News - Environment
The latest environment stories from the Canadian Light Source synchrotron
Protecting drinking water on prairies from emerging pollutant
University of Guelph researchers use CLS to better understand compound used to treat sour gas.
New glass-ceramic composite shows promise for safer storage of nuclear waste
USask researchers find composite resists corrosion as well as current industry standard and holds more waste
Using pulp and paper waste to scrub carbon from emissions
McGill researchers develop new green technology
Nature’s defense against changing climate
UBC researchers identify unique water storage system that protects balsam poplar trees from drought
Developing crave-worthy vegan meats: A golden age for agriculture in Canada?
Researchers from University of Guelph develop method for converting liquid oils to solid, plant-based fats with texture similar to meat.
Protecting communities from toxic mine waste
Researchers demonstrate effectiveness of method for containing toxins from mine waste that could help protect drinking water, prevent cancer.
Adding calcium to soils can help increase organic matter, trap more carbon
Researchers from Cornell University, Purdue University have identified a previously undiscovered mechanism triggered by calcium when it’s added to soil.
Developing batteries with 10 times the energy storage
Researchers from Western University gain deeper understanding of all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries, which could lead to EVs that cost less to purchase, travel further on a single charge, and are safer to drive.
Combining metals for cheaper, more stable fuel cells
Researchers from Western University have discovered that incorporating other metals reduces the amount of platinum that is required to produce energy, and results in a more stable catalyst for fuel cells.
Turning mine waste into healthy soil
A team led by researchers at the University of Queensland has developed an innovative method to turn harmful tailings into healthy soil.
Recycling precious metals from electronic waste with captured CO2
U of T researcher Gisele Azimi is bringing battery recycling to a new level, using captured carbon dioxide to harvest the precious metals used for green technologies.
Building a better carbon capture system
Modular design by researchers at Rice University could be used to clean air in homes, industrial plants, and even a space station.
Ancient fluid in quartz provides key to finding new uranium deposits
Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin is home to some of the world’s largest and richest uranium deposits, but it can still be tricky to find them.
Imaging Earth’s crust reveals natural secret for reducing carbon emissions
When Simone Pujatti dove deeply into the makeup of rocks from the ocean floor, he did not find what he was expecting — he found something much more interesting, with implications for mitigating climate change.
Cleaning contaminated water with flax shives
Researchers from University of Saskatchewan use Canadian Light Source to examine why common agricultural byproduct an effective adsorbent for clearing pharmaceutical pollutants from water.
Innovative fuels for Small Modular Reactors
Scientists from Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, University of Saskatchewan using the CLS to investigate energy solutions.
Producing hydrogen from seawater
McGill scientists have identified potential method for producing hydrogen from the oceans.
Renewable energy solutions that don’t break the bank
Finding sustainable sources of renewable energy will help combat climate change and offer consumers access to reliable sources of fuel.
Bacteria could help to capture greenhouse gases
Research may help advance human and environmental health.
How to store more carbon in soil during climate change
Using a synchrotron to study how soil can reduce greenhouse gases, retain more moisture during droughts, and hold more soil organic carbon for greater crop resilience.
Pandemic reveals need for stricter glove disposal methods
Tested gloves released microparticles, organic matter, and heavy metals into water after weathering.
Bacteria could transform paper industry waste into useful products
Getting more useful products out of renewable resources like wood is the goal of scientists who are using Canada’s only synchrotron.
Using corals to study our oceans’ past
Researchers are examining the history of our oceans to better protect us from climate change.
Peeling onions to help crops withstand drought and disease
Researchers are using synchrotron light to literally peel back the onion on cell walls to help plants better withstand the stresses caused by climate change and disease.
Studying the world’s largest T. rex to learn about evolution
Saskatchewan researchers may have uncovered unprecedented details in dinosaur fossils.
Recreating outer space on earth
USask professor John Tse is using our BXDS beamlines for insight into ice formation in extreme environments
Heating our homes with leftover canola
After years of meticulous research, Dr. Ajay Dalai’s exploration of canola meal pellets as an eco-friendly alternative to coal and natural gas for both heat and energy is poised to move into its next phases – scaled-up pellet production and commercialization.
