EnvironmentPollutants in the environment: 30-40 years from the ban to reach non-harmful levels
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29 Dec 2022
R+D CSIC 30 years
In the last three decades, scientists have make great progress in the detection of various pollutants in the environment and in living organisms. Pollutant accumulation in humans and animals (fish, dolphins, whales, birds, sea turtles, among others) has been demonstrated, as well as their distribution in the food chain, and scientists study their effects.
Climatic change and ecology
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- Category: Projects
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22 Dec 2022
30 years of R+D CSIC
In 1990 the first IPCC report on climate change was presented. What has changed in these years? Among other things, scientists found out the limits of vegetation to sequester CO2, and have study how it influences the nitrogen/phosphorus balance and other soil elements. Also, a recent work has revealed that Arctic temperatures are reaching a critical threshold.
Achieving a null CO2 footprint by cyanobacteria
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- Category: Technological offers
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29 Nov 2022
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.
Technology to encapsulate toxic mining waste in mine backfill cement
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- Category: Projects
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12 Dec 2022
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.
Organic pollutants: almost everything is now detected
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- Category: Laboratories
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24 Oct 2022
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.
