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Scientists are using bacteria to remove harmful contaminants from our water. Here's how.

Hannah Thomasy

January 08, 2019 |

Ensia |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Rialto, California

It turns out that bacteria can do a lot more than contaminate water--some species break down toxic chemicals and remove heavy metals. Active sites already clean water in states like Kansas, Utah, Texas, and California; for example, one Californian groundwater treatment plant can clean 2,000 gallons of perchlorate-contaminated water per minute. Though some logistical and technical hurdles remain, these bacterial allies in the fight against water pollution are very promising.

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Saving the Great Lakes, one laundry load at a time

Erika Engel

May 13, 2022 |

CollingwoodToday |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Canada, Parry Sound, Ontario

A pilot experiment in Canada shows that adding a filter on a washing machine can prevent microfibers from entering the wastewater system and ending up in marine ecosystems. After installing these filters on machines in a community, there was a 41 percent decrease of microfibers in the washing machine liquid waste. This will not keep all microfibers from ending up in the environment, but legislators are working on passing bills requiring manufacturers to get these filters installed on new machines.

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What should I do about PFAS in my water?

Bennet Goldstein

November 21, 2022 |

Wisconsin Watch |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Wisconsin

Filtration systems can be installed in homes to remove PFAS from the water. Homeowners with contaminated water can use filtration methods like granular activated carbon, ion exchange resins, and reverse osmosis to essentially catch the particles while the water goes by.

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A hurricane-proof community, plus stopping a tiny killer

Vic Micolucci Jesse Hanson Mike Jones

October 31, 2022 |

Solutionaries |

Video |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Babcock Ranch, Florida

Babcock Ranch, Florida, weathered Hurricane Ian without losing electricity and with little damage. The town's designer says this storm resistance comes from choices like using solar power, putting in plenty of stormwater drains, and building all the infrastructure underground.

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How Kenyans help themselves and the planet by saving mangrove trees

Geoffrey Kamadi

September 14, 2022 |

Science News |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Kenya

In Kenya, the Mikoko Pamoja project promotes the preservation and restoration of mangrove forests by selling carbon offset credits. The revenue is used to improve local villages by providing things like water, healthcare, and education.

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How using ‘oasis' models can fight drought and urban heat effect

Sheri Quinn

November 16, 2022 |

The Salt Lake Tribune |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Las Vegas, Nevada

Replacing nonfunctional grass lawns that require excessive amounts of water with a mix of desert plants and a few plants that need more water can help save water and keep cities like Las Vegas cool.

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The Florida town that challenged Hurricane Ian and won

Stephanie Hanes

November 30, 2022 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Babcock Ranch, Florida

Babcock Ranch, Florida, survived Hurricane Ian without sustaining significant damage, losing power, or undergoing a boil-water alert because the town was built with natural disaster resilience in mind. The stormwater management system mimics the natural world, its electricity comes from its own solar grid, and it has its own water plant.

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Peru is tackling water scarcity with nature-based solutions, leading the way in Latin America

Kimberley Brown

November 29, 2022 |

Mongabay |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Peru, Moyobamba

Cities in Peru are adopting a nature-based solution project in which they charge residents one Peruvian sol with their water bill each month to fund local watershed and rainforest conservation.

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Climate Change Is Pushing Pacific Northwest Farmers to Protect Crops from Extreme Heat

Michael Crowe

December 05, 2022 |

Civil Eats |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States

Fruit farmers in the Pacific Northwest are implementing mitigation strategies like shade, produce coatings, and water misters to protect their crops from extreme heat.

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Is This Biochar's Big, Carbon-Rich Moment?

Lisa Held

December 06, 2022 |

Civil Eats |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Montana

Biochar, charcoal made by heating organic biomass like forest debris, can be used as an amendment to improve soil health and sequester carbon. The charcoal is incredibly porous, so it holds nutrients, water, and carbon.

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