Archive for September, 2014

Higher levels of some metals in e-cigarette smoke

The source of the metals appears to be the e-cigarette cartridge rather than the e-liquid © Shutterstock

 A study comparing secondhand emissions from e-cigarettes and conventional tobacco ones reveals that although e-cigarettes release much lower levels of most harmful compounds, they actually discharge more nickel and silver than tobacco cigarettes. 

E-cigarettes are electronic devices that aerosolise nicotine-containing liquids, called e-liquids, for users to inhale. They have been widely marketed as safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes as they do not contain tobacco, and their use has rapidly risen over the last decade. However, little research exists on what effects e-cigarettes have on users or those in the vicinity. 

To read the full article, please visit Chemistry World

Particulate metals and organic compounds from electronic and tobacco-containing cigarettes: comparison of emission rates and secondhand exposure
Arian Saffari, Nancy Daher, Ario Ruprecht, Cinzia De Marco, Paolo Pozzi, Roberto Boffi, Samera H. Hamad,   Martin M. Shafer, James J. Schauer, Dane Westerdahle and Constantinos Sioutas
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2014, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/ C4EM00415A, Paper

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Top ten most accessed ES:P&I articles in Q2 2014

This month sees the following articles in Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts that are in the top ten most accessed April – June:-

Energy positive domestic wastewater treatment: the roles of anaerobic and phototrophic technologies 
B. D. Shoener, I. M. Bradley, R. D. Cusick and J. S. Guest    
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2014,16, 1204-1222 
DOI: 10.1039/C3EM00711A 

Human exposure to aluminium 
Christopher Exley  
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2013,15, 1807-1816 
DOI: 10.1039/C3EM00374D 

A critical assessment of the photodegradation of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments: defining our current understanding and identifying knowledge gaps 
Jonathan K. Challis, Mark L. Hanson, Ken J. Friesen and Charles S. Wong    
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2014,16, 672-696 
DOI: 10.1039/C3EM00615H 

Professional ski waxers’ exposure to PFAS and aerosol concentrations in gas phase and different particle size fractions 
Helena Nilsson, Anna Kärrman, Anna Rotander, Bert van Bavel, Gunilla Lindström and Håkan Westberg 
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2013,15, 814-822 
DOI: 10.1039/C3EM30739E 

Evolving shale gas management: water resource risks, impacts, and lessons learned 
Brian G. Rahm and Susan J. Riha    
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2014,16, 1400-1412 
DOI: 10.1039/C4EM00018H 

A review with recent advancements on bioremediation-based abolition of heavy metals 
Nisha Gaur, Gagan Flora, Mahavir Yadav and Archana Tiwari    
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2014,16, 180-193 
DOI: 10.1039/C3EM00491K 

Towards energy neutral wastewater treatment: methodology and state of the art 
Han Gao, Yaniv D. Scherson and George F. Wells 
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2014,16, 1223-1246 
DOI: 10.1039/C4EM00069B 

Iron nanoparticles for environmental clean-up: recent developments and future outlook 
Weile Yan, Hsing-Lung Lien, Bruce E. Koel and Wei-xian Zhang  
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2013,15, 63-77 
DOI: 10.1039/C2EM30691C 

Air quality concerns of unconventional oil and natural gas production 
R. A. Field, J. Soltis and S. Murphy    
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2014,16, 954-969 
DOI: 10.1039/C4EM00081A 

Photo-transformation of pharmaceutically active compounds in the aqueous environment: a review 
Shuwen Yan and Weihua Song 
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2014,16, 697-720 
DOI: 10.1039/C3EM00502J 
 
Why not take a look at the articles today and blog your thoughts and comments below.

Fancy submitting an article to Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts? Then why not submit to us today or alternatively email us your suggestions.

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Concerns over chemical treatment of reclaimed fracking fluid

The study analysed water samples from shale gas wells in Marcellus (Pennsylvania), Eagle Ford (Texas), and Barnett (New Mexico) © Michael J Mullen Scranton Times-Tribune/AP/Press Association Images

Estimates suggest that in the next 50 years, over one trillion gallons of water will be used in shale gas extraction but research from scientists in the US suggests that environmentally detrimental compounds are being created when this fluid is recycled.

Shale gas is found in rock formations kilometres underground. Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, facilitates the release of this energy dense fuel in a cost-effective and timely manner. Water, sand and a combination of other additives are pumped into the ground at high pressure, breaking the shale formations apart, allowing the gas to migrate to the surface where it can be collected.

To read the full article, please visit Chemistry World.

Organic compounds in produced waters from shale gas wells
Samuel J. Maguire-Boyle and Andrew R. Barron
Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 2014, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C4EM00376D, Paper

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