Best Potable Podcasts (2025)

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PFAS pressure points and the membrane shake-up 14:26

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24d ago14:26

14:26

The proposed EU PFAS ban is poised to reshape the membrane landscape, pulling PVDF into the regulatory crosshairs and forcing utilities, industrials and suppliers to rethink long-term planning. Rhys and Divya unpack what a universal restriction could mean for plant design, stranded-asset risk, supply-chain readiness and the accelerating push toward…

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Ceramic cembranes, VBact innovation, and Xylem’s reset 12:45

1M ago12:45

12:45

This episode spotlights three themes driving BlueTech’s current research cycle. Rhys and Divya open with the momentum behind ceramic membranes, ahead of the 11 December web briefing with Dr. Graham Pearce and the release of BlueTech’s Ceramic Membranes 2025 Update. Once a 2% niche, ceramics now claim ~10% of the market, lifted by cost reductions, f…

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The quiet revolution in electrodialysis and lithium recovery 17:15

2M ago17:15

17:15

Electrodialysis is making a comeback. Once niche, ED and EDR are being reinvented with smarter membranes, modular stack designs, and solar-powered operation. BlueTech Analyst Dr. Vishal Wagholikar joins Rhys and Divya to explore how these innovations could enable off-grid desalination, resource recovery, and low-cost acid and base generation. The c…

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How Direct Air Capture Companies Make Money - 2/3 9:42

2M ago9:42

9:42

Hello everyone! This is the second episode of series about Direct Air Capture describing Technology & Timing, Business Model & Scability (2nd post here) and finally the players (coming soon) Sponsor this newsletter or one of my LinkedIn posts. Be a guest on my podcast, book me for a conference, or something else? Work with Reactor. Listen to the po…

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He cleaned a lagoon… with bubbles 1:05

3M ago1:05

1:05

He cleaned a lagoon… with bubbles Meet Marino Morikawa, a Peruvian nanoscientist. When his father called to say the lagoon of his childhood—El Cascajo—had become a dump, Marino left his lab in Japan and flew home. Using ultra-fine nanobubbles (≈50–100 nm) made with hardware-store parts, he built a natural, chemical-free system that traps pollutants…

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This city ski slope heats and powers 150,000 people—by burning their trash. 0:55

3M ago0:55

0:55

By Jerome

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3 Weeks, 100+ Homes: Inside the Largest 3D-Printed Neighborhood 0:42

3M ago0:42

0:42

In Georgetown (USA), a full 3D-printed neighborhood is coming online—fast. Not a concept render: real homes, printed on-site, then finished with solar + smart energy controls. Why it matters Speed: printed in about 3 weeks for the shell phase Less waste: additive construction = minimal material offcuts Energy positive potential: solar panels + smar…

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WEFTEC Special 17:47

3M ago17:47

17:47

WEFTEC is where the future of water takes shape, and in this BlueNotes special, we cut through the noise. From the 281 submitted abstracts, our analysts have curated the top 60 that will define industry conversations this year: PFAS, emissions control, digital adoption, and circular solutions. Download the full memo from here. We spotlight the Inno…

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Fog → Drinking Water: The Simple Tech Bringing Potable Water to Arid Regions 1:19

3M ago1:19

1:19

These giant meshes turn fog into drinking water—no pumps, no power. It’s CloudFisher, a system developed by the German NGO WasserStiftung that captures airborne moisture with technical plastic nets stretched into the wind. How it works Zero energy: wind + fog, no electricity required Durable & recyclable: engineered to resist winds up to 120 km/h P…

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EDR, microfibers, and PFAS: signals to watch 19:38

3M ago19:38

19:38

Electrodialysis Reversal (EDR) is getting a second life. Once overshadowed by reverse osmosis, new designs, capacitive approaches, and ceramic membranes are opening doors in brackish desalination, food and beverage, and even lithium recovery. Costs and complexity remain hurdles, but innovation is giving EDR fresh momentum . Another blind spot: micr…

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How Direct Air Capture Works (and Why Now) 10:08

