Tag: Water

Covering California's canal system with solar panels will save on valuable water resources. A Tunisian startup, meanwhile, has developed a solar-powered device that turns wet air into water. In high-humidity areas where clean drinking water is scarce, the firm's metre-high machine could produce up to 30 litres per day. First, air is sucked into the machine's head before being...

Older models are all the rage. But some items of clothing wear easily. Now, a Swedish company founded by scientists is recycling used clothing and production waste from cotton or viscose. Having been de-zipped and de-buttoned, the textiles are ground and dissolved into non-toxic chemicals. The resulting pulp of cellulose fibres is freed from unwanted residues, dried and made...

Enzymes break down plastics, while seaweed helps us avoid them altogether. Now, a local startup is using a weather-proof robot boat to help keep Hong Kong waters clear. Taking a predetermined route, the 3-metre-long vessel autonomously collects waste, with a conveyor belt offloading it into a 200kg capacity container. An AI camera system identifies the type of rubbish and...

Gorse could soon provide protein to millions. In order to maintain international fish stocks, a Dutch research team has developed a new system in tandem with the UN. It uses artificial intelligence to identify different species of fish (a similar system already exists for insects). In the Nile Basin, information is currently being collected on the size, weight and...

Shower water can launder clothes. This pump rids drinking water of pathogens. As part of a recent American Chemical Society meeting, meanwhile, high school students from Maryland presented their solution to prevent lead contamination. Their 3D-printed 7.5cm tall filter is made from biodegradable plastic and can be easily attached to the faucet. It contains a cartridge filled with a...

Pavements can be enhanced by integrated solar modules and charging tiles. Now, researchers from the University of California are planning to cover the state’s canals with solar panels. Spanning 6400 km, the state’s canal system is one of the world’s largest. But around 2% of the water it carries evaporates as it travels southwards. Covering all canals could mean...

Space debris could be cleaned and radioactive uranium removed from water. Solar modules - especially in the desert - need to be dusted regularly in order to generate as much electricity as possible. Over 100 billion litres of water may be needed to clean them each year. Which is why a resourceful research team at MIT is looking at...

It’s possible to save electricity while showering. But for a clear conscience, why not go further still? A startup from England has designed a portable system that reuses shower water to wash clothes. A detachable water tank is placed on the shower floor like a mat. Once full - typically after 2 minutes - it is reattached to the...