Invention Description Heavy metals are non-biodegradable and can contaminate in ecosystems and the food chain, making them one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Certain industrial practices have resulted in an increase in the amount of heavy metals discharged into wastewater which can then leach into or contaminate other water...

Background In cold climates, phase changes of water-to-ice and ice-to-water in the pore structures of soils significantly challenge the integrity and longevity of infrastructure. Soils in these regions typically undergo substantial volumetric changes because of climate stressors, impacting structures including building foundations, bridges, pipelines,...

Background The construction industry is facing the dual challenges of enhancing sustainability while addressing environmental safety concerns. One promising approach to achieving both goals is the utilization of mine tailings as a raw material in construction. Mine tailings, the residual byproducts of mining operations, are abundant and pose significant...

Background Excess sulfur poses challenges in storage and management, contaminating soil and water, disrupting ecosystems, and hindering plant growth. Burning sulfur releases sulfur dioxide, a major air pollutant contributing to acid rain and respiratory issues. Therefore, managing excess sulfur involves finding sustainable uses to reduce its environmental...

Background Cement plays a vital role in the stabilization and enhancement of civil infrastructure performance, including foundations, pavement layers, bridges, pipelines, and dams. Its curing process, driven by water through cement hydration, is essential for developing concrete's strength and durability. However, in cold climates, the inherent...

Background Removal and immobilization of metal leachates from various compounds (industrial waste, mine tailings, waste engine oil, etc.) used in construction and the built environment is critical. Specifically, the use of mine tailing in construction of roadway base and sub-base could lead to leaching of metals to surface and ground water. In response...

Background According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), volatile organic compounds (VOC) are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. Many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants. These VOCs break down and harm the atmosphere,...

Background Air pollution causes more than 6.5 million premature deaths globally, due to the significant adverse health effects particularly on children, the elderly, and communities with low socioeconomic status. There are many different sources of air pollution including vehicle emissions, natural gas for heating, by-products of manufacturing, and...

Background Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a commodity plastic that is used in many types of single-use applications (e.g., to-go containers, food packaging, water bottles). The accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and in the environment is fueling a greater push to advance polymer recycling technology. Chemically recycling plastics to...

Background Currently, the most common method of synthesizing of carbon fiber (CF) is by utilizing polyacrylonitrile (PAN). Although this is a very effective way of obtaining CF, this method requires a lot of energy and is expensive. There is currently a need for methods of synthesizing CF that provide safer, cheaper, and more energy efficient alternatives...