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 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
Abstract This paper discusses the state of water contamination the San Pablo Bay and the Sacramento River, which are two bodies of water associated with the San Francisco Bay. The author points out that both of these bodies of water are analyzed for the state of lead, MtBE and copper contamination. The paper relates that potential or existing management options are discussed.
From the Paper "The Sacramento River and the San Pablo Bay are currently home to numerous contaminants, including Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), and methyl tertiary butyl ether (MtBE). These contaminants, which originate from various sources, affect the health of wildlife, as well as the health of people who enjoy the wildlife resources in the area. The San Pablo Bay, one of five interconnected bay sections making up the San Francisco Bay, receives downstream waters from the Sacramento River, connecting the study and health of both waterways. The levels of contaminants must be monitored to maintain water quality and the health of the environment in the Sacramento River Basin and the San Francisco Bay region. Management options are underway and guidelines for contaminants exist but they must constantly be reevaluated to best combat the threats such contaminants pose to the area."
Abstract This paper relates that the negative health effects of lead-contaminated drinking water are significant and occur at very low concentrations. The author points out that the primary source for contamination has been identified as corroding plumbing, which means that almost the whole of the developed world is faced with this danger. The paper urges that samples of real-world concentrations of lead in the drinking water supplies in the developed world should be taken from residential, commercial, industrial, and public buildings. The author suggests that this information should be used to develop public health policies.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review
Discussion and Analysis
Summary of Findings
From the Paper "Even at very low levels of lead exposure, individuals can experience measurable and permanent neurological damage. This is especially true for the young. Bryant (2004) contends that children are most susceptible to lead exposure from birth until the age of six. This is consistent with remarks by Watt et al. (1996), who outline the effects of minimal lead exposure to infants via drinking water--from bottle feeding, breast, or directly from the mother's blood before birth. Watt et al. (1996) points out that exposure to low levels of lead in infants has been positively correlated to decreases in intelligence over the course of an individual's life."
Abstract The paper discusses the arsenic poisoning in the tiny eastern Ontario village of Deloro and how the environment ministry was aware of this for more than a decade before it decided to take action. The paper reviews the literature on the poisoning of Deloro and on arsenic contamination in general.
Outline:
Introduction
The Poisoning of Deloro
Arsenic Contamination and Poisoning
Conclusion
From the Paper "The provincial government had known for more than a decade that the people of Deloro had been breathing arsenic-laden air and living with arsenic-poisoned soil, according to McAndrew in his 1999 article. However, on June 10th, 1999 the approximately 175 residents learned the truth, during a community meeting organized by the ministry to inform the residents about the cleanup efforts that would be conducted at the abandoned Deloro gold mine and smelter."
Abstract This paper describes undisclosed bottled water contamination in America. The paper reports that most of the bottled water is not frequently checked, and that a small percent of it is unsafe for the public. It illustrates how the American public has been advertised into perceiving that bottled water is pure and clean. The author calls for the labeling of bottled water to disclosing the water source, treatments and other key information.
From the Paper "According to a four-year scientific study made recently public by Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) stated that the sales of bottled water in the United States have been blown up in recent years, mainly as a result of a public awareness of purity driven by advertisements and packaging labels featuring unspoiled glaciers and crystal-clear mountain springs. However, bottled water sold in the United States does not necessarily cleaner or safer than most tap water (NRDC)."
Abstract An 8-page paper examining contaminated drinking water in its western and Third World implications. How economic factors aggravate the problem and affect the ability to find solutions.
Abstract This paper discusses the problems of the residents of Badger, Wisconsin, who are battling to drink contaminant-free water, trying to avoid poisoned fish in Ballistics Pond, and holding their breath while old ammunition sites are burning dinitrotuluene; and yet the government continues to both push and ignore the very destruction that ails them. The author continues that the Department of Defense is spending money on additional armed submarines to continue polluting the oceans. The paper states that, if the United States government wants more money for defense, it should consider taking up effective listening in regards to what might matter to the people in the world.
