https://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 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:30:02 EDT Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:30:02 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/hazardous_waste/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260417085404.htm That “magic” sponge under your sink may be hiding an environmental downside. While melamine sponges are famous for effortlessly scrubbing away stubborn stains, they slowly break down as you use them—shedding tiny plastic fibers that wash into water systems. Researchers estimate that globally, these sponges could release over a trillion microplastic fibers every month, potentially entering the food chain and affecting wildlife. Sat, 18 Apr 2026 09:53:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260417085404.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260416032604.htm Researchers have discovered lithium hidden in pyrite within ancient shale rocks—an unexpected find that could reshape how we source this critical battery material. It raises the possibility of extracting lithium from existing waste, reducing the need for new mining. Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:32:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260416032604.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260411084441.htm Scientists searching for air pollution clues stumbled onto something unexpected: toxic MCCPs drifting through the air for the first time in the Western Hemisphere. The likely source—fertilizer made from sewage sludge—points to a hidden route for contamination. Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:58:31 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260411084441.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260321012638.htm Antibiotics are accumulating in a major Brazilian river, especially during the dry season when pollution becomes more concentrated. Scientists even detected a banned drug inside fish sold for food, raising concerns about human exposure. A common aquatic plant showed promise in removing these chemicals from water—but it also altered how fish absorb them, creating unexpected risks. Sat, 21 Mar 2026 20:48:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260321012638.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044714.htm A mysterious spike of platinum buried deep in Greenland’s ice has long fueled theories of a catastrophic comet or asteroid strike 12,800 years ago—possibly triggering a sudden return to icy conditions known as the Younger Dryas. But new research points to a far less dramatic, yet still powerful culprit: volcanic eruptions. Scientists found the platinum signal doesn’t match space debris and actually appeared decades after the cooling began, ruling out an impact as the trigger. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 06:01:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260319044714.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011015.htm Researchers have found a surprising way to turn sunflower oil waste into a powerful bread upgrade. By replacing part of wheat flour with partially defatted sunflower seed flour, breads became dramatically richer in protein, fiber, and antioxidants—while also offering potential benefits for blood sugar and fat digestion. Sun, 08 Feb 2026 14:27:47 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260208011015.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206020847.htm A new study reveals that chemicals used to replace ozone-damaging CFCs are now driving a surge in a persistent “forever chemical” worldwide. The pollutant, called trifluoroacetic acid, is falling out of the atmosphere into water, land, and ice, including in remote regions like the Arctic. Even as older chemicals are phased out, their long lifetimes mean pollution is still rising. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 03:17:32 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206020847.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260128230509.htm Scientists have created a device that captures carbon dioxide and transforms it into a useful chemical in a single step. The new electrode works with realistic exhaust gases rather than requiring purified CO2. It converts the captured gas into formic acid, which is used in energy and manufacturing. The system even functions at CO2 levels found in normal air. Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:28:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260128230509.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260116035322.htm Tiny plastic particles drifting through the oceans may be quietly weakening one of Earth’s most powerful climate defenses. New research suggests microplastics are disrupting marine life that helps oceans absorb carbon dioxide, while also releasing greenhouse gases as they break down. By interfering with plankton, microbes, and natural carbon cycles, these pollutants reduce the ocean’s ability to regulate global temperatures. Sat, 17 Jan 2026 21:58:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260116035322.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260115022802.htm Hydrogen cyanide, a toxic chemical, may have helped spark the chemistry that led to life. When frozen, it forms crystals with highly reactive surfaces that can drive unusual chemical reactions, even in extreme cold. These reactions could produce more reactive molecules that pave the way for life’s basic ingredients. The findings suggest frozen worlds may be more chemically active than once thought. Fri, 16 Jan 2026 03:45:43 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260115022802.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260107012114.htm Scientists have discovered that wildfires release far more air-polluting gases than previously estimated. Many of these hidden emissions can transform into fine particles that are dangerous to breathe. The study shows wildfire pollution rivals human-made emissions in some parts of the world. This helps explain why wildfire smoke can linger and worsen air quality long after the flames are gone. Wed, 07 Jan 2026 01:34:01 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260107012114.