New method uses waste to clean arsenic from lake contaminated by gold mine
Levels of arsenic in Northern Ontario’s Long Lake are so high that some local residents can no longer drink the water.
Using agricultural waste to remove arsenic from drinking water
Over 200 million people in more than 70 countries, including some in Canada, are drinking water with a high concentration of arsenic.
Bats: Insights from bone microstructure
Bats are the only mammals to have achieved powered flight. Their bones reflect this novel ability among mammals, with long flexible wing bones. Dr. Janna Andronowski of the Memorial University of Newfoundland uses our BMIT beamline to see inside these bones to better understand the blood vessels and bone microstructure that gives bats their unique ability to fly.
A leap forward for affordable solar power
University of Toronto researchers used the CLS to gain insight into solar cell material in hopes to make solar power more efficient and affordable.
Vale
Applying the ability of the Canadian Light Source to determine toxicity of various chemical states of nickel to protect the environment and workers during the nickel mining process.
Synodon
Developing cutting-edge technology through the CLS to remotely sense natural gas pipeline leaks.
Promising green method for turning wastewater into fertilizer
An international team of researchers is hopeful that their green method for producing fertilizer could help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and food insecurity in the future.
Chevron
A collaboration with Chevron aiming to establish a greener method to lubricate car exhaust systems than ZDDP.
Stopping arsenic from contaminating drinking water
Researchers used synchrotron light to determine that plant waste could be an ideal, cost-effective method for preventing arsenic in mine waste from polluting our water.
Greater environmental protection for mine tailings
An international team of scientists used the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan to identify destructive metals in mine tailings samples taken in Quebec.
A cheaper method for hydrogen-based fuels
University of Calgary researchers see the potential of hydrogen-based fuels in the fight against climate change.
Inside rechargeable batteries | Video
MIT Scientists are using CLS to understand how the chemistry of rechargeable batteries shifts and help guide battery design.
Perovskite solar cells | Video
University of Toronto's Sam Teale discusses his research on healing defects in perovskites used in solar cells - using the BXDS sector at the CLS synchrotron.
Surviving the deep freeze | Video
Fish, carrots and snow fleas rely on a common protein to survive when the temperature drops. Dr. Davies with Queen's University is using the CLS to study these special antifreeze proteins.
Shining a light on the past
Using the Canadian Light Source, Trinity College Dublin researchers have studied long term phosphorus storage and release in environmental systems, information help guide water quality management.
Addressing algal blooms and lake toxins | Video
Adam Gillespie with the University of Guelph is using the Canadian Light Source to look at phosphorus chemistry. This research could help with phosphorus-related problems such as algal blooms and toxins in lakes.
Preparing for the next generation of batteries
University of Manitoba researchers identified the potential to use polymer composites as electrode matrices in lithium-ion batteries.
International research team uncovers the structure of two arsenic-containing compounds 100 years after discovery
Using the Brockhouse beamline at the CLS, an international team of researchers was able to visualize for the first time how atoms are structured in samples of arseniosiderite and yukonite.
Bright light and powerful math leading the way to better LED lighting
University of Saskatchewan scientists have worked at the Canadian Light Source develop deep insight into two types of light emitting crystals for next-generation LEDS.
CLS Bison Project first collaborators announced
The Canadian Light Source is launching The Bison Project, a research experience built with a reconciliation action framework, in collaboration with several organizations beginning to the East of the facility.
Dust travelled thousands of miles to enrich Hawaiian soils
Researchers used the rich soils of Hawaii to study the critical movement of phosphorous, which can help crops become more successful and maintain the health of our ecosystems.
Get out your vacuum: Scientists find harmful chemicals in household dust
A team of researchers from the CLS and Memorial University set out to determine whether bromine could be found in household dust.
Powering the future of clean energy
Canadian researchers work towards harnessing the potential of hydrogen as an energy source for everyday use.
