Bugs, good and bad
A new study seems to show that chlorinated water supplies don't disturb healthy gut microbiomes in young children, addressing concerns that such effects could lead to longer-term susceptibility to chronic disease.
Plant extracts
In many cuisines, okra serves as a master thickener of stews and soups. The goo from that fruit and other plants, such as aloe, cactus and psylium, can also clean water and wastewater of some types of solid pollutants, as well as some that are dissolved. Now, researchers say they have demonstrated that combinations of these food-grade plant extracts can remove microplastics from wastewater.
Water innovation ‘fantasy league’
An event with a strong track record for selecting technologies that go on to succeed in the water arena, BlueTech Forum (Vancouver, 7-8 June) has selected its first tranche of "innovation showcase" companies.
Predatory bacteria and digester ecology
Most people think of microorganisms as a predatory element in microbiological ecologies. But in fact, they too can become – in a sense – victims of bacteria that make them sick and even devour them, explains researcher Jens Harder. Such a predatory bacterium has now been described by his group, and its role in the digestion of biomass in sediments might be significant.
Making sense of sewage discharge data
More data is becoming available to help with understanding why so much sewage is being spilled in UK rivers, and fascinating efforts are underway to interpret it and present it to the public in an accessible and transparent format. Envirotec reviews the latest data, tools and what experts believe we can learn.
Circular solution for screenings?
A seemingly eco-friendly way of dealing with wet wipes clogging up sewage systems is in the pipeline, or so claims Edinburgh-based circular economy start-up Carbogenics, which recently received funding for a trial project with Scottish Water.
Comparing aeration and biofiltration for odour impact
A study of two wastewater treatment plants in Cordoba, Spain evaluates the odorous impact of the technologies deployed in each.
Anyone for nuclear-powered floating desalination plants?
Land-based desalination plants are a familiar fixture in many regions of the world but their cost and reliance on fossil fuels remain a bugbear. A new report explores the possibilities presented by a novel alternative.
IoT satellite-based LoRa program and white paper launch
Mobile satellite services provider EchoStar Mobile has launched an early adopter program for pan-European satellite-based LoRa® Internet of Things (IoT) services and a white...
Membrane filtration and ion exchange plants piloted in Abu Dhabi
NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is a leading research university having an international presence with a comprehensive science academy at its core. It supports innovative research and graduate education programs that explore the frontiers of knowledge in powerful and interdisciplinary ways vital to global challenges.
‘Fantasy league’ reveals future of water innovation
Event organiser BlueTech Research has announced the first "innovation showcase" companies who will appear at the BlueTech Forum event in Vancouver, Canada, on 7-8...
Planetary boundaries update: freshwater at stake
The freshwater change planetary boundary has been transgressed, according to a new international study. Green water is the water cycle available to plants, including...
Q&A: Connecting water technology and its potential impact
With water undergoing a transformation, industrial end-users are increasingly embedding sustainable solutions within their operations. Snehal Desai, chief growth and sustainability officer at Evoqua...
All-in-one grey water recycling system for smaller buildings
Water reuse technology specialist SDS has launched a grey water treatment system that it says makes it simpler and more cost-effective for developments, such...
Port Meadow becomes UK’s second river site to gain bathing status
A stretch of the River Thames at Port Meadow, Oxford, has been designated as an official river bathing location after a nearly two-year long...
Report flags “overlooked” potential of groundwater
Groundwater accounts for 99% of all liquid freshwater on Earth. However, this natural resource is often poorly understood and consequently undervalued, mismanaged and even...
Comment: how can the EU’s industrial policy support industry’s efforts with sustainability and decarbonisation?
Ahead of its Annual Meetings and Joint Conference with CEIR and Pneurop in Brussels this coming May, Vanni Vignoli, President of Europump, a trade...
Government sets out new targets on air quality, water pollution, waste and woodland cover
The UK government announced new environmental targets in four key areas of air quality, water, waste reduction and woodland cover on 16 March....
Scottish utility completes reservoir car-removal operation
A delicate operation to remove nine ageing car wrecks which had been dumped in a Paisley reservoir has been hailed a success by utility...
River level monitoring lowers bridge scour risk
Engineers at Transport Scotland have investigated the potential for water level monitoring systems to help mitigate risks where transport infrastructure interacts with moving water....
