A Pint of Clean Water & Greener Futures

Globally, vast amounts of wastewater are still left untreated or processed through expensive, energy-intensive systems. The remainder is discharged directly into water bodies, causing water pollution, affecting aquatic life, and impacting human food. Wastewater contains organic matter (mostly carbon and nitrogen), representing a largely untapped source of chemical energy and nutrients. Recovering this matter could be a promising alternative to conventional treatment processes.

New microbial fuel cells (MFCs) can turn wastewater into both electricity and fertiliser, generating power from human urine and raw sewage and producing a highly concentrated nitrogen and phosphate-rich solution that can be used in hydroponics to grow non-edible crops like cotton. This technology paves the way towards a future where wastewater is not just waste, but a valuable resource for more sustainable urban systems.

Forever chemicals are man-made, fluorine-containing substances used in everyday items such as non-stick pans, waterproof jackets, food packaging, and firefighting foams. They do not break down easily and can build up in rivers, soil, wildlife, and even in our bodies. Their presence in UK rivers, and worldwide, is now a growing concern.
This talk explores where they come from, why they persist for so long, what they may mean for our health, and what policies in the UK aim to reduce exposure and protect our communities.