Destruction through Production

An introduction to web quest topics

by

Mr. [insert name here]

Monday, July 13, 2009

Your Presentation

• For your web quest assignment you will be playing the role of a public interest group

• You will need to research harmful chemical and material manufacturing methods

• Here are just a few examples of harmful chemicals and materials, and manufacturing methods.

Alternative Manufacturing

• For every manufacturing process there is an alternative

• Alternative methods typically release less pollution and come from renewable sources

Traditional Manufacturing Method

Alternative Method

synthesis-gas, a mixture of CO2 and Hydrogen derived from

natural gas

calcination and KOH distillation from atmospheric

CO2

Chemical Manufacturing

• Many chemical processes release by-products that act as pollutants

• These pollutants often pollute the atmosphere as well as local areas

Chemical Primary Source Major Pollutant

Methanol Methane CO2

Mercury Mercury Oxides Mercury (toxic)

Alternative Chemicals

• Mercury is highly toxic

• Many alternatives exist including technology

• Digital thermometers are quicker, more reliable, and safer than mercury thermometers

Liquid Mercury

Alternative Chemicals• MTBE* has been used as gasoline additive, but is

known to pollute groundwater

• Most fuel providers have stopped its use as an additive

*Methyl tert-butyl ether

•Ethanol is a promising alternative

•Offers reduced pollution and less hazards

Materials Manufacturing

• Materials such as plastics currently come from non-renewable sources and are slow to biodegrade

• Typically less than 25% of plastic bottles are recycled

Alternative Manufacturing• Corn based plastics are easily biodegradable through

composting

• Their manufacturing releases up to 2/3 less pollutants

Alternative Materials

•Biodegradable plastics can be used in place of traditional plastics

•Additives allow micro-organisms to decompose through composting

Alternative Materials

•Aluminum is a recyclable material that can be used in place of plastics

•Does not release chemicals or pollutants into food/liquids

Helpful Hints

• Focus on current environmental concerns

• Use supporting evidence to back up claims

• Present economic benefits of either shutting down the plant or updating it

• Avoid generalities

Illinois Learning Standards

• 13 . .5 A a Design procedures and policies to eliminate or reduce risk in potentially hazardous science activities.

• 13 . .4 A a Estimate and suggest ways to reduce the degree of risk involved in science activities.

• 13 . .5 B b Analyze and describe the processes and effects of scientific and technological breakthroughs.

• 13 . .4 B d Analyze local examples of resource use, technology use or conservation programs; document findings; and make recommendations for improvements.

• 13 . .5 B c Design and conduct an environmental impact study, analyze findings and justify recommendations.

• 11 . .4 A f Using available technology, report, display and defend to an audience conclusions drawn from investigations.

• 11 . .5 B a Identify a design problem that has practical applications and propose possible solutions, considering such constraints as available tools, materials, time and costs.

References• 2008). Mercury Policy Project. Retrieved July 16, 2009, Web site: http://mercurypolicy.org/

• Gilson, Dave (May-June 2009). Do Biodegradable Plastics Really Work?. Retrieved July 16, 2009, from Mother Jones Web site: http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2009/05/do-biodegradable-plastics-really-work

• (February 5th, 2009). Drinking Water. Retrieved July 16, 2009, from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Web site: http://www.epa.gov/mtbe/water.htm

• Goeppert, Alain, George A. Olah, and G. K. Surya Prakash. Beyond Oil and Gas: The Methanol Economy. Weinheim: WILEY-VCH, 2006.

Image Sources

Picture Sourcehttp://blog.lib.umn.edu/cramb005/architecture/pollution.jpg

http://www.historyforkids.org/scienceforkids/chemistry/atoms/pictures/mercury2.jpg

http://www.mysigg.com

http://momgoinggreen.wordpress.com/2009/06/05/greener-future-fridays-composting-101/

http://blogs.phillyburbs.com/news/bct/tag/gasoline-prices/

http://www.icis.com/blogs/icis-chemicals-confidential/recycling.jpg

http://midwiferymercantile.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=9

Fin