#Environment190

26 Apr 2026

New method turns sewage sludge into renewable natural gas

A pilot study tested a pretreatment for sewage sludge that produced more renewable natural gas and cut disposal costs. The process uses heat, pressure and a newly found bacterium to make nearly pure methane and reduce waste.

Read

Photo by Marcin Jozwiak, Unsplash

24 Apr 2026

Vape cartridges turned into a simple electronic instrument

A team reused discarded vape cartridges to make a small electronic instrument. They salvaged parts, released open instructions, and aimed to show creative, sustainable ways to keep circuits and batteries out of landfills.

Level

Read

24 Apr 2026

PFAS exposure weakens adults’ immune response

New research finds that PFAS chemicals in products and contaminated drinking water can reduce antibody production in adults, making the immune response to a new virus weaker. The study highlights risks for some groups and supports water regulation.

Level

Read

23 Apr 2026

How AI and Automation Are Changing Land Use in Brazil

Research shows artificial intelligence, automation and digital tools are reshaping land use in Brazil. The study finds that the digitalised agribusiness model displaces communities, erases traditional knowledge and calls for transparency, justice and cooperative approaches.

Level

Read

22 Apr 2026

Caribbean national birds and conservation

For Earth Day, people across the Caribbean highlighted how national birds link islands, culture and the environment. Many species face habitat loss, climate change and hunting, and regional efforts aim to protect them and their habitats.

Level

Read

21 Apr 2026

City methane emissions rising faster than accounts show

A satellite study finds urban methane emissions grew notably between 2019 and 2023 and are higher than bottom-up accounting suggests. Accurate city-level data is important for climate policy and reducing emissions.

Level

Read

21 Apr 2026

Cleaning plastic can release harmful chemicals

A study from Iowa State University shows some common cleaning methods for recyclable plastic can release phthalates into wash water. Ultrasonic cleaning and detergent with sodium hydroxide released DEHP and DCHP, and reuse of water raised DEHP levels.

Level

Read

21 Apr 2026

Data centers and water tensions in Indonesia

AI growth has driven a fast rise in data center construction in Indonesia, creating large economic value but raising concerns about heavy water use and local protests in places such as Batam.

Level

Read

21 Apr 2026

Guanacaste: water, tourism and development

Guanacaste is Costa Rica's driest province and attracts tourists and foreign buyers. Rapid coastal development has increased water shortages, pollution and local protests, while officials and studies warn aquifers and ageing water systems are under pressure.

Level

Read

20 Apr 2026

Argentina changes glacier protections

Argentina's Congress approved reforms that remove protections for glaciers and shift water decisions to provinces. Environmental groups filed a fast legal challenge and there were large public protests over the change.

Level

Read

14 Apr 2026

Climate change reduces honey production in North Kivu

Climate change and droughts have reduced honey production around Butembo in North Kivu. Empty hives, fewer flowers and rising prices are hurting beekeepers and local food security.

Level

Read

9 Apr 2026

Wastewater surveillance reveals antibiotic resistance across Indian cities

A study of sewage from four Indian cities found many antibiotic resistance genes and similar resistance patterns. The 2025 National Action Plan and experts promote wider wastewater surveillance, but critics warn of weak implementation.

Level

Read

8 Apr 2026

Mining pressure threatens large areas of the Brazilian Amazon

A study warns that mining for minerals used in clean energy could threaten nearly 363,000 square kilometres of the Brazilian Legal Amazon. The area is mostly forest and is home to many indigenous people and quilombola communities.

Level

Read