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FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

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SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation

News

SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation

Researchers obtain promising results for control of pollutants in water
SDG 6
Researchers obtain promising results for control of pollutants in water

Brazilian scientists tested a simple and sustainable method for monitoring and degrading a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, compounds present in fossil fuels and industrial waste.


Novel material degrades a widely used antibiotic that contaminates water
SDG 3, SDG 6
Novel material degrades a widely used antibiotic that contaminates water

An electrode with films of iridium dioxide and niobium oxide on a titanium substrate removed molecules of the drug levofloxacin, considered an emerging pollutant.


3D material found to break down antidepressant that contaminates water bodies worldwide
SDG 6
3D material found to break down antidepressant that contaminates water bodies worldwide

Brazilian researchers tested a photocatalyst based on zinc oxide and found it to perform well in degrading sertraline, an emerging pollutant.


Brazilians create sensor to monitor levels of widely used antibiotic in water and food
SDG 6
Brazilians create sensor to monitor levels of widely used antibiotic in water and food

The device, which combines magnetic fluorescent nanoparticles, was designed at the Center for Development of Functional Materials, a research center supported by FAPESP and hosted by the Federal University of São Carlos.


Researchers profile pollutants present in an important river basin in São Paulo state, Brazil
SDG 6, SDG 14
Researchers profile pollutants present in an important river basin in São Paulo state, Brazil

Scientists at the State University of Campinas analyzed samples taken at 15 points in the basin comprising the Piracicaba, Capivari and Jundiaí Rivers, and detected 45 contaminants, including compounds from agricultural, industrial and household effluents not yet regulated by Brazilian legislation.


Brazilian researchers develop method of purifying water contaminated by glyphosate
SDG 6, SDG 12
Brazilian researchers develop method of purifying water contaminated by glyphosate

The technique uses functionalized cellulose fibers from sugarcane bagasse to remove residues of the herbicide from an aqueous medium.


Santos estuary in Brazil has one of the highest levels of microplastic contamination in the world
SDG 6, SDG 14
Santos estuary in Brazil has one of the highest levels of microplastic contamination in the world

Researchers sampled oysters and mussels at three locations between the port of Santos and the nearby city of Guarujá. Their aims included assembling data as a basis for public policy on basic sanitation. The law does not currently require removal of microplastic particles from sewage.


Glitter impairs growth of organisms with key roles in aquatic ecosystems, study shows
SDG 6, SDG 12, SDG 14
Glitter impairs growth of organisms with key roles in aquatic ecosystems, study shows

Researchers at the University of São Paulo investigated the effects of five concentrations of glitter on two strains of cyanobacteria. Use of the material in makeup, party costumes and decorations should be reconsidered, they argue.


Robot helps detect contaminants in water after sewage treatment
SDG 6, SDG 9
Robot helps detect contaminants in water after sewage treatment

Technology developed at the University of São Paulo increases the precision of chemical analysis and reduces the use of expensive toxic solvents. The immediate focus was on parabens, potentially carcinogenic compounds used in industry as preservatives.


Study shows potential of Southern cattail for phytoremediation of areas contaminated by mine tailings
SDG 6
Study shows potential of Southern cattail for phytoremediation of areas contaminated by mine tailings

Researchers at the University of São Paulo and collaborators showed that the aquatic plant can scavenge up to 34 times more manganese from contaminated soil than other plants found in similar environments.


Novel sewage treatment system removes up to 70% of nitrogen that would otherwise be discarded into nature
SDG 6
Novel sewage treatment system removes up to 70% of nitrogen that would otherwise be discarded into nature

Brazilian researchers have designed a new low-cost anaerobic reactor that uses a bacterial biofilm on a sheet of polyurethane foam. The goal is to enable more wastewater treatment plants in Brazil to achieve nitrogen removal and reduce water body contamination.


Pen-like sensor detects bisphenol-A in water quickly and inexpensively
SDG 6
Pen-like sensor detects bisphenol-A in water quickly and inexpensively

Researchers at the University of São Paulo have developed a portable device made from graphite, silver particles and polyurethane that detects BPA, a chemical compound harmful to health and considered an indicator of the presence of emerging pollutants in river or tap water.


Aquatic plants can be effective in removing contamination of estuary by iron mine tailings, study shows
SDG 6
Aquatic plants can be effective in removing contamination of estuary by iron mine tailings, study shows

Brazilian researchers analyzed the mechanisms by which estuarine plants absorb iron at the mouth of the Doce River, which was polluted by massive amounts of tailings from the 2015 Fundão dam disaster.


Nanomodified sugarcane bagasse can ‘clean up’ water contaminated by copper or chromium
SDG 6, SDG 9
Nanomodified sugarcane bagasse can ‘clean up’ water contaminated by copper or chromium

Hybrid material made from magnetite nanoparticles sticks to contaminants and can be removed from water by a magnet. The technique can be adapted for use in removing synthetic dyes, drugs, hormones and pesticides.


Novel water decontamination method combines low-cost composites and solar energy
SDG 6
Novel water decontamination method combines low-cost composites and solar energy

A simple and affordable solution developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo and a Nigerian collaborator eliminates even multi-resistant bacteria. Clay, papaya seeds and banana peel are among the raw materials used by the group.


More than 70 million Brazilians may face water shortages by 2035
SDG 6, SDG 13
More than 70 million Brazilians may face water shortages by 2035

Water shortages cause economic losses for industry and agriculture, among other sectors, as well as damage human health, warns a report issued by the Brazilian Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.


The Tietê, São Paulo State’s main river, is filtered by dam reservoirs while crossing the territory
SDG 6
The Tietê, São Paulo State’s main river, is filtered by dam reservoirs while crossing the territory

Reservoir cascade steadily improves water transparency by retaining matter in suspension that affects light absorption, as measured by a study conducted in Brazil.


News about research projects funded by FAPESP and articulated with the SDGs: