Wastewater treatment plants have grit chambers where tiny particles, called aerosols, float around. These particles can have bacteria and other chemicals. In a study of nine plants in China, researchers found different amounts of aerosols. They found 160 to 432 micrograms per cubic meter of total pa
Imagine trying to predict how many people have COVID-19 by looking at their wastewater. Sounds a bit strange, right? But that's exactly what scientists did in Italy's Veneto region during the pandemic. They checked for tiny bits of the virus's genetic material (RNA) in wastewater and compared it wit
After the collapse of Steward Health Care, which led to the closure of two hospitals and the loss of patient lives, Massachusetts has taken a big step. A new law aims to keep private equity out of local healthcare. This isn't about banning private equity, but making sure they can't squeeze money out
Cleaning wastewater usually means creating more waste, especially when it comes to antimony. This stuff is dangerous and can cause real harm to the environment. So, scientists came up with a new idea. They used light and a chemical called sulfite to turn antimony into something useful. This method i
Water can be a hidden reservoir for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a nasty bug that can make people sick. One type of this bacteria, called CRPA, is extra tough due to carbapenem resistance. This makes it hard to treat infections caused by it. Currently, we mostly know how to find CRPA in hospitals, but no
You know how sometimes wastewater has too much nitrogen but not enough oxygen-demanding stuff? That's a problem! One way we deal with this is using biological contact oxidation reactors (BCOR). These reactors use certain microorganisms to help remove the nitrogen. In this story, scientists found tha
Scientists tested three ways to check if viruses in wastewater are still alive. They used heat-treated and 'live' viruses in water and wastewater samples. They also looked at viruses naturally found in wastewater. The viruses included Human adenovirus 5, enterovirus A71, hepatitis-A virus, influenza
Industrial wastewater often contains harmful pollutants like p-chlorophenol (4-CP) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). Scientists are looking for ways to clean up this mess and create energy at the same time. They've been experimenting with a type of plant called Leersia hexandra and a clever system c
Imagine a world where wastewater treatment plants can generate electricity while cleaning up our water supplies. That's the promise of microbial fuel cells (MFCs), a fascinating piece of green technology. As we face global water shortages and energy crises, finding eco-friendly solutions is more cru
In a bold move for the environment, Phoenixville has kicked off 2024 with a bang by banning single-use plastic bags. This isn't just a local decision; it's part of a growing trend across Pennsylvania. The ban was approved by the borough council way back on January 9, 2024. It's not just about plasti
