This compilation comprises seven chapters each detailing a recent advancement in environmental research. Chapter One reviews the efficacy of alfalfa for the cleanup of soils polluted by petroleum hydrocarbons and other contaminants. Chapter Two discusses the growth rate of red algae in unusual environments such as the ecosystems of Takalar Regency and Mamuju Regency. Chapter Three provides an update on the current state of technology in connection with oil spill remote sensing via such techniques as infrared cameras and satellite-borne radar. Similarly, Chapter Four describes the environmental impacts of oil spills and describes the various ways in which technology can mitigate this problem. The fifth chapter describes how fly ash can be leveraged as an environmentally friendly, low-cost alternative to Portland cement for use in oil and gas wells. The sixth chapter studies traditional rainwater harvesting in Croatia and discusses whether this practice has value within the context of modern water supply solutions and environmental concerns. Lastly, Chapter Seven provides some anecdotes concerning the development of the world's first high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer.