http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/hazardous_waste/ Hazardous Waste Disposal. Current science news articles on toxic waste, hazardous waste management, clean-up, biological cleaning agents and more. en-us Mon, 12 May 2008 09:05:01 EDT Mon, 12 May 2008 09:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/hazardous_waste/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508115835.htm A novel gas sensor system makes it possible to monitor large areas cost-effectively the first time. The patented gas sensor is based on the principle of diffusion, according to which certain gases pass through a membrane faster than others. Using a tube-like sensor it is possible to measure an average gas concentration value over a certain distance without influencing or distorting conditions in the measuring environment. Fri, 09 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080508115835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080506100325.htm Brightly colored dyes such as the shimmering Congo Red commonly used in silk clothing manufacture are notoriously difficult to dispose of in an environmentally benign way. Wed, 07 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080506100325.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505224659.htm Genetically engineered rice plants that resist the uptake of toxic metals could boost production and ease the shortage of this staple crop in Asia, India and Bangladesh, where irrigation with contaminated groundwater has created soils with toxic levels of arsenic. More than 80 percent of the world's population depends on rice as a staple food, but production is dropping in the rice paddies of Bangladesh, parts of India and South and East Asia due to toxic levels of arsenic in the topsoil. Om Parkash of the University of Massachusetts Amherst leads a research team that uses genetic engineering to produce rice plants that block the uptake of arsenic, which could increase production of this valuable crop and provide safer food supplies for millions. Wed, 07 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080505224659.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080506163915.htm A recent study shows that mercury releases from products in the US declined dramatically between 1990 and 2005, but that they continue to be a significant source of environmental contamination. Mercury released from products contributes nearly one-third of total mercury emissions to the air in the US The findings offer a new view into the relative magnitudes of the different sources of mercury release. Wed, 07 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080506163915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080502172258.htm Detecting antibiotics in the environment could become easier to do, thanks to portable field kits developed and validated by a team of scientists. The team conducted studies showing that the kits, called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), accurately detected trace amounts of sulfonamides, also known as "sulfa drugs," in wastewater samples. When these drugs are excreted in urine, for example, they can persist in the environment unchanged or as metabolites. Tue, 06 May 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080502172258.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080502091430.htm The fate of carbon-based nanoparticles spilled into groundwater -- and the ability of municipal filtration systems to remove the nanoparticles from drinking water -- depend on subtle differences in the solution properties of the water carrying the particles, a new study has found. Mon, 05 May 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080502091430.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080504153753.htm A spidery fungus with a voracious appetite for military uniforms and canvas tents could hold the key to improvements in the production of biofuels, a team of government, academic and industry researchers has announced. Mon, 05 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080504153753.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501133444.htm Montana State University research about pollution in the Ganges River has reached the Supreme Court of India, producing some optimism among MSU scientists. Sat, 03 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501133444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501110008.htm Bacteria that feed on seaweed could help in the disposal of pollutants in the world's oceans, according to a new study. Researchers explain that as marine pollution is on the increase novel approaches to removing toxic contaminants is becoming an increasingly pressing issue. Fri, 02 May 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080501110008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080429135502.htm For years, scientists have known about silver's ability to kill harmful bacteria. Now, researchers have found that silver nanoparticles also may destroy benign bacteria that are used to remove ammonia from wastewater treatment systems. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080429135502.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080424113456.htm Recent advances in technology have made removing salt from seawater and groundwater a realistic option for increasing water supplies in some parts of the US, and desalination will likely have a niche in meeting the nation's future water needs, says a new report. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080424113456.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080424103217.htm Scientists have developed a highly energy-efficient method of converting waste carbon dioxide into chemical compounds known as cyclic carbonates. Cyclic carbonates are widely used in the manufacture of products including solvents, paint-strippers, biodegradable packaging, as well as having applications in the chemical industry. The team estimates that the technology has the potential to use up to 48m tons of waste carbon dioxide per year, reducing the UK's emissions by about four percent. Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080424103217.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080421123231.htm Rising energy and environmental costs may prevent nuclear power from being a sustainable alternative energy source in the fight against global warming, according to a new study. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080421123231.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416211436.htm Every year, more than 30 billion water bottles are added to America's landfills, creating a mountainous environmental problem. But if new research is successful, the plastic bottles of the future could literally disappear within four months of being discarded. Scientists are constructing new breeds of biodegradable and bioavailable plastics in an effort to reduce the tons of plastic waste that ends up in the nation's landfills each year. Bioavailable plastics contain substances that can be absorbed by living systems during their normal physiological functions. Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416211436.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408160640.htm Even large amounts of manufactured nanoparticles, also known as Buckyballs, don't faze microscopic organisms that are charged with cleaning up the environment, according to new research. Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408160640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408132133.htm Scientists have developed a new method for rapidly and safely destroying toxic agents such as chemical weapons and pesticides. When tested in solution, full destruction of all three tested agents was achieved in less than 30 seconds. Testing on contaminated surfaces showed virtually complete decontamination of the agents in 10 minutes -- the shortest of the time periods tested. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408132133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407172717.htm Despite oil prices that hover around $100 a barrel, it may take at least 10 or more years of intensive research to reduce the cost of solar energy to levels competitive with petroleum, according to a leading expert on the topic. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407172717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408144812.htm Escalating oil and gas prices along with the global challenge of climate change has in the past few years spurred a generation of scientists to pursue alternative energy sources while redirecting the focus away from fossil fuels. What is the current status, limitations and future challenges of alternative energy sources? Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080408144812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080406175050.htm Nanotechnology is now available in a store near you. Valued for it's antibacterial and odor-fighting properties, nanoparticle silver is becoming the star attraction in a range of products from socks to bandages to washing machines. But as silver's benefits propel it to the forefront of consumer nanomaterials, scientists are recommending a closer examination of the unforeseen environmental and health consequences of nanosilver. Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080406175050.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402101704.htm The cost of treating wastewater contaminated with nitrogen could be lowered in future. Soil scientists have developed a new mathematical model which can help determine the optimum conditions for microbiological water treatment. Using the stable natural nitrogen isotope, this mathematical model is the most accurate to date. Mon, 07 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080402101704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080331092500.htm In a case study on how not to recycle electronic waste (e-waste), scientists in the United States and Hong Kong have documented serious environmental contamination with potentially toxic metals from crude e-waste recycling in a village located in southeast China. Recycling methods used in family-run workshops could pose a serious health risk to residents of the area through ingestion and inhalation of contaminated dust, the researchers say. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080331092500.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327171053.htm Explosive eruptions and noxious gas emissions at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii this week have prompted scientists to work around the clock to understand what will happen next. Scientists are monitoring gas emissions and seismic activity at Kilauea, which on March 19 experienced its first explosive eruption since 1924. The volcano is also emitting sulfur dioxide at toxic levels. Sat, 29 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327171053.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320095022.htm World Water Day, to be marked March 20, focuses this International Sanitation Year on the 2.6 billion people with inadequate access to toilets. UN estimates show that achieving its sanitation goal, agreed in 2000 -- to simply halve number of people without access to a toilet by 2015 -- would cost $38 billion, less than 1% of annual world military spending. That investment, however, would yield $347 billion worth of benefits -- much of it related to higher productivity and improved health. Fri, 21 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320095022.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080311123417.htm Researchers are investigating the remarkable survival of birds in contaminated Indian waters. Ecologists are setting out to discover why flamingos are so in the pink of health, considering their less than pristine habitat. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080311123417.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080313140108.htm Promoting the green design, construction, renovation and operation of buildings could cut North American carbon dioxide emissions more deeply, quickly and cheaply than any other available measure, according to a new report. Buildings are responsible for over one-third of continent's carbon dioxide emissions. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080313140108.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080307191300.htm Los Alamos National Laboratory has developed a low-risk, transformational concept, called Green Freedom, for large-scale production of carbon-neutral, sulfur-free fuels and organic chemicals from air and water. At the heart of the technology is a new process for extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and making it available for fuel production using a new form of electrochemical separation. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080307191300.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310164901.htm Research that started with bacteria from the Chesapeake Bay has led to a process that may be able to convert large volumes of all kinds of plant products, from leftover brewer's mash to paper trash, into ethanol and other biofuel alternatives to gasoline. Tue, 11 Mar 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310164901.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310094352.htm The Federal Government may need at least 20 years longer than previously planned -- and an additional $50 billion -- to clean up radioactive and hazardous wastes at nuclear weapons sites, according to a new article. Clean-up costs may reach $305 billion at about 25 sites where nuclear weapons materials were manufactured. Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310094352.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080304120752.htm Environmental mercury -- much of which comes from human-generated emissions -- is impacting both the health and reproductive success of common loons in the Northeastern US. Loons with high levels of mercury -- about 16 percent of the adult population in the study area -- were found to spend some 14 percent less time at the nest than normally behaving birds. Unattended nests have a higher rate of failure due to either chilling of the eggs or predation by minks, otters, raccoons and other egg robbers. Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080304120752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303190649.htm Nuclear power has advantages, but, if this method of making power is to be viable long term, discovering new solutions to radioactive waste disposal and other problems are critical. Chemists are now focusing on metal sulfide materials as a possible source for nuclear waste remediation methods. The new material is extremely successful in removing strontium from a sodium-heavy solution, which has concentrations similar to those in real liquid nuclear waste. Wed, 05 Mar 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303190649.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303190535.htm Researchers studying bacteria capable of generating electricity have discovered that riboflavin (commonly known as vitamin B-2) is responsible for much of the energy produced by these organisms. Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080303190535.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080223112253.htm Earthworms studied in agricultural fields have been found to contain organic chemicals from household products and manure, indicating that such substances are entering the food chain. Manure and biosolids, the solid byproduct of wastewater treatment, were applied to the fields as fertilizer. Earthworms continuously ingest soils for nourishment and can accumulate the chemicals present in the soil. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080223112253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080222095403.htm Bacteria often get bad press, with those found in water often linked to illness and disease. But researchers are now using these tiny organisms alongside the very latest membrane filtration techniques to improve and refine water cleaning technology. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080222095403.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225072624.htm Applying organic fertilizers, such as those resulting from composting, to agricultural land could increase the amount of carbon stored in these soils and contribute significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, according to new research. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225072624.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080220094656.htm Tiny particles of pure silica coated with an active material could be used to remove toxic chemicals, bacteria, viruses, and other hazardous materials from water much more effectively and at lower cost than conventional water purification methods, according to new research. Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080220094656.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080220094652.htm Researchers are exploring how waste heat from car exhausts could provide a new greener power supply for vehicles. Similar conversion technology is used in everyday applications such as controlling the central heating system or refrigerator temperature. Now researchers aim to use this technology to generate electricity from the waste heat in vehicles. Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080220094652.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080216095731.htm A NOAA scientist reported on a previously unrecognized threat to human health from a ubiquitous class of air pollutants. He reported on how one type of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, a compound found in oil, damaged the developing hearts of Pacific herring and pink salmon embryos after the Exxon Valdez spill of 1989. Thu, 21 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080216095731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080216095740.htm Substances that we use everyday are turning up in our lakes, rivers and ocean, where they can impact aquatic life and possibly ourselves. Chemicals are affecting aquatic environments and may be coming back to haunt us in unanticipated ways. Researchers are finding that although the effects of a single chemical may not be deadly, combinations of chemicals in our environment can be more potent. Pesticides are regulated one by one, but in the environment they can mix with other pesticides and such mixtures are not regulated. Thu, 21 Feb 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080216095740.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080216095726.htm While most people understand the dangers of flushing toxic chemicals into the ecosystem through municipal sewer systems, one potentially devastating threat to wild fish populations comes from an unlikely source: estrogen. After an exhaustive seven-year research effort, Canadian biologists found that miniscule amounts of estrogen present in municipal wastewater discharges can decimate wild fish populations living downstream. Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080216095726.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080218134552.htm Farmers, food suppliers, policy-makers, business leaders and environmentalists are joining forces to confront the threat of the "forgotten greenhouse gas." Better known as 'laughing gas', nitrous oxide (N2O) accounts for 9 per cent of all greenhouse gases, yet is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. As a result its longevity in the atmosphere provides a potentially more damaging legacy than carbon dioxide. Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080218134552.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212194959.htm Concerns about long-term effects of beef cattle browsing more than 11 million acres of Florida grazinglands led Agricultural Research Service scientists to examine soil fertility changes in bahiagrass-based beef cattle pastures from 1988 to 2002. Analysis of data from that research shows that cattle can be managed in an environmentally safe way, despite the large quantities of waste the animals generate. Sat, 16 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080212194959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080215135701.htm The recent boom in production of ethanol from corn grain has tightly linked the agriculture and energy sectors in an unprecedented fashion. Researchers have now developed a model, based on a range of possible oil prices, that predicts impacts of federal economic policies on future consumer and government costs, ethanol production and many other aspects of the two sectors. Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080215135701.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080211090311.htm From medicine to make-up, plastics to paper -- hardly a day goes by when we don't use titanium dioxide. Now researchers have developed a simpler, cheaper and greener method of extracting higher yields of one of this most useful and versatile of minerals. Wed, 13 Feb 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080211090311.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204094459.htm Scientists have developed a chemical process that turns green waste into a stable bio-crude oil. The bio-crude oil can be used to produce high value chemicals and biofuels, including both petrol and diesel replacement fuels. Mon, 04 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204094459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080131111653.htm Oil reappears from time to time in old deposits and long ago exhausted oil wells. Oil sometimes rushes in or sometimes floods back.In the researchers' opinion, to overhaul old oil deposits is currently much more profitable and efficient than expensive geological exploration works at new locations. Sun, 03 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080131111653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080130200934.htm Arctic marine conditions contribute to an oil spill "response gap" that effectively limits the ability to clean up after an oil spill. A new report concludes that the only way to avoid the potentially devastating environmental risks is to ensure that no more of the Arctic is opened up to oil development until the response gap is closed. Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080130200934.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080128120622.htm Researchers report effectiveness of a powerful, environmentally-friendly catalyst in destruction of various estrogens that currently escape complete removal in our wastewater treatment plants. Endocrine disruptors such as ethinylestradiol, which is an active ingredient in both the birth control pill and the newly-introduced "no period pill," are a major source of environmental estrogenic activity. Thu, 31 Jan 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080128120622.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080128120727.htm Amid growing water shortages in parts of the United States, more communities are considering tapping their sewage treatment plants as a new source of drinking water. In January, 2008, California approved operation of the Advanced Water Purification Facility the largest water reclamation plant in the nation. It will yield 70 million gallons per day of drinkable water from sewage. Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080128120727.htm