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251228020008.htm The Arctic is changing rapidly, and scientists have uncovered a powerful mix of natural and human-driven processes fueling that change. Cracks in sea ice release heat and pollutants that form clouds and speed up melting, while emissions from nearby oil fields alter the chemistry of the air. These interactions trigger feedback loops that let in more sunlight, generate smog, and push warming even further. Together, they paint a troubling picture of how fragile the Arctic system has become. Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:21:39 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251228020008.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224032401.htm A new eco-friendly technology can capture and destroy PFAS, the dangerous “forever chemicals” found worldwide in water. The material works hundreds to thousands of times faster and more efficiently than current filters, even in river water, tap water, and wastewater. After trapping the chemicals, the system safely breaks them down and refreshes itself for reuse. It’s a rare one-two punch against pollution: fast cleanup and sustainable destruction. Thu, 25 Dec 2025 01:44:44 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224032401.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251222044102.htm Washing machines release massive amounts of microplastics into the environment, mostly from worn clothing fibers. Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a new, fish-inspired filter that removes over 99% of these particles without clogging. The design mimics the funnel-shaped gill system used by filter-feeding fish, allowing fibers to roll away instead of blocking the filter. The low-cost, patent-pending solution could soon be built directly into future washing machines. Mon, 22 Dec 2025 23:30:25 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251222044102.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251203010207.htm Researchers recreated conditions from billions of years ago and found that Earth’s young atmosphere could make key molecules linked to life. These sulfur-rich compounds, including certain amino acids, may have formed naturally in the sky. The results suggest early Earth wasn’t starting from zero but may have already been stocked with essential ingredients. Wed, 03 Dec 2025 01:49:28 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251203010207.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251125081928.htm Beneath the waters off Papua New Guinea lies an extraordinary deep-sea environment where scorching hydrothermal vents and cool methane seeps coexist side by side — a pairing never before seen. This unusual chemistry fuels a vibrant oasis teeming with mussels, tube worms, shrimp, and even purple sea cucumbers, many of which may be unknown to science. The rocks themselves shimmer with traces of gold, silver, and other metals deposited by past volcanic activity. Wed, 26 Nov 2025 04:11:22 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251125081928.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124094336.htm Researchers have discovered a low-energy way to recycle Teflon® by using mechanical motion and sodium metal. The process turns the notoriously durable plastic into sodium fluoride that can be reused directly in chemical manufacturing. This creates a potential circular economy for fluorine and reduces environmental harm from PFAS-related waste. Thu, 27 Nov 2025 09:09:51 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124094336.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251121090733.htm Scientists have uncovered a long-missing piece of the volcanic puzzle: rising magma doesn’t just form explosive gas bubbles when pressure drops—it can do so simply by being sheared and “kneaded” inside a volcano’s conduit. These shear forces can trigger early bubble growth, create escape channels for gas, and sometimes turn potentially catastrophic magmas into surprisingly gentle lava flows. Sat, 22 Nov 2025 02:00:59 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251121090733.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251109013252.htm Researchers from the University of Vienna discovered MISO bacteria that use iron minerals to oxidize toxic sulfide, creating energy and producing sulfate. This biological process reshapes how scientists understand global sulfur and iron cycles. By outpacing chemical reactions, these microbes could help stop the spread of oceanic dead zones and maintain ecological balance. Sun, 09 Nov 2025 09:41:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251109013252.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251102011144.htm Researchers uncovered that trace compounds like nickel and urea may have delayed Earth’s oxygenation for millions of years. Experiments mimicking early Earth revealed how their concentrations controlled cyanobacterial growth, dictating when oxygen began to accumulate. As nickel declined and urea stabilized, photosynthetic life thrived, sparking the Great Oxidation Event. The findings could also guide the search for biosignatures on distant worlds. Sun, 02 Nov 2025 03:50:48 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251102011144.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251011105527.htm Geophysicists have modeled how Earth’s magnetic field could form even when its core was fully liquid. By removing the effects of viscosity in their simulation, they revealed a self-sustaining dynamo that mirrors today’s mechanism. The results illuminate Earth’s early history, life’s origins, and the magnetism of other planets. Plus, it could help forecast future changes to our planet’s protective shield. Sun, 12 Oct 2025 05:44:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251011105527.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251008030936.htm Tree swallows in polluted U.S. regions are accumulating high levels of “forever chemicals.” These durable pollutants, used in firefighting foams and consumer products, are found everywhere from soil to human blood. Surprisingly, researchers observed no significant impact on the birds’ reproduction, suggesting possible resilience in wild populations. Wed, 08 Oct 2025 03:09:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251008030936.