MOVIE REVIEW ABOUT THE DESCENDANTS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

MOVIE REVIEW ABOUT THE DESCENDANTS - Essay Example Often in films the sight of someone extremely happy is a token of what is yet to come and fears the worst. The movie commences with an unforeseeable tragedy where Matt King lost his wife after hospitalization and now has to shoulder an enormous burden of being responsible for managing everything including the fund that has been entrusted to his family since 1860Â ´s. Matt King is the descendant of one of the Hawaii’s most prominent families. Further distress to burden came when Matt King was told that his wife had an affair with Brian Speer (played by Matthew Lillard), The movie gyrates around the search for Speer as Matt wanted answers to some of his queries. Matt King hailed from beautiful Hawaii island and was the owner of immense property which he wanted to sale off, his rebellious daughter stops him. As Hawaii is known for the traditional predisposition so the movie also revolves around the traditional and emotional touch. However, the director Alexander Payne is known for his brilliant plots and marvellous direction he did not let the audience move out in grief and brought the story to end at the happy note. The movie offered a lot or scope to understanding about worldly matters, family bonding, impact of loss and pain and therefore it was appreciated to a great extent by various individuals and critics and people gave their reviews depending upon their individual outlook. According to Ebert (2011) who is admirer of Hawaii, as he had been to the land a number of times, "inhabitants of Hawaii are serious about their customs and traditions and very protective for their land". In his review he highlighted "business, finances and emotions". As per his view, "Matt King is one of the Hawaiis first white land-owning families who have to fix between opening up a vast tract of virgin forest on Kauai to tourist and condo development". The tragedy happened at this important junction. Ebert (2011) reviewed more on the worldly matters that the movie displayed

Light Pollution In Hong Kong Environmental Sciences Essay

Light Pollution In Hong Kong Environmental Sciences Essay Hong Kong is well-known as the Pearl of the Orient because of its bright lights of skyline at night. It is generally acknowledged by business parties that the brighter the lights in the city, the more business opportunities they will grab. (Lau, 2012) Nevertheless, behind this glamorous metropolitan city, the overuse of outdoor lighting facilities sacrifices Hong Kongs valuable natural resources and citizens good living environment. Light pollution caused by it has been increasing rapidly and is an environmental problem, which also has similar adverse impacts as other pollution such as air, noise, plagued Hong Kong in this decade. Thus, the Government has taken a pragmatic approach to tackle the problem with an issue of Guidelines on Industry Best Practices for External Lighting Installations at the beginning of this year. (Environment Bureau, et al., 2012) However, it is deemed to be far less than enough to ease serious light pollution in this flourishing city. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to discuss how light pollution affect the environment and residents; and (2) to analyze relation between light pollution problem and different aspect which include public awareness, business and law. Background of Light Pollution Light pollution, also known as photopollution or luminous pollution, is the alteration of natural light levels in the outdoor environment owing to artificial light sources. The increase in night sky brightness due to light pollution diminishes the view of stars and planets. (Cinzano, et al., 2000) Generally, outdoor lights initially are designed for illuminating a specific area on the ground or wall, but in reality, some light spill out to a much larger area. (Pun So, 2009) Some lighting facilities even direct upward and this cause a much more serious light pollution. In Hong Kong, according to the data collected by the Department of Physics at The University of Hong Kong since 2003, the urban night sky is on average 100 times brighter than the darkest rural sites. (Pun So, 2009) This indicates that high population and lighting densities can aggravate light pollution problem. Excessive use of strong spotlights for illuminating advertising billboards and huge neon signs on commercial building are the main factors of light pollution problem in Hong Kong. Other pollution sources include street lamps with poor design of lampshades and pointing direction and other artificial lighting with little regard to fixture shielding. To narrow the scope of light pollution source discussed in this paper, it will mainly focus at lighting facilities for commercial use. Adverse Impact of Light Pollution Light Pollution has adverse effect on natural environment and human beings, such as energy wastage disruption to ecosystem and health problems. (Cheung, 2010) Excessive use of lights leads to a wastage of energy. Some neon signs and lights for illuminating advertising billboards switch on even at midnight when there are only a few people on the street who may have a chance to look at the advertisements. This energy wastage may aggravate air pollution as well as global warning problem because Hong Kongs electricity is generated using coal and natural gas. (HK Electric, 2011) The generation of electricity emits carbon dioxide and other air pollutants. