Environment

Susie Dai (image credit: University of Missouri). A research team at the University of Missouri has developed a genetically engineered algae strain they say is designed to capture microplastics in wastewater, while also enabling their reuse in new materials. Led by Susie Dai, professor of engineering and principal investigator at the Bond Life Sciences Centre, […]

Javelin Park waste incinerator near Gloucester An alliance of European Waste-to-Energy operators has welcomed the growing international focus on methane mitigation but warned that current global guidance risks overlooking a key part of the waste management chain. In a newly published position paper, the The WtE+X Knowledge Alliance — which brings together Confederation of European

Construction of a large multi-storey building on a hill in Lynmouth, Devon in April 2022. On 16 April the UK government published its response to a consultation on improving the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) across minor, medium and brownfield development, outlining a package of reforms intended to streamline delivery while maintaining environmental outcomes.

Aaron Daly of The Old Bakery: “Early planning, clear systems and the right food waste partner make compliance achievable, practical and cost-effective.” As England’s Simpler Recycling reforms approach, recycling expert Keenan Recycling explores how micro businesses can turn upcoming compliance requirements into an opportunity. The group says that, working alongside partners like Biffa, it is

Fresh warnings from the National Energy System Operator (NESO) have prompted renewed debate over the resilience of Britain’s electricity system, after officials cautioned that rapid growth in solar generation could strain the grid during periods of low demand. In its summer outlook published on 14 April, NESO said it expects to rely on “more tools,

Water behaves in ways that defy simple explanation. Unlike most liquids, it reaches its maximum density not at its freezing point, but at 4 °C — a property that plays a crucial role in stabilising aquatic ecosystems and Earth’s climate. For decades, scientists have suspected that such anomalies arise because water can exist in two

Damage to the Ardeer Peninsula’s habitats (image credit: © Iain Hamlin). Wildlife experts say they have been left devastated by the continued intentional destruction of dune habitat on the Ardeer Peninsula in Ayrshire by its landowners – despite the dunes being ear-marked as part of a potential Site of Special Scientific Interest. Local community groups

Lough Neagh in Lurgan. New research led by Queen’s University Belfast outlines how Lough Neagh, the UK and Ireland’s largest freshwater lake, is under threat from commercial sand dredging. Sand dredging is the underwater excavation and removal of sand from seabed’s, rivers, or lakes using specialised vessels. Published on 15 April in the Journal of

Tokamak fusion reactor chamber interior (3d illustration). In what seems a significant step towards commercialising fusion energy, UK-government back fusion energy developer UK Fusion Energy Ltd (UKFE) has published a strategy outlining how it plans to deliver a prototype fusion power plant and secure a leading role in a global market projected to reach £12

An aerial view of a landfill site, a typical source of urban methane emissions. Urban emissions of methane — a potent greenhouse gas — are rising faster than “bottom-up” accounting estimates anticipated, according to new satellite imagery, suggesting a significant blind spot in global mitigation efforts. The discrepancy was identified using satellite measurements over 92