By Rachael
Scientist have found a “proof-of-concept” system that changes water into hydrogen by using only sunlight. Molecular light absorbers can use more of the visible spectrum in a process that mimics natural photosynthesis. Experiments with natural and synthetic dye molecules have produced either hydrogen or oxygen by using chemicals consumed in the process. They haven’t, yet, created an ongoing, continuous process. The article I found this from goes much more in depth with the molecules and other things involved in the process. To laern more visit. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080217170412.htm
Friday, March 7, 2008
From Contaminant to Hydrogen
By Rachael
In 2002, Biodesign Institute’s Center for Environmental Biotechnology’s director, Bruce Rittmann, invented a treatment system called the membrane biofilm reactor. This process uses naturally occurring micro-organisms to remove contaminants from water. It removes contaminants such as TCE (chlorinated solvent trichloroethene) which is used as a cleaning agent and solvent for many military, commercial, and industrial applications. The improper handling, storage, and disposal of TCE has lead to frequent detection of TCE in the groundwater. TCE has the potential to cause livre damage, malfunctions in the central nervous system and it is considered a likely human carcinogen. Scientists have discovered specialized micro-organisms that can replace the chlorine in the chlorinated molecules with hydrogen. This process is called reductive dechlorination. The process is much more complicated but these are the basics.. See http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080228100728.htm
In 2002, Biodesign Institute’s Center for Environmental Biotechnology’s director, Bruce Rittmann, invented a treatment system called the membrane biofilm reactor. This process uses naturally occurring micro-organisms to remove contaminants from water. It removes contaminants such as TCE (chlorinated solvent trichloroethene) which is used as a cleaning agent and solvent for many military, commercial, and industrial applications. The improper handling, storage, and disposal of TCE has lead to frequent detection of TCE in the groundwater. TCE has the potential to cause livre damage, malfunctions in the central nervous system and it is considered a likely human carcinogen. Scientists have discovered specialized micro-organisms that can replace the chlorine in the chlorinated molecules with hydrogen. This process is called reductive dechlorination. The process is much more complicated but these are the basics.. See http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080228100728.htm
Nuclear Plants Coming to Texas
by Vinny
NRG Energy, is planning to buil eight nuclear power plants in Texas in order to help fight global warming. While the reactors are up to $6 billion dollars to construct, the state is going to assist by making tax cuts on local property, making guarantees that Texas will do all the clean up work after the plant has been shut down a long time down the road, and making tax exemptions for clean energy plants. But these plans will meet opposition. Many people, including former Vice-President Al Gore, are against nuclear plants because of the problems that might occur, but aren't likely.
Let's hope these plans arae enacted, and more nuclear plants get going worldwide.
NRG Energy, is planning to buil eight nuclear power plants in Texas in order to help fight global warming. While the reactors are up to $6 billion dollars to construct, the state is going to assist by making tax cuts on local property, making guarantees that Texas will do all the clean up work after the plant has been shut down a long time down the road, and making tax exemptions for clean energy plants. But these plans will meet opposition. Many people, including former Vice-President Al Gore, are against nuclear plants because of the problems that might occur, but aren't likely.
Let's hope these plans arae enacted, and more nuclear plants get going worldwide.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Comparing Fuel Costs
By Chris
Current Feb. 2008 Mar. 2007
National Average $3.178 $2.977 $2.490
Colorado Average $3.080 $2.926 $2.447
Denver $3.024 $2.873 $2.399
Grand Junction $3.134 $2.992 $2.474
Real Solar Cooking
by Scott
As the hunger for power rises, new alternative ways of getting energy are emerging. A new power plant has begun to run just south of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is not your typical solar plant with many panels placed to create electricity. This plant places many mirrors throughout the desert. The mirrors focus light onto a certain fluid and heats it enough to make steam to turn a turbine. This plant, conveniently placed where sun is not an issue, could power several large hotels in Las Vegas with the neon included. Another 10 plants are in planning for California, Arizona, and Nevada. These 10 plants would produce as much power as three nuclear reactors and can be built in two years, compared to the decade-long process of building a nuclear plant. This is a good advance to alternateve energy as a larger part of energy production.
As the hunger for power rises, new alternative ways of getting energy are emerging. A new power plant has begun to run just south of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is not your typical solar plant with many panels placed to create electricity. This plant places many mirrors throughout the desert. The mirrors focus light onto a certain fluid and heats it enough to make steam to turn a turbine. This plant, conveniently placed where sun is not an issue, could power several large hotels in Las Vegas with the neon included. Another 10 plants are in planning for California, Arizona, and Nevada. These 10 plants would produce as much power as three nuclear reactors and can be built in two years, compared to the decade-long process of building a nuclear plant. This is a good advance to alternateve energy as a larger part of energy production.
Pipeline near Silt facing enviromentalists
by Garrett
Enviromental groups and Pitkin County Colorado (Aspen) commisioners have sued the BLM and the United States Forest Service for a pipeline that would go through roadless areas.
The 25.5 mile, 20 inch diameter pipeline would run north to Divide Creek. Enviromental groups say a 100 foot wide construction corridor would violate the roadless rule. Some other plaintiffs incude Western Wilderness Workshop, Western Colorado Congress, Western Slope Enviromental Resource Council, and High Country Citizens Alliance and Center for Biological Diversity. The BLM and The Forest Service management have said the pipeline is legal and would disturb few acres.
Enviromental groups and Pitkin County Colorado (Aspen) commisioners have sued the BLM and the United States Forest Service for a pipeline that would go through roadless areas.
The 25.5 mile, 20 inch diameter pipeline would run north to Divide Creek. Enviromental groups say a 100 foot wide construction corridor would violate the roadless rule. Some other plaintiffs incude Western Wilderness Workshop, Western Colorado Congress, Western Slope Enviromental Resource Council, and High Country Citizens Alliance and Center for Biological Diversity. The BLM and The Forest Service management have said the pipeline is legal and would disturb few acres.
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