Abstract Discusses problems incurring from acquatic species brought to the U.S. from Europe in ballast water of ships. Describes each species. Disruption of these nonindigenous species on the normal food chain, causing reduction in number of indigenous game fish. Negative economic impact on U.S. Fisning Industry. Possible measures that can be taken to prevent further invasion by nonindigenous acquatic species.
From the Paper "Abstract
The zebra mussel, Eurasian watermilfoil and round and tubenose goby are all nonindigenous species thought to have been brought to the United States from Europe in the ballast water of ocean-going vessels. These vessels pick up ballast water in their homeport when they are carrying a light load and discharge it here in U.S. waters when picking up heavier loads. This water often contains small fish, shellfish and plants native to the port where the ballast water was picked up, e.g. the Caspian Sea. Since these nonindigenous species have no natural predators here, they flourish and often outstrip native plants and waterlife by competing for food and space. This can severely disrupt the normal food chain, and cause the disappearance, or severe reduction in numbers of game fish..."
Abstract Technical discussion of electrochromic windows. Their solar-optical properties and commercial and residential applications in the U.S. Energy and glare control. Advantages of energy conservation, cost and performance over ordinary windows. Architectural and technical concerns. Manufacture. Suppliers and markets. Installation and maintenance. Technical details; how electrochromic windows work. Diagrams.
From the Paper "Switchable Windows: The Product
Introduction: Fenestration
Department of Energy (DOE) energy performance simulations revealed that prototype electrochromic windows with solar.optical properties that are achievable today meet cost.effectiveness criteria marginally for commercial and residential applications throughout the U.S [1].
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, needless expenditure on energy costs amounts to more than $20 billion a year. Unfortunately, most people are unaware that they have alternatives, in the form of more energy.efficient windows and other fenestration products. Electrochromic windows can control the amount of daylight and solar heat gain through the windows of buildings and vehicles. The ability to control these parameters using an ..."
Abstract The paper first assesses the potential risk to the environment of these chemicals that are industrial dischargers. The writer describes the governmental regulations that have attempted to halt the production and discharge of these chemicals into the water supply. The paper then explains the ways in which the ingestion of these chemicals can harm individuals who unfortunately encounter polluted water supplies.
From the Paper "Centrifugation or filtration is necessary to remove particulate or suspended matter prior to analysis. This method has the advantage of separating and analyzing two or more substances in the event of a mixed spill. Again this method should be combined with mass spectrometry to positively identify the sample. Another method involves the use of infrared spectroscopy for concentrations of 4 to 40 ppm toluene in water. The sample is acidified, extracted, and then scanned in the spectrophotometer. There is minimal sample loss due to volatilization, however, one must know the identity of the compound being analyzed (Norris and Dowd, 1994, 458-462)."
Abstract Biologist E. Mayr put forth a theory that interplay between human genes and their environment contributes to human evolution. He believes this sets narrow limits on allowable evolutionary changes within a species. The paper shows that developmental biologists believe that the genes active early in development are the oldest acquired genes, while those active in the later stages of development are more recently acquired genes. In this respect, changes in the older genes would have more serious deleterious effects in the individual than changes in the newer genes. This paper produces support for this theory on human evolution by providing examples of human and other mammal development.
From the Paper "Engels (2) uses the example of human hands to explain the idea of human evolution. He believes that hands are the "perfected product of hundreds of thousands of years of labor. The endless adaption of new manual operations allowed human hands to become indispensable tools." Engels postulates that as apes evolved into man, they adopted an upright posture and began using their hands for purposes other than walking. Even though monkeys used their hands for holding food, clubs to attack their enemies, etc., none has the capacity for using their hands that man does. Since even primitive man was able to fashion tools and spear heads, and even simple jewelry, the muscles, ligaments, and bones must have evolved over time to allow their use in more complicated tasks."
Tags: recapitulation, Genetic, mutations, Geneticist, DNA
Abstract This paper begins by explaining the origins of the ecofeminist movement and attempts to define their main goals and beliefs. It shows that the movement's philosophy links oppression of race, sex, nature, and the poor by affirming that all are results of militarization, colonialization, and industrialization, which are male-generated and male-perpetuated phenomena. It examines the problems facing the movement and what changes need to be made in order to create a unified belief.
From the Paper "Although largely unknown in mainstream culture, ecofeminism deserves a place on the world stage. Tracing its origins back to the mid-seventies, ecofeminism has been an umbrella term for radical female environmentalists who feel they can best take care of the environment and that they have been raped and pillaged along with Mother Nature. The lack of the argument's impact is due in part to its non-existent mainstream appeal and part to the absence of any true unifying ecofeminist theory or platform. Ecofeminists must unite and form a single voice if their arguments are ever to be respected and ecofeminist theory needs to be taught in public schools to keep the philosophy from fading into obscurity."
