Engineered algae removes microplastics from water

May 12, 2026

Ti AI ṣe iroyin

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a modified strain of algae that captures microplastics from contaminated water by producing an orange-scented oil. The process also cleans wastewater and could support bioplastic production.

Susie Dai, a professor in the College of Engineering, led the creation of the algae through genetic engineering. The algae produce limonene, which alters their surface to attract water-repelling microplastics and form sinking clumps that are easier to collect.

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Flinders University scientists in lab testing nano-cage adsorbent that removes 98% of PFAS from water, showing filtration process with molecular capture.

Flinders University team reports nano-cage adsorbent that captures short-chain PFAS in water tests

April 09, 2026 Ti AI ṣe iroyin Àwòrán tí AI ṣe Ti ṣayẹwo fun ododo

Researchers at Flinders University say they have developed an adsorbent material that removed more than 98% of short- and long-chain PFAS—including hard-to-capture short-chain variants—in laboratory flow-through tests using model tap water. The approach embeds nano-sized molecular cages into mesoporous silica and, in the experiments reported, could be regenerated while remaining effective over at least five reuse cycles.

Researchers propose glow-in-the-polymer approach to track microplastics inside living organisms

A research team has outlined a fluorescence-based strategy designed to make microplastics and nanoplastics visible inside living organisms, potentially enabling real-time tracking of how the particles move, change and break down in biological systems.

Scientists create milk-based biodegradable film for packaging

February 28, 2026 Ti AI ṣe iroyin

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a thin, flexible film using milk protein, starch, and nanoclay that fully breaks down in soil within 13 weeks. The material aims to serve as an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics for food packaging. The study, published in Polymers, highlights its potential to reduce plastic pollution.

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Scientists scrutinize health risks from microplastics

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Microplastics detected in Antarctica's only native insect

Water emulsion cuts diesel engine pollution by over 60 percent

Researchers in Nigeria have reviewed a technology that mixes small amounts of water into diesel fuel to reduce emissions. This water-in-diesel emulsion, or WiDE, lowers nitrogen oxide and particulate matter by more than 60 percent without needing engine modifications. The approach may also boost fuel efficiency in some cases.

SePRO's Mark Heilman discusses phosphorus pollution in waterways

February 18, 2026 Ti AI ṣe iroyin

Dr. Mark Heilman, vice president of environmental restoration at SePRO, highlights how phosphorus from lawn care contributes to harmful algal blooms in US lakes and rivers. In a podcast episode, he shares successes in restoring polluted waters and stresses the importance of prevention over remediation. The discussion covers invasive species and climate impacts on water quality.

May 04, 2026 06:31