ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE
Tiered framework could cut emissions by up to 30 percent while maintaining pollution control
A new large-scale study outlines a practical pathway to reduce carbon emissions from wastewater treatment systems without compromising water quality or regulatory performance. By analyzing operational data from more than 2,200 wastewater treatment plants, researchers have identified how infrastructure design, energy use, and operational efficiency directly influence emissions across the sector.
Wastewater treatment facilities play a critical role in protecting public health and the environment. Yet, they are also energy-intensive assets that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through electricity consumption and chemical use. As cities face increasing pressure to meet climate targets, wastewater infrastructure has emerged as an essential but often overlooked opportunity for emissions reduction.
The research introduces a tiered assessment framework that classifies treatment plants by emissions intensity and operational performance. Facilities are grouped into priority control, general control, and maintenance categories, enabling regulators and operators to focus resources on improvements that yield the most significant environmental and economic impact.
Within the dataset, a group of benchmark facilities demonstrated that it is possible to achieve strong pollution removal while operating with significantly lower carbon intensity. These plants combine efficient process design with optimized energy use, serving as scalable models for system upgrades nationwide. Modeling suggests that if underperforming plants were elevated to benchmark standards, overall emissions from wastewater treatment could be reduced by approximately 30 percent.
Technology choice emerged as a decisive factor. Specific treatment processes consistently yielded lower emissions, underscoring that long-term infrastructure decisions shape operational costs and environmental performance. The findings highlight the importance of aligning capital investment strategies with both regulatory compliance and climate objectives.
The study also found that a…
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ICE Announces Historic 120 Percent Workforce Expansion Following Recruitment Campaign
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has announced a historic expansion of its workforce after completing
U.S. Military Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Dramatic Overnight Operation
President Donald J. Trump announced on January 3, 2026, that U.S. military forces successfully carried
Kunming Biodiversity Fund Endorses 22 Landmark Projects to Combat Biodiversity Loss
In a significant move towards global biodiversity conservation, the Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) announced the endorsement of 22 projects, marking its first full suite of initiatives to support 34 countries across diverse ecosystems and regions. This initiative is designed to help nations fulfill their commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global…
Danbury, Connecticut Awarded Nearly $3.5 Million in Landmark PFAS Settlement to Safeguard Public Water Supply
The City of Danbury is set to receive a nearly $3.5 million settlement as part of a nationwide legal agreement aimed at addressing contamination of public water supplies by PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” This significant settlement is part of multibillion-dollar deals reached with major corporations, including…
The Rise of Green Careers: How Every Industry Is Now Part of the Sustainability Economy
Sustainability used to live in silos — a department, a consultant, a checkbox. Now it’s cracking open the walls of every industry. From logistics to law firms, data science to design, environmental responsibility is no longer a bonus trait — it’s part of the job description. And with that…
University of Georgia Ecologists Identify Two New Black Bass Species: Bartram’s and Altamaha Bass
A team of ecologists from the University of Georgia has made a significant discovery, identifying two new species of black bass: Bartram’s bass and Altamaha bass. This breakthrough is detailed in a new paper, expanding the understanding of these riverine fish.
Though these species are newly described, they have been…
New carbon-based technology from Qingdao University offers scalable, metal-free solution to persistent water pollution
Researchers at Qingdao University have developed a new, environmentally friendly catalyst derived from marine biomass that effectively removes antibiotic contaminants from wastewater, addressing a growing global challenge associated with pharmaceutical pollution and antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotics such as norfloxacin are widely detected in rivers, lakes, and wastewater streams because they are difficult to degrade by conventional treatment technologies. These persistent residues can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and contribute to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, creating long-term risks for both environmental and public health.
The new approach converts sulfur-rich marine biomass into a high-performance porous carbon catalyst that accelerates antibiotic degradation without relying on metals or toxic additives. The research, published in the journal Biochar X, demonstrates how naturally abundant sea-derived materials can be repurposed into advanced tools for water purification.
