Articles tagged with "environmental-technology"
New breakthrough tech helps extract gold by recycling toxic cyanide
Scientists at Australia’s CSIRO have developed a new Sustainable Gold Cyanidation Technology that improves gold recovery by recycling toxic cyanide used in mining. This process, recently completed in a month-long lab-scale pilot, aims to reduce environmental and health risks associated with cyanide spills, which have historically caused significant ecological damage, such as the 2000 Aural Gold Mine disaster in Romania. Unlike current industry practices that destroy residual cyanide, this technology recovers cyanide and other toxic compounds, as well as some base metals and valuables typically lost in tailings, potentially lowering costs and hazards related to cyanide transport and storage. The researchers are now seeking industry partners to advance to larger-scale field demonstrations. This innovation builds on CSIRO’s previous work, including the ‘Going for Gold’ cyanide-free extraction process using thiosulphate, which has been commercially adopted by Clean Mining. The new cyanidation technology promises greater economic and environmental benefits beyond existing cyanide recovery methods, with the potential
materialsgold-extractioncyanide-recyclingsustainable-miningenvironmental-technologytoxic-waste-managementprecious-metals-recoveryFluorinated polymers clean up stubborn heart drugs from water
Researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology have developed fluorinated covalent organic polymers (FCOPs) that effectively remove persistent beta-blocker drugs, such as atenolol (ATL) and metoprolol (MTL), from water. These heart medications, designed to resist breakdown in the human body, often pass through conventional wastewater treatment plants and contaminate aquatic ecosystems, where even trace amounts can harm algae and fish. The newly synthesized FCOPs demonstrated rapid and high adsorption capacities, removing over 67% of these drugs within the first minute of exposure. The study revealed a unique sigmoidal adsorption pattern, indicating that at higher concentrations, multilayer adsorption occurs, significantly enhancing pollutant uptake. This exceptional performance is attributed to three synergistic mechanisms: strong intermolecular interactions due to abundant fluorine atoms, electrostatic attraction between positively charged beta-blockers and the negatively charged FCOP surface, and the hydrophobic nature of FCOPs that promotes molecule aggregation. These findings highlight FC
materialsfluorinated-polymerswater-purificationcovalent-organic-polymersenvironmental-technologypharmaceutical-removaladsorption-technologyBacteria in Norway's spruce tree needles found hiding gold: Study
A recent study has revealed that Norway spruce trees near gold deposits, such as those around the Kittilä gold mine in Northern Finland, contain microscopic gold nanoparticles within their needles. This gold accumulation is facilitated by symbiotic bacteria, known as endophytes, living inside the tree tissues. These microbes convert soluble gold absorbed from the soil into solid nanosized particles through a process called biomineralization, likely as a means to reduce the metal’s toxicity. DNA sequencing identified specific bacterial groups, including P3OB-42, Cutibacterium, and Corynebacterium, associated with gold-containing needles, suggesting these bacteria play a key role in transforming gold inside the trees. Although the gold nanoparticles are too small for commercial extraction, the discovery holds significant potential for environmentally friendly mineral exploration. By screening for microbial fingerprints in plants, geologists could more efficiently locate underground gold deposits without extensive drilling, reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, the biomineralization process may extend to other minerals and plant species
materialsbiomineralizationgold-nanoparticlesbacteriaNorway-sprucemineral-explorationenvironmental-technologyGaniga will showcase its waste-sorting robots at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Italian startup Ganiga Innovation aims to improve global plastic recycling rates, currently below 10%, through AI-enabled robotic waste sorting solutions. Their flagship product, Hoooly, is a fleet of robotic waste bins that use generative AI to distinguish trash from recyclables and sort them accordingly. Additionally, Ganiga offers a smart lid attachment for existing bins with similar sorting capabilities and a software platform that tracks corporate waste production and provides recommendations to reduce it. Founded in 2021 by Nicolas Zeoli, Ganiga has sold over 120 robotic bins to clients including Google and major European airports, generating $500,000 in revenue in 2024 and $750,000 in the first nine months of 2025. Ganiga will showcase its technology at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco from October 27-30, participating in the Startup Battlefield competition. The company recently raised $1.5 million in pre-seed funding and plans to raise a $3 million seed round. In
robotAIwaste-managementrecycling-technologysmart-binsenvironmental-technologysustainabilityGaniga will showcase its waste-sorting robots at TechCrunch Disrupt
