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 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:05:02 EST Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:05:02 EST 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/2009/11/091124204314.htm Food waste contributes to excess consumption of freshwater and fossil fuels which, along with methane and carbon dioxide emissions from decomposing food, impacts global climate change. Scientists have calculated the energy content of nationwide food waste from the difference between the US food supply and the food eaten by the population. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091124204314.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117094835.htm Finding alternative feed sources for chickens, pigs and other farm animals will significantly reduce pressure on the world's dwindling fisheries while contributing positively to climate change, according to researchers. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117094835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120084617.htm With the introduction of a single bacterial gene into yeast, researchers have achieved three improvements in bioethanol production from agricultural waste material: 'More ethanol, less acetate and elimination of the major by-product glycerol' Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091120084617.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116085057.htm Small amounts of oil leave a fluorescent sheen on polluted water. Oil sheen is hard to remove, even when the water is aerated with ozone or filtered through sand. Now, an engineer has developed an inexpensive new method to remove oil sheen by repeatedly pressurizing and depressurizing ozone gas, creating microscopic bubbles that attack the oil so it can be removed by sand filters. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116085057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111111257.htm Carbon is usually typecast as a villain in terms of the environment but researchers have now devised a novel way to miniaturize a technology that will make carbon a key material in some extremely green heating products for our homes and in air conditioning equipment for our cars. Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111111257.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171647.htm The American health-care sector accounts for 8 percent of the country's carbon dioxide emissions, according to a first-of-its-kind calculation of health care's carbon footprint. Researchers used expenditures from different parts of the health care sector to measure the industry's potential effect upon global warming through the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110171647.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112085025.htm In an advance that could help ease health and environmental concerns about the emerging nanotechnology industry, scientists are reporting development of technology for changing the behavior of nanoparticles in municipal sewage treatment plants -- their main gateway into the environment. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112085025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029160737.htm Sugarcane biomass, a significant waste product from sugar production, could be a renewable energy source for electricity production, according to researchers. Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029160737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110141842.htm New data show that the balance between the airborne and the absorbed fraction of carbon dioxide has stayed approximately constant since 1850, despite emissions of CO₂ having risen from about 2 billion tons a year in 1850 to 35 billion tons a year now. This suggests that terrestrial ecosystems and the oceans have a much greater capacity to absorb CO₂ than had been previously expected. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110141842.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110112438.htm Agricultural soils accumulate trace metals from waste and fungicide application. Regulations for soil concentrations of these potentially plant-toxic elements consider the individual elements, but not their interactions. A new study evaluates whether the copper-zinc interaction in soils is additive as defined by the toxicity response in soybeans. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110112438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103102402.htm The Environmental Restoration Project at Sandia National Laboratories reports the successful construction of an alternative evapotranspirative cover at the Mixed Waste Landfill in September. The 2.6-acre site is located in Technical Area 3 in the west-central part of Kirtland Air Force Base. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103102402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029111911.htm A researcher said that developing bio-based adhesives to replace environmentally hazardous materials also could produce high-value products needed to sustain the biofuels economy. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029111911.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122835.htm A new report examines and, when possible, estimates "hidden" costs of energy production and use -- such as the damage air pollution imposes on human health -- that are not reflected in market prices of coal, oil, other energy sources, or the electricity and gasoline produced from them. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022114321.htm Geologists are finding that the most important tools in their fieldwork on groundwater arsenic pollution are women and children armed with pamphlets and testing kits. The research examines arsenic levels in the groundwater in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. While trying to understand how the naturally occurring arsenic gets into groundwater, the researchers are helping Bengalis identify contaminated water sources so they can make more informed decisions about where to dig wells. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022114321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022101655.htm The Mediterranean fruit fly is a world plague which represents one of the most serious problems for agriculture. However, the control methods currently present in the market for this plague are ineffective. Scientists have now isolated and identified bacteria that is extremely toxic for Mediterranean fruit fly larvae. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022101655.