Persistent contaminants may be present in very low concentrations in the environ-ment and yet exert considerable effects on living organisms via bioaccumulation. Current environmental engineering sample collection, preparation, and analysis practices may under- or overestimate the actual concentrations to which aquatic or sedimentary biota are exposed....

Much of the organic material in the waste stream of food processing plants consists of simple sugars and starches. This represents a waste of a valuable resource. A process that could convert these simple sugars into a valuable feedstock or commodity would have immediate application. Researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State University...

Because of their surface area and porosity, nanoporous materials are one of the most actively sought after materials in the modern technologies. They are finding use in a wide range of applications including microelectronics, medicine, energy storage, water purification, and environmental emissions. There are many differing methods of creating nanoporous...

Many sites with ground and/or surface water pollution have been identified across the United States. For site characterization, exposure and risk assessment as well as remediation monitoring, it is important to analyze the environment for toxic contaminants at trace levels. However, this sensing is often expensive, especially when attempting to...

In situ bioremediation holds great promise as a safe and cost-effective strategy for cleanup of contaminated sediments and groundwater. The design of bioremediation systems requires site-specific characterization of the types of microorganisms present, what their potential metabolic capabilities are, and to what extent these degradative functions...

The future availability of groundwater as a source of potable water is jeopardized by the widespread occurrence of organic contaminants in water supplies. Of particular concern are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE), and other contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These materials are carcinogenic....