Italian startup Ganiga is addressing the global plastic recycling challenge—where less than 10% of plastic is recycled—by developing AI-enabled robotic waste bins designed to improve sorting and waste management. Their flagship product, Hoooly, uses generative AI to distinguish between trash and recyclables, automating the sorting process. Ganiga also offers a smart lid that can retrofit existing bins with similar AI capabilities and a software platform that tracks corporate waste production and provides actionable insights to reduce waste. Founded in 2021 by Nicolas Zeoli, the company has sold over 120 robotic bins to clients including Google and major airports in Europe, generating $500,000 in revenue in 2024 and $750,000 in the first nine months of 2025. Ganiga will showcase its technology at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco from October 27 to 30, participating in the Startup Battlefield competition. The company plans to launch Hooolyfood in November, a software product that
robotAIwaste-managementrecycling-technologysmart-binsenvironmental-technologysustainabilityCoffee and plastic waste transformed into carbon capture material
Researchers at the University of Sharjah in the UAE have developed and patented a novel technology that transforms spent coffee grounds (SCG) from Starbucks in Dubai and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste into high-performance activated carbon for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture. This innovation addresses two critical environmental challenges simultaneously: reducing industrial CO2 emissions and managing large volumes of waste. The process involves co-pyrolysis of coffee and plastic waste at 600°C with potassium hydroxide (KOH) as an activating agent, producing a material with strong CO2 adsorption capacity suitable for industrial applications. This dual-purpose technology leverages abundant waste streams—over 10 billion kilograms of coffee waste and millions of tons of PET plastic produced annually—to create an economically viable and sustainable solution for carbon capture. The activated carbon produced can effectively adsorb CO2 from fossil fuel-based energy systems, helping mitigate air pollution and climate change. The researchers emphasize the environmental, social, and economic benefits of repurposing these
energycarbon-captureactivated-carbonwaste-managementenvironmental-technologysustainable-materialscarbon-dioxide-reductionScientists use light to clean wastewater with ceramic foam formula
Researchers at Fraunhofer IKTS in Dresden have developed innovative UV-activated ceramic foam materials designed to purify industrial process water and wastewater by breaking down persistent pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, microplastics, dyes, and PFAS. These multifunctional foam ceramics use photocatalytic oxidation, where UV light exposure generates reactive radicals on the foam’s functionalized surfaces that decompose organic impurities without producing harmful by-products or requiring additional oxidizing agents like ozone. The foam’s highly porous structure (up to 90% open porosity) provides extensive surface area for catalyst coatings and excellent light penetration, enabling efficient pollutant degradation even with thin catalyst layers that are stabilized to prevent washout. Fraunhofer IKTS is actively developing complete wastewater treatment systems incorporating these ceramic foams, optimized reactor designs, and energy-efficient UV LEDs tailored to client needs across industries including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, paper, dairy, and textiles. By enabling on-site treatment, the technology prevents harmful substances from
materialsenergywastewater-treatmentphotocatalysisceramic-foamUV-lightenvironmental-technologyThe State Of Food At Climate Week NYC 2025 - CleanTechnica
Climate Week NYC 2025 highlighted the critical role of food systems in addressing global sustainability challenges, emphasizing that transforming food production and consumption can significantly impact climate, nature, and human health. A key focus was the transition to regenerative agriculture, which offers environmental and health benefits but requires a deliberate shift in farming practices. This transition involves overcoming complexities such as the need for technical and financial support for farmers, rethinking certification standards, and leveraging local knowledge to scale regenerative methods. The event underscored that making climate issues relatable—such as linking climate change to the loss of beloved foods like coffee and chocolate—can motivate broader public engagement. Another major theme was the interconnectedness of food, water, and human health, showcased by the Future Food Institute. This organization presented projects analyzing how soil quality, seasonal and fresh food consumption, and agricultural practices affect longevity and health outcomes. Their work aims to inform policymakers about the long-term health costs related to food systems. Additionally, the integration of AI in agriculture was discussed
energyrenewable-energysustainabilityclimate-changeregenerative-agricultureenvironmental-technologyclean-energyNew ‘artificial plant’ uses solar power to clean radioactive soil