4M ago10:08

10:08

👋 Imagine a giant vacuum cleaner — but instead of dust, it’s pulling carbon dioxide straight out of the sky. It’s called Direct Air Capture (DAC), and it’s no longer science fiction. Real plants are running today in Iceland, Texas, and California. In this episode of Reactor, we break down: 🌬️ How Direct Air Capture actually works — step by step 🧪 T…

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Floating Solar: Saving Water & Powering Communities #climatetech #deeptech #water #sustainability 1:12

4M ago1:12

1:12

💧☀️ In Australia, 1 trillion litres of water vanish every year — lost to evaporation. But what if the solution was simple… and powerful? Floating solar panels are changing the game. They shade reservoirs, cutting water evaporation by up to 50%, *while also generating clean electricity*. Even better, the cool water underneath helps the panels work m…

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From Hockey Star to Climate Innovator 1:09

4M ago1:09

1:09

From the ice rink to the fight against climate change. Brent Story once wore the jersey for Team Canada in hockey. Now he’s leading EmitiQ — a company making sustainability simpler for businesses around the world. Instead of endless reports and confusing rules, EmitiQ helps companies: ✔️ Measure emissions automatically ✔️ Follow climate rules corre…

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PFAS sensing, Ecolab’s big bet and playmakers: the signals to watch 28:11

4M ago28:11

28:11

PFAS sensing is heating up—but still waiting for a true breakthrough. Dr. Kim Wu joins to explore a market set to hit $480M by 2026, with field-based sensors potentially swelling to $750M by 2030. Demand is surging, regulations are tightening, yet no real-time solution exists. Kim points to electrochemical sensing paired with AI as the most promisi…

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Potable reuse goes global. And Political. 27:33

5M ago27:33

27:33

BlueTech's TAG expert Dr. Sebastien Tillman joins Rhys and Divya to unpack a wave of projects in places as unexpected as Belgium and the UK, challenging the “it rains here” mindset. The driver? Not just technology, but trust. Public outreach remains the decisive factor between a flagship success and a stalled proposal. The long-standing “RO is the …

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6 Tips to Generate Revenue as a Deeptech or Climate Tech Founder 55:59

5M ago55:59

55:59

Are you building cutting-edge tech… but struggling to land your first customers? This video is for YOU. Whether you’re in deeptech, climate tech, or any science-based venture, I’ll walk you through 6 actionable sales strategies to help you go from prototype to paying customers — faster. 👇 What we’ll cover: 0:00 Intro — Why deeptech sales are hard 1…

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The Haber Process & NPK Fertilisers: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium🌱 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 5:07

5M ago5:07

5:07

This episode details the key ingredients in fertilisers: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It outlines the chemical production of nitrogen-based fertilisers, specifically ammonium nitrate, highlighting its rich nitrogen content due to its dual sources. We explain that phosphate rock, obtained through mining, serves as the origin for phosphorus c…

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The Haber Process & NPK Fertilisers: Plants and Nitrogen 🌱 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 5:02

5M ago5:02

5:02

In this episode, we look at plants and nitrogen. Plants require nitrogen to produce proteins necessary for growth. While the atmosphere is full of nitrogen gas, plants cannot directly utilise this form. Instead, they absorb soluble nitrates from the soil. Crop harvesting depletes these essential nitrates, as the nitrogen is removed with the harvest…

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Using the Earth's Resources: Overexploitation and Alternative Extraction Methods ⛏️ GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 4:21

5M ago4:21

4:21

In this episode, we discuss overexploitation and alternative extraction methods. Historical overuse of copper-rich ores has led to a scarcity of these resources. As a result, scientists have developed alternative methods to obtain copper from less concentrated sources. Phytomining uses plants to absorb copper from polluted land, while bioleaching e…

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Using the Earth's Resources: Metal Ore Extraction ⛏️ GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 4:13

5M ago4:13

4:13

In this episode, we discuss metal ore extraction. Traditional metal ore extraction, primarily through mining, faces increasing challenges due to the finite nature of these resources. This method, while conventional, carries significant environmental repercussions. These consequences include the destruction of natural habitats, which consequently th…