The catalyst is produced by combining κ-carrageenan, a polysaccharide extracted from red seaweed, with nitrogen-rich compounds and activating it through a controlled thermal process. The resulting material features an extremely high surface area and a porous structure that creates numerous active sites for chemical reactions. When used in conjunction with peroxymonosulfate, a common oxidizing agent, the catalyst rapidly degrades antibiotic molecules in water.
In laboratory tests, the material removed more than 97 percent of…
Frontier Galvanizing has spent over 75 years setting the standard for corrosion protection, with a commitment to environmental innovation that has shaped the future of hot-dip galvanizing. The company’s work goes far beyond fortifying steel for bridges, stadiums, or utility systems, employing processes that actively reduce energy consumption, minimize chemical waste, and lower the ecological impact—all while maintaining the durability and quality that define Frontier Galvanizing’s reputation.
Zinc: Recyclability and the Circular Economy
Zinc is ideally suited to environmentally responsible galvanizing due to its complete recyclability. Most other commonly used coatings require repeated replacement. In contrast, zinc can be recovered and reused endlessly without losing its protective qualities.
Frontier Galvanizing incorporates recycled zinc into its operations whenever possible, thereby reducing reliance on raw materials. This reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to environmentally conscious practices while delivering steel solutions that meet rigorous performance standards for both domestic and international projects.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency Through Heat Recovery
Modern galvanizing typically involves several energy-intensive processes. In response, Frontier Galvanizing has progressively integrated technologies intended to reduce consumption. These include precision temperature control, optimized bath circulation, and automated handling, which minimizes energy loss during coating.
The company also employs heat recovery technologies that capture residual heat from galvanizing…
Clean Power Alliance Opens Applications for $339,000 Community Benefits Grant to Support Nonprofits in Southern California’s Clean Energy Efforts
The Clean Power Alliance (CPA) announced the opening of its 2025-26 Community Benefits Grant application period. This unique program, launched in 2021 in collaboration with Calpine Community Energy, aims to support nonprofit organizations that are advancing clean energy initiatives and promoting sustainability across Southern California.
This year, CPA has earmarked…
Mendenhall Glacier’s Seasonal Flood Mitigation Efforts Yield Positive Results
Last week, Juneau faced the annual challenge of the Mendenhall Glacier’s lake outburst flood as glacial waters streamed towards the city. Thankfully, extensive preparations made by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) helped mitigate the potential threats to local infrastructure and public safety.
In an effort to protect the…
New Research Highlights Strategies for Water Conservation and Pollution Mitigation
Water is fundamental to life on Earth, supporting everything from cellular processes to complex ecosystems. Recent studies published in ACS journals offer valuable insights aimed at protecting our natural water sources and ensuring access to safe drinking water for a growing population.
One of the pressing issues addressed in these…
U.S. Department of Energy Report Challenges Conventional Climate Change Narratives
In a striking new report, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has evaluated existing literature and data on the impact of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions on climate change, positing that the economic damages from CO2-induced warming may be less severe than widely believed. The report, titled *A Critical…
Bottled water has become an everyday item for millions, especially in the U.S., where perceptions of purity, safety, and convenience fuel its high demand. Marketing strategies have played a major role, often portraying bottled water as sourced from pristine natural environments, appealing to health-conscious consumers. However, the growing popularity of bottled water has brought attention to the presence of microplastics—tiny plastic particles that pose health and environmental risks.
As Brian Kashman explains, these particles can originate from packaging materials or the bottling process itself. Research has shown that microplastics are alarmingly prevalent in bottled water, but the long-term health effects remain unclear. While ongoing studies aim to clarify the risks, individuals are encouraged to explore safer, more sustainable alternatives.
Why Bottled Water Remains Popular
Bottled water continues to dominate beverage sales in the U.S., with millions choosing it daily over other options. Many consumers associate it with cleanliness and safety, believing it to be more trustworthy than tap water.
Brands often highlight mountain springs or glacier sources on their labels, reinforcing the idea of purity. Combined with the convenience of a sealed, portable container, bottled water becomes a default choice for people on the go. In urban areas with questionable tap water quality, bottled water is often seen not just as a preference but as a necessity.
