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Articles by Ian Wright
Data centres in Australia: your questions answered
Community opposition to large-scale data centres is growing. Critics are calling for a pause on data centre development, in line with other jurisdictions such as New York, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ruled this out. We put a call-out to our audience: what questions do you have about data centres? We were quickly overwhelmed with responses and had to close the survey. This avid response cemented our decision to take a deeper dive into data centres.
We proved these ‘forever chemicals’ can last longer than three decades Original
The fresh air, picturesque vistas and pristine bush of the Blue Mountains west of Sydney draw millions of visitors a year. Unfortunately, the Blue Mountains are also the site of a controversial investigation into water contamination with “forever chemicals”, also called PFAS. Our recent study investigated long-term PFAS contamination from two incidents, both involving petrol tanker crashes and fires.
I’m in flooded northern Australia – how can I make sure my drinking water is safe? - The Australia Today
By Ian A. Wright Parts of northern Australia are battling record-breaking floods, after heavy rain caused major rivers across Queensland and the Northern Territory to break their banks. In some communities, residents and first responders are still bracing for more flooding. Meanwhile, authorities are starting to assess the damage done to homes, farms and businesses. But these floods have also impacted key infrastructure, including the pumping system at Darwin’s main dam.
I’m in flooded northern Australia – how can I make sure my drinking water is safe?
Parts of northern Australia are battling record-breaking floods, after heavy rain caused major rivers across Queensland and the Northern Territory to break their banks. In some communities, residents and first responders are still bracing for more flooding. Meanwhile, authorities are starting to assess the damage done to homes, farms and businesses. But these floods have also impacted key infrastructure, including the pumping system at Darwin’s main dam.
After ‘code brown’, how long before the pool is safe again? Water quality experts explain
There’s little worse as a pool lifeguard than hearing the words “code brown” come through your radio. For swimmers on a hot day, there’s also little worse than being told to immediately get out of the water because there’s poo floating in the pool. During hot summers, public pools in Australia are often crowded with families and children. The risk of “code brown” incidents at your local pool is probably substantial.
Natural hydrogen can make decarbonising industry cheaper - NZ’s turbulent geology could give it an edge
Hydrogen is emerging as a critical part of the low-carbon transition for industries where electrification is not a straightforward solution. This includes the production of steel, fertiliser and methanol as well as long-haul transport. In New Zealand, these industries account for about 17% of total emissions. Hydrogen could replace these emissions but this would require annual production of 600,000 to one million tonnes. The cost of producing low-carbon hydrogen is a critical factor.
A rare ‘brain-eating amoeba’ has been detected in Queensland water. Can I catch it by drinking tapwater? Or in the shower?
By Ian A. Wright, Associate Professor in Environmental Science, Western Sydney University One of the world’s most dangerous water-borne microorganisms, commonly called a “brain-eating amoeba”, has recently been detected in two drinking water supplies in south-west Queensland. Both affected towns are about 750 kilometres west of Brisbane: Augathella (population roughly 300) and Charleville (population 3,000). During an… Read complete article © The Conversation -
A rare ‘brain-eating amoeba’ has been detected in Queensland water. Can I catch it by drinking tapwater? Or in the shower?
One of the world’s most dangerous water-borne microorganisms, commonly called a “brain-eating amoeba”, has recently been detected in two drinking water supplies in south-west Queensland. Both affected towns are about 750 kilometres west of Brisbane: Augathella (population roughly 300) and Charleville (population 3,000).
Most Australians have “forever chemicals” in their blood - how concerned should we be?
By Ian A. Wright The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has this week released new data which tells us about the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Australians’ bodies. The data comes from concentrations measured in blood samples of nearly 7,000 people aged 12 and over, collected as part of the National Health Measures Survey for 2022–24. The findings are concerning, showing PFAS are detectable in the vast majority of the Australian population, to varying levels.
New Australian data shows most of us have PFAS in our blood. How worried should we be?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has this week released new data which tells us about the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Australians’ bodies. The data comes from concentrations measured in blood samples of nearly 7,000 people aged 12 and over, collected as part of the National Health Measures Survey for 2022–24. The findings are concerning, showing PFAS are detectable in the vast majority of the Australian population, to varying levels.
