Abstract This paper looks at the different types of contaminants that exist and the role they play in polluting the environment. The paper also looks at the damage these pollutants cause to human and animal life and the activities that are mostly involved in the ongoing process of environmental contamination.
From the Paper "In today's modern life, there are many activities that produce toxic or harmful chemicals and pathogens to be released into the environment. Both pathogens and toxic chemicals cause various kinds of illness and disease in humans as well as in other living organisms"
Abstract This paper explains that, at one time, there were no problems with landfills because trash, such as wood, paper, oxidizable metals and organic garbage, was biodegradable; now, Styrofoam and other plastic based wrappings and containers, in which almost everything is over-wrapped, survive decomposition for decades and decades even when crushed. The author points out the problems of trash handle in the 21st century are: (1) Landfills are filling up at an astronomical rate, (2) they are not decomposing at the rate they used to before non-biodegradable items were being added, (3) because of this inconsistent rate of biodegradability, many landfills are developing large pockets of methane gas and leachate or "garbage juice", which is a potential threat to the ground water and (4) companies are dumping highly toxic materials in the landfill. The paper stresses that the only ways we are going to make landfills nearly obsolete are by recycling, which must be supported by very strong recycling laws, and by seeking improved technologies for waste disposal and long-term chemicalcontamination.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Hazardous Waste and Landfills
Problems with Non Hazardous Landfills
Conclusion
From the Paper "According to the group "Make Less Waste", waste prevention is any practice that reduces the amount or toxicity of waste, including making goods last longer, reusing products and reducing packaging. It's a good way to save money, reduce pollution and conserve energy. They point out some ways we can reduce the amount of waste we generate. Some suggestions include avoiding "over-packaged" products. We should look for the most purposeful, least wasteful packaging. We should re-use or refuse shopping bags and bring your own bags. One of the best ways of making less waste is to avoid disposable versions of razors, pens, lighters, batteries, plates, cups, napkins and diapers. We cam choose products made from recycled material and buy products in glass, steel, or aluminum because all of these products have some recycled content and can be recycled. If we buy concentrates, "economy" sizes, and products selected from bulk bin, we save on packaging waste. To reduce fast food packaging, ask that your fast food be wrapped only in paper and refuse bags and Styrofoam boxes. Instead of throwing them away, donate used items such as clothes, furniture and books to charitable organizations."
Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the scavenging of atmospheric organic contaminants from precipitation, specifically snow and rain. The paper also determined and quantified, from scavenging, the amount of polychlorinated biphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons present in snow and rain. Snow scavenging of organic contaminants was being studied because little is known about this phenomenon and a large amount of precipitation, which occurs in North America, occurs in the form of snow. By studying the various precipitation the researchers were able to observe snow scavenging, the gas scavenging abilities of rain and the particle scavenging abilities of both rain and snow.
Abstract The paper uses a qualitative review of existing literature concerning arsenic characteristics, regional and site specific geology and hydrogeology, and remediation methods, to explore the arsenic contamination of groundwater in Deloro Village, Madoc, Eastern Ontario, Canada. The paper also provides recommendations on more effective and efficient means of remediation for the site and similar contaminated areas.
Outline:
Background to the Research Project
Proposed Research
Importance of this Research
Proposed Methodology
Ethical Considerations
Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research Considerations
Revised Project Schedule
From the Paper "The Deloro Mine, in eastern Ontario, is a significant player whose activities has resulted in both surface and subsurface arsenic contamination of both soil and water, at the mine site, and off-site as well. Gold mining and smelting, with arsenic removal, was established in 1886, at Deloro. The health and safety of Deloro workers was compromised due to high levels of metal in their bodies, specifically lead and arsenic. Environmental problems were also an issue, including the air deposition of arsenic dust. This air deposition contamination was so detrimental that residents were unable to hang out their laundry during smelter operation, for years, because of the stack soot high in metals. In the 1960s, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) Water Resources Commission found water samples to be high in arsenic. "
Abstract This paper presents a review of legal issues surrounding a chemical castration law for the state of California. It looks at the design of the law as a measure to protect children from sexual offenders. The paper looks at current methods of chemical castration, the vagueness of the law and the question of whether chemical castration is a treatment or punishment.
