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.

Models of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons and Dipoles

Dean Campbell | Fri, 01/10/2025 - 21:51

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Explore chlorinated hydrocarbons and dipoles with paper and toy models like LEGO, K’Nex, and Lux Blox! Paper models reinforce molecule polarity lessons, with templates and assignments included in the Supporting Information.

Demonstrating the Glass Transition of Polylactic Acid with a Rattle

Dean Campbell | Wed, 03/27/2024 - 20:42

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Polylactic acid (PLA) exhibits a glass transition from hard and brittle to soft and rubbery when immersed in boiling water. PLA-based structures containing a small metal object can be used as rattles when they are shaken. The sound of the rattles change when they are heated above or cooled below their glass transition, enabling them to be used as demonstrations.

Colour Changes with Caffeine - Part 2

Iain Smellie | Mon, 03/11/2024 - 14:12

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This study outlines the effect on the colour of anthocyanin-containing solutions when mixed with caffeine. Given the diversity of anthocyanin structures available from other vegetables, fruits or flowers, there is great potential for series of open-ended experiments for students in classes or science clubs to investigate.

Colour Changes with Caffeine

Iain Smellie | Thu, 12/14/2023 - 13:46

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This initial study outlines the effect on the colour of anthocyanin-containing solutions when mixed with caffeine. Given the diversity of anthocyanin structures available from other vegetables, fruits or flowers, there is great potential for series of open-ended experiments for students in classes or science clubs to investigate.

Simulating Ice Core Analysis to Identify Volcanic Eruptions in the Past

Ben Meacham | Fri, 08/25/2023 - 07:49

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This simulated ice core lab provides a great opportunity for students to use different units of concentration beyond molarity, explore how knowledge of chemistry can uncover past events on Earth and practice the skill of generating a calibration curve.

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.

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.