The contamination crisis and a filtration fix: Two modelling frameworks for particle filtration

By Arkady Wey FiltrationFiltration is the separation of particles from fluid, usually by passing it through a membrane (Figure 1). It is used extensively for wastewater decontamination, and for harmful-particulate removal from exhaust gases in combustion plants. There are few larger problems facing humanity: The WHO has predicted that 10% […]

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Mathematical modelling of washing machines and tumble dryers

By Torin Fastnedge and Chloe Bernard Research estimates suggest that up to 35% of the microplastics found in our oceans originate from our clothing, specifically microfibres, which are released during the washing machine cycle. Subsequently, these minuscule particles enter the water and are ingested by humans through our food and […]

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The mathematics of chemical decontamination

by Ellen Luckins Following a chemical weapons attack, it is crucial for public safety that any hazardous chemical agent remaining in the environment is properly removed. In particular, if the hazardous agent has seeped into porous building materials such as plasterboard, brick, or concrete, it cannot simply be wiped away. […]

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Using mathematics to realise the potential of a novel soil-based filter.

The Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta is a global hotspot for arsenic groundwater contamination. Naturally occurring arsenic concentrates in water drawn from deep tube wells, creating a major public health issue in West Bengal and Bangladesh, described as the “largest mass poisoning of a population in history”. Arsenic mitigation technologies mostly rely on allowing […]

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How mathematics can help to solve the current water crisis

Population growth, drought and contamination mean that water quality and quantity concerns are one of the largest environmental issues facing the world today. As a result, the race to find new and effective strategies for the production of clean water is now more important than ever. Here in Oxford we […]

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