Ecosystems


USGS Upgrades Streamgage Network Using Stimulus Funds

The U.S. Geological Survey has purchased $3.4 million of high tech electro-acoustic instruments from SonTek/YSI.

ASTM Air Quality Committee OKs Plume Opacity Standard

Digital photography can replace certified smoke readers to measure opacity.

CEMEX Invests in UK-wide Quarry Monitoring to Meet EPR, MCERTS

RS Hydro will install more than 250 flow monitoring stations for the cement supplier, using Siemens and Adcon technologies.

Law Firm Sues BP for Use of Chemical Dispersant

In the class action lawsuit, the firm alleges BP and Nalco knew that COREXIT was toxic to the biosystem and the food chain.

Agency Offers Guidance on Implementing CAFO Rule

The revised regulation requires CAFOs that discharge to seek coverage under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.

New Zealand Study: Spray Irrigation Adds Few Microbes to Groundwater

With the simulation of heavy rainfall, E. coli increased slightly, the researchers said.

Florida Governor Inquires about Osprey Biotechnics' Technology

The company's Munox product naturally biodegrades petroleum.

Alabama University Gets Grant to Find Bacteria to Degrade Gulf Oil

Two professors will try to find ways to accelerate the chemical breakdown of hydrocarbons using naturally occurring marine organic matter.



Texas Tech Researcher: Fibertect Can Hold Oil and Mustard Vapors

The sorbent material recently was approved for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

How to Avoid Tea Staining on Stainless Steel Enclosures

B&R Enclosures offers these tips for keeping stainless steel looking its best.

Low Levels of Urban Development Disturb Aquatic Life, USGS Says

Covering 10 percent of a watershed with impervious cover can cause as much as one-third of a decline in pollution-sensitive aquatic insects.

CFC Replacements Act as Super Greenhouse Gases, Study Says

University of Arkansas research suggests hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which were meant to protect the ozone, may contribute to climate and acid rain problems.

Response to BP Spill Continues to Grow as Companies Pitch In

Dredging equipment, vacuums, and imaging equipment are working to help restore the Gulf of Mexico's beaches and other inland areas.

Dallas Law Firm Cautions Spill Workers about Benzene Exposure

Baron & Budd attorney says Gulf of Mexico cleanup workers should be monitored or warned about the health hazards.

Oil Estimates Rise; Navy, Private Companies Stay on the Job

Between 35,000 and 60,000 barrels of oil per day may be leaking from the BP oil well in the Gulf of Mexico.

Fuzzy2 Skimmer Material at Work in Gulf Oil Cleanup

Abanaki product adds surface area and can be retrofitted to existing drum or disk skimmers.

Reflecting Light Wavelengths Reveal Oil in Contaminated Soils

Researchers from several organizations tested visible near infrared light with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to determine the presence and amount of oil in Louisiana soils.

Laws Require Gypsy Moth Inspection before Relocating

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has quarantined specific areas, and if you are moving from one of them, you had better get an inspection certificate.

ORNL: Fish Exposed to TVA Fly Ash in 2008 Seem to be Healthy

Working for TVA, the lab is continuing its research to determine if selenium and other contaminants will have a long-term effect on fish populations.