Research Spotlights

There are few rivers in Finland that are not impacted by hydropower dams or other constructions. Public support is increasing to restore free-flowing rivers. This study used a cost-benefit analysis to identify Finnish residents’ willingness to pay for river restoration, finding broad support.

Plastics in the environment form new conformations as they fuse with rock, sand or organic materials. These are called plastiglomerates. An Indian study found that the microplastiglomerates (the microscopic version) can absorb contaminants, such as heavy metals, in the ocean.

Ornamental plants provide multiple environmental benefits, including cleaning up our soil, water and air (‘phytoremediation’). This study reviews their phytoremediation role, highlighting how their ability to capture carbon and clean pollutants can support net zero and pollution reduction targets.

Processes for treating sludge wastewater produce the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide as a byproduct. In this study, researchers aerated sludge produced by a wastewater treatment plant in the Netherlands with pure oxygen, finding that this method reduced nitrous oxide emissions by 67%.

Monitoring microplastic pollution is important but challenging. This review of fourteen studies across seven countries shows that barnacles can serve as indicators of microplastic pollution levels in their local environment.

We need effective ways to remove nanoplastics present in food chains and ecosystems. This study investigates the food-fermenting bacterium Leuconostoc mesenteroides as a method of removing nanoplastics, finding that it functions well as a nanoplastic absorber under simulated intestinal conditions.

Removing pharmaceutical contaminants from wastewater is a challenge that requires new methods. This study found that recycled ultrafiltration membranes, modified with titanium oxide and graphene oxide, are an effective way to treat these contaminated effluents.

Estuaries are suffering from the effects of ocean acidification more severely than the open ocean. They are also suffering from hypoxia – a lack of dissolved oxygen. This paper investigates how acidification and hypoxia increase methane release by estuaries.

Dams for hydropower impact river ecosystems by altering water and sediment flows. This study of the North American Columbia river basin investigated the impacts of river restoration on salmon populations, identifying tools that could inform restoration interventions and practices.