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The Planet Pluto, 2009.
A discussion of the recent de-classification of Pluto as a planet.
1,523 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 65.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that, in 1930, the Lowell Observatory announced the discovery of the ninth planet, Pluto, but then, in 2006, the scientific community decided that Pluto would lose its status as a planet. The paper then explains that this decision was based on the scientific community's discovery that Pluto is more akin to the making of an asteroid than it is to a planet. The paper also looks at the opinion of people who think Pluto should still be a planet and posits that the many questions about Pluto will be answered when the New Horizons space satellite arrives at Pluto in 2015.
From the Paper
"In 1930, the Lowell Observatory announced the discovery of a small planetary body beyond the planet Neptune (Gingerich, 2007, 137). It was named Pluto, following the suggestion of a young girl who thought that name was right because the first two letters incorporated the initials of the scientist for whom the Lowell Observatory was named for (Gingerich, 137). In hindsight, the rush to bestow planetary status on the tiny heavenly body was perhaps more a need for the Lowell Observatory to have a role in the discovery of something scientifically significant than in something that met the standards of scientific theory and research."
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Yellowstone National Park Fire Issues, 2009.
This paper reviews the article entitled: "Mount St. Helens: A Case Study of Managing for Change in Wildland Recreation" written by Alan Ewert and published by the USDA Forest Service in Riverside, California.
1,411 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 1 source, APA, AU$ 61.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the writer notes that Alan Ewert writes that the study of Mount St. Helens has provided a case that is interesting in terms of forest and wildland study because Mount St. Helens has undergone radical alteration in recent years. The writer explains that changes in this wildland area are due to volcanic activity. The writer reviews the work of Ewert and discusses whether an impact on wildland recreation management decisions is indicated. The writer then discusses how might a manager integrate this research into site management, according to Ewert. Further, the writer discusses the recommendations for the research in terms of making the research more applicable to wildland recreation management.
Outline:
Overview
Introduction
Research Questions
Literature Review
Methods
Results
Discussion
From the Paper
Recreation area management is stated by Ewert to function under the supposition that the recreational opportunities are created by management with users response being favorable or unfavorable in nature to the opportunities that the manger presents.
"Toward this end, uppermost areas of the mountain were given the classifications of: (1) primitive; and (2) semi-primitive areas. Restrictions were placed on developments that were man-made and the criteria for the number who were allowed to climb at one time were reduced. Ewert states that through limitations of the number who could climb, which was set at 100 per day ..."
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Ancient Seafloor Ridges, 2009.
Looks at Bowers Ridge and Shirshov Rise, two ancient seafloor ridges.
1,590 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper investigates if the ancient seafloor ridges, Shirshov Rise and Bowers Ridge, are features of old subduction zones or hotspot tracks. After reviewing four articles, the paper concludes that there still is much to be learned about the formation, age and tectonic truths of ancient seafloor ridges like Bowers and Shirshov. The paper indicates that the evidence points to these ridges having been formed by volcanic activity, such as hotspots and spreading, but, at this time, they are likely subduction zones.
Table of Contents:
Are the Shirshov Rise and Bowers Ridge Features Old Subduction Zones or Hotspot Tracks?
Article: "Shock Dynamics: Alaska" (http://www.newgeology.us)
But, is Bowers Ridge An Old Subduction Zone?
Article: B. Steinberger et. al. "Plate-Tectonic Reconstructions Predict Part of the Hawaiian Hotspot Track to be Preserved in the Bering Sea"
What is the Hawaiian-Emperor Chain?
So are the Bowers and Shirshov Rises or Ridges Old Subduction Zones?
Article: D. Scholl. "Viewing the Tectonic Evolution of the Kamchatka-Aleutian (KAT) Connection with an Alaska Crustal Extrusion Perspective"
Article: B. Hubbard "The Disappearing Island"
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Following that formation of a strike-slip zone, the separate Shirshov and Bowers Ridge "developed from the originally continuous and straight strike-slip zone." And that "supposed" oceanic plateau was originally part of the Hawaiian hotspot, Steinberger believes. The reconstruction of ancient geologic events, as Steinberger and his colleague Carmen Giana have suggested, including plate motion in the Bering Sea, means that Alaska may have "accommodated" the westward movement of the Bering Sea in relation to the North American plate."
