Environmental Science & Technology
Accelerating Environmental Solutions—Beyond muck-and-truck
PNNL is one of America's premier environmental research organizations, addressing global climate change, pollution prevention, environmental health and safety, environmental cleanup, and natural resource management. Whether it's discovering contamination-eating microbes, creating "designer molecules" that sponge toxic metals out of water, or tracking the effects of smog, our scientists are developing technologies and management strategies to restore, protect, and sustain the environment. Recognition for their accomplishments includes multiple awards for scientific innovation, as well as for the transfer of new technology to real-world applications. These dedicated researchers are ready to share their exciting and important work with your group.
Water Management—Sensor fish and tough issues
Want to know what happens when fish meets dam? Create an electronic sensor fish that records the environmental conditions fish encounter while passing through hydropower turbines. That's the kind of innovative approach PNNL scientists take in the developing new ways to restore, protect and sustain fresh water and marine resources. They are applying technologies such as remote sensing, "smart materials," genetic analysis and integrated environmental modeling to help government and industry develop better, more integrated and publicly acceptable water management strategies. Book a PNNL speaker to find out what we are doing today and how it will affect the quality and quantity of your water in the future.
Environmental Microbiology—Microbes to the Rescue ("Bugs" for a better world?)
Genetically and metabolically diverse, microbes have evolved for 4 billion years and have spread to every environment on the planet, including extremes of temperature, pressure, salinity and ionizing radiation. Detailed knowledge of known and as-yet-undiscovered microorganisms could provide revolutionary answers to problems facing us today. PNNL scientists are coupling decades of experience in environmental microbiology with molecular and computational sciences to develop unique microbial cell research capabilities. Their work has diverse, far-reaching applications in renewable energy sources, global climate change, toxic waste cleanup, public health and animal/crop protection.
Biobased Products and Biomass Research—Trash to treasure
Potato peelings in your fuel? Paper mill sludge in cosmetics? It might not be as far-fetched as you think. Check out PNNL research that is transforming low-value biomass such as corn fiber, mill feed and livestock waste into plastics, fibers, adhesives, solvents and other high value specialty chemicals and bioproducts. Advances by PNNL and its government and industry partners are contributing to the technical and economic feasibility of complete biorefineries. These advances offer an unprecedented opportunity to create a new and growing market for agriculture while meeting national needs, including reducing U.S. dependence on imported oil and gas, providing economic opportunities for rural-based economies and reducing environmental impacts.
Microproducts—Small technologies to solve big problems
Imagine heat pumps the size of tennis balls, fuel cells that fit in a matchbox, a chemical manufacturing plant the size of a ping-pong table. That's the world of microtechnology, the miniaturization of energy and biochemical systems. PNNL scientists helped create this promising field of research—a field that experts predict will change our lives much the way miniature electronic components and circuits ushered in an unending array of new products and processes. Now, with the formation of the Microproducts Breakthrough Institute with Oregon State University, PNNL researchers are set further advancements. Find out the latest developments in a presentation on PNNL microtechnology and microproducts research.