A deadly brain-eating amoeba lurks in freshwater swimming holes-here's what you need to know
On hot summer days, hitting the beach is a great way to have fun and cool off. But if you're not near the salty ocean, you might opt for swimming in a freshwater stream, river, lake or pool. These freshwater swimming holes are great, but they come with a hidden danger. While it's very rare, it can be deadly—a brain infection by a microbe widely known as the "brain-eating amoeba." What is the brain-eating amoeba? The pathogen in question is called Naegleria fowleri.
A deadly brain-eating amoeba lurks in freshwater swimming holes - here’s what you need to know
On hot summer days, hitting the beach is a great way to have fun and cool off. But if you’re not near the salty ocean, you might opt for swimming in a freshwater stream, river, lake or pool. These freshwater swimming holes are great, but they come with a hidden danger. While it’s very rare, it can be deadly – a brain infection by a microbe widely known as the “brain-eating amoeba”. What is the brain-eating amoeba? The pathogen in question is called Naegleria fowleri.
Olympic Swimmers Return to Seine River After a Century. Will It Be Safe? : ScienceAlert
Five eagerly anticipated events in the Paris Olympics will be the mens and womens 10 kilometre marathon swimming races, as well as the 1,500 metre swimming section of three triathlon events. Why? Because all will be held in the Seine River in the centre of Paris. The swimmers – including four Australians – will pass famous landmarks such as the Musee d’Orsay as they swim through the historic heart of the city. This will have enormous scenic appeal for spectators. But will it be safe for swimmers?
Electrical installations in hazardous areas: why effective commissioning, installation and inspection are crucial
Machinery and other equipment used in potentially hazardous environments to automate or control certain production processes poses an increased risk of fire and explosion. This is because the normal operation of equipment often involves actions or reactions which represent a potential ignition source.
There are 'forever chemicals' in our drinking water. Should standards change to protect our health
The contaminants found in our drinking water are the same ones United States authorities warn can cause cancer over a long period of time, with reports warning there is “no safe level of exposure”. In April, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) sent shock waves through the water industry around the world when it announced stricter advice on safe levels of PFOS/PFOA in drinking water.
There are ‘forever chemicals’ in our drinking water. Should standards change to protect our health?
Today’s news coverage reports potentially unsafe levels of “forever chemicals” detected in drinking water supplies around Australia. These include human-made chemicals: perfluorooctane sulfonate (known as PFOS) and perflurooctanic acid (PFOA). They are classed under the broader category of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS chemicals.
Tony Bennett's Drawings Go Up for Auction
“This incredible collection speaks to Tony’s creative genius and his positive impact on others and the world,” said Olivia Chastan, the founder of Iconoclast, a company that manages the legacies of singers and artists. A two-day auction comprising more than 700 lots celebrates the career and life of Tony Bennett, who died last year.
Water | Free Full-Text | Water Quality of Roof-Harvested Drinking Water Tanks in a Rural Area near a Gold and Copper Mine: Potential Health Risk from a Layer of Metal-Enriched Water and Sediment
1. Introduction In rural and regional Australia, many communities are not provided with clean and safe drinking water supplied by water authorities through reticulated town water systems. Instead, they rely on their own on-site water supply which predominantly harvests rainwater from roofs, stored in water tanks for household potable water supply [1].
Seals, swimmers, bat carers - exploring the world of the pale brown, oft-maligned Yarra River
Thu Sep 28 Written by Ian A Wright, Associate Professor in Environmental Science, Western Sydney University Author Harry Saddler’s book on Melbourne’s Yarra River is an engaging account of his years exploring its native species and human communities. He acknowledges the river’s First Nations name of Birrarung, writing with a boyish enthusiasm. At times I felt his emotion jumping out of the pages, almost channelling David Attenborough’s passion for species and the environment.
Seals, swimmers, bat carers - exploring the world of the pale brown, oft-maligned Yarra River
By Ian A Wright, Associate Professor in Environmental Science, Western Sydney University A new book delves into the species that live in, on and near Melbourne’s Yarra: from the millions of humans who rely on it for water to creatures such as owls, wallabies and flying foxes. Read complete article © The Conversation -
Havertz will bring 'a huge amount of extra strength' to Arsenal's midfield, says Wright
Arsenal legend Ian Wright spoke about the Gunners' new signing on 'The Ringer' podcast and praised the midfielder and his performances when he made his debut against Nurnberg. Arsenalplayed their first pre-season friendly against Nurnberg on Thursday. Arteta's men drew with the German side 1-1 after Saka's opener was cancelled out by Okunuki in the second period.
