The current environmental crisis is not only linked to climate change, but also to inadequate waste management and the intensive consumption of natural resources. In 2023, approximately 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste were generated, and this figure is projected to reach 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. A significant portion of this waste ends up in landfills or is incinerated, releasing greenhouse gases. In the case of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), 35% is incinerated, contributing to approximately 534 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year.

Microplastics are increasingly found in agricultural soils worldwide, raising new questions about how they interact with widely promoted climate solutions such as biochar. A study reveals that these tiny plastic particles can significantly alter how biochar affects soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, and microbial life.

Climate change has been driving the rise of extreme weather conditions in recent years, placing immense strain on urban infrastructure such as sewer systems. Compromised sewer systems can lead to leakage, overflow and even flash flooding, threatening public health and safety. To address these vulnerabilities, a research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a multi-tiered model integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), facilitating more cost-effective and intelligent sewer system management, ranging from predicting exfiltration severity and pinpointing leakage-prone zones to monitoring and forecasting overflow occurrences in high-risk areas. 

New research outlines a multi-dimensional strategy for fungal conservation, prioritizing species recognition, evolutionary analysis and targeted habitat protection to safeguard this understudied keystone group of life.

A newly engineered biochar material may offer a powerful and sustainable way to clean up toxic metals from polluted water and soil, according to a recent study published in Biochar.

Machining, involving the precise cutting and shaping of materials, is a key manufacturing process. As industries increasingly adopt the use of high-performance materials with high strength and hardness, traditional machining methods often fall short in delivering the required precision. A research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a ground-breaking machining technology that combines laser and magnetic fields during diamond cutting, enhancing cutting smoothness and surface quality while reducing a material’s subsurface damage and tool wear. This dual-field approach demonstrates exceptional manufacturing capabilities that surpass existing field-assisting cutting techniques, making possible ultra-precision machining of a range of challenging advanced materials.