From the Paper "The budget proposal mentioned becomes even more sickening when you explore what has happened in Badger further. Badger citizens cannot even drink their own water. According to The Citizens for Safe Water around Badger, "Late on Wednesday, March 3, the Army received results from monitoring wells sampled during the December 2003 round. Several monitoring wells located along the south boundary of Badger detected DNT in groundwater near the intersection of Keller Road and Highway 78 in Sumpter township. DNT levels were detected at 0.02 and 0.05 ppb (parts per billion). The safe drinking water standard for DNTs is 0.05 ppb." The detection of this cancer - causing agent in the Badger water prompted the military to hurry up and wait. Time has elapsed, dollars have been spent, and there is still no cure."
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."
Abstract The paper explains that Hudson River has been characterized as one of the country's worst cases of PCB contamination. The author points out that community residents have advanced two primary issues of concerns about the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) announced plan to remediate the high concentrations of PCBs in the Hudson by dredging the material from the river: (1) the possible re-suspension of contaminants during dredging and (2) the disposition of dredged PCB-contaminated soil. The paper relates that, despite the glaring need for more research to identify better ways of remediating the affected parts of the Hudson River, the fact remains that the industries, which are primarily responsible for the problem in the first place, continue to stonewall by introducing spurious studies they have funded in an effort to delay or avoid any responsibility. The paper includes a table.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview.
Stakeholders in the Hudson River Case.
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Other metals such as barium, chromium, aluminum, lead, and manganese are also being released into the Hudson from runoff and discharges points, and are sometimes found at discernible levels in ambient water quality testing in the lower Hudson. During a 14-year period in the late 20th century, researchers found that (a) lead represented 58.5 percent of violations of Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) water quality standards for the protection of human and aquatic life, (b) cadmium for 6.1 percent, and mercury for 4.7 percent, out of a total 2,123 water quality violations in the Hudson River."
Abstract This paper describes a study to investigate the effects of an acetic acid contaminant on the ale fermentation process. It examines how contaminants are constantly introduced into samples during the brewing process, which changes the standard procedure and leads to specific effects on the final product, such as a change in aroma or flavor and how in this case, because the fermentation is carried out by yeast cells, the experiment is focused on the contaminant's effect on the yeast cells and their ability to carry out the fermentation process. It also discusses how the factors which are affected by this alteration of the wort can be monitored to determine the effects caused by inoculation of the sample.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Materials & Methods
Inoculation of Wort
Results
pH
Temperature
Concentration
Discussion
From the Paper "Fermentation of top-feeding yeast, Saccharomyces Cereviseae, was done in conjunction with the addition of acetic acid inoculant to half of the sample. Evidence of effects from the addition of the contaminant was tested by monitoring three factors; pH, temperature and concentration of yeast cells. Two replicates of the control and contaminant models were tested after 0, 1 and 4 days from the initial inoculation of the wort sample. Fermentation of beer by S. cerevisiae occurred in both of the samples, which was evident by the change in all variables. The temperature and pH values obtained from analysis of the samples showed no significant changes; the null hypothesis was not rejected with a critical t-value greater than the calculated t-value. The concentration showed a significant change between the two samples, therefore the alternate hypothesis was accepted and the null hypothesis was rejected with a calculated t-value higher than the critical t-value. "
Abstract This paper evaluates remediation technologies for arsenic contamination at the Deloro mine in Eastern Ontario, Canada. It first discusses a background of the site and contamination in the area. The paper then looks at the geology and hydrogeology of the site and the scope of the remediation project. Next, the paper focuses on the properties and health effects of arsenic contamination.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Site
Background
Scope of the Project
Geology of the Deloro Site
Hydrogeology of the Deloro Site
Motivation for the Thesis
Arsenic
Chemistry
Health Effects
Sources
Motility In Groundwater
From the Paper "Arsenic is highly mobile in groundwater, largely due to oxidation processes. Aside from ease in traveling in slow moving streams. It is highly reactive and when settled in sediments can be re-released into the water column by chemical or physical activity. Arsenic released into surface water through the break down of arsenopyrite can result in higher concentrations in ground water. Groundwater with higher flow rates is especially prone to highly mobile forms of arsenics. Organic forms of arsenic can release highly mobile elemental arsenic into the water by means of oxidation and reduction reactions."
