Environmental

Recent Posts

Silver nanoparticles are transformed by sewage treatment
Posted on 18 Dec 2010 by Thomas H. Clarke, Jr.

Prior posts have noted a number of issues related to nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles are used in hundreds of consumer products, including food storage containers, clothing, computer keyboards, cosmetics, pillows, cell phones, and medical appliances... Read More

What killed off much of the explosion of life following the Cambrian "explosion"?
Posted on 5 Feb 2011 by Thomas H. Clarke, Jr.

Prior posts have discussed the Cambrian explosion, and noted the evidence suggesting that it was a more gradual process than stereotypically described. However, there has been little solid evidence to explain why, following this alleged burst of complex... Read More

The trend toward use of heavier crudes increases the carbon footprint of petroleum products
Posted on 6 Dec 2010 by Thomas H. Clarke, Jr.

Heavier crudes are, by definition, more viscous. The also contain greater amounts of sulfur, which must be removed because of the adverse impact of sulfur on various catalysts used in the refining process. The sulfur content of fuel is also controlled... Read More