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. Its increase in atmosphere causes an increase of the temperature world-wide. (Narisada Schreuder, 2004) The excessive use of lighting facilities for commercial use is not essential in our lives and this not only leads to light pollution but also other pollution problem such as global warming and exhaustion of non-renewable resources. As for ecosystem, being an important stop-over point of the East Asia-Australasian Flyway for migratory birds, Hong Kongs excessive outdoor lightings may affect migratory as well as non-migratory birds. It may disorient physiological cycles and the movement of animals. (Travis Catherine, 2004) The breeding patterns of nocturnal animals and insect populations and management of metabolism, development and life programmes of plants are also affected adversely. (Deda, et al., 2007) Human beings may also be the victim of light pollution mainly because their living environment is brighter due to the strong light pollution source such as neon sign. A brighter night area will make them difficult to have a satisfactory sleeping at night. Sleep disruption may cause irritability, tiredness and nervousness in the following day. (Wu Wong, 2012) Their immunity to disease may also decrease and in turn lead to a longer-term health risks. (The Campaign for Dark Skies, 2009) Disruption of sleeping is the most concerned adverse impact by the public since it is the most apparent effect observed in their lives. Light Pollution and Public Awareness Light pollution problem is complicated by public ignorance. In the past, the general public was oblivious to the damage being done and did not value what was destroyed by light pollution. (Berry, 1976) Fortunately, the increasing evidence of adverse effects mentioned above make people start to pay more attention on this issue, but still it is not the most concerned pollution problem in Hong Kong. When local residents were asked about which environmental issues they are most concerned in 2008, more than a half answered drinking water pollution, air pollution, and global warning. (DeGolyer, 2008) Light pollution even did not appear in the choice of answers. This may be because light pollution problem only start to get high publicity in this decade while the public has been educated about other pollution problem for a long time. Public awareness with intrinsic knowledge has played an important role in solving environmental problem. (Bickerstaff Walker, 2001) Take air pollution as an ex ample, the community at large is aware of this problem. The Government, environmental groups, individuals who are environmentalism and other stakeholders have taken a lot of actions to tackle the problem such as implementing mitigation measures, raising public awareness on this issue and trying their little effort to take practical action. Therefore, public awareness contributes to the ease of pollution even though the pollution level has not met an acceptable level yet. It may be pleasing to note that the public awareness of light pollution problem seems to be arising but this may be because more light pollution sources which are mainly from commercial parties exists in urban area. There is a growing number of people lodging complaints about light pollution to the authorities. According to the statistic provided by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr. Edward Yau at the Legislative Council in 2010, complaints about light pollution had increased from 103 in 2007 to 389 in 2009. (Hong Kongs Information Services Department, 2010) This indicates that more light pollution exists in Hong Kong and thus more people are concerned about this pollution problem because it directly affects their living quality to some extent. This increase of public awareness has helped to ease light pollution in Hong Kong. There are more people to urge the Government to have more pragmatic measures in addressing the problem. When complaints are received from abutting residents , some commercial building owners such as The One shopping complex in Tsim Sha Tsui are also willing to reduce the brightness of their lighting facilities. (Cheung, 2011) However, the level of public awareness on light pollution in Hong Kong is far less than enough for a success in solving this problem. Education and publicity measures could be used to increase it so that it can motivate the community to tackle light pollution problem with more effort. Light Pollution and Business Hong Kongs economy relies on commercial and tourism industry heavily. These two industries correlate closely with the increasingly serious light pollution problem. Commercial sector relies on lighting to attract business. So, use of lighting facilities is understandable. However, overuse and over-brightness of their lighting facilities are the main factor of light pollution and should be reduced. Business parties generally pay little attention on light pollution caused by them, even though they emphasize corporate social responsibility. Some of them think that switching off the lights required by the public will eliminate Hong Kongs economic activities at night and deprive local residents of a late dinner break. If residents