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The Diamond Industry, 2009.
A micro economic analysis of the diamond industry in the United States.
2,041 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 14 sources, APA, AU$ 83.95
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Abstract
The paper refers to a well-known advertisement from the diamond industry which emphasizes that diamonds are forever, but the marketing may be superfluous because the demand for diamonds in the United States remains strong today. The paper notes that many observers, though, suggest that the diamond industry in the United States is being manipulated by international terrorist organizations to fund their operations at home and abroad. Others suggest that the market is being unfairly controlled by the major players in the diamond industry to keep supplies low to maintain current pricing levels. The paper provides the background and an overview of the global diamond industry, followed by some salient facts concerning this industry. The paper discusses the most and least dominant firms (in terms of size, investments and income) in the diamond industry which is followed by an analysis of how major players in the industry collude to keep diamond supplies on the world market low and prices high. A summary of the research and important findings are presented in the conclusion.
Outline:
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Facts about the International Diamond Industry
Most and Least Dominant Firms in the Diamond Industry
Conclusion
From the Paper
" The Central Selling Organization (CSO) buys the rough from mines owned or controlled by De Beers, from cartel members, and also from independent producers. As a result, much of world production flows through the CSO to be sorted, valued, and ultimately resold" . By sharp contrast, perhaps the least dominant firm in the diamond industry, especially in the United States, is the Crater of Diamonds State Park located in near Murfreesboro, Arkansas, the only diamond mine in the country that allows the public, for a modest price, to dig for and keep the diamonds they find. Other firms in the United States involved in the diamond industry include the New York Diamond Dealers Club, which is a 2000-member private organization for site holders, manufacturers, wholesalers, and brokers".
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Hurricane Katrina's Impact on the Environment, 2009.
This paper studies the impact of Hurricane Katrina on America and in particular on the environment.
2,035 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 83.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of Hurricane Katrina's impact on America. Specifically, the writer discusses the hurricane's impact on the environment. The writer notes that Hurricane Katrina's impact on New Orleans, the Gulf Coast and the nation is still being assessed. The writer points out that this was one of the nation's worst natural disasters and many survivors of Katrina have left the New Orleans area forever. The writer maintains that the long-term effects of the chemicals, oil spills, massive landfills and other environmental aspects of Katrina should be studied in order to learn how to protect our environment from disasters in the future. The writer concludes that the environmental impact of the storm will be felt for decades throughout the Gulf Coast.
From the Paper
"One aspect of this chemical nightmare really did not get that much attention, but the oil spills from Katrina rivaled the oil spills of the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, but they were not contained or cleaned up nearly as easily. Studies show there were at least 44 oil spills around the area, with two major spills, totally several million gallons each. After the Exxon Valdez disaster, it seems just about everyone knows the incredible damage an oil spill can do. Pictures of birds, fish, and other animals killed by spills are vivid reminders of how pervasive an oil spill can be. In this case, spills took place in neighborhoods, too, and that includes oil and other chemicals leaking from all the submerged cars. There was a sheen of oil all over the floodwaters of New Orleans, and most of it ended up in Lake Pontchartrain or the Gulf Coast. There were many wetlands devastated by the oil spills, and no one was allowed back into their communities until it had all been cleaned up, a process that sometimes took months or even years."
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Global Warming, 2009.
A review of global warming and the consequences of our mistreatment of the environment.
3,847 words (approx. 15.4 pages), 11 sources, APA, AU$ 136.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses global warming and notes that without a change in the path of our lifestyles and consumption habits, humanity will face a rather bleak environmental future. The paper notes that man's industrial abuse of the environment affects this discussion on the topic of global warming and the damage to the environment by our industrialization, our consumption and our outright destruction of ecological systems. The paper touches upon the underlying causes of global warming and the impact of marine life changes on the broader global survival scheme and system of ecology.The paper also points out that one must recognize the human factors which have stimulated this pattern and acknowledge this reality, or it becomes feasible to view this as some sort of natural phenomenon.
