Global pollutants are ravaging natural habitats on land and in the oceans. An island of garbage the size of Texas now contaminates the Pacific Ocean.  Ultraviolet radiation is increasing due to changes in the atmosphere.  Glaciers and mountain snows are melting, coral reefs dying, wildfires, heat waves, and strong tropical storms are more common in some parts of the world. Stevens Institute researchers are engaged in sustainability projects for the ecological benefit of humankind.

Clean Water Delivered by Stevens Researchers

“We have tapped into the enormous potential of nanotechnology to advance science in the area of water purification; offering major long term benefits to our society.”

George P. Korfiatis, Provost

In 2002, Dr. Christos Christodoulatos, Dr. Xiaoguang Meng and Dr. George P. Korfiatis developed nanocrystalline titanium dioxide adsorption filters for the treatment of potable water contaminated with heavy metals such as arsenic and lead. Titanium oxides are widely used as pigments in paints, paper and plastics. The high surface density of these patented nanocrystals strongly binds heavy metals and is also an active photocatalyst. In the presence of dissolved oxygen and UV-light radiation, the highly reactive chemicals on the surface of the titanium dioxide destroy organic pollutants and kill bacteria. These scientists and engineers at Stevens evolved this patented process into Hydroglobe, a company dedicated to delivering affordable water purification systems to the global marketplace.

In 2004 Hydroglobe, an award winner for social responsibility, was acquired by Graver Technologies fulfilling the cycle of innovation and entrepreneurship from academia to industry.   Hydroglobe’s products  including MetSorb™, an adsorption media for arsenic and heavy metal  removal from drinking water,  are now marketed by Graver Technologies. 

Details can be found at: http://gravertech.com/pr_overview_metsorb.html

Clean Energy

Nuclear power plants do not emit carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or nitrogen oxides, thus saving greenhouse gas emissions.  The U.S. lags in clean energy technology: Nuclear power accounts for 79% of Lithuania’s electricity needs, 78% of France’s and 50% of Sweden’s, while China has built several new reactors.  Stevens prepares students and professionals for needed nuclear power careers through the Institute for Clean Energy Technology to further New Jersey's clean energy strategy.

Environmental Impact

Environmental pollutants are key research thrusts examined by Stevens’ Center for Environmental Systems.  Greenhouse gas pollution produced by marine outboard fuel is one factor in global warming.  To combat pollution, Stevens engineering students designed a hypbred outboard boat engine using a dual power system that reduces emissions.

Maritime Issues

Stevens students collaborate with maritime specialists at our Center for Maritime Systems to preserve and secure natural and man-made maritime systems.  Uncontrollable pollution in the Pacific triggered students' interest in designing a unique robotic Oceanic Research Vessel that collects vital ocean pollution data.

Light & Life Synergies

Ultraviolet radiation depletes our protective ozone layer, warms the climate, threatens marine life, and causes debilitating skin cancer.  In response, scientists in Stevens' Light and Life Laboratory perform atmospheric and space research, including satellite remote sensing of the environment measurements of harmful radiation.

Renewable Energy Resources

Stevens senior engineering students engage cutting-edge methods to scavenge and harness "free" energy using breakthrough technology.  Piezoelectric energy harvesting captures the interests of leading industries, national labs, defense agencies, and NASA.

Wind energy is the fastest growing energy source in the world. Wind turbine engines mounted by Stevens engineering students supplement electricity for Stevens' Babbio Center.  Overall, Stevens' environmental research focuses on improving global scale sustainable energy and systems using available resources.