Protecting Saskatchewan lakes from contamination
Using the CLS synchrotron, a University of Saskatchewan-led research team has developed a method for monitoring uranium contaminants in mine tailings using samples from McClean Lake, SK.
Protecting our food from mercury contamination
One size does not fit all when it comes to using biochar for soil remediation, according to researchers who used the CLS.
Converting emissions into valuable fuel
Researchers worked improve their technique for converting CO2 into ethanol, a valuable chemical for industrial applications that also reduces emissions.
Mapping metals in feathers
University of Saskatchewan and Environment and Climate Change Canada researchers have mapped metals in bird feathers, a technique that could help make environmental monitoring less destructive.
Enhanced tandem solar cells set new standard in converting light into electricity
A collaboration between U of T Engineering and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has created two-layered solar cells that successfully combine traditional silicon with new perovskite technology.
CLS launches nation-wide educational science project
The Canadian Light Source has launched a unique initiative that creates opportunities for school students across the country to be directly involved in a national research project.
New catalyst could be key to a sustainable future
Scientists develop new, greener technique to produce hydrogen peroxide, used in mining, textiles, and cosmetics industries.
Analyzing the world’s oldest woody plant fossil
Mapping the evolution of life requires a detailed understanding of the fossil record, and scientists used the CLS to look at the cell structure and chemistry of the earliest known woody plant.
Keeping nuclear power safe
A new study uses the CLS to help ensure that waste from nuclear power plants remains safe and secure for thousands of years to come.
Scientists discover that charcoal traps ammonia pollution
Cornell University scientists have shown that charcoal can mop up large quantities of nitrogen from ammonia air pollution.
Canadian researchers unlock how seaweed is digested
Researchers have used the CLS to study the possibility that seaweed could make its way from the Canadian coast to the diet of Prairie cows.
New catalyst upgrades greenhouse gas into renewable hydrocarbons
A new technology from University of Toronto Engineering is taking a substantial step towards enabling manufacturers to create plastics out of sunshine and pollution.
One size does not fit all when exploring how carbon in soil affects the climate
This research contributes to understanding of the mechanisms in the carbon cycle that is needed to predict what would happen if the temperature rises due to climate change.
Artificial photosynthesis gets big boost from new catalyst
A new catalyst created by University of Toronto engineering researchers brings them one step closer to artificial photosynthesis — a system that, just like plants, would use renewable energy to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into stored chemical energy.
AREVA and Canadian Light Source study environmental impact of uranium mines
One of Saskatchewan’s longest running uranium operators is working with the CLS to ensure its operations are sustainable now and protective of the environment for thousands of years into the future.
Researchers make connection between the oceans' organic carbon and iron
Researchers from Concordia University now have a better understanding of the world’s largest carbon sink - the oceans.
Sub-zero bacteria from Canada’s north could indicate life on Mars
Bacteria found to survive at extreme cold temperatures are giving scientists the hope that they will find life in outer space, either on Mars, Jupiter’s moon Europa, or Saturn’s moon Enseladus.
CLS joins PTRC to find solutions for oil industry
Innovation Saskatchewan and the Petroleum Technology Research Centre have announced funding for an innovative research collaboration headed by the University of Calgary and employing the Canadian Light Source.
From plant matter to jet fuel
Scientists from the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research have worked to turn plant material into ultra-clean fuels using CLS techniques.
Stronger, Better, Solar Cells
About half of Canada’s residential electricity needs could be met if solar panels were installed on the roofs of residential buildings. At a single atom thick, graphene was the first 2D crystal ever discovered. It is a great candidate for solar cells because it is transparent, stronger than steel, and a better conductor than copper. It also can’t corrode. Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan aim to harness these qualities into a more efficient solar cell by modifying the material with oxygen to make a better charge collector. To do this, they take a close look at graphene oxide’s unique electronic signature.
Advancements in uranium-driven energy
By using powerful X-rays, researchers can determine contaminants around uranium mining sites.