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002074009.htm Billions of years ago, Earth’s atmosphere was hostile, with barely any oxygen and toxic conditions for life. Researchers from the Earth-Life Science Institute studied Japan’s iron-rich hot springs, which mimic the ancient oceans, to uncover how early microbes survived. They discovered communities of bacteria that thrived on iron and tiny amounts of oxygen, forming ecosystems that recycled elements like carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:40:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002074009.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250926035019.htm Scientists found that biochar doesn’t just capture pollutants, it actively destroys them using direct electron transfer. This newly recognized ability accounts for up to 40% of its cleaning power and remains effective through repeated use. The discovery opens the door to cheaper, greener, and more efficient water treatment methods worldwide. Fri, 26 Sep 2025 08:01:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250926035019.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250926035016.htm Bio-tar, once seen as a toxic waste, can be transformed into bio-carbon with applications in clean energy and environmental protection. This innovation could reduce emissions, create profits, and solve a major bioenergy industry problem. Fri, 26 Sep 2025 07:49:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250926035016.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250918011602.htm Warming Arctic permafrost is unlocking toxic metals, turning Alaska’s once-clear rivers into orange, acid-laced streams. The shift, eerily similar to mine pollution but entirely natural, threatens fish, ecosystems, and communities that depend on them—with no way to stop the process once it starts. Thu, 18 Sep 2025 01:16:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250918011602.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250910000244.htm Barrels dumped off Southern California decades ago have been found leaking alkaline waste, not just DDT, leaving behind eerie white halos and transforming parts of the seafloor into toxic vents. The findings reveal a persistent and little-known legacy of industrial dumping that still shapes marine life today. Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:02:44 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250910000244.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250905180736.htm A team of chemists has discovered how to transform PET plastic waste into BAETA, a material that captures CO2 with remarkable efficiency. Instead of ending up as microplastics in the environment, discarded bottles and textiles could become tools to combat climate change. The method is energy-friendly, scalable, and potentially lucrative, offering industries both sustainability and practicality. Fri, 05 Sep 2025 22:22:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250905180736.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250902085150.htm Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a groundbreaking nickel-based catalyst that could transform the way the world recycles plastic. Instead of requiring tedious sorting, the catalyst selectively breaks down stubborn polyolefin plastics—the single-use materials that make up much of our daily waste—into valuable oils, waxes, fuels, and more. Wed, 03 Sep 2025 03:02:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250902085150.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232419.htm What would happen if a nuclear war triggered a climate-altering catastrophe? Researchers have modeled how such a scenario could devastate global corn crops cutting production by as much as 87% due to blocked sunlight and increased UV-B radiation. Using advanced climate-agriculture simulations, they propose a survival strategy: emergency resilience kits containing fast-growing, cold-tolerant seeds that could keep food systems afloat not just after nuclear war, but also after volcanic eruptions or other mega-disasters. Thu, 24 Jul 2025 23:24:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250724232419.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035552.htm Scientists in Australia have uncovered the biological triggers behind oil production in oats, a discovery that could revolutionize how oats are processed and marketed. By using advanced imaging and molecular techniques, researchers identified key enzymes that drive oil synthesis in oat grains. This opens the door to developing low-oil oat varieties that are easier to mill and better suited for high-demand markets like plant-based foods and oat flour. Tue, 22 Jul 2025 08:39:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250722035552.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250629033449.htm Smoke from wildfires and structural fires doesn t just irritate lungs it actually changes your immune system. Harvard scientists found that even healthy people exposed to smoke showed signs of immune system activation, genetic changes tied to allergies, and even toxic metals inside their immune cells. Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:29:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250629033449.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250626081540.htm At Flinders University, scientists have cracked a cleaner and greener way to extract gold—not just from ore, but also from our mounting piles of e-waste. By using a compound normally found in pool disinfectants and a novel polymer that can be reused, the method avoids toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide. It even works on trace gold in scientific waste. Tested on everything from circuit boards to mixed-metal ores, the approach offers a promising solution to both the global gold rush and the growing e-waste crisis. The technique could be a game-changer for artisanal miners and recyclers, helping recover valuable metals while protecting people and the planet. Fri, 27 Jun 2025 02:02:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250626081540.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250617014222.htm In a surprising twist during an air quality study in Oklahoma, researchers detected MCCPs an industrial pollutant never before measured in the Western Hemisphere's atmosphere. The team suspects these toxic compounds are entering the air through biosolid fertilizers derived from sewage sludge. While these pollutants are not yet regulated like their SCCP cousins, their similarity to dangerous "forever chemicals" and unexpected presence raise red flags about how chemical substitutions and waste disposal may be silently contaminating rural air. Tue, 17 Jun 2025 01:42:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250617014222.