From the Paper
"The response time to existing evidence in our marine life has been extraordinarily slow, if not most often outright regressive. In 1994, roughly a decade before consensus had come to establish with some degree of incontrovertible and demonstrable evidence that global warming is occurring, Vitousek observed that "while ecologists involved in management or policy often are advised to learn to deal with uncertainty, there are a number of components of global environmental change of which we are certain--certain that they are going on, and certain that they are human-caused. Some of these are largely ecological changes, and all have important ecological consequences. In 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency released a report on the effects and reality of global warming. In the investigative commission that yielded the findings, an admission was submitted that there is no way to fully determine how much of the planet's climatic change has been due to natural variation in whether and temperature patterns. However, the report did assert the certainty that global warming is in large part due to human behavior and environmental practices."
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Geology of the Alps, 2009.
A analysis on the geology of the Alps.
1,524 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 65.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the geology of the Alps, a system of mountains in Europe. The author provides a short historical background on the Alps region taking note of the various natural hazards that have affected the mountains. The paper also examines the complex geology of the region and looks into global warming and geologically historical events such as the continental collision of oceanic volcanic islands and earthquakes to help classify the mountains.
From the Paper
"Orogeny is being produced by plate tectonic events that happened during the early years of the world. This process could take tens of millions of years. A major part of the Alpine orogen consists of pre-Mesozoic basement units. It can easily be distinguished from the mountain range because it is characterized as long, thin, and arcuate tracks of rocks which show a pronounced linear structure resulting in blocks of deformed rocks. The rocks are separated by a break in the earth's crust, which was believed to be the result of compressional forces. The plate tectonic origin was a major breakthrough and was relatively one among the many scientific concepts which provided explanations to the occurrence of earthquake and volcanic eruptions."
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Permeable Reactive Barriers, 2008.
A review of research and innovative technologies that have evolved to assist the removal of heavy metal from groundwater.
1,204 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 53.95
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Abstract
The paper notes that heavy metals pose devastating health risks to humans. The paper comments that methods for removing heavy metals from water has become the focus of the development of remediation technologies and that permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) are the latest technology to be investigated for a multitude of site applications. This technology appeals to the "green" side of groundwater remediation and represents the newest attempts at large scale, low-cost technology for heavy metals and a variety of other contaminants. PRB's are in situ methods for purifying ground water that has been contaminated with a variety of substances. The paper discusses the introduction of this system, its applications, advantages and disadvantages.
Outline:
Introduction
Case Studies
Advantages/Disadvantages
Issues That Could be Encountered with Full-Scale Implementation
Cost Analysis
Alternatives to Technology
Conclusion and Recommendations
From the Paper
"Another key advantage is that it is highly customizable to the needs of the site. The configuration of the membrane can be modified to fit the hydrogeology of the site. The ability to customize PRBs makes it suitable for a number of sites where other technologies may be inappropriate. One of the key disadvantages of the technology is that it can take a long time before a reduction in contaminant will be noticed. This is particularly true where the natural water flow of the site is slow. There may be some species that are not cleaned by the system. The system must be maintained and repaired as needed. The technology is so new that no one knows how long the barrier will last before it has to be replaced."
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Deloro Mine, 2008.
A review of current and future arsenic remediation technologies at the Deloro mine.
4,520 words (approx. 18.1 pages), 12 sources, APA, AU$ 152.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the new methods that are currently being utilized that may further assist in the reduction of post-treatment effluent to a level that would not be considered hazardous to humans. The paper focuses on exploring new technologies that may help to reduce the effluent levels that are currently being introduced into the Moira River. The paper further explores new technologies that may be applicable to the reduction of arsenic at the Deloro Mine site.
Outline:
Commonly Used Remediation Techniques
A Review of New and Innovative Technologies
Methodology
Results
Discussion
Which Technology is Currently Being used to Treat Arsenic at the Deloro Mines?
Conclusion
From the Paper
"As one can see, there are a number of treatment options available for the removal of arsenic in groundwater. There is no single best solution that will result in maximum results at all sites. These technologies are often combined to meet the needs of each individual situation. Treatment at the Deloro Mine uses chemical coagulation followed by sedimentation to process the effluent that will eventually be dumped back into the Moira River.The newest innovation in arsenic treatment was announced February 8, 2008 by AdEdge Technologies. This company has released a specialty adsorbent filtration system specifically designed to remove arsenic from water (Thern Inc., 2008). This technology has been awarded a grant for testing at three US sites. After testing is complete, this technology will be ready to market. This is the first filtration system specifically designed for arsenic, rather than general contaminants or metals. "
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Natural Disasters, 2008.
