Sustainability News
Improving Concrete Durability with Banana Leaf Ash
Researchers have found that using banana leaf ash in concrete can improve strength and durability, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional cement and reducing environmental impact.
Creating Petal-Shaped Silver for Better Dye Breakdown and Detection
Soochow University researchers have created silver nanoflowers that can detect and break down water pollutants, offering a green solution for wastewater treatment.
Cleaning Brassware Factory Water with Engineered Wetlands
Moroccan researchers find that constructed wetlands with specific plants can effectively purify wastewater from the brassware industry, removing heavy metals and other pollutants.
Factors Affecting Local Veggie Sales by Small-Scale Farmers
Discover how Egerton University's study identifies key factors to boost the market presence of African Indigenous Vegetables, promoting healthier diets and farmer income.
Creating Rust-Proof Coatings from Plants for Steel
Scientists discover that extracts from plants like Marjoram can act as eco-friendly shields, preventing up to 92% of metal corrosion in acidic environments.
New Eco-Friendly Mint Biochar Cleans Up Water Dye Pollution
Researchers have developed a new method to clean water by turning mint stalks and lemon peels into biochar, which can remove up to 93.6% of harmful dyes.
Growing Low Lead Vegetables While Cleaning Garden Soil
Urban gardening's popularity is rising, but it faces the challenge of soil lead contamination. A study found certain veggies can be safely grown in such soils, though lead removal by plants was limited.
How Green-Made Selenium Helps Tomato Plants Beat Cadmium Stress
Researchers find that selenium nanoparticles, derived from a medicinal plant, can shield tomato crops from toxic cadmium, boosting growth and fruit yield significantly.
Comparing Onion Farming Success with and without Drip Irrigation
Indian researchers explore how adopting drip irrigation could boost onion farming efficiency in Maharashtra, potentially increasing yields and profits.
Improving Coffee Wastewater Cleanup with Natural Coagulants
Researchers in Ethiopia explore eco-friendly water treatment using natural coagulants from plants, offering a sustainable solution to coffee industry pollution.
New Plant-Based Options to Replace Meat and Dairy
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed novel plant-based foods that mimic animal products, offering a nutritious and versatile alternative to traditional meat and dairy substitutes.
Last Natural Springs Survive Neglect and Mismanagement
Mexico City's natural springs, vital for biodiversity and local communities, face threats from urbanization and poor water management, despite their good ecological quality.
Future Heatwaves and Their Effect on Comfort in India
A study reveals that over 90% of India's population may face uncomfortably warm nights by 2100, with severe heatwaves hitting densely populated areas, unless significant emission reductions are made.
Making Copper Particles from Pineapple Peel to Kill Bacteria
Researchers devised a way to turn pineapple peel waste into copper nanoparticles, an eco-friendly tool to fight bacterial contamination and extend food shelf life.
Safe Eating and Varied Diets in African Cities
Ghana faces a critical challenge in food safety, especially in urban markets where harmful bacteria and seasonal variations affect the well-being of consumers, urgent action is required.
How Biochar and Eco-Friendly Mulch Reduce Soil Metals in Tobacco Farming
Combining biochar and biodegradable mulch film reduces soil chromium levels by up to 38%, benefiting tobacco crop growth and reducing health risks from metal contamination.
Diverse Ways Mangrove Yeasts Boost Plant Growth for Conservation
Researchers find that yeasts from mangroves could revolutionize restoration efforts, boosting plant growth and fending off pathogens in these vital ecosystems.
Japanese Diet and Its Role in Sustainable Development
Adopting the traditional Japanese diet, rich in fish and vegetables, could lead to a smaller environmental footprint, reducing land use, emissions, and water consumption.
Improving Soil Health for Better Ginseng Growth
Scientists find that reductive soil disinfestation increases beneficial fungi and boosts plant health, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical treatments in agriculture.
Creating Weather-Ready Farming Strategies Through Strong Decisions
Researchers at the University of Tehran evaluate water-saving strategies for agriculture, finding that shifting to Dry-DSR irrigation could offer a robust solution against climate-induced water shortages.
Safeguarding a Rare Plant in Changing Climates and Lands
Researchers at Harbin Normal University have developed a plan to sustainably cultivate the endangered medicinal plant, Thesium chinense, amid climate change and human pressures.
Fighting Crop Fungus with Eco-Friendly Nano-Silver
Researchers have developed eco-friendly silver nanoparticles using citron juice that could protect crops from fungal pathogens, aiding global food security efforts.
Better Planning for Nature: A Cure-All or a Can of Worms?
Incorporating mainstreaming and landscape-scale thinking could enhance England's nature strategy, a study from Northumbria University suggests, aiming to tackle fragmentation and encourage long-term planning.