Why shouldn't I pour oil or paint down the sink? And what should I do instead?
Are you ever tempted to pour used cooking oil down the sink? Just turn on the tap and flush it all away. What about that half-used tin of paint in the cupboard? It would be so easy just to wash it down the drain, wouldn’t it? Well, please don’t! Not just because these bad habits cause problems in your house, backyard, apartment block or neighbourhood (and these products do lead to huge blockages and other issues for household pipes).
Huge Cadia gold mine ordered to reduce polluting dust. Is it safe to live near a mine like this?
For the past 15 months, I have been helping residents living near the massive Cadia gold and copper mine in NSW to verify their concerns about pollution from the mine. The findings of alarming levels of heavy metals in their water tanks, as well as in blood and hair samples, prompted the NSW Environmental Protection Agency to investigate. Yesterday it ordered the mine to stop releasing an “unacceptable level” of dust that carries these metals through the air.
Why shouldn't I pour oil or paint down the sink? And what should I do instead?
Are you ever tempted to pour used cooking oil down the sink? Just turn on the tap and flush it all away. What about that half-used tin of paint in the cupboard? It would be so easy just to wash it down the drain, wouldn’t it? Well, please don’t! Not just because these bad habits cause problems in your house, backyard, apartment block or neighbourhood (and these products do lead to huge blockages and other issues for household pipes).
Huge Cadia gold mine ordered to reduce polluting dust. Is it safe to live near a mine like this?
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Why shouldn't I pour oil or paint down the sink? And what should I do instead? Original
Are you ever tempted to pour used cooking oil down the sink? Just turn on the tap and flush it all away. What about that half-used tin of paint in the cupboard? It would be so easy just to wash it down the drain, wouldn’t it? Well, please don’t! Not just because these bad habits cause problems in your house, backyard, apartment block or neighbourhood (and these products do lead to huge blockages and other issues for household pipes).
Huge Cadia gold mine ordered to reduce polluting dust. Is it safe to live near a mine like this? Original
For the past 15 months, I have been helping residents living near the massive Cadia gold and copper mine in NSW to verify their concerns about pollution from the mine. The findings of alarming levels of heavy metals in their water tanks, as well as in blood and hair samples, prompted the NSW Environmental Protection Agency to investigate. Yesterday it ordered the mine to stop releasing an “unacceptable level” of dust that carries these metals through the air.
Dueling Sixth Place Finishes for Men's Rowing at IRA Division III National Championships
West Windsor, NJ --- The WPI men's rowing team wrapped up its 2022-23 campaign with a pair of sixth place-performances in grand finals Saturday morning at the Division III National Championship being held as part of the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championship Regatta on Mercer Lake in West Windsor, New Jersey.
Men's Rowing Begins IRA Division III National Championship with Strong Showing
West Windsor, NJ --- The WPI men's rowing program began competition Friday in the second annual Division III national championship held in conjunction with the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championship Regatta on Mercer Lake in West Windsor, New Jersey. This year's event featured some wrinkles from last year's inaugural championship, including an expanded varsity eight field that now sports a prelim/finals format and the addition of a second varsity eight race.
Millennials and Marriage: How They’re Changing the Game
Frank Sinatra once famously crooned, “Love and marriage…go together like a horse and carriage.” But how accurate is this beloved song standard in reflecting relationships today? Not very, according to evidence. Indeed, it appears that love in the 21st century is looking a lot different than it did in previous generations. Not surprisingly, it’s the rising generations, and millennials in particular, that are transforming how we understand love, marriage, relationships, and family.
Friday Men's Rowing Recap
WORCESTER -- Full recap later tonight V8 - 3rd in Heat in a time of 6:22.180 and will row in the Petite Final at 2:45pm out of Lane 2 3rd in the Petite Final with a time of 6:01.924 2V8 - 4th in Heat in a time of 6:27.828 and will row in the Petite Final at 3:45pm out of Lane 1 2nd in the Petite Final with a time of 6:06.881 3V8 - 3rd in Heat in a time of 6:35.792 and will row in the Grand Final at 4:45pm out of Lane 5 6th in the Grand Final with a time of 6:12.056 WPI awaits word on a...
Men’s Rowing Takes Second in Petites at New England’s; Three Others Reach Grand Finals
WORCESTER -- WPI Men's Rowing competed in the New England Rowing Championships on a sun-soaked Lake Quinsigamond on Saturday and the Engineers saw its varsity eight place second in the petite finals and eighth overall while seeing its three other entries qualify for their respective grand finals.
Men’s Rowing Concludes Regular Season by Retaining the McCarthy-McGee Challenge Cup
WORCESTER -- The McCarthy-McGee Challenge Cup is staying at least another year on Boynton Hill to highlight a morning of racing Saturday on Lake Quinsigamond that saw WPI men's rowing win both of its races.
Late Surge Falls Short as Men's Rowing Drops Baker Cup Race to Tufts on Rainy Sunday
WORCESTER -- Men's Rowing's varsity eight made a late charge to regain the Baker Cup versus longtime rival Tufts on a rainy Sunday on Lake Quinsigamond but ultimately the Jumbos were able to hold on and retain the Cup for a third consecutive occasion. Tufts, tied for third in the latest IRCA Men's D3 Varsity 8+ Top 15, jumped out to a lead in the first 500 meters and extended it at the halfway point.
Men's Rowing Competes Against Trinity, Ithaca and Colby; 3V8 and V4A Victorious
WORCESTER -- The WPI men's rowing team's first two boats registered third place showings while the third varsity eight and the varsity four won their races Saturday as the Engineers hosted a regatta on Lake Quinsigamond.
WPI Men’s Rowing Turns in a Trio of Second Place Finishes in Sunday Racing
WORCESTER -- WPI Men's Rowing took to the water for competition for the first time on a Sunday this spring on Lake Quinsigamond this morning and logged three second place finishes and a third place showing on an overcast and cool morning. The Engineers varsity eight, ranked sixth in the most recent RCA/IRA Top 15, reached the final red buoys in 6:03.26, 5.4 seconds behind No. 5 Bates, who won in a time of 5:57.86.
Men’s Rowing Finishes Third in Donahue Cup in Saturday Racing on Lake Quinsigamond
WORCESTER -- WPI's men's rowing took on No.1 Williams, Division I MIT, Washington College (MD) and Connecticut College as the five teams raced for the James Donahue Cup Saturday on Lake Quinsigamond. The top-ranked Ephs recaptured the Cup from MIT by winning the race in a time of 5:52.66. Defending champion MIT was second, reaching the finish line in 5:55.06. Worcester's Engineers took bronze by posting a time of 6:12.9, followed by the Shoremen (6:42.5) and then the Camels (6:52.47).
Men’s Rowing Recap Kicks off 2023 Spring Campaign in Class of 2003 Cup
WORCESTER -- The WPI men's rowing's varsity eight competed for the Class of 2003 Cup on a Sunny but chilly Saturday as the Engineers made their spring debut on Lake Quinsigamond. WPI, ranked fourth in the latest IRCA/IRA Men's Division III Varsity 8 Top 15, rowed to a second place finish, posting a time of 6:13.21. No. 5 Wesleyan retained the Cup it captured from Colby last spring with a time of 6:06.79 followed by No. 8 Hamilton (6:17.89), the 13th-ranked Mules (6:25.09) and UMass (6:38.19).
Ford Cuts Its Stake In Rivian To Around One Percent
2024 Volkswagen Atlas First Look Review: Less VR6, More Turbo The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas has been around since the 2018 model year, but VW has kept it competitive with successive annual updates.
Ford Cuts Its Stake In Rivian To Around One Percent
Home News Ford Cuts Its Stake In Rivian To Around One Percent Feb. 12, 2023 1:19 PM ET Electric Vehicles Ford's exit plan has taken a profit. Ford Motor Company has cut its stake in Rivian Automotive to 1.15%, as part of a plan to scale down its holdings in the EV company that recently released its first truck and SUV. Ford and Rivian started off tight with Rivian and its 2021 IPO with an 11.4% stake in the company.
