Roadways are literally soaked with petrochemical byproducts, oils, gasoline, and other volatile substances that eventually run off into sewers and end up in rivers, waterways, and other undesirable places. Can the roads be cleaned of these wastes, with their proper disposal? Can vehicles, robots, or other devices be designed that could be driven…

In 1970, deposition of fly ash from a coal burning power plant in downtown Peoria produced minor damage in the vicinity of its smokestack, including runs in ladies nylon stockings. In this article, we review the historical event and discuss the chemistry behind the depolymerization of the nylon, as well as laboratory experiments demonstrating how…

Included in this model are five activities dealing with air quality and sources of air pollution in the urban environment. Activities included are: (1) the nature of the atmosphere; (2) discussion of major pollutants; (3) measuring air quality; (4) inversions; and (5) pollution control. Also included are an overview, teacher background…