Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Just found this article about a chemical used to spray on cement that absorbs pollution.

http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/07 ... g-hit-road

Imagine the impact if all of our roads were made of this stuff. I haven't read the actual abstract from the scientists (just the not-any-real-details article) but as a concept, I love the idea.

at the rate we're going more ideas like this should be researched. The abstract says 20-25% less pollution on the treated blocks compared to the control (non treated) ones. My question is if this is sprayed on, what happens if it rains? this will go into the sewage system i'm assuming.. what if the blocks were sprayed in the factory and baked, would this change what the chemical does?

Both great questions. I'd sure hope that the chemical doesn't wash down the drain. No point in reducing toxins from one part of the place only to dump them somewhere else.

If only there was a natural thing that could be planted in the ground that absorbed pollution.
Wouldn't the world be a wonderful place???

unfortunately people are looking for the easy way out, aka chemicals on chemicals, no difference between food or anything else these days... so although that is a nice thought, most people are more interested in the chemicals which is the faster way and , imo the most ridiculous way.. just as ignorant as it is for hemp to be illegal, when it has so many uses, doesn't maximize profit..

It looks like it worked by catalizing one type of polution. It also looked expensive. Titanium oxide does not sound like an abundant resource. Planting a bunch of hemp everywhere is not the answer either, monoculture is still monoculture no matter what the plant is. I do believe that planting a variety of food plants in a permaculture based system in our cities is the best solution we can have. The only "problem" with it would be that the food companies would not be able to make as much money.

I agree, the hemp was more of an example, however the summary of all this is people "would not be able to make as much money". it is quite unfortunate this is all we're worried about these days, and people are willing to sacrifice food and environment to get these.

Heres some info from my previous employers. They have plants in Australia, England, France, US, and Saudi.

Ultrafine Titanium Dioxide is the active component.

http://www.cristalarabia.com/products-and-services/ultrafine-and-specialty-tio2/applications/Pages/photocatalysis.aspx

There are heaps of applications where UF TiO2 is being used. I think the Poly Farmer tunnel in Perth is painted with the stuff too.

Other forms are used in catalytic converters to absorb NOX I think.

Production of TiO2 is extremely expensive and energy intensive. High temps, and nasty chemicals (in controlled envirnment) to extract the Ti out of mineral sands.