Abstract Oil has been an important part of the Nigerian economy since vast reserves of petroleum were discovered in the 1950s. In 1997, Nigeria earned over 95 percent of its foreign exchange from the sale of oil on the global market. Foreign oil companies dominated oil
exploration, drilling and shipping in Nigeria, with Shell Oil controlling approximately 60 percent of the country's domestic oil market. This paper examines the huge environmental damage in Nigeria caused by oil spills, gas-flaring and oil waste dumping. The paper looks at the destruction to the biodiversity of the affected regions, loss of wildlife and soil fertility and health problems. It looks, in particular, at the problems which affect the Ogoni people of the Delta region and the compensation Shell was forced to pay. Finally, the paper discusses the future of Nigeria's oil industry and Shell's promise to improve environmental concerns in the region.
From the Paper "Critics note that such low-tech security operations can surely be significantly improved, especially when hundreds of millions of dollars are spent in developing technologies to discover oil under the ground. There are many oil pipeline surveillance technologies currently on the market, including a host of fiber optic sensors that detect stress in the pipelines and drilling equipment through subtle shifts in the optic wavelength. Researches at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio have developed harmonic sensors that can be placed inside of pipes via the flow of oil and then attach themselves to the interior to measure outside force. And over the last two years, ChevronTexaco has invested tens of millions of dollars in startup companies that design pipeline sensor networks (ibid)."
Abstract This paper studies the causes and effects of pollution in the world's oceans. The paper lists the causes of this pollution, including oil spills, tanker discharges, untreated municipal wastes and agrochemical residues. In addition to these major causes, the paper also includes a look at the smaller ,yet more common causes, such as medical wastes, beach visitors? garbage and waterfront businesses.
From the Paper "An ocean organism's internal environment is highly influenced by many external factors. Many marine invertebrates are conformers and have the ability to thrive around the world. They have no need to control their internal environment since the external environment is fairly constant in terms of temperature, oxygen tension, and nutrients. However, with the threat of pollution, the marine invertebrates ability to live within the dirtied and toxic waters are compromised, therefore, resulting in fewer numbers for reproduction, production and harvest."
Abstract This paper attempts to study several aspects of the case within the context of environmental pollution and law, or more specifically toxic tort litigation. It also studies the impact of group or community pressure. The paper concludes by discussing the impact of this case upon the environment, environmental health and the legal system within the context of environmental litigation.
From the Paper "The idea that the environmental pollution, caused by W .R. Grace and Beatrice Foods was the probable cause of leukemia in children in Woburn, first came to the mind of the Anderson family, who had moved to Woburn, a working class Boston suburb, in 1965. Only after few years of the move of the family, their 3-year- old son, Jimmy, was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia as diagnosed by Dr. John Truman, an eminent pediatric oncologist at the Boston Children's Hospital."
Abstract Worldwide population growth continues to increase at a significant rate. The United Nations and the U.S. Census Bureau have projected that almost nine and a half billion people will populate the earth by the year 2050. The paper shows that despite struggling to support their current population, many of the world's poorest countries continue to experience the most rapid growth. The paper examines demographic implications such as fertility and mortality and their impact on global environment and natural resources. The paper also includes tables.
From the Paper "According to the United Nations Population Division, China with the largest of the world's populations has a U. S. dollar annual per capita gross domestic product of 798 ; compare this to India at 453; and the United States at 32,778. An examination of the U. S. Census Bureau's age-sex pyramid for China in 2000 shows a wide base with decreased numbers after age thirty-four. For 2025, although the number of births has decreased, so have infant deaths. When combined with an increased life expectancy this bulges the population numbers that do not start to decrease significantly until after age sixty-four. Therefore, despite the drop in birth rate and the decrease in annual rate of growth to 0.6, the population will increase from the 2000 level of 1,262,474,000 up to a 2025 level of 1,448,447,000."
Tags: age-sex, pyramids, United, Nations, Population, Division, GDP
Abstract Due to the fact that the world's tropical rainforests are located in areas far from the United States, many people ignore the fact that their future may depend on the future of these forests. Rainforests are being destroyed at an increasingly fast pace, much faster than any other ecological zone on earth. This paper examines the effect of acid rain on rainforests, mainly as a large contributor to deforestation, particularly in localized industrial areas in Africa, China, southeast Asia and northern South America.
From the Paper "Researcher also believe that we should be concerned about the impact of acid rain on forest soils, as there is evidence that acid rain has already caused significant changes in the chemistry of some sensitive soils. As acid rain seeps through the soils, it can erode vital plant nutrients through chemical reactions, presenting a threat to future forest productivity."
Abstract This paper explains that Big Dig, a state-of-the-art eight-to-ten-lane expressway, for the most part underground or underwater, will run through downtown Boston and the Ted Williams Tunnel to Logan Airport. The paper reviews three areas of environmental concern: The digging and dumping of the dirt, mitigation and air quality. The author points out that the mitigation aspect of the project protects the city from devastating noise disruption, dust, traffic gridlock and economic damage.