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250614121942.htm UC San Diego engineers have created a passive evaporative cooling membrane that could dramatically slash energy use in data centers. As demand for AI and cloud computing soars, traditional cooling systems struggle to keep up efficiently. This innovative fiber membrane uses capillary action to evaporate liquid and draw heat away without fans or pumps. It performs with record-breaking heat flux and is stable under high-stress operation. Sat, 14 Jun 2025 12:19:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250614121942.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250613013926.htm Despite falling global mercury emissions, mercury levels in Arctic wildlife continue to rise. A new study reveals that ocean currents are delivering legacy mercury pollution from distant regions like China to the Arctic, where it accumulates in animals and ecosystems. Fri, 13 Jun 2025 01:39:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250613013926.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250612031558.htm Mercury contamination is surfacing as a serious concern in parts of Georgia and South Carolina, particularly in regions like the Okefenokee Swamp. University of Georgia researchers found alarmingly high levels of the neurotoxic metal in alligators, especially in older individuals and even hatchlings suggesting the toxin is passed both up the food chain and through generations. These ancient reptiles act as environmental indicators, raising red flags for the broader ecosystem and potentially for humans who fish or hunt nearby. Thu, 12 Jun 2025 03:15:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250612031558.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602190434.htm Electronics often get thrown away after use because recycling them requires extensive work for little payoff. Researchers have now found a way to change the game. Mon, 02 Jun 2025 19:04:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602190434.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602154610.htm Researchers showed that hydrogen sulfide, which is associated with numerous health conditions, is emitted from California's largest lake at levels far higher and more frequently than previously reported. Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:46:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602154610.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250530123805.htm A new method for predicting underwater landslides may improve the resilience of offshore facilities. Fri, 30 May 2025 12:38:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250530123805.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124623.htm In a major advancement for sustainable construction, scientists have created a cement-free soil solidifier from industrial waste. By combining Siding Cut Powder and activated by Earth Silica, an alkaline stimulant from recycled glass, scientists produced a high-performance material that meets compressive strength standards exceeding the 160 kN/m construction-grade threshold and eliminates arsenic leaching through calcium hydroxide stabilization. The technology reduces landfill volumes and carbon emissions, offering a circular solution for infrastructure development worldwide. Thu, 29 May 2025 12:46:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124623.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131641.htm Scientists show that wolves that are eating sea otters in Alaska have much higher concentrations of mercury than those eating other prey such as deer and moose. Wed, 28 May 2025 13:16:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528131641.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527180926.htm Researchers have designed a liquid hydrogen storage and delivery system that could help make zero-emission aviation a reality. Their work outlines a scalable, integrated system that addresses several engineering challenges at once by enabling hydrogen to be used as a clean fuel and also as a built-in cooling medium for critical power systems aboard electric-powered aircraft. Tue, 27 May 2025 18:09:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527180926.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527180920.htm Researchers find that iron powder, an inexpensive alternative to activated carbon, does a better job at filtering PFOS from water -- it's 26 times more effective. Tue, 27 May 2025 18:09:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527180920.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527135241.htm Most people have witnessed -- or rather smelled -- when a protein enzyme called sulfite reductase works its magic. This enzyme catalyzes the chemical reduction of sulfite to hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is the rotten egg smell that can occur when organic matter decays and is frequently associated with sewage treatment facilities and landfills. But scientists have not been able to capture a visual image of the enzyme's structure until now, thus limiting their full understanding of how it works. Tue, 27 May 2025 13:52:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527135241.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522162533.htm Engineers developed a membrane that filters the components of crude oil by their molecular size, an advance that could dramatically reduce the amount of energy needed for crude oil fractionation. Thu, 22 May 2025 16:25:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522162533.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124758.htm If you've ever sat waiting at the doctor's office to give a blood sample, you might have wished there was a way to find the same information without needles. But for all the medical breakthroughs of the 20th century, the best way to detect molecules has remained through liquids, such as blood. New research, however, could someday put a pause on pinpricks. A group of scientists announced they have created a small, portable device that can collect and detect airborne molecules -- a breakthrough that holds promise for many areas of medicine and public health. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:47:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124758.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124433.htm Researchers look to extremes in the past to study how the system reacts to imbalances. They detail an overlooked mechanism for how the ocean can help stabilize massive releases of carbon into the atmosphere following volcanic eruptions. Wed, 21 May 2025 12:44:33 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250521124433.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520122238.htm The Arctic is one of the coldest places on Earth, but in recent decades, the region has been rapidly warming, at a rate three to four times faster than the global average. However, current climate models have been unable to account for this increased pace. Now, researchers have reported that clouds may be to blame. Tue, 20 May 2025 12:22:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250520122238.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519204507.htm The average energy project costs 40% more than expected for construction and takes almost two years longer than planned, finds a new global study. One key insight: The investment risk is highest for nuclear power plant construction and lowest for solar. The researchers analyzed data from 662 energy projects built between 1936 and 2024 in 83 countries, totaling $1.358 trillion in investment. Mon, 19 May 2025 20:45:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519204507.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250516134359.htm Engineers have developed a groundbreaking computational model to study the movement of granular materials such as soils, sands and powders. By integrating the dynamic interactions among particles, air and water phases, this state-of-the-art system can accurately predict landslides, improve irrigation and oil extraction systems, and enhance food and drug production processes. Fri, 16 May 2025 13:43:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250516134359.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514180732.htm A team of engineers has developed a system that could transform desalination practices, making the process more adaptable, resilient and cheaper. The new system is powered by sunlight and uses a creative approach to heat recovery for extended water production -- with and without sunshine. Wed, 14 May 2025 18:07:32 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250514180732.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250512105204.htm How might floating solar energy projects impact wild birds and vice versa? A paper outlines key considerations for a growing floating solar industry. Mon, 12 May 2025 10:52:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250512105204.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122255.htm Researchers have developed two unique energy-efficient and cost-effective systems that use urea found in urine and wastewater to generate hydrogen. The unique systems reveal new pathways to economically generate 'green' hydrogen, a sustainable and renewable energy source, and the potential to remediate nitrogenous waste in aquatic environments. Fri, 09 May 2025 12:22:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122255.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122122.htm Metals and hormone-disrupting substances such as estrogens present a genuine risk to the sustainability of agriculture and water management in Europe. This research provides new insights into the distribution, availability, and risks associated with these pollutants, while also highlighting shortcomings in current regulations. Fri, 09 May 2025 12:21:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122122.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122111.htm A research team used the German environmental satellite EnMAP (Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program) to simultaneously detect the two key air pollutants carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in emission plumes from power plants -- with an unprecedented spatial resolution of just 30 meters. The newly developed method allows for tracking of industrial emissions from space with great precision and enables atmospheric processes to be analyzed in detail. Fri, 09 May 2025 12:21:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122111.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122012.htm The marine bacterium Alcanivorax borkumensis feeds on oil, multiplying rapidly in the wake of oil spills, and thereby accelerating the elimination of the pollution, in many cases. It does this by producing an 'organic dishwashing liquid' which it uses to attach itself to oil droplets. Researchers have now discovered the mechanism by which this 'organic dishwashing liquid' is synthesized. Fri, 09 May 2025 12:20:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122012.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122010.htm As a recent leap in green chemistry, scientists have unveiled a new catalyst that enables high yields of sulfones using molecular oxygen -- at close to room temperature. By fine-tuning the structure of oxygen vacancies in perovskite oxide catalysts, the researchers successfully reduced the reaction temperature from 80-150 C to nearly 30 C, offering improved energy efficiency. The study marks a significant milestone in advancing complex sulfide oxidation reactions, offering sustainability with excellent efficiency. Fri, 09 May 2025 12:20:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509122010.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509121913.htm A team of researchers has developed a new strategy for identifying hazardous pollutants in soil -- even ones that have never been isolated or studied in a lab. Fri, 09 May 2025 12:19:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250509121913.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508161315.htm Sulfur from sugarcane crops is flowing into wetlands in the Florida Everglades, creating toxic methylmercury, which accumulates in fish, a new study finds. Thu, 08 May 2025 16:13:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250508161315.htm