From the Paper "Today as it tries to deal with the reality of the sexual abuse of children within its borders the state of California is faced with a quandary. On the one hand the sexual abuse of children is an appalling fact that devastates thousands ..."
Abstract This paper shows that one of the main concerns in Chemical Mechanical Planarization processing is the material removal rate (MRR). The paper also critically reviews the existing MRR models of CMP and compares the assumptions, application aspects and limitations of the two groups? models.
From the Paper "Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) is the process of surface smoothing and planing by a combination of mechanical action and chemical dissolution. This process is achieved by rubbing a work piece against a polishing pad under load in the presence of chemically active slurry containing an abrasive. CMP is one of the most effective planarization technologies for achieving smaller feature size for the integrated circuit (IC) industry. "
Abstract This paper looks at the harrowing effects of chemical warfare and how it changed the face of war during WWI. It gives examples of the types of weaponry used, their side effects and how these have developed to become the destructive arms of today.
From the Paper "According to many of the period's experts, WWI was supposed to be fought by large numbers of men, in a heroic fashion, with the other technologically advanced weapons such as planes, machine-guns and tanks. Instead of the 'normal' war of the attacker winning and the defender put on the run, this war was interrupted by trench warfare and battles of attrition. Trenches were the norm, and to help get battles back to 'natural' means, gas was put into practice to help each side get back into (in their eyes at the time) a more modern conflict. So what were these chemical weapons? How and when were they used? What role did they play in the soldier's day-to-day life both physically and psychologically? "
Tags: bombs, chemicals, france, gas, germany, hague, history, military, trench, war, warfare, wwi
Abstract Mosquitoes are insects that have been around for approximately 30 million years. Mosquitoes can sense carbon dioxide and lactic acid up to 100 feet away. If a person wears light or white clothing, mosquitoes can see him/her and zero in on him/her. Mosquitoes can detect heat. One way to stop mosquitoes is to confuse their chemical receptors.
Tags: NURSING, HEALTHCARE / HEALTH AND HEALTHCARE ISSUES, chemical mosquito pesticides
Abstract This paper describes chemical warfare in insects. The paper begins by offering a definition of the chemistry of vision. Next the paper discusses the role of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in cancer. Then the paper explains the effect of chlorfluorocarbons on the ozone layer, nature, chemistry and sources of petroleum.
Tags:chemical warfare among insects, chemistry of vision, polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons and cancer, chlorofluorocarbons and the ozone hole, petroleum
Abstract This paper examines the problem of perchlorate contamination. The paper explains how the chemical is typically used, how it has seeped into the groundwater supply, the potentially hazardous effects it can have on humans, and what is being done to address the perchlorate contamination. The paper also reports on the efforts of government regulatory agencies, the private sector, and the Department of Defense to eliminate the threat of perchlorate contamination.
From the Paper "According to the FDA, perchlorate is both a naturally occurring and a man-made chemical. While natural perchlorate is primarily found in nitrate fertilizer deposits in Chile, manufactured perchlorate is used in the United States (and other countries as well) as the primary ingredient of solid rocket propellant (FDA 2003). Perchlorate has also been used for many years as an ingredient in such things as fireworks and was, until about 50 years ago, used as a medication for certain thyroid conditions. For much of this century, however, the primary use for perchlorate has been in making propellant fuels for missiles to be used in our defense of the Cold War. Several corporations have been contracted by our government to produce this fuel and, over the years, a huge amount of perchlorate has found its way into groundwaters via the disposal practices of these corporations."
An analysis of the legal battle between General Electric (GE) and Environmental Protection Association (EPA) which has ordered them to clean up the Hudson River following their dumping of chemicals.
Abstract This paper provides a history of the problem which allowed GE to dump hazardous waste into the Hudson River. These chemicals, Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are said to cause cancer and other health problems. The writer examines the arguments of both parties and those presented in the legal battle which is still in progress.
