Environmental Science

Roughly 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter the waterways across the entire globe every year. Sunscreens are released via human contact, runoff from sand, and spray-on sunscreens. Although sunscreen is effective against UV radiation, the active ingredients harm aquatic ecosystems and damage coral reefs. Sunscreens have been found in the cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, underground water systems that serve as ... Read More

Climate change threatens the security of the agricultural industry, by reducing worldwide yields and requiring more resources to fight drought and disease. A novel technology, oxidative hydrothermal dissolution (OHD), is a process that can convert water-insoluble waste biomass into water-soluble low molecular weight molecules that act as a biostimulant. Biostimulants are an emerging alternative to overused agrochemical fertilizers and have ... Read More

Drinking water is a critical component of peoples' everyday lives, so it is critical that the quality of municipal tap water is accurately measured and adheres to contaminant limits. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) in 1991 to reduce exposure to lead and copper in drinking water, which can cause numerous health impacts ... Read More

Vaginally used products can contain toxic chemicals such as surfactants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, metals, and others. Chronic dermal exposure to these chemicals can lead to adverse health effects, however the effects of vaginal exposure are unknown. The objective of this review is to evaluate if surfactants and other chemicals applied intravaginally can be absorbed systemically or negatively impact vaginal ... Read More