Pomegranate extract has an appetite for waterborne pharmaceuticals

In recent years, pomegranate-derived compounds have been shown to slow cellular aging, protect unborn babies’ brains, and serve as additives in better automotive materials. Now, they’ve also been used to remove pharmaceuticals from wastewater.Continue … Continue reading Pomegranate extract has an appetite for waterborne pharmaceuticals

Gulp captures microfibers from eco-conscious users’ washing machines

A significant percentage of waterborne microplastic pollution takes the form of synthetic microfibers, which are shed by our clothes as they’re being washed. A new device known as Gulp lets homeowners filter those fibers out of their wash water, keepin… Continue reading Gulp captures microfibers from eco-conscious users’ washing machines

New polymer removes dye from wastewater, and can be reused afterwards

In wastewater produced by the textile industry and others, dye is one of the primary pollutants. A newly developed synthetic polymer is capable of removing that dye from the water, plus it can be cleaned up and reused to treat more wastewater.Continue … Continue reading New polymer removes dye from wastewater, and can be reused afterwards

Food processing wastewater may find use as farmed seaweed fertilizer

The processing of foods typically generates a lot of wastewater, which has to be cleaned up before being released back into local waterways. According to new research, however, that water could first be put to use as a very effective fertilizer for far… Continue reading Food processing wastewater may find use as farmed seaweed fertilizer

Drone-mounted electronic nose used to assess wastewater plant odor

Wastewater treatment plants generally aren’t known for their nice smell, and they have to be monitored in order to ensure that they’re not becoming too stinky. An experimental new system uses an “e-nose” and a drone to do the job better.Continue Readin… Continue reading Drone-mounted electronic nose used to assess wastewater plant odor

Silver-infused bacteria build more efficient microbial fuel cells

Microbial fuel cells are a promising new technology for generating electricity, but so far they’re plagued by inefficiency. Now, researchers at UCLA have found a way to wring more energy out of them, by feeding the bacteria silver to make them more con… Continue reading Silver-infused bacteria build more efficient microbial fuel cells

Brown trout become addicts in waters polluted with methamphetamine

Aquatic environments fed by streams of discharged wastewater are inherently prone to pollutants from human activity, and that can include the consumption of drugs, legal or otherwise. A field of research is forming around this phenomenon in an effort t… Continue reading Brown trout become addicts in waters polluted with methamphetamine

Willow trees used to produce helpful substances while treating sewage

Even with today’s various sewage-treatment technologies, a great deal of municipal wastewater is still released back into waterways either partially or completely untreated. According to a new study, however, plots of willow trees could be used to clea… Continue reading Willow trees used to produce helpful substances while treating sewage