From the Paper "Imagine, if you will, a sunny day. A boy and his father are fishing on the beautiful waters of the Hudson River. Excitedly, the boy yells, ?I got a fish! I got a fish!? He reels it in and his father removes the hook from its mouth. Dad says, ?That sure is nice one, son.? He then tosses the fish back in the water. When the boy asks why, the father explains that the fish in these waters are dangerous to eat. They contain high levels of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). "
Abstract This paper examines how developing countries are particularly vulnerable to industrial crises and how, even though they often lack the infrastructure that is required to maintain sufficient technology, they are eager to set up modern industries. It looks at how, in many cases, since the local community is not well-informed and because the country of interest lacks the legal means to address environmental impacts of a certain industry, those companies take advantage of that fact and often, in order to cut down the costs even further, don?t implement safety and environmental protection measures that are mandatory in the country of origin. It uses, as an example, the Bhopal catastrophe in central India when thousands of people were killed and injured in 1984 from a chemical leak.
Outline
Background
The Chronology of a Disaster
Tragedy Analysis
The Aftermath
Conclusions
From the Paper "When the sun came up on the city of Bhopal, the day after the incident, the tragedy was far from over. The catastrophe hasn?t ended with the 3,800 and 11,000 permanently injured. The death toll from the incident, as a result of the exposure to the MIC and other vapors is still rising. According to the Welfare Commissioner's office in Bhopal at least 5325 people have died due to Union Carbide's poison gases until December 1992. Unofficial reports claim that until 1996, 16,000 people died of long-term health problems due to the exposure. From then on, 10-15 people are dying every month due to health complications that followed the exposure."
Abstract The paper reviews the work "A Civil Action" by Jonathan Harr as a basis for exploring violation of E.P.A. regarding water contamination. It uses the incident of water contamination that took place at Woburn, Massachusetts in the 1960s and 70s as one that serves as a lesson in the prevention of water contamination. It lists the deficiencies responsible for the contamination, such as the lack of laboratory checks, lack of inspections of the land and water, lack of compliance evaluation and inhibited civil action.
From the Paper ""A Civil Action? by Jonathan Harr is a book that brings awareness to communities that might be unaware of the EPA standards against water contamination, and the neglect of concerned authorities allowing industries to carry out their illegal dumping of chemicals in certain areas. The incident of water contamination that took place at Woburn, Massachusetts is one that serves as a lesson in history that should not be repeated. This case of water contamination was believed to be responsible for claiming many lives through leukemia because of a chemical substance (Trichloroethylene) present in the water."
Abstract This paper focuses on the damage caused to young children by lead contamination. The paper looks at where and how lead contamination most commonly occurs, which groups are the most vulnerable, and the physiological damage caused by lead poisoning. The paper also outlines what can be done, and, in particular, what parents can do to prevent lead contamination, and the actions government must take to help protect children from lead poisoning.
From the Paper "Lead is a serious environmental contaminant that puts our most vulnerable citizens -- small children -- at risk. Fortunately it is preventable if parents are diligent about managing potential risks. Lead contamination can also occur in workplaces, but children experience more damage from lead ingestion than adults do. At work led may be in the air or dust. Children sometimes eat paint chips from lead-based paint because the lead makes them taste sweet. They can also breathe dust or get it on their hands and then into their mouths if the soil is contaminated. Lead poisoning can damage the kidneys, the nervous system and even reproductive systems (ATSDR). The EPA, in charge of cleaning up environmentally contaminated sites, reports that over 1,000 of their approximately 1,500 targeted sites have lead as one of the contaminants (ATSDR). In children, some effects of lead poisoning may be permanent, making it vitally important that they be protected."
Abstract This paper discusses the hazardous effects of inadequate methods of solid waste disposal on the environment. The paper emphasizes the urgency of the need to deal with this issue, and describes fecal contamination as the major culprit. The writer illustrates how the lack of modern sanitation facilities and adequate health care in certain areas, are the main cause of fecal contamination.
From the Paper "Fecal waste may contain an undetermined number of bacteria, viruses, and parasites capable of causing disease in humans and animals. Studies have focused on numbers of indicator bacteria (total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and fecal streptococci) or enteroviruses in feces and leachates, but have not estimated the total pathogen load or identified the major sources of these pathogens. This may be due to lack of detection methods for many of the pathogens in solid waste or leachate as well as potentially low numbers of viable but non-culturable organisms. Fecal waste is a breeding ground for diseases and even the smallest of contaminations can cause a great deal of problems."
Tags: bacteria, virus, parasites, garbage, recycling, health, hazard, water