A comparative research of the natural disasters in South Africa and New Orleans.
2,154 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 6 sources, APA, AU$ 87.95
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Abstract
The paper compares the natural disasters of New Orleans and South Africa in terms of survival statistics in relation to their effect on children in terms of symptomatic trauma, interventions and resources in rebuilding the urban places after the disaster. The paper examines both South Africa and New Orleans to analyze what could have been done to mitigate some of the damage inflicted in these two instances and further to envision what might be done in retrospect to strengthen the response of humanitarian efforts at times of natural disasters. The paper includes a map and tables.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Disaster Assessment of South Africa & New Orleans
Flooding Greatest Risk in South Africa and New Orleans
Findings of Risk Assessment
Disaster Mitigation Requires 'Spirit of the Law' Application
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper
"Those most affected were individuals who lived in homes that were constructed poorly. Identification of areas and communities that were affected had no uniformity. The results show that some communities received relief while others did not. Relief agencies were not well represented insofar as informing these individuals of what relief they were entitled to with many failing to miss such relief funding as Social Security for water-damaged property replacement. The report states: "...In these communities, rain or flood-affected households managed their losses alone or, in the case of many farm-workers residing on farms, repaired their homes with the farmer's assistance."
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Alexander Humboldt, 2008.
A biography of the German geographer Alexander Humboldt and the influence he had on modern geographic theories.
3,348 words (approx. 13.4 pages), 10 sources, APA, AU$ 123.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses a study that researches and examines the German geographer, Alexander Humboldt. The paper by means of biographical literature, reviews the study of the contributions that Humboldt made to, as well as the influences that Humboldt has upon, modern geographical theory.
Outline:
Purpose of the Study
Introduction
Humboldt's Quest for the Tropics
Humboldt and Topographical Map Development
Humboldt Traveler, Naturalist, Geologist...
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper
"The work entitled: "Scientific Findings of Alexander Von Humboldt's Expedition into the Spanish-American Tropics (1799-1804) From a Geographical Point of View" states: "Alexander von Humboldt's expedition from 1799 till 1804 to the "equinoctial regions of the new world" led through Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Mexico. In Europe, an increased knowledge of the "New World" was connected with the privately funded journey, which served purely scientific purposes and had nothing to do with the exploration and exploitation of natural resources. Besides the research results, which were based on new measuring methods and the quantitative ascertainment of scientific basics, the journey also made possible detailed descriptions in matters of regional studies including social, socio-economic, political, and economic-geographic circumstances, which were based on empirical field studies."
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Napa Valley for Wines, 2008.
A geological discussion on Napa Valley for the production of wines.
2,340 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 12 sources, APA, AU$ 92.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the geological features of Napa Valley in California in regards to grape-growing conditions, for wine making. It gives a short history of the natural occurrences ranging from volcanic eruptions to plate tectonics that form Napa Valley's foundation today and explains why Napa Valley is ideally suited for the production of quality wines.
Outline:
Geology and soil
Bedrock
Topography
Climate
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Naturally, the topography of Napa Valley has a significant influence on the region's climate, which can vary significantly by location, season, and time of day. As mentioned earlier, the coastal Mayacamas mountains affect the climate in other areas of Napa Valley. The Mayacamas can be cool and wet, receiving the chilling winds and moisture from the Pacific. On the other hand, they block cool air and humidity from reaching the Vacas range, which is warmer and dryer as a result. In essence, Napa Valley serves as a buffer between the cool coastal regions of Northern California and the hotter Vacas range. It can grow high- and low-humidity grapes within miles of each other."
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Yucca Mountain, 2008.
An overview of the issues associated with the development of the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste project in Nevada.
1,892 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 78.95
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the topic of nuclear waste. The paper specifically discusses the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste project in Nevada and the opposition to the development of this project.
From the Paper
"Nuclear waste has been a growing problem since the spread of nuclear power plants in the 1950s and 1960s. The power plants rely on radioactive rods to generate nuclear power, and when the rods are spent, they are still highly radioactive, and must be stored somewhere. Currently, the spent rods are stored around the country in many different storage facilities, but for safety, the government wants to consolidate the storage in a remote facility built especially to handle large amounts of nuclear waste. While the idea sounds plausible, there have been numerous problems with the site chosen for the storage facility since its inception. "
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Water Issues in Florida, 2008.
