Environment

Brazilian authorities are assessing the risks of water contamination in a river after a deadly bridge collapse. 

The animal blood donation program at Murdoch University's animal hospital seeks more donations as it hits peak demand over the festive season. 

Scientists from UNSW Sydney are creating technology that can go so far as to predict which beaches and on what days bluebottles will wash ashore. 

Conservationists say a threatened fairy tern population at a nesting site in WA's South West has been "almost wiped out" halfway through breeding season.

The first captive-born Maugean skate in the world turns one year old on Christmas Eve, in a milestone for the Tasmanian breeding program.

There has been a spike in pelicans with suspected botulism dying on the NSW Central Coast in recent weeks. But the symptoms are similar to a highly contagious strain of bird flu not yet detected in Australia. 

Many Australians wouldn't think of eating the carp they catch, but for the Eastern European communities, the bony fish is an important part of Christmas customs. 

When Carol O'Connor escaped an abusive relationship she sought solace in her art, not knowing she would one day paint for a prince. 

Col Limpus, 84, has committed most of his life to uncovering mysteries about the majestic sea creatures, including founding the popular Mon Repos Turtle Rookery.

When an 80-metre gum tree in the Tasmanian forest was due to be cut down for logging, conservationists turned it into the world’s tallest Christmas tree.

Two mates launched a drone to get a better view of their boat only to find themselves surrounded by more than a dozen sharks. A marine biologist suggests their engine noise was the main attraction.

The state's environmental watchdog has charged three companies and one individual with 102 alleged offences related to 26 sites that contained mulch contaminated with asbestos.

Best known for his role in the iconic Australian film, the reptile has died at Darwin's Crocosaurus Cove.

When Barney Tompkins and his wife moved into their dream home in country Western Australia they never expected a "grinch green" wall would one day be the only thing separating their bush block from WA's most expensive regional highway.

Australia's largest exporter of tallow is the ASX-listed GrainCorp. But how did a grains company get involved in rendered fat?

Safety warnings are lifted at most of Hobart's beaches in time for Christmas. Meanwhile, the multinational owner of Cadbury's chocolate Factory is being investigated for the release of "high strength trade waste".

Ernie Harbott's household has produced almost no landfill this year by reusing, recycling and composting.

An inquiry into nuclear energy has wrapped up after 19 hearings giving communities a chance to have their say on plans for nuclear energy in their towns.

Sam Elsom's company is farming the red seaweed and ramping up supply to the industry, but he says the federal government could do more to encourage farmers to adopt the seaweed additive.

Pygmy and common hippos could be on their way to Australia in a bid to boost species numbers.

You may have noticed the buzz of cicadas has been particularly noisy this year. An expert says months of wet weather has played a role. 

A "big spike of sugar" discharged from a chocolate factory hit a sewage treatment plant. Here's why that is bad news for swimmers in Hobart.

At opposite ends of the planet, a tale of two whale species has emerged — giving researchers hope and concern in equal measure. 

Most of WA's iron ore is processed overseas, producing huge amounts of carbon emissions, but a new project aims to turn it into "green steel" in Perth. Here's what experts say about its feasibility.

Wildlife volunteers are conducting "black walks", systematically scoping the aftermath of WA's Cervantes fire to find injured animals, and record the dead.