nearby are not satisfied with their bright lights, they can choose to live in a dimmer district. (Cheung, 2011) So, most of them do not take any practical action to alleviate light pollution problem caused by them. Another problem is due to Hong Kongs famous skyline at night which entices tourists. A majority of tourists visit Hong Kong mainly due to its reputation on neon lights. They look forward to enjoy a spectacular night view in Victoria Harbour with many neon signs on skyscrapers on two sides of the harbour. Since Hong Kongs economy is reliant on tourism, the Government introduced A Symphony of Lights which combines interactive lights of building around Victoria Harbour in 2004 to boost tourism industry. (Tourism Commission, 2005) So, business parties may think that light pollution is only a small side-effect of flourishing tourism industry and fast economic development. These lights and huge neon signs are part of Hong Kongs culture and are often used by commercial sector and even the Government as a tool for attracting tourists and local customers to buy their product and thus stimulate economy. However, in an opinion survey conducted in 2010, people who visited areas of intensive external lighting, including tourists, customers, have a higher proportion considering external lighting signs bright or too bright than shop owners, building owners and property management. (Policy 21 Limited, 2010) So, this indicates that business parties do not need to use such high level of brightness of lighting signs so to attract local and foreign customers. They can adjust the brightness to an acceptable level so that people nearby will not be adversely affected by them while they could still use lighting signs to attract customers. Light Pollution and the Law In Hong Kong, there is no specific ordinance with regard to light pollution. (Legislative Council, 2011) Even the public and green groups have urged the Government to introduce law to combat light pollution, which is similar to what they did to solve other pollution problems, the Government only issued a guideline, namely Guidelines on Industry Best Practices for External Lighting Installations, in January 2012. Different from an ordinance, the voluntary guideline only suggests the Government departments and private sector to have a better external lighting installations. (Environment Bureau, et al., 2012) It is deemed to be toothless to alleviate this increasingly severe environmental problem as no one could enforce business partes. (Cheung, 2011) One of the agruments for no legislation in Hong Kong is that some Asian countries which have similar economies to Hong Kong do not adopt any mandatory regulation over external lighting. (Legislative Council, 2011) However, the urban planning of Hong Kong and these countries should also be considered. Hong Kong has a relatively poor urban planning in the past because of rare land available for development, so residential and commercial buildings were always buit next to each other in urban area, such as Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui; while for other Asian countries, their business area has a clear speration from residential area. Thus, they do not need to use legislation on external lighting of commercial building to solve light pollution problem. In fact, there are many countries, such as Britiain and the United States with mandatory action in regulation of external light. (Legislative Council, 2011) Hong Kong Legislative Council should consider the citys special culture and take partia l approach in mandatory regulation, such as only restricting the applicability of regularoty framework to new lighting installation. In addition, the light from huge neon signs and flashing lights on the top of commercial buildings can even bleed into residential flats nearby with double curtains on windows. This problem cannot be solved only by the residents. Even though they compain to relative authorities, the officials cannot reduce the brightness of the pollution source due to lack of ordinance. So, one of the reugulation may empower the officials to enforce commercial buildings to mitigate their light pollution source to an acceptable level after a complaint about their lighting facilities is lodged. As a result, the citys culture City of the Night will not be altered a lot after the introduction of law regarding external lighting. A mandatory approach to solve light pollution problem should be much better than a voluntary guideline. Conclusion Light pollution has been a widely-discussed topic in Hong Kong in this decade. There has been a call to the Government for working in full swing to map out strategies to solve this environmental problem effectively. A series of short to long term measures, including education, publicity and law enforcement should be implemented. Apart from the Government, all sectors families, communities and public and private organizations at every level must also recognize their roles in alleviating light pollution problem in Hong Kong. In fact, the environment is a public resource that requires collaborative efforts of the whole community to conserve. It would be pleasing to note that everyone is enthusiastic in solving this problem and in the near future, we will create for ourselves and our further generation a better and light-pollution-free city in which to live and work.