Despite its popularity, concerns are emerging. Environmental impact and questions about what’s actually inside the bottle—beyond just water—are prompting more scrutiny from both consumers and researchers. This scrutiny has fueled debates on sustainability and transparency within the industry.
Microplastics
Microplastics are tiny plastic…
MORE ARTICLES
Global Consensus Emerges to Protect Seamounts: IUCN Congress Passes Landmark Resolution
Scientists Discover DNA Switch in Tropical Butterflies That Influences Wing Patterns Based on Seasonal Temperatures
Declining Aerosol Levels Linked to Increase in Urban Heatwaves, Study Warns
Recent research from The University of Texas at Austin reveals alarming findings about the impact of declining aerosol levels on heatwave occurrences in populated regions. As heatwaves become more frequent worldwide, this study—published in Environmental Research Letters—highlights how reducing aerosols, which contribute to air pollution, may be exacerbating…
Global Call for Moratorium on Deep-Sea Mining to Protect Ocean Ecosystems and Future Generations
The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) is calling for the international community to urgently establish a moratorium on destructive deep-sea mining to prevent irreversible harm to ocean ecosystems and protect the rights of current and future generations.
Over the next three weeks, States will convene in Kingston, Jamaica, for…
New Research Highlights Importance of Clear Regulations in Agricultural Gene Editing
A recent paper from the University of Adelaide is drawing attention to the crucial role of regulatory frameworks in agricultural gene editing. While some scientists argue that current regulations are overly restrictive, the authors emphasize the need for clear guidelines to ensure these emerging technologies are applied safely and…
Nations, NGOs, and Indigenous organizations unite to end bottom trawling on seamounts by 2026, marking a major victory for deep-sea conservation
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has reached a defining moment in global ocean governance, as delegates at the 2025 World Conservation Congress (WCC) overwhelmingly approved a motion to phase out destructive fishing practices on seamounts by the end of 2026.
Motion 032, spearheaded by the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) and led by WWF Australia, calls for an end to bottom trawling on seamounts in international waters. The proposal passed with near-unanimous support — winning 95% of votes from States and government agencies and an extraordinary 99% from NGOs and Indigenous Peoples’ organizations.
“This is a tangible step toward ocean protection at a global scale,” said Bronwen Golder, Global Seamounts Campaign Director at the DSCC. “With the High Seas Treaty now ratified, 2030’s goal to protect 30% of the ocean fast approaching, and next year’s UN Bottom Fisheries Review, this is a critical moment to prioritize seamount protection worldwide.”
Seamounts — underwater mountains rising thousands of meters from the ocean floor — are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. They provide feeding grounds and habitats for deep-sea corals, sponges, whales, sharks, and turtles. Yet for decades, industrial bottom trawling has devastated these fragile ecosystems, destroying ancient…
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Scientists Discover DNA Switch in Tropical Butterflies That Influences Wing Patterns Based on Seasonal Temperatures
Bodybuilding in Ancient Times: How the Sea Anemone Got Its Back
A new study from the University of Vienna reveals that sea anemones use a molecular mechanism known from bilaterian animals to form their back-to-belly body axis. This mechanism (“BMP shuttling”) enables cells to organize themselves during development by interpreting signaling gradients. The findings, published in Science Advances, suggest that…
In Memoriam: Kristina Washer, 30, Environmental Science Pioneer and Advocate for Planetary Health
The environmental science community mourns the loss of Kristina Comley Washer, a gifted and compassionate environmental scientist whose life was tragically cut short by Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) on June 9, 2025. She was 30 years old.
Kristina was more than a scholar—she was a force for change. A master’s…
New Study Reveals Alarming Rise in Methane Emissions Linked to Arctic Warming
A groundbreaking study published in the prestigious journal Nature highlights the escalating methane emissions from the Arctic, underscoring a troubling feedback loop that may further exacerbate climate change. Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder’s Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) reported significant findings that reveal the…