions. Rice students will engage in educational and research initiatives driven by real-world needs, enhancing their knowledge and skills.
Researchers have developed a novel photocatalyst by combining g-C3N4 with Bi4O5Br2 and graphene, resulting in efficient degradation of pollutants. The CN/BOB-16 heterostructure exhibited superior performance, surpassing existing benchmarks, and confirmed the key role of Z-type heterojunctions in generating active species.
Researchers found that stored human urine had little impact on soil bacterial communities, increasing nitrifying and denitrifying groups compared to synthetic fertilizers. The study suggests that recycled urine could enhance agricultural sustainability, reduce wastewater pollution, and decrease reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
Researchers found that reverse osmosis removed 99% of contaminants, including arsenic and cyanide, meeting environmental standards. This innovative method provides a scalable solution for the mining industry to improve sustainability.
A study by UNESP found that smoke from two concentrations stimulates germination in 32% of plant species, with some grasses growing faster. The results could aid restoration strategies for degraded areas and offer a competitive advantage to certain Cerrado species after fires.
Researchers believe a hydraulic lift system could have been used to raise and lower building stones, while water treatment facilities would have filtered sediment from the water. The discovery provides new insights into the construction of ancient Egyptian pyramids.
A German-Japanese research team developed a polymer inspired by a protein found in plants to selectively remove harmful heavy-metal ions from water. The polymer achieves high specificity and efficiency, making it a promising solution for improving water treatment processes.
Researchers found arsenic treatment media in 71% of tested homes and water softener resin in 84% of homes with water softeners, posing potential health risks to users. The study highlights the need for further research and recommends installing a post-treatment sediment filter to capture escaping media.
Households are willing to pay $156.84 annually for targeted home systems to remove PFAS, which is less than the cost of municipal-level treatment. Under-the-sink reverse osmosis filters are estimated to have a yearly total cost of around $100, including maintenance.
Researchers have developed a more effective method of removing organic pesticides from drinking water using powdered activated carbon particles as small as 6 μm. This process achieves significant water treatment savings while ensuring the removal of toxic chemicals.
Researchers apply hydrophilic polymer coating to nanoparticles, reducing accumulation and toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. The coating mitigates NP bioavailability, promoting eco-friendly nanomaterials for environmental remediation.
Researchers at Pitt and Drexel have discovered that electrocatalysts can promote chemical reactions that generate ozone in water through corrosion and solution phase reactions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient and sustainable electrochemical ozone production technologies.
Researchers in Brazil develop semiconductors that efficiently remove toxic substances from real-world textile wastewater using solar energy. The material, inexpensive and easy to produce, has potential applications in industry for wastewater treatment.
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...
Rice University engineers have developed a hybrid urban water supply system that combines conventional, centralized water sources with reclaimed wastewater to save energy and reduce freshwater use. The system is also more resilient against disruptions such as hurricanes and flooding.
Researchers developed a protein-glutaminase treatment to improve the taste, juiciness, and digestibility of plant-based meat analogs. The treatment reduces beany off-flavors and enhances water/oil-holding capacity, making meat-free burgers more appealing.
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 developed a simple, transparent coating that makes surfaces water-repellent, preventing bacterial growth in toilets. The coating, made from milled PDMS, inhibited 99.99% of bacterial growth and strongly repelled water, offering a practical solution for self-sanitizing public health applications.
A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen finds that reducing nitrate levels in Danish drinking water could avoid 127 cases of colorectal cancer annually and save $300 million a year. Implementing stricter nitrate limits, such as lowering the maximum standard to 4 mg/L, can result in an additional $138 million saved.
A new study led by University of Maryland Professor Sujay Kaushal reveals that human activities are making the planet's air, soil, and freshwater increasingly salty. This acceleration of the natural salt cycle poses an 'existential threat' to ecosystems and human health if current trends continue.
Researchers developed a novel material that self-assembles into micelle structures targeting cancer cell lysosomes, specifically interacting with Cathepsin B. This leads to dysfunctional lysosomes and apoptotic death of cancer cells. The technology promises a new approach to combat drug resistance in cancer treatment.
A new study by Ohio State University suggests that the toxicity of Lake Erie's harmful algal bloom varies over the summer, with an overestimation in warmer months and underestimation in cooler months. The research aims to develop a more accurate toxicology forecast for Lake Erie.
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.