Sea Level

In the video about Maldives, the president is very concerned about ongoing climate change. Not only what will happen to his people, but the entire island as well. The theory of global warming causes other climate changes such as sea level. President Mohamed Nasheed believes that global warming and raising sea levels  will untimately cause the end of his people and island. Global warming heats the earth to high temperatures, thus melting ice and glaciers in the artic. Therefore, more water is flowing into the oceans, raising sea levels. These sea levels change the climate and area of the island. Soon, the island could be completely under water, leaving the people of the island with no where to go. As far as the president having so much concern, I believe he should not. I do not believe in the theory of global warming and I don't think the sea level is actually rising. In the second video about the ocean, many more concerns were presented. Global warming was again another factor. The oceans are heating to higher temperatures and melting ice and glaciers. With temperatures at a higher degrees, aquatic life becomes endangered and can soon become extinct.

Global Warming

After watching the documentary about global warming, I still have the same beliefs as I did before. Global warming in my opinion, is a myth. With the release of greenhouse gases, environmental activists have theorized that the earth is heating to an extremely high temperature. These high temperatures cause natural disasters and vast climate changes, thus warming the earth. Through science and data, I have to come believe that global warming is a myth. Effects of global warming are caused by the sun and not greenhouse gases emitted by humans on the earth. Since the beginning of time, natural disasters and climate changes have been linked to the sun rather than carbon dioxide or other gases. Therefore, global warming has been found to be a theory among scientists.

Natural Disasters

From the presentations watched in class, I have learned that natural disasters are horrifying and tragic. Natural disasters can trigger many other environmental tradegies. Earthquakes for example, can trigger tsunaimis and even fires. Natural disasters destroy everything in their path, from towns and cities to whole countries. Millions of people are injured and killed, buildings, roads, and bridges are destroyed. Natural disasters leave everything in ruins. Electricity, gas, and water lines are left demolished.

Japan's Natural Disasters

In response to the documentary about Japan's natural disasters, I can say what had happend there was a tragedy. March 11, 2011 is a day I'm sure will be remembered by many. Two natural disasters occured on this day, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake, which soon triggered a 23 foot tsunami. Both the natural disasters left Japan and its people in ruins. Not only did these disasters destroy much of Japan and its people, but another disaster occured quickly after, a nuclear crisis. As a result, more than ten thousand people have died or gone missing and over a million have been misplaced. There is only one factor to be learned from this event and that is prevention. Since the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis occured, Japan can only move forward and advance in safety and prevention against these disasters. New technology and better equipment can be made to counteract natural occurances. What happend in Japan was something that made history. Unlike hurricane Katrina in the United States, Japan was struck by far worse. People in the US were able to be notified sooner and quicker. They were able to leave their homes and get to safety. Although natural disasters can and will happen in the future, Japan can be something to look upon as a learning experience.

Environmental Chem Project

Our project is of course about the environment, more specifically it deals with slaughterhouses and the meat packing industry. Our project thoroughly explains and defines what a slaughterhouse and meat packing industry is. In addition, it provides specific issues that these two industries deal with, such as public health, animal welfare, and the environment. Moreover, the project will provide an explanation and understanding through facts and statistics of how the environment, people, and animals are effected.

Energy Movement

Many dairy farms in central Pennsylvania are now using a new energy effecient machine, that could possibly improve the environment by quite alot. Farmers are now using a new machine called a digester, which converts manure into energy and substances that are usable on the farm. The digester is simple, tiny bacteria consumes the waste and turns it into methane gas, which then can be used as power. This power can be used as electricity and fuel. The form of electricity is much safer for the environment than electricity used to power our homes. The fuel can also be used to power farm equipment and reduce the amount of foreign oil the US is importing. Two byproducts are also produced from the digester. It turns the manure into a liquid, which can be used for fields and gives the earth and plants more nutrients. A solid that can be used for cow bedding and landscape. The digester, although not that complex, can improve the environment a great deal. With no manure on the farm, it will not pollute the ground water when it rains. The manure will also be unable to pollute the air, since it gives off methane gas and carbon dioxide. Farms with digesters are now able to make more profit. With such simple technology and human intiative, the environment can be improved.