A research team at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST) has developed a solar-powered artificial plant that can purify soil contaminated with radioactive cesium by over 95% within 20 days. This device mimics the natural transpiration process of plants, drawing contaminated water from the soil through a stem-like structure and capturing cesium ions in specialized adsorbent “leaves.” The purified water then evaporates and returns to the soil, eliminating the need for additional water or electricity. This innovation offers a practical, reusable, and environmentally friendly solution for cleaning radioactive soil, particularly in remote or accident-affected areas. Radioactive cesium, especially Cesium-137, poses long-term environmental and health risks due to its 30-year half-life and high solubility, which allows it to spread through ecosystems and accumulate in living organisms. Traditional soil decontamination methods, such as physically removing soil or using natural plants for absorption, are slow, costly,
energysolar-powerradioactive-soil-cleanupenvironmental-technologyartificial-plantcesium-purificationsustainable-remediationRobot with AI vision and 4,000-Newton grip targets marine pollution
German researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have developed an innovative AI-powered autonomous diving robot designed to combat marine pollution by collecting underwater debris. Tested in the port of Marseille, the robot integrates AI vision, ultrasound, and cameras to detect and identify various types of ocean litter, ranging from heavy objects like lost fishing nets and tires to fragile items such as glass bottles. The robot’s four-fingered robotic hand can exert a gripping force of up to 4,000 Newtons, enabling it to lift objects weighing as much as 551 lbs (250 kilograms) with precision, thanks to sensors that regulate grip strength to avoid damaging delicate waste. The system is part of the EU project SEACLEAR and operates as a coordinated network including an unmanned service boat, a small underwater search robot, and an autonomous dinghy that serves as a floating waste container. The service boat supplies power and data via cable and uses ultrasonic waves to map the seabed. The 20-inch search robot
roboticsAI-visionunderwater-robotmarine-pollutionautonomous-systemsrobotic-gripperenvironmental-technologyWe Can Get Rid of Carcinogens and Forever Chemicals in Drinking Water. Will We Do It?
The article discusses a new study revealing that technologies installed to remove PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as forever chemicals, from drinking water also effectively reduce other harmful contaminants, including disinfection byproducts linked to cancer. PFAS are a large group of persistent chemicals that do not degrade in the environment and have been associated with various health issues such as cancers, hormonal disorders, and developmental delays. The US Geological Survey estimates that 45 percent of US tap water may contain at least one PFAS chemical. While routine water disinfection using chlorine removes pathogens, it cannot eliminate PFAS or heavy metals and can create harmful byproducts like trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, which pose cancer risks. The study, conducted by researchers from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), analyzed data from 19 water systems that installed PFAS filtration technologies between 2018 and 2022. Results showed significant reductions in disinfection byproducts: trihalomethanes
energywater-filtrationenvironmental-technologychemical-safetypollution-controlwater-treatmentPFAS-removalBio-oil tested as way to seal orphaned oil wells and store carbon
A recent study led by Iowa State University explores using bio-oil derived from farm and forest waste—such as corn stalks and wood debris—to both seal orphaned oil wells in the US and sequester carbon underground. The process involves fast pyrolysis, where dried organic matter is rapidly heated in an oxygen-free environment to produce a dense, carbon-rich liquid bio-oil. Injecting this bio-oil into abandoned wells not only permanently stores carbon dioxide but also safely plugs wells that otherwise pose environmental risks like methane leaks and water contamination. This dual-purpose approach addresses two pressing challenges: reducing atmospheric carbon and managing the estimated 300,000 to 800,000 undocumented orphaned wells in the US, which are costly to cap. The researchers propose deploying a network of 200 mobile fast pyrolysis units, each processing about 10 tons of biomass daily near agricultural and forested areas. The study estimates the cost of carbon sequestration via this method at approximately $152 per ton, with potential reductions
energycarbon-sequestrationbio-oilabandoned-oil-wellspyrolysisrenewable-energyenvironmental-technologyNew tech blocks 98% harmful kitchen fats from clogging sewers