New Orleans :: American Melting Pot

New Orleans   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In a country containing so much diversity and history, it is practically impossible to locate one city which embodies American diversity. A colony started by the French was the first area to fully integrate culture and religion. The city of New Orleans, now prosperous from its diversity, epitomizes the "American Melting Pot". It is complicated to relate such different backgrounds, but with an overview of history, culture, religion, and integration on a small scale, a reader is capable of applying the values to the American culture as a whole.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1699 the first plans for New Orleans were born. French-Canadian, Pierre le Moyen, Sieur d'Iberville left France to found a colony on the Gulf of Mexico. Sieur d'Iberville set up a fur trading for originally on the north gulf coast, then moved the establishment to Dauphin Island. Once again, he moved the fort and created an inland colony near Louisiana. Sieur d'Iberville was in charge of all of France's responsibilities in the southern portion of the territory. Wen Iberville died in 1706 the land under his jurisdiction was given to ho brother, Jean Baptiste de Moyen Sieur de Beinville.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Beinville had great plans for the development of the French colonies and in 1717 he submitted plans for a new settlement to the Company of the West. In 1718 France agreed with Beinville's plans and authorized him to establish the settlement, according to his plans, one hundred miles up the Mississippi. Four years later the capitol of the Louisiana territory was transferred to the new settlement now know as New Orleans.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The new colony was called "New Orleans'; in honor of the Duke d'Orlean. Duke d'Orlean supposedly had something to do with the funding for the new colony. The Duke favored John Law, the founder of the Company of the West, and supported many of the company's ventures, the construction of New Orleans inclusive.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The new, growing colony needed a government, so a democratic council was formed. New Orleans was under the rule of a law making body called the Superior council which was first formed in 1712. The Superior Council was well liked by the people because it was a small representative democracy. During the 1720's and 30's Beinville was replaced as mayor by Sieur de Pierre. The colony did not experience much growth between these years so Beinville was reappointed governor in 1733 and left the colony permanently in 1742.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Spain took over the government of New Orleans in 1766. The Spanish sent the new governor, Antonio de Ulloa, to reign over their newest asset.

Gas Crisis in Bangladesh

Natural gas in Bangladesh From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (April 2012) This article is written like a personal reflection or essay rather than an encyclopedic description of the subject. (April 2012) This article may need to be wikified to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. April 2012) The presence of Natural Gas in Bangladesh has been established through exploration by Bangladesh’s public energy company, Petrobangla, and more recently international oil and gas companies (IOCs) have established the existence of a significant energy source. Contents [hide] †¢1 Estimated reserves †¢2 The domestic natural gas industry †¢3 References †¢4 External links [edit]Estimated reserves In recent years, several trillion cubi c feet (TCF) of natural gas have been added to the confirmed 10. 5 TCF known as of 1996.Due to the fact that there has been comparatively little exploration to date, estimates of the total extractable natural gas resource in Bangladesh are uncertain and vary widely. An estimate of 20 TCF is gaining acceptance among experts, but some argue that experiences in comparable basins elsewhere in the world suggest that the ultimate recoverable resource could be as high as 50 TCF or even 100 TCF. At the current rate of natural gas use in Bangladesh (1000 mmcfd), the current estimated proven reserves would last 45 years.Even if the present rate of use increases at 10 per cent per year, these reserves would last about 17 years. A reserve-production Reserves-to-production ratio of 17 is higher than that for most industrial countries heavily dependent on natural gas, examples beingNorway, Canada, U. S. , and U. K. Here only the R/P ratio of gas is being considered for comparison. Relative to Ban gladesh, these industrial countries have more diverse indigenous energy sources such as coal, oil and nuclear. The U. S. still uses coal to produce more than half its electricity.There are huge resources of gas in Bangladesh. Places where gas is commercially refines include: Titas, Habiganj, Bakhrabad, Narshingdi, Meghna, Sylhet, Kailashtilla, Rashidpur, Beanibazar,Fenchuganj and Salda Nadi. In 2001, Petrobangla Director Major Raihanul Abedin initiated the national plan to decrease the use of using liquid fuels, by introducing natural gas conversion. He thought if cars could be converted to use cooking gas instead of rather harmful fuels, the carbon emission would decrease exponentially. He was given the permission by the Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to carry out his plans. 1][2] As a result, Asian Development Bank funded his scheme and today more than 80% of Bangladeshi vehicles are run on gas which has lessened pollution significantly. [3] [edit]The domestic natural gas industry Pet robangla (Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation), a 100 per cent state owned corporation, has the primary responsibility for the natural gas industry in Bangladesh. Petrobangla is under the direction of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources; it comprises several groups of companies: ? An exploration company – Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration Company ?Production companies – Bangladesh Gas Fields Company and Sylhet Gas Fields Company ? Transmission and distribution companies; ?Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company ?Bakhrabad Gas System ?Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution System ?Western Zone Gas Supply Co. (Poschim Anchal Gas Bitaran Company, WESGAS, a new company for distribution of gas in the western part of Bangladesh) ? A compressed natural gas company – Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Leading Private Companies Involved in Natural Gas Industry ?Libra Enterprise (www. libraenterprise. om) ?Gasmin Limited ?Foundry Limited [edit] References 1. ^ [M. Raihanul Abedin. Use of CNG as an Alternative Fuel for Transport-Air Pollution Control Perspective (2001) p. 49-54, International Seminar on Air Pollution in Dhaka City, October 30, 2001; France Bangladesh Association of Scholars and Trainees (FBAST). 2. ^ Dhaka Clean Fuel Project: Bangladesh at Asian Development Bank 3. ^ Lisa Schroeder (March 25, 2009). â€Å"Compressed natural gas clears the air in Bangladesh: Cleaner-burning fuel is reducing dangerous levels of pollution – and saving money, too. â€Å".The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 2012-06-12. ?†Natural Resources of Bangladesh†. Retrieved May 17, 2012. ?†Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology†. Retrieved May 17, 2012. ?†Natural Gas Options for Bangladesh†. Retrieved May 17, 2012. ?†Natural gas reserve estimates vary widely for Bangladesh†. Retrieved May 17, 2012. Description Bangladesh has some oil reserves near Haripur in the east ern hilly district of Sylhet, but these have yet to be developed. The Haripur reserves are estimated at 40 Mbbl, and the total resource is likely to be much higher..The search of oil and gas in the area constituting Bangladesh began in the later part of the 19th century through some isolated geological mapping. The first serious attempt to find oil and gas was undertaken in Sitakund in 1908 by the Indian Petroleum Prospecting Company. During 1923-31 Burmah Oil Company (BOC) drilled two shallow wells in Patharia. The wells were abandoned though there was a reported occurrence of oil. A total of 6 exploratory wells were drilled, the deepest being 1047 meters. There was however no discovery and the Second World War disrupted further activity.After the liberation of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla) was formed, while the Bangladesh Petroleum Act was enacted in 1974. The offshore area of Bangladesh was divided in to 6 blocks, which were taken up by Ash land, ARCO, BODC (Japex), Union Oil, Canadian Superior Oil and Ina Naftaplin under production sharing contract. These companies 7 offshore wells resulted in the discovery of Kutubdia offshore gas field. According to the 2008 BP Statistical Energy Survey, Bangladesh had 2007 proved natural gas reserves of 0. 39 trillion cubic metres, 0. 1% of the world total, and 2007 natural gas production of 16. 27 billion cubic metres, 0. 55% of the world total. The 1980s saw accelerated exploration activities by Petrobangla, which drilled 12 exploration wells and discovered 7 gas fields. Among these the Fenchuganj well remains the deepest drilled well in Bangladesh (4977m). Meanwhile a new milestone was achieved when Petrobangla discovered the first commercial oil pool in Sylhet on December 23, 1986. Since 1972 more than 32 exploratory wells have been drilled by the national and international companies which resulted in the discovery of 13 gas fields.Since the first exploration well was drilled i n 1908 a total of 128 wells were drilled in Bangladesh until 2001, of which 63 are exploration wells. Of the exploration wells, 13 are in the offshore resulting in two discoveries and the rest 52 are on shore with 20 discoveries. In 1993, following the formation of a new National Energy policy, the government of Bangladesh divided its territory and offshore sites into 23 blocks and opened them to foreign bidding for oil and gas exploration. Eight blocks were awarded to four companies during the First Bidding Round in 1993, and four additional blocks were awarded in the 1997 Second Bidding Round.Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) Energy is the key ingredient for socio-economic development of a country. Economic Development depends on reliable energy supply. To increase efficiency of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, it was divided into two divisions, vide Cabinet Division Notification No. CD-4/1/94-Rules/23(100), dated 25 March 1998, namely Energy and Min eral Resources Division (EMRD) and Power Division. Energy and Mineral Resources Division is entrusted to formulate all policies related to natural gas, liquid petroleum and mineral resources.EMRD is also entrusted to formulate policies and administrative control over Geological Survey of Bangladesh, Petrobangla, Bureau of Mineral Development and Department of Explosives. EMRD also supervises and monitors over Hydrocarbon Unit and Bangladesh Petroleum Institute. To achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to alleviate poverty in line with vision 2021, Bangladesh has to meet increasing energy demand. In order to ensure energy security, the primary energy source of the country especially gas, coal and other mineral resources have been taken into consideration.Along with gas significant quantity of condensate is recovered. Oil was discovered in three locations but the quantity is not significant. The Division and its subordinate organizations/directorates/companies have been play ing vital role to achieve the target of Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s). To meet energy demand at desired level, initiative has been taken to increase gas supply and its optimum utilization. The demand of imported oil is also increasing. Part of it is met by condensate (by product of gas). Recent gas crisis led to the policy makers to import LNG within a short period of time.Realistic policies for development of coal fields in northern part of the country are under process for national interest. As a part of government's plan to expand gas supply network, a new distribution outlet, titled, Sundarban Gas Company Limited has been formed for the south-western region of the country. For efficient marketing of gas in Chittagong region, Karnafully Gas Company Limited has been created and it has started distribution of gas. System loss in gas distribution, a major problem, has been tackled with notable success through management and monitoring.Initiative has also been taken to build up regional energy security based on mutual co-operation with the neighboring countries under SAARC umbrella. Natural Gas In Bangladesh, natural gas is most important indigenous source of energy that accounts for 75% of the commercial energy of the country. So far in Bangladesh 23 gas fields have been discovered with the rate of success ratio is 3. 1:1 of which two of the gas fields are located in offshore area. Gas is produced from 17 gas fields (79 gas wells). Oil was tested in two of the gas fields (Sylhet and Kailashtila).To reduce the dependency on natural gas, alternative energy resource must be explored. Average daily gas production capacity is about 2000 mmcfd of which International Oil Companies (IOC) produce 1040 mmcfd and State Owned Companies (SOC) produce 960 mmcfd. The gas production recorded on 24 February, 2010 was 1996. 7 MMCFD. At present the daily approximate projected gas demand throughout the country is 2500 MMCFD. The demand is increasing day by day. Ener gy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) has already undertaken an array of short, medium, fast track and long term plans to increase gas production to overcome prevailing gas shortage.According to this plan 188 mmcfd, 290 mmcfd, 995 mmcfd (including 500 mmcfd LNG), 500 mmcfd and 380 mmcfd gas will be added to the national gas grid by the year 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015 respectively. After completion of these plans production capacity is expected to increase to about 2353 mmcfd gas by December 2015. To increase the gas production more programs will be taken in near future. Petroleum Product To meet total demand of commercial energy, Bangladesh imports annually about 1. 3 million metric Tons of crude oil. In addition to this, another 2. million metric Tons (approx) of refined petroleum products per annum is imported. Condensate is mixed with crude oil. Major consumer of liquid fuel is transport sector followed by agriculture, industry and commercial sector which is mostly met by imported liquid fuel. Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL), a subsidiary company of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), is capable of processing 1. 3 million metric Tons of crude oil per year. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) To reduce the dependency on imported fuel significantly, to reduce environment pollution and to save foreign currency, the use of CNG vehicles was introduced in 1997.Number of CNG refueling Station is 565 and 162 conversion workshops have already been set-up in the country. Total number of CNG converted vehicles is 150249. In addition to that 42549 CNG vehicles was imported. Total number of CNG vehicles is 192798 as of May, 2010. Average CNG usage (approx. ) is 102 MMCF per day. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) The area where access to gas pipeline is difficult and expensive but there is a demand of gas; in this case gas in the form of LPG can be used. To reduce the dependency on imported oil and thus to save foreign currency, the use of LPG has to be popularized.Curre ntly the supply of LPG of the country is 95,500 Metric Ton of which production in Public Sector is 22,500 Metric Ton while Production in Private Sector is 73,000 Metric Ton. The Possible demand of LPG in the country is 2,00,000 M. Ton. To popularize the use of LPG the present government has reduced tax rate on some appliances such as Pressure Regulator/Valve, Safety/ Relief valve and Submerged Welding Flux including bottling of LPG. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) To reduce the dependency on imported oil as well as indigenous gas, import of LNG is under active consideration.Under mid term plan, LNG will be imported to supply at the rate of 500 mmcfd by 2012. The site for building necessary infrastructure for LNG has been located. Bangladesh has to set up necessary infrastructure such as LNG Receiving Station, LNG Storage Tank, Re-gasification process and 90 km long pipeline from Maheshkhali to Anwara in its own effort. A MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to be signed between Bangladesh and Qatar, which is under process. Coal Besides natural gas, Bangladesh has significant coal reserve. Coal reserves of about 3. billion tons comprising 5 deposits at depths of 118-1158 meters have been discovered so far in the north-western part of Bangladesh. The name of these deposits are-Barapukuria, Phulbari and Dighipara coal field in Dinajpur district, Khalashpir in Rangpur district and Jamalganj in Joypurhat district. Out of which 4 deposits (118-509 meters) are extractable at present. As an alternative fuel to natural gas, coal can be extensively used. The depth of Jamalganj coal deposit is 640-1158 meter with 1053 Million Tones in-situ coal reserve where production may not be viable by present day’s technology due to the depth of the deposits.Possibilities of extraction of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) need to be explored from this coal deposits. Government is actively reviewing law to be applicable for Exploration and Production of Coal Bed Methane. So far, only Barapukuri a coal field is under production. Other Mineral Resources available in Bangladesh Besides indigenous energy resources, Bangladesh has other mineral resources. Various organizations under Energy and Mineral Resources Division are engaged to explore for mineral resources. In case of commercial discovery, foreign company can apply for production license.White Clay occurs in Sherpur, Netrokona, Dinajpur and Chittagong district etc. White Clay is used to make crockery’s, sanitary materials, insulator and tiles . It is also used in Paper,cement and sugar industries. Glass sand occurs in Sherpur, Habiganj, Comilla and Dinajpur district etc. Glass sand is used to make crockery’s, lenses, glass sheet of windows and doors. It is also used to make quartz clock, frame of boat and aero plane, foam glass and in various electronic equipments etc. Silicon chips are also made from silica, which is a main ingredient of glass.Limestone occurs in Sunamgonj and Joypurhat district and St. M artin’s Islands. Limestone is used to make lime and cement and in paper, Ispat, sugar, glass industry. It is also used to decorate the building. Ilmenite,Garnet,Zircon,Kyanite,Magnetite,Rutile,Leucoxine,Monazite,etc are found in Cox’s Bazar and Teknaf Beach, Kuakata Beach , Moheshkhali, Nijhum dwip, Kutubdia and Monpura Island. Ilmenite, Rutile and Leucoxine are used to make slag and in welding and in melting of metal. They are used as a dyeing subject and Refractory Brick.Ilmenite is used to make sand blasting and heavy mud as an alternative to Barite in drilling activities. Titanium metal, which is derived from this mineral, is used to make frame of aeroplane, missile, and in chemical reaction and salt removal process. Zircon is used to make foundry sand, Refractory brick and as a dyeing substance. Zirconium is used as a radioactive substance. Monazite is used to make catalyst, television tube, refractory substance, thermal insulator substance and in computer disk an d line printer.Peat occurs in Gopalganj, Madaripur, Khulna, Sylhet and Sunamganj district etc. It is used as an alternative fuel to household work, in brick and lime industries and in thermal power plant. Hard Rock occurs at Maddyapara in Dinajpur district. It is used in regulator dam, river training, and river bank erosion. It is also used as construction material and as mosaic stone. Gravel Deposit occurs in Lalmonirhat, Panchagar, Sylhet district, Greater Chittagong and Chittagong Hill Tracts. It is used to construct buildings, road, railway, bridge and in river training and flood control.Renewable Energy Sources in Bangladesh Renewable Energy Sources may also be helpful in the achievement of the MDGs, as well as in tackling the challenges of energy security especially for developing countries and global climate changes. The renewable energy sources include biomass (combustible renewable and waste), hydropower, solar, wind, ocean, and geothermal energy. Biomass is currently the l argest renewable energy source due to its extensive noncommercial use (mainly for cooking and heating) in developing countries like Bangladesh.The share of other forms of renewable sources is minimal. Possibility of installing mini and micro level hydro-electric power plant in the hilly areas of Bangladesh would be explored. Windmills are with capacity of 2 MW in operation in the costal area of Bangladesh. Biogas Biogas may be the most promising renewable energy resource. Presently there are about 50,000 households and village-level biogas plants in place throughout the country. There is a huge potential for expansion in rural areas. Solar Energy