Day: 5 February 1999

Scientists perfecting planet-friendly plastics

Scientists have developed a totally biodegradable plastic. Mrinal Bhattacharya, a professor of biosystems and agricultural engineering at the University of Minnesota, uses protein found in cereal grains, along with plant starch and a degradable synthetic polymer, to make the plastic.

Water industry on target for Millennium

The UK water industry is well on the way to beating the Millennium Bug according to Roger Dunshea, assistant director and head of Operations at Ofwat.

Kyoto spurs new solutions to CO2 emissions management

The Kyoto agreement has sparked a host of new projects developing innovative solutions to reduce CO2 emissions, including the separation of CO2, followed by the underground storage, use in oil recovery or sale to greenhouse owners.

Scientists launch largest study of air’s ‘self cleansing’ ability

British and Australian scientists are co-operating in a a major international project called the Southern Ocean Atmospheric Photochemistry Experiment, to study the atmosphere's ability to destroy pollutants naturally.

European particle accelerator: plans to reduce key air pollutants

Publishing the results of a wide-ranging review of the UK National Air Quality Strategy, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott announced plans to speed up action to reduce key air pollutants.

New method for destroying potentially deadly toxins in drinking water

A new, more effective method for destroying potentially deadly toxins called microcystins that can be found in drinking water has been announced by researchers in Scotland.

Water UK questions Ofwat’s cost of quality figures

A £1.5 to £2 billion question mark hangs over the cost of the environmental and quality improvements required by the Government as part of the 1999 Periodic Review according to Water UK.

European forest certification scheme heads for summer launch

The Pan-European Forest Certification Scheme (PEFC) has decided on its launch procedure and will be effective before the summer, said chairman, Henri Plauche-Gillon, after a Steering group meeting in Oslo this week.

IEM and ETBPP put Helpline online

UK/French firms prepare to decommission Russian nuclear storage ship

An EC financed consortium is preparing safety and environment reports for the removal of spent nuclear fuel from an ageing barge in Murmansk harbour, northern Russia.

Denmark calls for action on dangerous chemicals

The Danish Government has called for intensified international co-operation, strengthened national and international legislation, extended industry responsibility, and more consumer information, in a recently published Strategy on Chemicals.

British wind firm sells green energy certificates

A British wind farm developer has sold rights to claim renewable energy production to a major Dutch utility, in the first international trade of 'Green Certificates'.