Researchers at RMIT University in Australia have developed an innovative wastewater treatment system that removes up to 98% of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from commercial kitchen wastewater, significantly outperforming traditional grease traps that typically capture only about 40%. The new design incorporates baffles inside a grease interceptor to slow the flow and separate larger fat particles, combined with a small dose of alum to clump smaller, suspended fats for easier removal. This approach effectively targets all fat types, including hard-to-remove emulsified fats, and has proven successful under real-world conditions such as high temperatures and detergent-heavy wastewater. The technology offers a scalable and cost-effective solution that can be retrofitted to existing grease management systems, aiming to prevent fatbergs—solid masses of FOG that clog sewers and cause costly maintenance and environmental issues. Beyond infrastructure benefits, the system helps reduce sewage spills that pollute streets and waterways. The research team, led by Drs. Biplob Pramanik and Nil
energywastewater-treatmentgrease-interceptorfatberg-preventionchemical-treatmentwater-utilitiesenvironmental-technologyFrontier buys $31M worth of antacids for the ocean
Frontier, a carbon removal clearinghouse founded by companies including Google and Shopify, has purchased 115,208 metric tons of carbon removal credits from the geoengineering startup Planetary. This marks Frontier’s first agreement to remove carbon by enhancing ocean alkalinity, a method that involves increasing the ocean’s natural alkalinity to absorb more carbon dioxide. The deal prices carbon removal at $270 per metric ton, although Planetary aims to reduce this cost to under $100 per metric ton in the future. Ocean alkalinity enhancement has the potential to remove over 1 billion metric tons of CO2 annually, offering a significant tool in combating climate change. The oceans have historically absorbed large amounts of atmospheric CO2, which has slowed global warming but also increased ocean acidity, threatening marine life. Since the industrial revolution, ocean pH has dropped from about 8.2 to 8.1, representing a 30% increase in acidity due to carbonic acid formation when CO2 reacts with seawater. Planet
energycarbon-removalocean-alkalinity-enhancementclimate-change-mitigationgeoengineeringenvironmental-technologycarbon-creditsUndersea Desalination Pods To Solve Water And Energy Woes
The article discusses an innovative solution to the high energy demands of seawater desalination, a process increasingly critical due to climate change and population growth. California startup OceanWell has developed undersea desalination "pods" that leverage the natural pressure found at depths of around 400 meters to reduce energy consumption by approximately 40%. Unlike conventional onshore desalination plants, which require significant energy to pressurize seawater for reverse osmosis, these pods operate underwater, using ambient ocean pressure to drive the process. This approach also offers logistical advantages, such as avoiding the crowded coastal zones where traditional plants face regulatory and environmental hurdles, exemplified by the decades-long, ultimately canceled Huntington Beach onshore project. OceanWell’s pods also address environmental concerns by enabling more effective diffusion of brine waste in the ocean, reducing the need for costly protective measures. The company has progressed from initial development to testing a single pod in an onshore reservoir designed to minimize ecological impacts. Supported by multiple California water districts and with interest
energydesalinationocean-technologywater-treatmentrenewable-energyenvironmental-technologysustainable-infrastructureCarbon Drawdown Initiative Innovates On A Lab Test Speeding Up CDR Research - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a significant advancement by the Carbon Drawdown team in accelerating research on enhanced rock weathering (EW), a promising carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technique. Traditionally, testing the effectiveness of different rock-soil combinations in field and greenhouse settings has been slow and costly, often taking 200 to 250 days or more to determine if a given pairing increases soil alkalinity—a key indicator of carbon removal. This lengthy process hampers the ability to quickly identify effective combinations and avoid unproductive efforts. The breakthrough comes in the form of a simple laboratory “shaker test” that compresses the evaluation time to just 48 hours. By mixing small amounts of rock, soil, and distilled water in a flask and measuring electrical conductivity (EC) as a proxy for alkalinity changes, researchers found that short-term lab results closely matched long-term greenhouse outcomes. This rapid test could enable project developers to pre-screen rock-soil pairs efficiently, reducing wasted time, money, and emissions
energycarbon-dioxide-removalenhanced-rock-weatheringmaterials-testingclimate-change-mitigationlaboratory-testingenvironmental-technologyPrivate Companies Are Now Gathering Weather Data for NOAA