Sustainable Farming on Tropical Swampy Land Cuts Carbon Emissions
A study on Sumatran coconut plantations reveals how integrated water management can reduce CO2 emissions from peatlands, balancing agriculture with climate goals.
Assessing Sustainable Growth in Farming and Rural Areas
A study examines green development in China's agriculture over a decade, finding positive growth but also regional disparities, urging balanced policies for sustainable rural advancement.
Evaluating How Conservation Helps Reduce Soil Erosion
Researchers in Brazil use innovative modeling to plan how to combat severe soil erosion, with strategies like reforestation showing promise in reducing soil loss.
Exploring Basil Oil as a Green Way to Fight Common Moth Pests
Basil essential oil, particularly linalool, shows promise as an eco-friendly insecticide, effectively targeting common pests and altering their growth and detox processes.
How Expanding Rubber Farms Transform Southern India
As rubber plantations expand, doubling in area over 50 years, local economies see a boost. However, the environmental trade-offs are severe, leading to significant ecological damage.
Clean Water Using Sunlight and Spinach-Based Filter
Spinach leaves are the surprising hero in a novel pollution-fighting technique, developed by Egyptian and Japanese scientists. This method uses spinach-based material to break down harmful dyes in water, achieving up to 98.31% removal efficiency.
Understanding Recent Breakthroughs in Sugar Kelp Adaptation
Explore the resilience of sugar kelp, a key species in marine ecosystems, in adapting to climate change, contributing to healthy oceans and sustainable seaweed farming practices.
Innovative Biopolymer Networks Transforming Sustainable Farming
Researchers are exploring eco-friendly biopolymers in agriculture, offering targeted fertilizer/pesticide delivery, disease protection, and enhanced soil health for more sustainable farming.
New Eco-Friendly Fertilizers from Water Plant Waste Release Nutrients Slowly
New nano-enabled fertilizers promise sustainable farming by slowly releasing nutrients, increasing water retention in sandy soil, and enhancing plant growth with less environmental impact.
Hand-Feed Sugarcane Chipper: Design and Field Tests
Aswan University researchers have created a semi-automatic machine that chops sugarcane more efficiently, potentially revolutionizing sugarcane farming in Egypt.
Turning Animal Waste into Fish Food: A Study on Two Fish Species
Exploring sustainable fish feed, scientists used a fermented whey-protein blend to replace fishmeal, finding specific levels that support fish growth and nutrition.
Building Local Knowledge by Studying Nature Together
WildTracker combines citizen science and professional research, engaging Tasmanian landholders in wildlife conservation through data collection and shared insights.
How Farm Forests Help Fight Seasonal Hunger in Ethiopia
Farmers in Ethiopia's drylands reduce food insecurity by dedicating about 10% of their land to forests, with the biggest impact on the poorest and women-led households.
Boosting Crop Yield and Soil Health in Alfalfa and Barley with Intercropping
Intercropping alfalfa with sea barley improves growth and reduces soil salinity, offering a promising strategy to enhance crop yield in salty conditions.
Evaluating Pollution Levels in an Industrial Wastewater Canal
A study reveals the alarming pollution levels of India's Kala Sanghian drain due to industrial waste, highlighting the need for immediate actions in wastewater management.
Mushroom Waste Efficiently Cleans Pesticides from Water
Researchers have created a sustainable water purification method using oyster mushroom byproducts to remove a harmful herbicide, offering an eco-friendly and affordable solution.
How Coal Use Affects the Environment in Rich and Poor Countries
Coal consumption has a severe impact on environmental sustainability, with developed countries facing six times the increase in carbon emissions than developing ones per unit of coal used.
Checking the Health of a Dry River Ecosystem
China's Wei River Basin, part of the vital Yellow River system, is under environmental scrutiny. A new study uses an innovative health index to track its ecosystem, revealing areas of resilience and concern, guiding future conservation.
Exploring How Economy, Energy, and Trade Impact Asia's Carbon Emissions
Exploring the link between economic growth, energy use, and carbon emissions in Asia, a study highlights the region's impact on global warming, emphasizing the need to adopt cleaner energy and sustainable practices.
Do Big Farms Offer Better Lives and Environment than Small Ones?
A study contrasts large, modernized farms with traditional small ones in China, finding the former often yield higher economic returns and diversification benefits, yet use more pesticides, raising sustainability concerns.
Assessing and Forecasting the Health of Fragile Ecosystems
Researchers in China have used models to predict how urban expansion in Ningxia may affect the region's delicate ecosystems, emphasizing the need for a balance between economic growth and ecological security.
Turning Forest Leftovers into Compost: How It's Done and Its Benefits
Portugal's rise in wildfires has led to a novel solution: turning the resulting agroforestry residues into compost to prevent fires and rejuvenate the soil. Researchers found this approach can reduce the risk of fires and enhance plant growth, potentially transforming waste management and land restoration.
