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Swiss Study Highlights Atmospheric Sources of Microplastics Over Wastewater Treatment Plants

Every year, Swiss wastewater treatment plants release around 5 tons of microplastics into the environment. That is relatively little: It is estimated that around twice as many microplastic enters Swiss water bodies via the atmosphere.

12 Sep 2026

Petrochemical Industry Carbon Emissions Could Rise 50 Percent by 2050

Carbon emissions from the petrochemical industry could increase by 50 percent by 2050, according to new research from the University of Sheffield.

12 Sep 2026

Small Freshwater Ecosystems Suffer From High Concentrations of Plastic Waste

Microplastics are turning up almost everywhere - from oceans and rivers to soils and sediments - yet far less is known about what happens when they enter freshwater wetlands.

8 Sep 2026

Rust Destroys Billions in Vital Bridges Roofs and Railway Networks

Good news first: Things are much better today. At least when it comes to corrosion. What was rusting and decaying back in the 1980s, nowadays lasts much longer.

8 Sep 2026

Study Reveals Microplastic Risk from Aging North Sea Infrastructure

Investigating subsea plastics reveals degradation issues, highlighting the need for better decommissioning strategies to address microplastic pollution risks.

3 Sep 2026

Floating Wetlands Slash Wastewater Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Study

A world-first trial of floating wetland pods in wastewater lagoons shows they cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than a quarter, highlighting their potential as a nature-based solution for decarbonizing the water sector.

25 Aug 2026

Alkaline Thermal Treatment Converts Plastic Waste into Hydrogen

This study highlights alkaline thermal treatment as a viable approach for hydrogen generation from plastic waste, promoting sustainability and carbon capture.

13 Aug 2026

Smart Stormwater Filter Developed to Stop More Pollution Reaching Rivers and Beaches

UNSW engineers have added sensors and real-time weather forecasts into so-called rain gardens to create a smarter way to stop contaminants from flowing into waterways.

13 Aug 2026

Scientists Turn One of the World's Most Hated Plastics Into Premium Lubricant

Virginia Tech chemist and chemical engineer Guoliang “Greg” Liu and his lab have developed a process that converts the plastic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) into polyalphaolefin, a key component in lubricants such as engine oil.

6 Aug 2026

New Technology Could Turn Dirty Factory Exhaust Directly into Useful Fuel

A team of international researchers has found a way to turn carbon dioxide from dirty factory emissions directly into fuel without first cleaning or purifying the gas.

3 Aug 2026