Environmental Chemistry

Not so Green Up Close: a Peek at a dyed Chicago River Sample

Dean Campbell | Sat, 05/17/2025 - 22:36

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Light absorbance and fluorescence were studied for a sample of the Chicago River that had been dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day. The sample had weak green fluorescence, showing that the intense green appearance of the river was in part due to the long path length of light through the water. The ability of the green color to partition into 1-octanol was also explored.

Glacier-Related Demonstrations for Chemistry Classrooms

Dean Campbell | Thu, 04/10/2025 - 13:45

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Short descriptions of demonstrations that can be connected to glaciers. Many of these examples are suitable for use in high school and collegiate General Chemistry courses and other courses such as Environmental Chemistry.

Seashell Chemistry

Tom Kuntzleman | Thu, 06/01/2023 - 14:15

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Placing dry ice in limewater is a great demonstration to accompany discussions on a variety of chemical topics, including the impact of ocean acidification on marine organisms that depend upon the formation of CaCO₃.

A Demo A Day III: Demonstrations and Props Used in My General Chemistry II Classes

Dean Campbell | Sun, 05/21/2023 - 10:50

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Dean Campbell tries to use at least one demo for every class to illustrate concepts described in his chemistry courses. In this post, he includes short descriptions of the demonstrations and props he has used while teaching his collegiate General Chemistry II courses.

Some chemistry related to the Ohio Train Derailment

Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 02/28/2023 - 12:49

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Diffusion of HCl(g) from concentrated solutions of HCl can be used to illustrate some chemistry related to the train accident in Ohio.

A Demo A Day II: Demonstrations and Props Used in My Environmental Chemistry Class

Dean Campbell | Sat, 12/03/2022 - 21:08

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Short descriptions of demonstrations and props that Dean Campbell has used while teaching his collegiate Environmental Chemistry course. Many of these examples are also suitable for use in high school and collegiate General Chemistry courses.

A Visit to Natural Fiber Welding: Demonstrating Green Chemistry in Action

Dean Campbell | Mon, 10/10/2022 - 09:00

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The theme to the 2022 National Chemistry Week, observed October 16-22, is “Fabulous Fibers: The Chemistry of Fabrics”. A visit to Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. in Peoria, IL, revealed how that company is using ionic liquids to solvent weld cellulose fibers together to produce more durable yarn which can then be made into more durable fabric. The production method and “greenness” of the product is discussed, from the cellulose itself to the recycling of the solution used in the welding process. Macroscopic demonstrations of the fiber solvent welding process are also described.

The Chemistry of Lightning

Tom Kuntzleman | Tue, 09/20/2022 - 09:42

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Learn a bit about the chemical reactions that occur during a lightning strike, and how you can demonstrate these reactions in your classroom.

Microplastics, Liquid Nitrogen, and Iodine: Polystyrene vs. Starch Foam Packing Peanuts

Dean Campbell | Wed, 07/28/2021 - 13:03

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The differing electrostatic and solubility properties of starch and polystyrene foam packing peanuts are used in various demonstrations to describe aspects of microplastics and their interactions with the environment. Their differing responses to exposure to liquid nitrogen and iodine solutions are also described.

LEGO Brick Atmosphere Sticks

Dean Campbell | Sun, 06/06/2021 - 11:25

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Stacks of LEGO bricks can be used to illustrate the composition and pressures of various planetary atmospheres. Guides for the construction and use of these atmosphere sticks are provided.