From the Paper "There are other benefits as well. According to Daniel Wood of Public Roads Magazine, the Big Dig will be "good news for the local shellfish population because of the construction of an artificial reef in Boston Harbor" (Public Roads). The reef, created in collaboration with the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is designed to compensate for filling in over one acre of blue mussel habitat in the harbor during the closing and capping of the former municipal landfill on Spectacle Island. Wood also says that, "As the northernmost artificial reef system in the United States, the complex is expected to become home to lobsters, crabs, and finfish, as well as the displaced blue mussels" "
Abstract This paper discusses how the earthworm is considered the environment's natural recycler since it turns dead animals and plants into useful fertilizer within the soil. It examines how many people and companies throughout the world now use worms as a natural way to make composite out of leaves and other organic materials and how scientists are studying these creatures in an effort to replenish nutrients in soil that has been ruined with chemical agents.
Outline
Introduction
History of the Earthworm
Intelligence
The Digestive System
Make-up of the Soil
In the Soil
Survival of Earthworms
Species of Earthworms
An Important Job
Revitalizing Life
Conclusion
From the Paper "There are over 3,600 species of earthworms worldwide and many scientists believe twice that number may exist (McCarthy, 2002). One variety that lives near the Equator can grow to be 8 feet long and weigh over a pound. Nightcrawlers are different from most earthworms since they live deep in the soil and dig vertical tunnels over six feet deep. They also can grow to be a foot long and live over 5 years. Most earthworms live near the top of the soil, dig horizontal tunnels, and are short. Nightcrawlers do not need to completely leave their holes to feed. They keep their tails in their tunnels and bob back and forth looking for food and if grabbed by a predator, will hold on to the walls of their tunnels with amazing strength. At night, these worms can be heard as they rustle leaves while searching for food."
Abstract There are approximately 500 active volcanoes world wide and a couple dozen of those erupt every year. Humans have learned to live around volcanoes, for the most part. They have been avoided, feared and even worshipped for millennia. However, that by no means guarantees that humans and the environments that humans depend on, will not come into harm's way. The paper shows that as the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 proves, even with advanced warning and strict security measures, nature can take its toll. The paper describes the aftermath of the explosion, where about 60 people and countless plants and animals died and it would be almost two decades before the surrounding area returned to a stable and comparative ecosystem. The paper shows that if two decades sounds like a long time, one need only keep in mind that scientists were actually pleasantly surprised with the rate of recovery.
From the Paper "It would be a while before the people could breathe freely after this natural disaster. It would be even longer before the world healed itself. Contrary to what one might expect, conservation efforts to help nature along were often doomed to failure. No duplicated ecosystem could replace a lost one. However, scientists eventually learned that the ecosystem was self-correcting. Some things had survived the lava, like small fungi too small to be thoroughly trapped and destroyed. Small animals often survived as well. Over time, when left to its own devices, it seemed that nature worked to preserve itself intact. For example, insects that conservations might think would be harmful killed many surviving trees, but the fallen trees provided prime shelter and a budding environment for other survivors."
Abstract This paper explores the problem of urban run-off - when pesticides, bacteria, trash, oil and other pollutants pour off our streets and into storm drains when it rains. This in turn reaches the sea, untreated, and wreaks havoc for aquatic life and causes a myriad of human illnesses. The paper discusses how this problem is being approached by officials in Torrance, California, including a series of progressive and innovative programs to combat urban runoff. It also looks at the legal issues surrounding the problem and suggests alternative solutions.
From the Paper "However, cities around the county have been rebelling against the regulations, especially inland cities that are not directly affected by coastal pollution. Torrance is also not on the coast, but it is quite nearby and is adjacent to the only two members of the 46 cities in the Coalition for Practical Regulation which commissioned the USC study, namely Rancho Palos Verdes and Palos Verdes Estates. Lawndale is next over from Torrance and also belongs to the coalition, and the coalition is threatening to sue the regional water quality control board to soften the regulations. Critics of the USC report claim that the study did not look at the economic benefits to coastal cities of having cleaner ocean water and fewer beach closures, and the man who conducted the survey admits this (Smith)."
Abstract The object of this essay is to persuade the reader that global warming and climate change warrant immediate action. The paper explores the ways in which global warming is related to energy use and environmental problems in urban areas. It discusses the growing health risks associated with urbanization as increased carbon dioxide levels contribute to the greenhouse effect. It also explores ways in which global warming effects the overall environmental state of the world we live in.
From the Paper "Global warming currently merits immediate human action. A few preventative acts at present could offset inevitable disaster in the near future. But, we must not hesitate to act now. The rapid depletion of trees is currently being linked to the rising metropolitan and urban area temperatures. And, the rising temperatures result in an increased risk of smog which can be extremely detrimental to one's health. The greenhouse effect paralleled with massive human exploitation of fossil fuels has resulted in increased amounts of carbon dioxide being introduced into the atmosphere and environment. Higher amounts of carbon dioxide in the air can also lead to rising temperatures. And, there is reason to believe that rising temperatures could possibly increase the distribution of infectious diseases in humans. To close our eyes in the wake of this overwhelming evidence that seems to support theories of global warming, would be congruent to pulling the proverbial wool over our eyes and walking silently like lambs to the slaughter."