Travelling around Australia this summer? Here's how to know if the water is safe to drink
Australians are fortunate to have access to safe and healthy drinking water in our towns and cities, which is acknowledged as a basic human need globally. Sadly, the World Health Organization estimates about 2 billion people across the world are not so lucky. Drinking water is important for our health, but water-borne diseases are a common cause of illness. Avoiding water-borne illnesses is particularly important for people with weakened immune systems, or for the very young or aged.
Signatures of Urbanization in Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone (THPSS) of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area
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Virgil van Dijk Celebrated Mohamed Salah's Goal Before Penalty Was Struck During Liverpool's Win Over Brighton
Virgil van Dijk brilliantly celebrated Mohamed Salah's goal before he struck his penalty during Liverpool's win over Brighton. Salah doubled his side's lead from the spot following Luis Diaz's brave header in the 19th minute. The visitors were awarded a spot-kick after Yves Bissouma handled Naby Keita's shot inside the box. And Salah made no mistake from 12-yards, smashing down the middle - with Van Dijk nonchalantly celebrating the goal before the penalty was even hit.
Virgil Van Dijk's Presence Was Enough To Stop Inter Milan Attacking Liverpool
They say the best defenders don't even have to make a challenge, because their positioning is so good, which could be further proof at just how good Virgil van Dijk is. It's understandable if forwards are a bit intimidated by Van Dijk's reputation and ability as one of the best defenders in the world, and he can certainly be a tough man to play against. More recently he managed to completely destroy Kepa in the Carabao Cup final win for Jurgen Klopp's side, with his intimidating penalty and stare.
"World’s Best Defender?" - Virgil Van Dijk Slammed For Inter Milan Performance In Extraordinary Analysis
Virgil van Dijk has been slammed for his defending right before Lautaro Martinez scored the winner for Inter Milan vs Liverpool. The Reds slipped to their first defeat at Anfield in over a year on Tuesday evening, losing 1-0 to the reigning Serie A champions. Liverpool have still qualified for the quarter-finals of the Champions League 2-1 on aggregate, but talkSPORT's Adrian Durham believes van Dijk made a costly mistake for Martinez's strike. He asked: "What are Liverpool doing for the goal?
Roman Abramovich Releases Statement To Confirm He Is Selling Chelsea Football Club
It's official. Roman Abramovich has confirmed he has decided to sell Chelsea Football Club after 19 years at the helm. In a statement on the club's official website, he wrote: "I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC. "As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart.
Conor McGregor Says He Is Interested In Buying Chelsea Football Club
Conor McGregor has expressed his interest in purchasing Chelsea Football Club after reports emerged that Roman Abramovich is ready to sell the club after 19 years at the helm. The former UFC champion, who played for local clubs Lourdes Celtic and Crumlin United during his childhood, has often expressed his admiration for the beautiful game. In fact, he's not too shabby at playing it.
Drinking water can be a dangerous cocktail for people in flood areas
Parts of south east Queensland and northern NSW have been experiencing what has been called a “rain bomb”. Despite the heavy falls, south eastern Queenslanders in Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay and the Lockyer Valley have been asked to conserve drinking water. Water authorities explained extreme weather and heavy rain forced the closure of two SEQ drinking water treatment plants (Mt Crosby and North Pine Water Treatment Plants) early on Sunday morning.
West Wight Men In Sheds back on the road thanks to supporters
West Wight Men In Sheds are back on the road thanks to the support of the local community and local businesses’. After their previous van became beyond economical repair in December last year, the charity based in the West Wight had to dispose of the van, and start fundraising for a replacement van. Supporters Thanks to donations received through Crowdfunding Page and a two-year sponsorship deal with “The Bathroom Showroom, Wootton” they are now back on the road.
The stunning recovery of a heavily polluted river in the heart of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area
Home Portfolio Energy & Environment The stunning recovery of a heavily polluted river in the heart of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area By Ian Wright, Jason Reynolds and Leo Robba Friday February 11, 2022 Water science researcher Callum Fleming in the Wollangambe River, deep within the World Heritage area.
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