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Biochar made from brewery waste could help trap harmful bacteria in sandy filtration systems

Researchers found that biochar produced from malt spent rootlets can sharply increase E. coli retention in sand, offering a potential route to cleaner water and productive reuse of brewery waste. Adding more biochar changes how bacteria are retained, shifting from physical trapping to direct attachment.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026

New approach boosts microplastic removal from wastewater

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new method for removing microplastics from wastewater, achieving removal rates of more than 90% through the use of microbubbles and nanobubbles. The approach is simple to implement and significantly increases plastic removal during primary treatment.

SourceRMIT University·JournalACS ES&T Water·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2026

UH researchers making clean water more accessible

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new membrane that allows water to flow eight times faster while maintaining high salt rejection rates. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective desalination systems, lowering costs and increasing access to clean water.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 26, 2025

Revolutionary biofilter offers breakthrough solution for emerging contaminants in wastewater

Researchers unveiled an innovative system that outperforms conventional filtration methods by combining microbial electrochemical technologies with enhanced biodegradation processes. The biofilter demonstrates significant removal of pharmaceuticals and herbicides, altering their chirality to influence toxicity and biodegradability.

SourceEurasia Academic Publishing Group·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

UBC engineers develop all-in-one solution to catch and destroy ‘forever chemicals’

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed an all-in-one solution to remove and destroy PFAS substances, also known as 'forever chemicals,' from water supply. The system combines an activated carbon filter with a patented catalyst that traps and breaks down harmful chemicals into harmless components.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCommunications Engineering·DateAug 28, 2024

New membrane technology developed by NYU Abu Dhabi researchers could lead to more effective and efficient water purification systems

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.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 8, 2024

Injectable water filtration system could improve access to clean drinking water around the world

Researchers at University of Texas at Austin developed a portable and affordable water filtration system that can catch up to 100% of particles larger than 10 nanometers. The device uses low-cost, sustainable materials and is easy to use, making it an attractive solution for improving freshwater availability in remote regions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 23, 2024

CityU scientists engineer a breath-to-charge electrostatic face mask for prolonged air filtration, reducing the environmental burden

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong develop a self-charging electrostatic face mask that can continuously replenish its electrostatic charge through the user's breathing. The mask provides high-efficiency airborne particle removal with 95.8% effectiveness after 60 hours of testing.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

A combination of behaviour change campaigns and technology could help to keep air pollution at a minimum in schools, according to Surrey experts

A new study from the University of Surrey found that behaviour change campaigns and technology can significantly reduce air pollution in schools. Implementing these interventions can lead to a reduction in outdoor nitrogen dioxide exposure by up to 23% compared to business-as-usual activities.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateNov 29, 2022

A new air purification strategy might reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in classrooms and other indoor spaces by as much as tenfold

A new study by USC researchers demonstrates that high-efficiency air filtration systems can significantly improve indoor air quality. Operating such systems with portable HEPA air purifiers can maximize the removal of tiny airborne particles, reducing COVID-19 transmission risk by up to tenfold.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

Not all in-home drinking water filters completely remove toxic PFAS

A new Duke University study found that many household filters are only partially effective at removing toxic perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water. Activated-carbon filters removed an average of 73% of PFAS contaminants, while reverse osmosis filters and two-stage filters achieved near-complete removal.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateFeb 5, 2020

Manta rays could teach us a thing or two about effective filtration

Researchers studied manta ray filtration using physical modeling and CFD, discovering a novel non-clogging mechanism that resists clogging. The 'ricochet' separation process allows water to pass through while tiny particles are eaten, promising applications for industrial wastewater treatment and reducing microplastic pollution.

Highly efficient heavy metal ions filter

A new hybrid filter membrane has been developed to remove heavy metals from water, including industrially relevant elements like lead and mercury. The membrane's efficiency is high, with over 99% of toxic substances bound in just a single pass.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 25, 2016