• Question: What methods are currently being considered internationally as a solution to the ever increasing problem of global pollution?How many of these are viable solutions?Any ideas of your own?

    Asked by ogoldfinch09 to Asif, Laura, Lena, Sean, Viv on 16 Mar 2012.
    • Photo: Lena Ciric

      Lena Ciric answered on 16 Mar 2012:

      A lot of scientists are working on this problem, however getting politicians to listen to advice and change policy and laws is very difficult.

      I spent my PhD looking at whether you can use bacteria to clean up oil spills and what the best strategy to do this is. The answer was that you can and that it’s best to use the bacteria that come from the site as they are used to the environment. If you’re interested in learning more about this, have a look at this article I wrote: http://www.sgm.ac.uk/pubs/micro_today/pdf/111004.pdf

    • Photo: Sean Murphy

      Sean Murphy answered on 16 Mar 2012:

      At the moment there are various methods being used to try and reduce pollution. Some of these involve regulation, others are based on fees and charges (the market). I think the best way we can all agree on is increasing efficiency. If we use our resources more efficiently and reduce waste then the world will be better for everyone.

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