Holy Shemoly! Los Angeles is going to allow treated sewage to be used as drinking water. Yes, the State Water Control Board has regulations that lets millions of gallons of “reclaimed” water to be drunk by LA and Orange County residents.
Continue reading Direct Potable Reuse
I’ve spoken about bacteriophages before. These are viruses that attack bacteria and not animal cells. A team has found a way to modify the genome of bacteriophages (again, viruses that attack bacteria), which makes potentially dangerous microbes in food and water glow so they are easier to detect. (Recognize that bacteriophage, like viruses that attack human cells, inject their genome into the bacterial target. The cell then produces viral particles until it lacks energy reserves and dies.}
Continue reading LIght ’em up!
Here’s some food for thought.
We have managed to improve the technology in our cars, so that tailpipe emissions are now considered to be minor. (Note: That is not true for the emissions from big rigs, those tractor trailers that haul our freight around the country. They still produce volumes of pollutants- hence the push for the electrification of their engines- or to convert them to use hydrogen fuel cells.)
Continue reading Particulate Problems
Last December, we discussed a class of compounds that is threatening the health and welfare of my Americans. (Forever Chemicals) These chemicals, termed PFAS, are perfluoroalkyl and/or polyfluoroalkyl compounds. Developed in the 1940’s, they have made it possible for us to have non-stick cookware, waterproof jackets, and the like.
Continue reading Goodbye, Forever Chemicals
With all the meds I am on, it is not unusual for my doctor to admonish me for not drinking enough water. (They all require me to be hydrated for their optimal performance.) Generally, I drink about 3 or 4 liters a day- but I also add flavoring to some of the water, since I find it boring to drink plain water. (No fizz, just flavoring. Fizz can negate the benefits of water for hydration.)
Continue reading Drink up! (Water, that is)
Way, way back, right about the time our predecessor company was being formed, a major piece of legislation was passed. The Toxic Control Substance Act (TSCA) of 1976. The stated goal (which really never was achieved) was to categorize the chemicals being made and sold as to whether they were safe, slightly dangerous, or highly dangerous. That was about the time that we also had to worry about the biological experiments we were running (a different federal regulation was involved), since it was possible that some of the microbes we created could create havoc in the world. (There were four levels of containment required to ensure the public safety.)
Continue reading Forever Chemicals
I’ve been seeking all sorts of ways to make sure folks around the world don’t run out of water. It’s not just the 7 Western States that are in trouble, it’s Africa, it’s Asia- it’s basically everywhere.
Continue reading Water from the Air
I am sure you all recall that Senator Manchin was a key factor in getting the Inflation Reduction Act (sic) approved by Congress. What you may not recall is that there was another significant actor in that 50 (or 51, when Vice President Kamala Harris is included) votes needed for the reconciliation to be approved.
Continue reading Not a tax provision per se, but part of the Inflation Reduction Act (sic)
As we worry about supply chains- computer chips, fuel supplies, even baby formula, we seem to have forgotten about the real basic problem.
Continue reading Supply Issues
I am noticing more and more of our cities are considering (and some have moved beyond that- to implementing) the use of reused water for drinking purposes. Before you gag, let’s consider what the technical/scientific issues are- not the political ones.