News
Plan to remove ‘forever chemicals’ from waste water
A new way has been found to limit people’s risk of disease through treating chemicals in oceans, according to scientists.
Source: Marine Conservation Society
New research at Oxford Brookes University has found a method of sustainable treatment that could help purify waste water polluted with “forever chemicals” (PFAS).
PFAS were invented in the 1930s as an effective way to make waterproof products such as raincoats and non-stick pans.
However, recent research has shown PFAS can lead to major health problems like liver and thyroid damage as well as cancer. The chemicals have also been found in global water supplies, affecting the health of wildlife and humans alike.
The research could make a massive difference to countries suffering with a lack of clean water, with the new filter not needing electricity to operate.
Professor Tzanakis said: “Our aim is to go to 200 litres, so we start from 1, to 20, to 100 then to 200. Because if you can learn to treat 200, potentially you could treat any volume.”
The research team has filtered one litre so far, but they are clear that the development for bigger filters is ongoing, and that this is only the beginning.
Source: Iakovos Tzanakis
The technology works by creating bubbles, which reduce the pressure of the fluid by passing it through a restrictive area within the reactor.
“Forever chemicals” have been a recent issue here in Hampshire, with Langstone Harbour in Portsmouth suffering from a sewage spill which led to an 800% rise in the chemicals.
The spill could affect the lifespans and fertility of all the wildlife at the harbour including seals, fish and seagulls.
The MSC (Marine Conservation Society) in Portsmouth recently called for a ban on the chemicals, as a way to stop the infiltration into water supplies from getting any worse.
Francesca Ginley of the MSC said: “The ban would only be for non-essential uses, this means that life saving equipment like PPE and medical devices would not be part of the ban.”
Communities are encouraged to buy a poppy as this year’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal is launched in the lead-up to Remembrance Day.
The annual fundraising campaign supports members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, personnel and their families.
The Poppy Appeal remains the Legion’s biggest annual fundraiser.
Last year, more than 32 million poppies were distributed across the UK, and about £51.4 million was raised in donations.
Chris Hayward is managing the Poppy Appeal in North Hampshire & Winchester and said: “Wearing a poppy during Remembrance time shows that you care.”
“It’s a national symbol, and it shows the armed forces community that you appreciate everything that they do.”
She added: “For those who want to get involved, you can wear your poppy, donate to the Royal British Legion, Poppy Appeal, and also participate in the collections and volunteer as a collector.”
Winchester will be recognising remembrance itself, with a service at the Cathedral on Sunday, 9th November, in addition to a service at Winchester Guildhall at 11 am on Armistice Day.
The service will begin at 9:20 am and will include a procession from The Broadway to Winchester Cathedral, as well as wreath laying too.
Donations from the campaign go towards services including mental health support, housing assistance and employment advice for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
For more information on how to donate, volunteer or order poppies online, visit: britishlegion.org.uk/poppyappeal.
Until 2093, asteroid 2025 PN7 will be sharing the Earth’s orbit.
You may have seen circuiting on social media a myth that the Earth has two moons from now until 2083 – sadly, that’s science fiction.
In August of this year astronomers discovered asteroid 2025 PN7.
It is considered a quasi-moon as it orbits the sun in a similar path to Earth.
According to Mike Shanahan, planetarium director at New Jersey’s Liberty Science Centre, the asteroid has been travelling “alongside Earth for 60 years”.
Due to the size of the asteroid, it wasn’t discovered until this summer.
Astronomy fans hoping to see a second moon in the sky are out of luck.
The asteroid is too small and far away to be seen by the naked eye or regular telescopes.
The number of asteroids in Earth-like orbit has been known to exceed 100.
Some orbit alongside the Earth for merely months, whereas others years or decades.
Currently, six other quasi-moons have been recorded near Earth.
Cardiff is the first UK city to introduce a “tax” for SUVs weighing over 2.4 tonnes.
The tax is to be enforced in residential permit areas, and also includes cars that are powered by diesel.
Cardiff Council is hoping that implementing this will improve congestion, the air quality, and create space on pavements.
The exact cost has yet to be announced, but the council has announced it will be releasing the tax in phases.
Winchester is a relatively small city with many residential permit areas – the question of a similar initiative being introduced locally has arisen.
Winchester City Council and Hampshire County Council chose not to respond to Winchester News Online, with Winchester City Council stating that it is not a subject a councillor is likely to comment on, as it is an issue relevant to Cardiff and not yet an issue to Winchester.
Though the council does not yet deem this a possibility, it has gotten the public talking.
Jet Gates, a disability campaigner, said:
“It’s going to have a massive impact on disabled people across the UK
“We are a highly marginalized group in society – it’s just yet another nail in the coffin.”
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