Understanding How Climate and Human Actions Impact City Wetlands Over Time
Wetlands, where land and water intermingle, are integral to our ecosystem—acting as water purifiers, wildlife refuges, and shields against climate change. The Dianchi Lake Basin in China exemplifies the delicate balance between urban development and environmental conservation. Studies from 1993 to 2020 reveal the fluctuating health of these wetlands, with urban expansion initially causing decline, followed by a promising recovery through protective measures. The research underscores the crucial need for sustainable progress that aligns urban growth with wetland preservation.
Creating Sustainable Water Recycling in Growing Cities
In Lima's fight against water stress, researchers explore wastewater treatment technologies to mitigate eutrophication and enable reuse for drinking, leveraging Life Cycle Assessment, Costing, and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to balance environmental and social factors.
How Water Flow Boosts Energy Harvesting from Saltwater Sources
Harnessing the dance of ions in estuaries, researchers are optimizing salinity gradient energy using capacitive double-layer expansion (CDLE). By controlling water flow around electrodes, energy yield can be fine-tuned, potentially enhancing this eco-friendly power source.
Turning Herbal Waste into Clean Energy and Pollution Filters
Scientists are cooking up a sustainable energy source in the form of biochar made from herbs like nettle and lemon balm. This eco-friendly alternative boasts significant heating values and shows promise in environmental cleanup, potentially revolutionizing energy and ecology.
Creating Plant-Inspired Water Collection Tech with Self-Powered Rain Detection
Discovering sustainability in leaves, scientists have replicated their patterns to craft devices for renewable energy and water harvesting in dry regions. These leaf-inspired triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) could transform the way we capture energy and manage water resources.
Combating Farmland Salt Buildup with Nature and Bio-Tech Solutions
As soil salinization threatens global agriculture, innovative nature-based solutions and cutting-edge science aim to fight this silent adversary. With strategies ranging from precision to conservation farming and engineering salt-tolerant crops, our collective effort is key to sustaining food security.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Nature Methods to Lower Flood Risks
Unlocking the full economic potential of Nature-Based Solutions for flood management, a new study paves the way with a financial analysis method, revealing astounding cost-benefit ratios when co-benefits like biodiversity are included.
Turning Plastic Waste into Valuable Products with Special Polymers
Scientists at Tsinghua University develop SePU, a new degradable polyurethane with selenium, transforming waste into fertilizers that boost plant growth like radishes and pak choi. This innovative material degrades naturally and contributes to healthier crops and diets, marking a significant step towards sustainable plastic solutions.
Trees Help Cool Down City Parks Worldwide
Urban green spaces like parks and street trees emerge as heroes against the urban heat island effect by providing shade and cooling the air through evapotranspiration. Research shows trees are especially effective, offering significant temperature reductions, with their benefits prevailing even amidst dense urban architecture.
How Weather, Land, and People Affect Conflicts with Elephants
Elephant encounters on farmlands may seem like folklore, yet this is a real challenge for many. A study predicts a sharp rise in human-elephant conflict by 2050 due to crop density, population growth, and climate change, especially under high-emission scenarios. However, there's hope: proactive land management and conservation could foster coexistence.
Mangosteen Peel Extract Helps Rice Grow and Fights Plant Disease
Scientists repurpose mangosteen fruit peels to create zinc oxide nanoparticles, a groundbreaking solution to combat rice blight. Through high-tech analyses, these particles were confirmed to hinder bacterial growth and even boost rice plant vitality, foreshadowing a revolution in green agriculture.
Evaluating Lake Life to Monitor Ecological Health at Finima Park
Researchers at Finima Nature Park monitor macrozoobenthos in FNP Lake, gaining ecological insights into water health. Their findings highlight key factors like pH and oxygen levels, providing benchmarks for future studies and conservation efforts.
Making Eco-Friendly Cleaners from Orange Peels to Purify Water
Orange peels might just be our next environmental heroes. Researchers have discovered that iron oxide nanoparticles derived from the peels can purify water by degrading harmful dyes with a 97% success rate under light. These particles not only cleanse but also disinfect, tackling bacteria like E. coli, revolutionizing wastewater treatment and tipping the scales towards sustainability.
How Mixing Oils and Titanium Improve Hybrid Solar Systems
University of Yaoundé I researchers in Cameroon have developed an innovative PV/T system that combines solar photovoltaic and thermal capture, using fluids like cottonseed oil and TiO2 particles to boost efficiency by 12% and drastically reduce energy costs.
Eco-Friendly Method for Making Pollutant-Breaking Nanoparticles
Harnessing the sun's light, researchers have innovated a new method to combat water pollution using zinc oxide nanoparticles, enhanced by leaf extract. These tiny particles offer an impressive 97.02% degradation of industrial dyes, providing a sustainable solution to clean wastewater.