While hydropower is emission-free, the use of traditional turbines can result in negative impacts on fish, especially migratory fish. Fast-spinning, traditional blades can cut them, sudden changes in pressure can kill them, as can being pushed through the turbine. But a new pin-wheel design turbine with blunt edges can act as "an airbag" and greatly improve the outcomes for fish. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200713-the-most-powerful-renewable-energy
A 2023 start-up aiming to make recycling convenient and accessible to all is about to go national. The aim is to provide people with a home pick-up option for some of the "trickier" items the normal recycling bins can't handle - including soft plastics. https://wastemanagementreview.com.au/recyclesmart-goes-national/
A Kyushu University study (2021) estimated there were 24.4 trillion pieces of microplastics in the world's upper oceans or roughly 30 billion 500-ml plastic water bottles. Microplastics are tiny, toxic and very hard to remove from the environment. But researchers in the US have discovered that some Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) can attract and bind microplastics, making it easier to remove them from the environment. And the N in NADES is key - natural - in this instance, think extracts from plants. https://www.research.uky.edu/news/researchers-develop-eco-friendly-magnet-battle-microplastics
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KAI IONG LEI
Jonathan Chrimes