A study demonstrates the potential of encapsulation in cement to manage mining waste containing antimony, a toxic pollutant considered a priority by the European Union. The research has transformed a toxic waste into a non-toxic waste suitable for mine backfilling.

Scientists at the National Biotechnology Centre are researching to develop industrial processes with a zero CO2 footprint based on recombinant strains of cyanobacteria. They have obtained a cyanobacteria strain that produces sucrose efficiently from CO2, and does not need osmotic stress neither high salinity environments, making it easier to cultivate. Scientists are now working to transfer the method to industry.

R+D CSIC 30 years Nowadays, environmental monitoring involves the analysis of any sample (water, food, soil...) and has moved from analysing a limited number of pollutants to "non-target" analysis, in which almost everything in the sample is detected without restrictions. And at previously impossible levels: contaminants can now be detected at concentrations of less than 1 part per billion.

R+D CSIC 30 years Sunscreens are a recent addition to the list of pollutants to monitor. Thirty years ago, the technology to detect them and the techniques to see their effect on living organisms did not exist, but neither was there any thought of looking for them. The exponential growth of personal care and hygiene products incorporating sunscreens has triggered research into them.

R+D CSIC 30 years In 1998, scientists found out the first evidence that fish in European rivers were being "feminised" by oestrogenic pollutants in wastewater. Today, wastewater monitoring has methods to detect oestrogens, illicit drugs, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, antibiotics...

Two LIFE projects have been launched in recent weeks, one aimed to establish a strategy for tackling invasive alien flora, and the other to preserve high mountain aquatic ecosystems. In both cases, the final goal is to protect ecosystems and endemic species.

CSIC scientists have developed a disposable electrochemical sensor to detect contaminants in water. No sample pre-treatment is required and water can be analysed on site in the field. The sensor can be connected to a portable device, such as a mobile phone, and no specific training is needed to use it.

It has been used to analyse waters in 21 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA) in Spain, in the frame of the LIBERA Project. The methodology enables the detection of 59 different types of contaminants and will allow to assess the potential impact of this threat on the fauna in the aquatic ecosystems.