A Student Led Investigation of the Landscape Dynamics of Campus Recycling

Two senior undergraduate students within the environmental science division at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) quantitatively diagnosed the environmental, ecological, and socioeconomic dynamics involved in plastic recycling. This study incorporated actively collecting recycled plastic bottles on campus to produce an enumerated analysis of recycling on campus; and to gain an understanding of the socioeconomics of recycling via an anonymous survey used to determine the recycling knowledgebase of natural resource students at SFASU. Undergraduate students, via their incorporation into a campus wide environmental site assessment of recycling plastic bottles, were able to apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world environmental concern thus making them more well-rounded and society-ready environmental scientists.

Assessment of hydrocarbons subsoil and groundwater pollution in a refinery occupied property at the old industrial zone of Athens - Pireaus, Greece

Industrial activities that took place in the old industrial zone of Athens-Piraeus widespread pollution in natural systems. This specific environmental site assessment presents subsoil and groundwater pollution data by petroleum hydrocarbons in a property occupied by a small scale refinery the last 50 years. Additionally the vertical distribution and horizontal variability of pollution is analysed as a result of several point sources existence such as underground storage tanL·. Environmental survey site works conducted by boreholes performance and installation of stand-pipe type piezometers for groundwater monitoring. Totally 32 soil core samples were analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons and additionally 4 soil core sub-samples where volatile organic compounds maximum values were recorded, analyzed for aromatic hydrocarbons. Petroleum hydrocarbons values in subsoil and groundwater range from 310 to 8130 mgKg1 and 0.6 to 2550 mg/l respectively. This paper provides hydrocarbons pollution data of the site and demonstrates the need for an environmental site assessment study before any investment and development action takes place in brownfield's areas