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Using the Earth's Resources: Sewage Treatment 🚽 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 4:33

5M ago4:33

4:33

In this episode, we outline the essential stages of sewage treatment. Proper disposal of waste water is crucial for environmental protection. Initially, screening removes large debris, followed by sedimentation which separates solids (sludge) from liquid (effluent). Subsequently, bacteria anaerobically digest the sludge, while the effluent undergoe…

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BlueTech’s summer stack: from Unicorns to PFAS, Plasma and more 32:59

5M ago32:59

32:59

Autonomous water plants are here—and 49 of them are already running in China, serving 17 million people with no one on-site. Dr. Kim Wu unpacks this jaw-dropping stat and what it signals for digital twins, smart networks, and the new edge of AI in water. She also flags the rise of low-power IoT and how cybersecurity is shifting from afterthought to…

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Powering the Future with Yesterday’s Nuclear Waste: Hexana’s Big Bet 2:25

6M ago2:25

2:25

What if tomorrow’s clean energy came from yesterday’s nuclear waste? In this episode, we explore Hexana, a French deep tech startup developing a next-generation small modular reactor (SMR) designed to decarbonize heavy industries like steel, chemicals, and even green hydrogen production. Hexana’s sodium-cooled fast reactor doesn’t just generate hig…

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Using the Earth's Resources: Potable Water in the UK vs. Saudi Arabia 💧 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 8:02

6M ago8:02

8:02

This episode contrasts the production of drinking water in the UK and Saudi Arabia. In the UK, abundant rainfall allows for the collection of freshwater, which is then treated through filtration and sterilisation. Conversely, Saudi Arabia, facing low rainfall, relies on seawater as its primary source. To make this seawater drinkable, it undergoes d…

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Using the Earth's Resources: Potable Water Sources 💧 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 7:18

6M ago7:18

7:18

This episode outlines various origins of drinkable water. We identify fresh water as the simplest source to purify, requiring only filtering and sterilization. In contrast, seawater desalination is presented as the most energy-intensive and costly method. Finally, the text notes that wastewater treatment is a multi-stage process that demands less e…

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The Earth's Atmosphere: Carbon Footprints Barriers 👣 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 8:05

6M ago8:05

8:05

This episode outlines several significant obstacles hindering the reduction of global carbon footprints. We identify disagreements among scientists regarding climate change as a scientific barrier. Economic concerns, particularly the potential impact on development, are highlighted as a major impediment for governments. Political disagreements and …

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5G from Space: How Constellation Is Connecting the Disconnected 2:22

6M ago2:22

2:22

5G from Space: How Constellation Is Connecting the Disconnected What if you could stream Netflix from the middle of the Sahara—thanks to 5G from space? In this episode, we explore the bold vision of Constellation Technologies, a Paris-based startup building a low-orbit satellite network to deliver fiber-like 5G speeds anywhere on Earth. Founded by …

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The Earth's Atmosphere: Carbon Footprints 👣 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 8:03

6M ago8:03

8:03

In this episode, we discuss carbon footprint, which refers to the total greenhouse gases emitted by an activity or product. Individuals can decrease their footprint by improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and using renewable energy. Governments can implement emission taxes, caps, and tradable licenses to curb corporate emissions. Carbon cap…

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The Earth's Atmosphere: Climate Change 🌍 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 3:27

6M ago3:27

3:27

In this episode, we look at climate change based on the earth's atmosphere. Rising global average temperatures are identified as a primary driver of global climate change. This warming trend is anticipated to trigger significant and varied consequences. Notable among these is the melting of polar ice, which would elevate sea levels and endanger cer…

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The Earth's Atmosphere: The Earth's Early Atmosphere 🌋 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 4:32

6M ago4:32

4:32

In this episode, we discuss the Earth's early atmosphere. Scientists generally agree that Earth's initial atmosphere, following its formation approximately 4.6 billion years ago, was heavily influenced by widespread and active volcanism. These eruptions released significant quantities of carbon dioxide, along with lesser amounts of other gases like…

