In Cairo, a fungus is brewing nanoparticles that pull radioactive strontium out of water

Cleaning radioactive strontium from water usually takes harsh chemistry. Researchers at Egypt's Atomic Energy Authority and Ain Shams University in Cairo let a fungus do the manufacturing instead: Aspergillus flavus brewed zinc-oxide nanoparticles, 30–60 nanometres across, which in laboratory tests soaked up about 30.5 milligrams of strontium per gram — gripping strontium more strongly than caesium — and also slowed two harmful bacteria. The peer-reviewed study, published in Scientific Reports, presents the particles as a gentler, eco-friendly candidate for targeted wastewater treatment: biology building the cleanup crew.

SDG 6 · Clean water and sanitation — Mechanism: tech innovation