The article discusses how private companies are increasingly providing weather data to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) amid staffing shortages and budget cuts at the National Weather Service (NWS). For example, WindBorne Systems, a startup deploying advanced weather balloons, began supplying atmospheric data from western Alaska after the NWS suspended balloon launches there due to personnel cuts. Backed by venture capital, WindBorne is expanding its balloon launch sites across the U.S. to help fill critical data gaps that are essential for weather forecasting and climate monitoring. Other startups like Sofar Ocean, Tomorrow.io, Black Swift Technologies, and Saildrone are also contributing data through NOAA’s Mesonet Program, leveraging innovative technologies and AI models. While collaboration between NOAA and private firms is not new, former NOAA officials express concern that the current administration’s push for privatization may lead to the agency relying too heavily on private data services at the expense of maintaining its own core observational infrastructure. They emphasize that NOAA must retain control
IoTweather-monitoringdata-collectionatmospheric-sensorsNOAA-collaborationprivate-sector-innovationenvironmental-technologyThe Ocean Cleanup & Kia Support Guatemala with Initiative to Stop Plastic Pollution From Reaching the World’s Oceans - CleanTechnica
The Ocean Cleanup and Kia have partnered with the Guatemalan government and local organizations to prevent approximately 20,000 tons of plastic waste carried annually by the Motagua and Las Vacas rivers from reaching the Caribbean Sea. This initiative involves deploying two advanced floating trash capture systems—Interceptor 006 and the larger Interceptor 021—to intercept and remove plastic debris before it pollutes marine ecosystems in the Gulf of Honduras, a highly biodiverse area. Since installation, these systems have extracted over 23,000 tons of waste, demonstrating a significant local effort with global environmental implications. Kia’s collaboration with The Ocean Cleanup, established in 2022, aligns with its sustainability goals, including increasing the use of recycled plastics in its vehicles. Beyond supporting ocean cleanup efforts like those in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Kia aids in logistical, financial, and advocacy aspects of the project. Captured plastics are sorted for recycling or repurposing, with some transformed into consumer products such as limited-edition vinyl records
energysustainabilityplastic-pollutionenvironmental-technologyocean-cleanuprecycled-materialswaste-managementAbsolute Climate Co-Founder Peter Minor Speaks Carbon Removal - CleanTechnica
Peter Minor, Co-Founder of Absolute Climate, first encountered the concept of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) in 2014 during his graduate studies at UC Berkeley, but his professional involvement began in 2019 at Carbon180. Absolute Climate distinguishes itself by developing independent quality-assurance standards that uniformly evaluate all carbon removal projects, enabling buyers to compare projects fairly. Crucially, the organization separates quality assurance from credit issuance to avoid conflicts of interest, ensuring that the entity defining credit quality is distinct from the one issuing credits. Minor reflects that if he were to restart Absolute Climate, he would focus earlier on local policy engagement, as impactful climate policies often originate at city or state levels, building momentum and grassroots support. Looking ahead, he acknowledges that while carbon removal is still proving its essential role in climate change mitigation, Absolute Climate aims to be pivotal in aligning incentives toward quality and providing robust evidence of real atmospheric benefits. He also highlights ongoing challenges, such as balancing resources between emissions reductions and negative emissions, noting
energycarbon-removalclimate-changecarbon-capturesustainabilityenvironmental-technologyclean-energyJapan's scientists find bioplastic that vanishes 80% even in deep sea
A Japanese research team led by Prof. Seiichi Taguchi has demonstrated that a novel microbial polyester called poly(D-lactate-co-3-hydroxybutyrate) (LAHB) can biodegrade rapidly on the deep-sea floor, unlike conventional bioplastics such as polylactide (PLA). In tests conducted 855 meters underwater near Hatsushima Island, Japan, at 3.6 °C and under high pressure, LAHB films lost over 80% of their mass within 13 months, while PLA showed no degradation. The LAHB surfaces became cracked and covered with microbial biofilms, indicating active breakdown in one of Earth’s most challenging environments. Genetic and biochemical analyses revealed a microbial consortium responsible for this degradation. Gammaproteobacteria secreted enzymes that broke down LAHB polymers into smaller fragments, which were further hydrolyzed into monomers like 3-hydroxybutyrate and lactate. These monomers were then metabolized by other
biodegradable-plasticsbioplasticdeep-sea-biodegradationsustainable-materialspolymer-scienceenvironmental-technologymarine-pollutionMicrosoft uses human poop to offset emissions from its AI empire