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Drones That Defy Physics: Inside Aerix’s Omnidirectional Revolution 2:49

6M ago2:49

2:49

Drones That Defy Physics: Inside Aerix’s Omnidirectional Revolution What if a drone could flip upside down, spin in place, and hold steady in a 100 km/h storm? In this episode, we explore the mind-blowing innovation of Aerix Systems, a French deep tech startup founded in 2020 by two engineering students in Gironde. Aerix has developed the world’s f…

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Identifying Ions: Flame Emission Spectroscopy 🔥 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 6:15

6M ago6:15

6:15

In this episode, we discuss flame emission spectroscopy. Flame emission spectroscopy is an analytical technique used to determine the identity and amount of metal ions in a liquid sample. The process involves introducing the sample to a flame, which causes the metal ions to emit light at specific wavelengths. A spectroscope then separates this ligh…

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Identifying Ions: Sulfates 🧪 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 5:55

6M ago5:55

5:55

This episode details a two-step chemical test used to identify the presence of sulfate ions in a solution. First, dilute hydrochloric acid is added to eliminate any interfering carbonate ions. Next, barium chloride is introduced to the solution. If sulfate ions are present, they will react with the barium ions to form a characteristic white precipi…

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Identifying Ions: Halides 🧪 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 5:49

6M ago5:49

5:49

This episode discusses how to identify halides. To identify halide ions, in a solution, a two-step process is employed. First, dilute nitric acid is added to eliminate any carbonate ions that could interfere with the subsequent test. Following this, silver nitrate is introduced. The presence of halide ions is indicated by the formation of a precipi…

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Silent Wind, Big Impact: How e-Taranis Is Reinventing Home Energy 1:23

6M ago1:23

1:23

In this episode, we dive into the story of e-Taranis, a French cleantech startup based in the Basque Country that's aiming to democratize wind power for everyday households. Their innovation, Alaé, is a compact, ultra-quiet, and eco-friendly wind turbine designed specifically for urban and suburban homes. Unlike traditional turbines, Alaé starts pr…

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Purity, Formulations & Chromatography: Chromatography 🧪 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 4:04

6M ago4:04

4:04

In this episode, we discuss chromatography. Chromatography is a technique used to separate the components of a mixture. This process relies on two phases: a mobile phase that carries substances and a stationary phase that impedes their movement. The separation occurs because different substances have varying affinities for these two phases. If a su…

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Alkenes & Alcohols: Addition Polymers 🔗 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 4:18

6M ago4:18

4:18

In this episode, we talk about addition polymerisation. Addition polymerisation is a process where numerous short-chain monomers, specifically alkenes, combine to form a single long-chain polymer. This occurs because the carbon-carbon double bonds in the alkene monomers break, enabling them to link together. Notably, the resulting polymer is the so…

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Alkenes & Alcohols: Reactions of Carboxylic Acids 🧪 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 4:44

6M ago4:44

4:44

This episode outlines the fundamental aspects of carboxylic acids. We begin by listing and providing the chemical formulas for the four smallest carboxylic acids in order of increasing size: methanoic, ethanoic, propanoic, and butanoic acids. We then describes typical chemical reactions that carboxylic acids undergo. These reactions include interac…

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Clean Air, Clean Water One Molecule at a Time - How a Mumbai Startup Is Tackling Industrial Emissions Sustainably 1:23

6M ago1:23

1:23

Purifying the Planet with Chemistry: The Exposome Story In this episode, we explore the story of Exposome, a rising cleantech startup based in Mumbai. Founded in 2020 by Prerna Santaliagoradiya, Exposome is pioneering the use of smart materials and molecular chemistry to clean industrial air and water. Their breakthrough products—like PureSafe and …

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Alkenes & Alcohols: Fermentation 🍺 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 7:00

6M ago7:00

7:00

In this episode, we discuss fermentation. Fermentation, a common method for making ethanol, a key ingredient in alcoholic beverages, is detailed. The process involves adding yeast to a sugary liquid. This results in a reaction that yields ethanol in a water-based solution and carbon dioxide. Optimal conditions for this process include a temperature…

