Interaction between nanoplastics and pectin, a water-soluble polysaccharide
Microplastics are known to collect in ecosystems and nanoplastics occur from the breaking down of microplastics. Nanoplastics are plastic particles of sizes less than 100 nm and when they are in water, they are dispersed in a colloidal form. Nanoplas.....»»
Harvesting water from air: Copolymer solution uses water-loving differential to induce desorption
Harvesting water from the air and decreasing humidity are crucial to realizing a more comfortable life for humanity. Water-adsorption polymers have been playing a key part in atmospheric water harvesting and desiccant air conditioning, but desorption.....»»
Researchers identify two fungal enzymes that hijack the immune system of plants to colonize roots
In nature, plant roots are always colonized by fungi. This interaction can be either mutualistic, benefiting both the plant and the fungus, or pathogenic, where the fungus harms the host plant. A research group led by Professor Dr. Alga Zuccaro at th.....»»
Two-way water transfers can ensure reliability and save money during drought in Western US
A study led by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a solution to water scarcity during droughts amid the tug of economic development, population growth and climate uncertainty for water users in Western U.S. states......»»
Study shows hot water reduces E. coli on pecans
Before those sweet and savory pecans make their way into your pecan pie or other holiday treat, they may go through an antimicrobial wash to reduce pathogens. But why would that be needed?.....»»
Planetary scientist proposes an alternative theory for what lies beneath the surfaces of Uranus and Neptune
Diamond rain? Super-ionic water? These are just two proposals that planetary scientists have come up with for what lies beneath the thick, bluish, hydrogen-and-helium atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune, our solar system's unique, but superficially bla.....»»
Spin-powered crystals dramatically improve water splitting process for clean hydrogen production
Water splitting—breaking water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen—is a promising pathway to sustainable energy. However, this process has long been challenged by the slow chemical kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction that make hydrogen produ.....»»
A 4.45 billion-year-old crystal from Mars reveals the planet had water from the beginning
Water is ubiquitous on Earth—about 70% of Earth's surface is covered by the stuff. Water is in the air, on the surface and inside rocks. Geologic evidence suggests water has been stable on Earth since about 4.3 billion years ago......»»
UK water companies now have to release live sewage spill data—why more transparency is key to cleaner rivers
For the first time, anyone in England can now access real-time information of where combined sewer overflows (CSOs) are discharging untreated wastewater into our waterways. This week, all water companies published details of how anyone can access the.....»»
Oldest direct evidence of hot water activity on Mars found
New Curtin University-led research has uncovered what may be the oldest direct evidence of ancient hot water activity on Mars, revealing the planet may have been habitable at some point in its past......»»
Nano-patterned copper oxide sensor provides rapid ultra-low hydrogen detection
Hydrogen is becoming an increasingly popular choice as we shift towards cleaner energy. It can be burned like traditional fuels, producing only water as a byproduct, and can generate electricity when used in fuel cells. However, as hydrogen productio.....»»
Researchers investigate health risks of potentially toxic elements in surface water in Tarim River Basin, China
Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in surface water in arid areas can pose a serious threat to natural environment and human health......»»
Establishing a general theory of metal-support interaction: AI-driven advances in catalysis
How can artificial intelligence (AI) help accelerate scientific discovery based on vast amounts of experimental data? A new study by Prof. Li Weixue's team from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) of the Chinese Academy of Scienc.....»»
Researchers identify previously unknown compound in drinking water
A team of researchers from the United States and Switzerland has reported the discovery of a previously unknown compound in chloraminated drinking water. Inorganic chloramines are commonly used to disinfect drinking water to safeguard public health f.....»»
Illegal mining clampdown in South Africa: Treating desperate people like criminals is an injustice
Illegal artisanal gold mining in South Africa is in the spotlight again. Under Operation Vala Umgodi ("plug the hole"), South African authorities have since December 2023 been trying to disrupt the illicit gold mining economy by cutting off water, fo.....»»
"Will you buy fewer plastic bottles?" A simple question can change our behavior
The bottled water market has seen explosive growth—up 73% over the last decade—making it one of the fastest-growing industries globally. However, this growth comes at a significant environmental cost. Plastic waste, greenhouse gas emissions from.....»»
Canada"s first moon rover will soon have a name as it prepares to explore a hostile lunar region
The Canadian Space Agency announced a competition today to name Canada's first-ever rover mission to the moon. This unmanned mission will explore the south polar region of the moon to search for water ice and explore its unique geology......»»
Light-based photocatalytic system can break down PFAS at room temperature
Researchers at Colorado State University have found a new approach for breaking down PFAS—a group of human-made "forever" chemicals commonly used for their water-resistant properties that can carry health risks from long-term exposure......»»
Superior photosynthesis abilities of some plants could hold key to climate-resilient crops
More than 3 billion years ago, on an Earth entirely covered with water, photosynthesis first evolved in ancient bacteria. In the following millions of years, those bacteria evolved into plants, optimizing themselves along the way for various environm.....»»
Delaware River water levels at 60% as salt front increases amid drought
Parched farms, wildfires, and browned vistas are highly visible signs of this fall's drought......»»
Q&A: Getting serious about atmospheric methane removal
Carbon dioxide, the most important man-made greenhouse gas, gets most of the attention in efforts to stem the effects of climate change. While methane is considered a much more potent greenhouse gas, it breaks down into carbon dioxide and water in th.....»»