Microsoft has partnered with waste management firm Vaulted Deep in a 12-year agreement to offset 4.9 million metric tons of carbon emissions generated by its artificial intelligence operations. The company’s approach involves injecting a slurry of human and farm waste—including biosolids, manure, and food waste—5,000 feet underground into sealed rock formations. This method, which has been used for decades to manage industrial waste, effectively locks away carbon that would otherwise contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. For each ton of carbon sequestered this way, Microsoft earns carbon removal credits, helping it reduce its net emissions and advance its goal of becoming carbon negative by 2030. Vaulted Deep’s technique stands out because it leverages existing infrastructure rather than relying on slower or less scalable options like tree planting or direct air capture. The process also addresses environmental concerns associated with traditional waste disposal methods, such as nutrient runoff and methane emissions from land-applied biosolids. While the approach offers measurable climate and public health benefits
energycarbon-capturecarbon-removalclimate-changewaste-managementsustainabilityenvironmental-technologyNew method converts food waste into plastic and organic fertilizer
Researchers at Binghamton University, led by PhD student Tianzheng Liu and supported by Professors Sha Jin and Kaiming Ye, have developed an innovative microbial process that converts food waste into biodegradable plastic and organic fertilizer. Using the bacteria Cupriavidus necator, which synthesizes polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) from fermented food waste containing lactic acid and ammonium sulfate, the team can harvest about 90% of the bioplastic produced. This method addresses two major environmental issues simultaneously: the massive food waste in landfills that emits greenhouse gases and the growing problem of plastic pollution. The process is robust and adaptable, working with various types of food waste as long as the mixture ratios remain consistent, and the waste can be stored for at least a week without impacting results. The leftover residue from fermentation is also being evaluated as an organic fertilizer alternative to chemical fertilizers. The researchers aim to scale up the system for industrial application, seeking partnerships and additional funding to expand the
energymaterialsbiodegradable-plasticsfood-waste-recyclingbioplastic-productionsustainable-materialsenvironmental-technologyClimeFi & World Ocean Council: Scaling Marine CDR For Climate & Biodiversity - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the growing interest in marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) as a crucial strategy for addressing climate change and supporting biodiversity. Oceans naturally absorb about 30% of human CO₂ emissions and store significantly more carbon than the atmosphere, offering advantages over land-based carbon removal methods by avoiding competition with agriculture and urban areas. Various mCDR techniques, such as seaweed farming and electrochemical CO₂ removal, can operate offshore or near coastal infrastructure, providing scalable and less land-constrained solutions. Additionally, many mCDR approaches bring ecological benefits like reducing ocean acidification and enhancing marine habitats, though some methods carry risks such as trace metal introduction or harmful algal blooms, which ongoing research aims to mitigate. A key challenge for mCDR is robust measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) due to the ocean’s complex dynamics, making carbon quantification more difficult than on land. However, progress is being made with new protocols and standards developed by organizations like Isometric, Carbon
energycarbon-capturemarine-carbon-dioxide-removalocean-based-CDRclimate-change-mitigationenvironmental-technologycarbon-removal-verificationRainmaker partners with Atmo to squeeze more rain from clouds
The article discusses a partnership between two startups, Rainmaker and Atmo, which operate at different stages of weather modification and forecasting. Atmo uses deep learning models to analyze atmospheric patterns and forecast weather events, helping Rainmaker identify clouds suitable for cloud seeding. Rainmaker then deploys cloud seeding via small drones to enhance precipitation from these clouds. In return, Rainmaker provides data from its proprietary radar system to measure the additional rainfall generated. This collaboration aims to optimize cloud seeding efforts by combining advanced forecasting with targeted precipitation enhancement. Despite recent conspiracy theories in Texas blaming Rainmaker for floods, scientists consulted by TechCrunch emphasize that cloud seeding can only induce a relatively small increase in precipitation compared to the vast volume processed by large storms. Cloud seeding is commonly used in the Western U.S. to augment snowpack and reservoir water levels, with more modest results in regions like West Texas due to differences in cloud responsiveness. Experts note that rainstorms, already primed to release precipitation, are less
dronescloud-seedingweather-forecastingatmospheric-scienceenvironmental-technologyradar-systemsprecipitation-enhancementAI-designed material captures 90% of toxic iodine from nuclear waste