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Alkenes & Alcohols: Reactions of Alcohols 🧪 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 5:18

6M ago5:18

5:18

In this episode, we discuss reactions of alcohols. Alcohols exhibit consistent reactivity with various substances. When mixed with water, they form neutral solutions. Their reaction with sodium yields hydrogen gas. Strong oxidising agents transform alcohols into carboxylic acids. Finally, in the presence of air and heat, alcohols undergo complete c…

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Alkenes & Alcohols: The Smallest Alcohols 🧪 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 6:00

7M ago6:00

6:00

In this episode, we discuss alcohol and the smallest alcohols. Alcohols are organic compounds characterised by the presence of a hydroxyl group (-OH). They form a homologous series with a general chemical formula of CnH2n+1OH. The episode specifically outlines the four smallest members of this series. These are presented in order of increasing size…

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Carbon Compounds: Process of Fractional Distillation ⛽ GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 5:43

7M ago5:43

5:43

In this episode, we discuss fractional distillation, a method for separating hydrocarbons found in crude oil based on their varied boiling points. The process begins with heating crude oil to create a vapour, which then enters a fractionating column. As the vapour rises, different-sized hydrocarbons condense at different temperature levels, with lo…

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Carbon Compounds: Properties of Hydrocarbons ⛽ GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 5:10

7M ago5:10

5:10

In this episode, we discuss the properties of hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbon characteristics are directly influenced by their chain length. Specifically, longer hydrocarbon chains exhibit elevated boiling points and increased viscosity, meaning they are thicker and less prone to flow. Conversely, hydrocarbons with extended chains demonstrate reduced fla…

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Reversible Reactions: Conditions and Equilibrium ⚖️ GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 3:57

7M ago3:57

3:57

In this episode, we discuss conditions and equilibrium in a reversible reaction. Reversible reactions reach a state of equilibrium, where the amounts of reactants and products remain constant. Altering the conditions of such a system will disrupt this balance. Le Chatelier's principle explains that the system will respond in a way that opposes the …

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From CO₂ to CPUs: what net zero and AI are doing to water 13:41

7M ago13:41

13:41

Did you know there are at least 16 different ways to capture carbon—and some of them actually generate water? Others, however, could increase water consumption at power plants by up to 30%. In this episode, Rhys and Divya unpack the complex relationship between water and carbon capture technologies, where scale-up is accelerating and trade-offs are…

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Rate of Reaction: Key Factors of Rate of Reaction 💥 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 5:26

7M ago5:26

5:26

In this episode, we discuss the key factors of rate of reaction. Several key factors influence how quickly chemical reactions proceed. Primarily, a higher concentration or pressure of reactants leads to more frequent collisions between particles, thereby accelerating the reaction rate. Similarly, increasing the surface area of solid reactants enhan…

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Rate of Reaction: Chemical Reactions 💥 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 4:25

7M ago4:25

4:25

This episode explores the significance of chemical reaction rates, particularly within industrial contexts. We highlight that while faster reactions can increase production output, they are not always optimal. There are potential downsides to accelerated reaction speeds, including elevated costs associated with creating the necessary conditions and…

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Chemical Cells & Fuel Cells: Hydrogen as an Alternative 🔋 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 5:35

7M ago5:35

5:35

In this episode, we discuss hydrogen fuel cells as a potential replacement for rechargeable batteries. Hydrogen fuel cells offer advantages in several key areas. The episode highlights that fuel cells produce only water as a byproduct, contrasting with the toxic materials found in batteries, which can lead to pollution upon disposal. Furthermore, h…

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Chemical Cells & Fuel Cells: Charging of Cells 🔋 GCSE Chemistry Learning & Revision 3:03

7M ago3:03

3:03

In this episode, we talk about batteries and the charging of cells. Batteries are explained as comprising multiple interconnected cells, with their total voltage being the sum of individual cell voltages. The text distinguishes between non-rechargeable batteries, where irreversible chemical reactions cease energy production upon depletion of reacta…