Article 9/25

Researchers form Brown University and Washington University found that nitrogen isotopes ratios have changed significantly in the past 300 years, especially between 1950 and 1985. They believe that this change in the nitrogen cycle is caused by the increased combustion of fossil fuels, which has greatly increased in the past 60 years. Introducing this new source of nitrogen to its cycle has greatly increased the nitrogen stored in the atmosphere. This is a problem because the released nitric oxide binds with other elements  and forms smog and acid rain which affect multiple environments. Also, the increase of nitrogen in the atmosphere has effected lake chemistry by causing organic nitrogen decline. Is it possible for these changes to be reversed?

Article 9/15

Even though Li-ion battery powered cars are better for the environment than gasoline powered vehicles, the materials used to create them have the potential to harm the environment and human health. The batteries with nick and cobalt cathodes have the greatest possibility of impact, such as environmental toxicity, global warming, and resource depletion. Also, production of these metals can create problematic respiratory, pulmonary, and neurological affects in those exposed. This applies to environmental science because the manufacturing of these batteries may introduce toxins into surrounding environments, affecting local plant an animal species. Also, aforementioned resource depletion needs to be checked, because the mining of these materials may create an adverse reaction to the local ecosystem. Are these Li-ion batteries worth these risks, are they still an improvement over gas-powered vehicles?