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164052.htm Mercury's persistent and toxic presence in the environment has flummoxed scientists for years in the quest to find ways to mitigate the dangers posed by the buildup of its most toxic form, methylmercury. A new discovery, however, has shed new light on one of nature's best mercury fighters: bacteria. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164052.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001095717.htm There is a scientific consensus that safe geological disposal of high-level nuclear waste is technically feasible, while public acceptance has still not been achieved in most Member States. Researchers have analyzed the state of the art of science, technology and procedures needed across the EU for implementation. They have identified no major conceptual or research gap for the host rocks and repository systems envisaged, namely those in clays, hard rocks and salt. Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001095717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013105631.htm Could sustainable architecture address pollution, climate change and resource depletion by helping us build self-sufficient, off-grid, housing from "waste," including vehicle tires and metal drinks containers? That's the question researchers in Australia are trying to answer. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013105631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161332.htm The first demonstration of a renewable method for hydrogen production from wastewater using a microbial electrolysis system is underway at the Napa Wine Company in Oakville. The refrigerator-sized hydrogen generator will take winery wastewater, and using bacteria and a small amount of electrical energy, convert the organic material into hydrogen. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929100654.htm Converting the rubbish that fills the world's landfills into biofuel may be the answer to both the growing energy crisis and to tackling carbon emissions, claim scientists in Singapore and Switzerland. New research reveals how replacing gasoline with biofuel from processed waste could cut global carbon emissions by 80%. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929100654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930132656.htm Tiny organisms known as archaea play a central role in the planet's nitrogen cycle, according to new research. Experiments show that archaea appear play a key ecological role in both upper and deep ocean ecosystems. This could affect calculations made by global climate models. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930132656.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929141534.htm Researchers in Louisiana are conducting innovative research on geopolymer concrete and providing ways to use a waste byproduct from coal fired power plants and help curb carbon dioxide emissions. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929141534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164056.htm US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development has completed its review of a dioxin exposure study conducted by the University of Michigan in the Midland-Saginaw, Michigan area. EPA found the study was conducted well and provided useful, scientifically credible information. However, the study is of limited value to help EPA fully evaluate human exposure to levels of dioxin in the Tittabawassee River and Saginaw River and Bay. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923133007.htm Denver released the largest amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) and Barcelona the smallest amount in a new study documenting how differences in climate, population density and other factors affect GHG emissions in global cities. The study could identify ways in which cities can reduce GHG emissions. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923133007.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917170912.htm Researchers are working to demonstrate that trees can be used to degrade or capture fuels that leak into soil and ground water. Through a process called phytoremediation -- literally a "green" technology -- plants and trees remove pollutants from the environment or render them harmless. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917170912.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915140919.htm Processes and policies governing the reuse and recycling of electronic products need to be standardized worldwide to stem and reverse the growing problem of illegal and harmful e-waste processing practices in developing countries, according to experts behind the world's first international e-waste academy. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915140919.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916123513.htm Levels of chloride, a component of salt, are elevated in many urban streams and groundwater across the northern United States, according to a new government study. Chloride levels above the recommended federal criteria set to protect aquatic life were found in more than 40 percent of urban streams tested. The study was released today by the US Geological Survey. Elevated chloride can inhibit plant growth, impair reproduction, and reduce the diversity of organisms in streams. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916123513.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915101353.htm In Sweden alone, 52 million tons of carbon dioxide is emitted every year. To mitigate the negative impacts of greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide sequestration has come to the fore as a hot new method. However, the process is hotly debated, and according to doctoral candidate Mårten Lind at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, it is of the utmost importance that energy companies not use the method as an excuse to delay conversion to more environmentally friendly energy forms. Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915101353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908203750.htm A consortium brought together by low carbon experts is launching the first bus in the UK to run on clean, biomethane gas. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908203750.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907214306.htm Microbiologists have used mixed consortia of bacteria to break down and remove toxic compounds from crude oil and tar sands. These acidic compounds persist in the environment, and can take up to 10 years to break down. By using this microbial mixture, complete degradation of specific compounds was achieved in only a few days. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907214306.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720134556.htm Americans used more solar, nuclear, biomass and wind energy in 2008 than they did in 2007, according to the most recent energy flow charts. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720134556.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904103340.htm Disposal and recycling standards for old computer equipment and other electronic waste must be harmonized for this rapidly growing problem to be dealt with effectively across national borders, as discussed in a recently published analysis of the current rules and regulations. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904103340.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902112752.htm More computers discarded by consumers in the United States are getting a second life in developing countries than previously believed, according to a new study -- the most comprehensive ever done on the topic. The findings may ease growing concerns about environmental pollution with toxic metals that can result from dismantling and recycling computer components in developing countries. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902112752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831130709.htm Contaminants from natural coal deposits in the Gulf of Alaska are not easily bioavailable, unlike the crude oil from the Exxon Valdez tanker catastrophe, according to a new study. The findings challenge the theory that natural coal deposits were the cause of observed environmental damage. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831130709.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818130414.htm A scientific trend to view the world's biggest cities as analogous to living, breathing organisms is fostering a deep new understanding of how poor air quality in megacities can harm residents, people living far downwind and also play a major role in global climate change. Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818130414.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826110159.htm Large variations exist in peoples' ability to eliminate arsenic from the body, according to a new study that questions existing standards for evaluating the human health risks from the potentially toxic substance. Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826110159.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817143610.htm The four-day testing period the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency commonly uses to determine safe levels of pesticide exposure for humans and animals could fail to account for the toxins' long-term effects, researchers report. Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817143610.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825171626.htm Scientists from the U.S. have teamed up with Israeli and Jordanian researchers to protect the Gulf of Aqaba, a strategic waterway whose fragile marine ecosystem is vital to both Israel and Jordan. Participants in the NATO-funded project say they are bridging the Arab-Israeli political divide for the sake of science, peace and environmental conservation. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825171626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818130607.htm After a big earthquake, it's key to keep the water system afloat. Water is necessary for life, and it fights the fires that often accompany such disasters. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818130607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826152814.htm NIST has issued three new certified reference materials for soil. Intended for use as controls in testing laboratories, the new Standard Reference Materials will aid in determining soil quality, detecting soil contamination, and monitoring cleanup efforts from accidental spills or atmospheric deposition. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826152814.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090816170915.htm Scientists are reporting development of a new coating for glass, plastics and a range of other materials that would enable consumers to wipe away oils with plain water. They note that the material can be added to common window cleaning sprays, and used to prevent bathroom mirrors, automobile windshields and other surfaces from fogging up. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090816170915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709110546.htm Brewing beer creates tons of leftover used grains. But that waste can be turned into fuel, as developers have shown. Sat, 22 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709110546.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142345.htm High-rate digestion with microfiltration is state-of-the-art in large sewage plants. It effectively removes accumulated sludge and produces biogas to generate energy. A study now reveals that even small plants can benefit from this process. Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818083226.htm Researchers have developed a reusable organic liquid that can pull harmful gases such as carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide out of industrial emissions from power plants. The process could directly replace current methods and allow power plants to capture double the amount of harmful gases in a way that uses no water, less energy and saves money. Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818083226.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819234651.htm In the first study to look at what happens over the years to the billions of pounds of plastic waste floating in the world's oceans, scientists are reporting that plastics -- reputed to be virtually indestructible -- decompose with surprising speed and release potentially toxic substances into the water. Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819234651.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818182004.htm Expansion of renewable energies should appreciably improve the health status of the 700,000 US workers employed in the energy sector, according to one expert. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818182004.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818150020.htm Naturally occurring organic matter in water and sediment appears to play a key role in helping microbes convert tiny particles of mercury in the environment into a form that is dangerous to most living creatures. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818150020.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819153920.htm A business is more likely to "over-comply" with environmental regulations if its senior management believes in protecting the environment and that it makes financial sense in the long term, according to a new study by an economist at Oregon State University. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819153920.htm