This paper examines the water management issues in Florida.
1,514 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 14 sources, MLA, AU$ 64.95
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Abstract
The paper explains how the hydrologic cycle is fundamental for the overall health of the environment and the quality of the earth's water supplies. The paper then discusses the situation in Florida and emphasizes the importance of taking steps to conserve the water resources that are available, protecting the quality of Florida's aquifers and practicing good waste management techniques. The paper provides a glossary that contains key definitions for some of the terms important in the study of water management issues both in Florida and throughout the world.
Outline:
Introduction: The Hydrologic Cycle
Issues in Water Management
The Situation and Circumstances in Florida
Steps to Better Manage the Water Supply
Glossary
From the Paper
"The hydrologic cycle is the process by which water moves through the environment. Surface water evaporates or transpires from surface collections and plants to condense in the atmosphere as clouds. Those clouds release precipitation that falls back to the Earth. Some of that water percolates through the surface and charges underground deposits of water. The hydrologic cycle consists of the passage of water through the environment in different states in response to environmental conditions. The hydrologic cycle includes processes such as storage as ice/snow, precipitation, infiltration, ground water storage, ocean storage, evaporation, condensation, evapo-transpiration, surface runoff, springs, and sublimation (Cervone, "Florida Aquifers"; "Hydrologic Cycle"; Perlman)."
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Climate Change, 2008.
An illustration of science and skepticism when referring to climate change modeling.
1,761 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 73.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes the positions of two researchers who are opposed on their views of climate change. The paper specifically considers their positions in light of several significant differences the two have, primarily on the issue of computer modeling. The paper notes that S. Fred Singer, an atmospheric physicist at George Mason University, when referring to global warming, argues that "the scenarios are alarmist, computer models reflect real gaps in climate knowledge, and future warming will be inconsequential or modest at most". The paper comments that the opposer is Tom Wigley, a climatologist and senior scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research who commands a wide array of evidence to support his claims regarding climate change. The paper considers the position of each on the issues of computer modeling and the potential impact of climate change, drawing on outside research to demonstrate which position has the greater likelihood of being correct.
From the Paper
"The issue is that when we are dealing with models that work on systemic averages, there is a certain degree of uncertainty and ambiguity built into the model itself. Climate change skeptics like Singer immediately prey upon this uncertainty. He argues that the models are too ambiguous and seemingly contra-dictory to warrant our support. Different models produced by different scientists to account for different data sets cannot even necessarily agree on the same things, therefore the models cannot be trusted. Singer even goes so far as to im-ply that we cannot trust the scientists who construct these models because they could tweak the models to produce the results they want, seemingly in order to impress their climate change colleagues and ensure funding for other projects. Of course, such a claim borders on slanderous and cannot be rightfully considered a mark in favor of Singer's position. Wigley responds generally, "Cooking the books would be a concern if that was what scientists were apt to do. But I don't think scientists generally behave that way". In fact, if we accept that scientists will do anything to ensure their next paycheck, then the integrity of the scientific process is lost and claims by all scientists--Singer in-cluded--cannot be trusted."
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Chromium Studies, 2008.
A report on remediation chemistry at chromium contaminated sites.
1,510 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 64.95
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Abstract
The paper evaluates some of the predominant methods of remediation of chromium contaminated sites. The paper notes that the methods employed are divided into two types: removal from the soil (in which various chemical extractants are used to flush chromium from the site) or immobilization in the soil (in which reducing agents are used to break down dangerous forms of chromium). The paper examines several of the more promising methods of remediation currently being employed, and concludes with a discussion and analysis of the methods in terms of their real-world applicability.
Outline:
Introduction
Remediation Methods
Discussion
From the Paper
" Chromium contamination, especially contamination of Cr(VI), is a significant environmental hazard. It will have a significant effect on the quality of the soil and the quality of the groundwater. Because of this, it is very important that effective and practical remediation techniques be developed that can chemically remove or immobilize the presence of chromium at the site. After briefly examining some of the methods currently being developed, which can be roughly divided into extractive versus immobilization techniques, there seems to be demonstrable promise in the possibility of cleaning up chromium-contaminated sites."
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