- Science at EPA
- Technology
- Chemicals
- Children's Health
- Cleanup
- Climate Change
- Risk Assessment
- Risk Management
- Pesticides
- Water
Science and Technology
Science Features
Tiny New Technology to Clean Up Big Pollution Problems
EPA scientists are exploring ways to use some very small materials to clean up some very big environmental problems. Research chemist Dr. Souhail Al-Abed and his colleagues have synthesized activated carbon with nanoparticles of iron/palladium bimetallic to produce a new nano-scale treatment to clean up pollutants. The new, tiny technology is offering promise where conventional technologies have been limited in detecting, treating, removing, and preventing environmental contaminants.
The research is proving particularly useful in dealing with PCBs, a family of persistent organic chemicals that have been linked to a host of dangerous health effects, including cancer. Dr. Al-Abed and his research group found that infusing the carbon with nanoparticles not only made it more effective at adsorbing contaminants, but also degraded the PCBs to less harmful compounds.
Read more: EPA Researcher Developing Remediation Technology Using Nanomaterials
Tracking Air Pollution to Improve Your Health
This summer, EPA scientists began sampling air across Cleveland, Ohio, to better understand the links between sources of air pollution and adverse health effects. The research will be used to develop new tools and models for air quality managers to reduce and control air pollutants at their source.
Air pollution sources are varied, ranging from motor vehicles to industry, power plants, agriculture and home equipment such as lawn mowers. They can also be formed photochemically in the air from different sources. As scientists analyze the air samples obtained in the study, they look for chemical components that can lead them to their source or sources. They will also measure the amount or concentration of pollutants, which is important in determining potential health impacts.
Science Notebook
A scientist's notebook is a career staple. Home to ideas, questions, drawings and data, it's a treasure trove of information about the scientific process. EPA's Science Notebook offers a similar view into science at EPA, featuring stories, scientist interviews, videos, podcasts and more.
Resources
Air Pollution Tech Transfer Network (TTN)
The TTN is a collection of technical Web sites containing information about many areas of air pollution science, technology, regulation, measurement, and prevention.
Databases and Software
EPA uses environmental databases and scientific tools to learn more about chemical risks and conditions of the environment, whether locally or for the whole nation.
Laboratories and Research Centers
Find links to the major laboratories and other organizations that conduct research and carry out scientific and technical activities within EPA.
Models
EPA uses a wide variety of scientific and technical models to support our decisions and policies. Models increase the level of understanding about natural systems and the way in which they react to varying conditions.
Multi-Year Research Plans
EPA's multi-year plans enable the Agency to focus on the highest priority needs for science and to coordinate research across its laboratories and centers to achieve research goals.
National Research Programs
EPA's National Research Programs coordinate research planning across the Agency in areas like drinking water research and global change research.
Office of Research and Development
The Office of Research and Development (ORD) is the scientific research arm of EPA. ORD's leading-edge research helps provide the solid underpinning of science and technology for the Agency.
Research Strategies and Plans
Research strategies frame the scientific questions associated with important environmental issues and delineate the research needs and relative priorities required to address those questions.
Science Advisory Organizations
Learn about Federal Advisory Committees that provide scientific and technical advice, the Science Advisory Board, and other organizations that address science policy issues at EPA.
Science Inventory
The SI is a searchable database of activities, work products, and current projects conducted in our research laboratories and centers, and through grants and other assistance agreements.
Test Methods
Test methods measure the presence and concentration of physical and chemical pollutants; they evaluate properties of chemical substances; and they measure the effects of substances under various conditions.
Grants and Funding
-
Learn about or apply for
Subscribe
News feedGet email notifications about new science and technology publications and news by email