BP Oil Spill

The oil spill from BP was caused for many reasons such as, human and machine error. One machine, a blowout preventor, is used to seal leaks that may occur. Due to mistakes the BOP, or blowout preventor was unable to perform its job. An obstruction caused the BOP to not contain the leaks properly.Thus, oil began to leak into the ocean causing an environmental disaster.After the oil spill off the coast of Louisiana, BP is coming up with possible solutions to clean up the mess. A cement dome is being built to contain all of the oil in the ocean, it is a 4 story, 70 ton structure that is going to be lowered over one of the 3 leaks to catch the escaping oil. Other solutions have also been brought to the attention of BP. Humans and machines that perform jobs will now be closely observed and checked for safety and proficiency before executing their work. Companies such as FBR Capital Markets have invested their money and trust into BP and were worried when the oil spill occured. They and other companies may be faced with a loss of money and investments as well as BP. In my opinon, BP could have prevented this oil spill form the beginning. Jobs should be performed slowly and precisely to minimalize mistakes. Corners should also not be cut, to save money.

Water Quality Testing



The Erin Brockovich movie has inspired us to test our own water from different places in our county. In the experiment, a number of pollutants were tested: carbonate, chloride, chromate, iron, lead, phosphate, and sulfate. Two samples of water were taken, one from the drinking water fountain at school and the other from a natural spring in Smithfield. In sample one, the water from the drinking fountain, suprisingly no pollutants were found. In sample two, the spring water, no polllutants were found except small amounts of phosphate and chloride. Phosphate is found in fertilizers, detergents, and wastewater from humans, animals and plants. Chloride is found in rocks and soil. Both the pollutants were typical because the spring water actually comes from the ground which contains rocks, soil, and wastewaters. Although, I didnt think any pollutants were going to be found in anything but the water in the school fountain. The pollution found in the natural spring water was nonpoint water pollution. The pollution did not come from a specific place such as a factory or power plant. In conclusion, although, pollutants were found, the water is still safe for humans to drink.


This picture shows the pollutants tested in sample 2, as you can see some wells are cloudy, these wells showed that the water tested positive for chloride and phosphate.



Movie Review

In the Erin Brockovich movie, PG&E water company used a chemical which contaminated the drinking water of a California town named Hinkley.Two kinds of chromium were used hexavalent and trivalent. Although both chemicals come from chromium, each have a significant difference. Chromium 3 is an essential nutrient for humans and is found in drinking water. If humans do not have enough chromium 3 in their body it can cause heart conditions and diabetes. Chromium 6 however, is a different story, it is very toxic to humans. Chromium 6  is a carcinogenic and increases the risk of gastrointestinal tumors. In conclusion, both these chromiums can effect the human body in a positive and negative way.

Smithfield Water

     Water is necessary for your life, animals, and the planet, but what is exactly in water? People everyday use water, either for brushing their teeth, taking a hot shower, or drinking a cold glass after exercising. Many residents in Smithfield currently use Mountain Water Association for their water. Through research, I have found precisely the chemicals used to treat it. The Pennsylvania Department of Health had conducted tests to show water quality. The results show that 2 chemicals used to treat the water exceeded  health guidelines, such as haloacetic acids which are used to chlorinate tap water. High amounts of haloacetic acids can cause cancer and organ system toxicity. In addition, trihalomethanes are used for the disinfection of water. High amounts of trihalomethanes can cause bladder cancer and birth effects such as spinal and neuron disorders. Other chemicals were detected in the water but did not exceed health guidelines such as, xylenes,ethylbenzene,nitrate, and beryllium. These chemicals are common uses for the chlorination and disinfectant of water. As for the taste, it is not to bad, if you like the taste of metal.