The Papermaking Industry: History of Papermaking
A variety of materials and methods is used to create paper, but the basic process still involves techniques that are centuries old: the moistening, separating and intertwining of fibers to form a sheet. Different kinds of fibers are used to make pa...
Acid Rain: Sources and Impact
Scientist and climate change expert Michael Oppenheimer discusses the causes and impact of acid rain. Oppenheimer states that the primary sources of acid rain are emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from electric power plants. The second...
Due West: Aliso Creek
Aliso Creek, located in Orange County, California, has a consistent beach pollution problem due to rapid development of the upstream environment. As the watershed has been largely paved over, the water is prevented from soaking in and filtering natu...
Dirty Water: Toxic Metallic Compounds
Along with oil and excess nutrients, toxic metallic compounds can also make their way to the marine environment and cause damage that may be passed along through the food web.
Air Pollution in China and Mexico City
Scientist and climate change expert Michael Oppenheimer compares air quality problems and challenges in Mexico City and China. He notes that smog problems in Mexico City are similar to those found in Los Angeles.
Air Pollution on a Global Scale
Scientist and climate change expert Michael Oppenheimer talks about the fact that air pollution circulates globally and that, regardless of its origins, the impact of such pollution can be felt anywhere in the world.
Biological Treatment Technologies: Biological Treatment, Wastewater and Sewage
Biological treatment is a major application of microbial technology used for treating municipal wastewater and sewage. One of the most important biological treatment processes is anaerobic digestion, in which anaerobic bacteria are placed in huge c...
Human Activity and Air Quality
Scientist and climate change expert Michael Oppenheimer traces the history of air pollution, beginning with Roman times and moving forward to the post-War period. He also discusses the origins of interest in and awareness of global warming.
Economic Impact of Air Pollution
Scientist and climate change expert Michael Oppenheimer discusses some of the economic impacts of air pollution, including those related to health, the natural environment, and infrastructure decay.
Degradation of the Environment, The
Scientist and climate change expert Michael Oppenheimer talks about what he calls the two driving forces behind the degradation of the environment: the technologies at our disposal and the number of people using them.