A research team from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), in collaboration with the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), has developed a novel material capable of capturing over 90% of radioactive iodine, specifically isotope I-129, from nuclear waste. I-129 is a highly persistent and hazardous byproduct of nuclear energy with a half-life of 15.7 million years, making its removal from contaminated water a significant environmental challenge. The new material belongs to the class of Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs), compounds known for their structural flexibility and ability to adsorb negatively charged particles like iodate (IO₃⁻), the common aqueous form of radioactive iodine. The breakthrough was achieved by employing artificial intelligence to efficiently screen and identify optimal LDH compositions from a vast pool of possible metal combinations. Using machine learning trained on experimental data from 24 binary and 96 ternary LDH compositions, the team pinpointed a quinary compound composed of copper
materialsartificial-intelligencenuclear-waste-cleanupradioactive-iodine-removallayered-double-hydroxidesmachine-learningenvironmental-technologyFriction tech recovers lithium power from dead batteries without waste
Researchers in China have developed a novel recycling method called tribocatalysis that recovers valuable lithium and cobalt from dead lithium-ion batteries without generating toxic emissions or waste. This technique uses friction between surfaces combined with a weak acid to extract metal ions from the battery cathode. Unlike traditional recycling methods—pyrometallurgy, which involves high-temperature burning and releases harmful gases, and hydrometallurgy, which uses strong chemicals and produces toxic byproducts—tribocatalysis operates at low temperatures without harsh chemicals, making it safer, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly. The research, led by Professor Changzheng Hu at Guilin University of Technology and published in the Journal of Advanced Ceramics in June 2025, demonstrated through computer modeling and experiments that tribocatalysis efficiently recycles battery materials while reducing pollution and waste. Given the rapidly increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries driven by electric vehicles and clean energy technologies, this breakthrough offers a promising sustainable solution to conserve scarce resources and mitigate environmental
energylithium-ion-batteriesbattery-recyclingtribocatalysisclean-energysustainable-materialsenvironmental-technologyOkra and fenugreek extracts remove 90% of microplastics from water
Researchers at Tarleton State University, led by Rajani Srinivasan, have discovered that extracts from okra and fenugreek plants can remove up to 90% of microplastics from water, outperforming synthetic chemicals currently used in wastewater treatment. The team developed a simple method by soaking okra pods and fenugreek seeds to produce powders rich in natural polysaccharides, which effectively trap microplastic particles. Fenugreek powder removed 93% of microplastics within an hour, okra removed 67%, and a blend of both achieved 70% removal in just 30 minutes. This plant-based approach offers a low-cost, biodegradable alternative that avoids the harmful residues associated with synthetic polymers like polyacrylamide. Testing in real-world water samples from oceans, groundwater, and freshwater around Texas showed varying but consistently high removal efficiencies: okra was most effective in ocean water (about 80%), fenugreek excelled in groundwater (80-90%), and the blend
materialsmicroplasticswater-treatmentnatural-polymersenvironmental-technologybiodegradable-materialspollution-controlClimeFi Unlocks Access To XPRIZE Winners With New Carbon Removal Portfolio Offering - CleanTechnica
ClimeFi has launched a new carbon removal portfolio that grants corporate buyers, climate investors, and procurement managers streamlined access to a diversified selection of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies. These technologies were vetted and recognized through the XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition, which evaluated over 1,300 global teams and awarded top prizes to breakthrough projects such as Mati Carbon’s Enhanced Rock Weathering, NetZero’s Biomass CDR and Storage, Vaulted Deep’s underground waste storage, and UNDO Carbon’s Enhanced Rock Weathering. Together, these projects represent promising, scalable pathways for permanent atmospheric CO₂ removal. The ClimeFi portfolio offers a simplified, efficient procurement process by providing a single point of access to multiple validated technologies, pre-negotiated contracts, and lower minimum purchase thresholds, aiming to deliver over 50,000 tonnes of carbon removal by 2030. This approach addresses the growing demand for credible, durable, and auditable carbon credits in the maturing voluntary carbon market, combining rigorous scientific validation with commercial readiness. The collaboration between ClimeFi and XPRIZE exemplifies how competitions and asset management platforms can work together to scale global carbon removal solutions by connecting capital with vetted, investable projects.
energycarbon-removalclimate-technologysustainabilitycarbon-captureclean-energyenvironmental-technologyScientists accidentally create material that harvests water from air
materialsnanomaterialswater-harvestingcapillary-condensationenvironmental-technologysustainable-materialsenergy-efficient-solutions