Articles tagged with Wastewater
Researchers have identified a microbe that can digest d-n-butyl phthalate, a common pollutant found in groundwater, river water, and soil. The microbe's ability to break down phthalates could be used to treat industrial wastewater and prevent environmental pollution.
Dr. Bruce Logan has developed energy-sustainable water infrastructure that can be used in both industrialized and developing nations. His microbial fuel cells produce clean water and energy, making it a game-changer for powering water infrastructure in developing countries.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that pharmaceutical substances released into the environment can lead to resistant bacteria and harm local ecosystems. The research highlights the need for greater transparency in the production chain to ensure environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.
Researchers from Université de Montréal have detected chemotherapy products and hypertension/cholesterol medications in wastewater released into the St. Lawrence River. The study highlights a growing concern about pharmaceutical waste's impact on the environment, with minimal quantities of these substances present in treated water.
Researchers use stable isotope techniques to analyze clam shells, revealing wastewater inputs to estuaries and coastal food webs. The technique helps distinguish natural from human-driven influences on coastal ecosystems.
Using two million pounds of iron, researchers improved pollutant levels by 87%, removing BOD, nitrogen, phosphorus, and colors from industrial wastewater. The low-cost iron-based method has great potential for developing countries.
Researchers in Algeria have discovered that orange peel can effectively remove acidic dyes from industrial effluent, blocking sunlight and harming photosynthesizing plant species. The study found that absorption time depends on dye concentration and temperature, with strong dyes absorbed at up to 70 milligrams per gram of orange peel.
Using reclaimed wastewater for irrigation shows few detrimental effects on citrus trees, with improved appearance and fruit crop ratings. This sustainable practice reduces the need for groundwater withdrawal and minimizes environmental pollution.
Soil scientists have created a new mathematical model that can accurately calculate the quantities of nitrous oxide produced during wastewater treatment processes like anammox and denitrification. This breakthrough aims to improve wastewater treatment effectiveness and reduce N2O emissions, a key concern for climate protection.
Researchers have found high levels of methyl mercury in wastewater from dental clinics and offices, which can become a potent neurotoxin when exposed to sulfate-reducing bacteria. The study estimates that up to 11 pounds of methyl mercury could be entering the US public water supply each year.
Researchers have found that peanut husks can extract up to 95% of copper ions from waste water, while pine sawdust achieves only 44% extraction. The process works best at slightly acidic conditions, making it a promising solution for reducing toxic copper levels in natural resources
Perry L. McCarty's work in environmental biotechnology has led to the development of economical wastewater treatment processes, including anaerobic systems that utilize beneficial microbes. His research aims to protect ecological and drinking water resources by treating wastewater.
A new microbial fuel cell design by Washington University engineer Lars Angenent increases power output from 3 to 29 watts per cubic meter, enough to run a small light bulb. The system harnesses wastewater's organic matter to generate electricity, offering potential applications in the food and agricultural industries.
Separating urine from wastewater can significantly reduce energy consumption, decrease sewer stench, and protect pipes. By purifying 50% of urine, 25% less energy is needed for the entire purification system.
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has awarded the 2006 Leonard M. Rieser Fellowship to four students: Christopher Affolter, Kafui Gbewonyo, Andrew Leifer, and Lee Pearson. These recipients will work on various projects addressing global challenges such as biological weapons proliferation, wastewater irrigation for agriculture, scie...
Wastewater can be safely reused for irrigation if pretreated, monitored, and using correct crops, say researchers. The study found that viruses in wastewater could linger in soil for up to a month, but were not detected on spinach leaves.
A microbial fuel cell has been created by Washington University researchers that generates electricity and treats wastewater, a process with potential to power 900 American homes. The device uses a carbon-based foam and bacteria to produce electricity from organic matter in wastewater.
A team of researchers from Penn State University has developed a bacteria-driven cell that produces hydrogen for fuel while simultaneously cleaning wastewater. The innovation utilizes a microbial fuel cell to harness the power of microorganisms to generate electricity and purify water.
Researchers at INEEL isolated a stable catalase enzyme from T. brockianus, improving industrial half-life by 86,000-fold, reducing environmental costs and toxicity associated with chlorine-based bleaching processes.
Researchers at U of T found that municipal wastewater contains enough organic material to generate significant amounts of electricity. By using anaerobic digestion instead of aerobic treatment, wastewater treatment plants could produce enough electricity for their own operations and potentially export excess energy to the grid.
The Penn State team has developed a cheaper microbial fuel cell that produces more electricity from wastewater, with the potential to power small devices. The new design uses carbon paper instead of a proton exchange membrane, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
The PNNL team has developed a synthetic material that can absorb 99.9% of mercury from waste water, surpassing expectations and meeting regulatory limits. The technology, known as SAMMS, is tailored for specific tasks and can be adapted to target other toxins.
Penn State researchers have successfully generated electricity from domestic wastewater using microbial fuel cells, removing up to 78% of organic matter. The technology has the potential to reduce wastewater treatment costs and provide access to sanitation technologies worldwide.
A single-chambered microbial fuel cell prototype has been developed to efficiently treat wastewater and generate electricity. The design reduces energy demands and creates a continuous flow-through system, making it a promising approach for affordable wastewater treatment.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed Fe-TAML(R) activators that can decolorize textile mill wastewater with high efficiency and safety. The technology has the potential to save millions of gallons of water yearly over the entire industry by enabling manufacturers to recycle water used in textile dyeing.
Researchers have developed a process to extract hydrogen and methane from wastewater using bacteria, reducing the need for aeration and lowering treatment costs. This innovative method produces biogas containing up to 60% hydrogen and can be converted into electricity with high efficiency.
A newly discovered enzyme from Thermus brockianus may transform industrial bleaching from environmentally problematic to environmentally green. The catalase enzyme works well in hot, alkaline wastewater, breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to convert food processing wastewater into energy sources, including hydrogen and methane. This process can reduce treatment costs by up to 80% and produce over 10 billion BTUs of energy per year.
A new technique developed at UMaine uses free-radicals to break down toxic dyes in industrial wastewater, producing a dramatic color reduction. The process has been used to clean up toxic waste sites and protect organic compounds from damage by free-radicals.
A study by researchers found that Ben & Jerry's World's Best Vanilla Ice Cream contains almost 200 times the 'safe' daily dose of dioxin. The level of dioxin could cause up to 2,000 extra cancers among lifetime consumers.
Researchers at UC Davis have successfully assembled a novel calixarene-porphyrin molecule, which shows promise for use in biological and chemical applications. The discovery could enable the development of efficient sensors and filters, including one to detect spoiled seafood.