Potential of solar energy is good in Bangladesh.But due to its higher cost of equipment it has to go a long way to become commercially viable. However, in remote areas of Bangladesh it is gradually becoming popular and government has undertaken lot of scheme to subsidize on it. Presently there are about 2, 64,000 solar panels installed thro ughout the country. Bio-diesel Bio-diesel may also be one of the promising sources of energy. Though Bangladesh is a densely populated country with 150 million people just in 147,570 Sq. Km areas, except the hilly areas, most of the areas are covered with fertile land that producing high yielding crop.Diesel from Jatropha plant may be a source of renewable energy in our country. Jatropha trees can be planted in both the sides of rail way tracks & high ways, marshy land & costal belt of the country. These Jatropha plant can also be used for coastal protection. Gasohol Gasohol is being blended with octane/petrol in many countries. Project in private sector is being undertaken to produce Gasohol from molasses used to be blended with octane/petrol. The molasses is a by-product of sugar industries. Gas Crisis in Bangladesh Natural gas in Bangladesh From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (April 2012) This article is written like a personal reflection or essay rather than an encyclopedic description of the subject. (April 2012) This article may need to be wikified to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. April 2012) The presence of Natural Gas in Bangladesh has been established through exploration by Bangladesh’s public energy company, Petrobangla, and more recently international oil and gas companies (IOCs) have established the existence of a significant energy source. Contents [hide] †¢1 Estimated reserves †¢2 The domestic natural gas industry †¢3 References †¢4 External links [edit]Estimated reserves In recent years, several trillion cubi c feet (TCF) of natural gas have been added to the confirmed 10. 5 TCF known as of 1996.Due to the fact that there has been comparatively little exploration to date, estimates of the total extractable natural gas resource in Bangladesh are uncertain and vary widely. An estimate of 20 TCF is gaining acceptance among experts, but some argue that experiences in comparable basins elsewhere in the world suggest that the ultimate recoverable resource could be as high as 50 TCF or even 100 TCF. At the current rate of natural gas use in Bangladesh (1000 mmcfd), the current estimated proven reserves would last 45 years.Even if the present rate of use increases at 10 per cent per year, these reserves would last about 17 years. A reserve-production Reserves-to-production ratio of 17 is higher than that for most industrial countries heavily dependent on natural gas, examples beingNorway, Canada, U. S. , and U. K. Here only the R/P ratio of gas is being considered for comparison. Relative to Ban gladesh, these industrial countries have more diverse indigenous energy sources such as coal, oil and nuclear. The U. S. still uses coal to produce more than half its electricity.There are huge resources of gas in Bangladesh. Places where gas is commercially refines include: Titas, Habiganj, Bakhrabad, Narshingdi, Meghna, Sylhet, Kailashtilla, Rashidpur, Beanibazar,Fenchuganj and Salda Nadi. In 2001, Petrobangla Director Major Raihanul Abedin initiated the national plan to decrease the use of using liquid fuels, by introducing natural gas conversion. He thought if cars could be converted to use cooking gas instead of rather harmful fuels, the carbon emission would decrease exponentially. He was given the permission by the Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to carry out his plans. 1][2] As a result, Asian Development Bank funded his scheme and today more than 80% of Bangladeshi vehicles are run on gas which has lessened pollution significantly. [3] [edit]The domestic natural gas industry Pet robangla (Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation), a 100 per cent state owned corporation, has the primary responsibility for the natural gas industry in Bangladesh. Petrobangla is under the direction of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources; it comprises several groups of companies: ? An exploration company – Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration Company ?Production companies – Bangladesh Gas Fields Company and Sylhet Gas Fields Company ? Transmission and distribution companies; ?Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company ?Bakhrabad Gas System ?Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution System ?Western Zone Gas Supply Co. (Poschim Anchal Gas Bitaran Company, WESGAS, a new company for distribution of gas in the western part of Bangladesh) ? A compressed natural gas company – Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Leading Private Companies Involved in Natural Gas Industry ?Libra Enterprise (www. libraenterprise. om) ?Gasmin Limited ?Foundry Limited [edit] References 1. ^ [M. Raihanul Abedin. Use of CNG as an Alternative Fuel for Transport-Air Pollution Control Perspective (2001) p. 49-54, International Seminar on Air Pollution in Dhaka City, October 30, 2001; France Bangladesh Association of Scholars and Trainees (FBAST). 2. ^ Dhaka Clean Fuel Project: Bangladesh at Asian Development Bank 3. ^ Lisa Schroeder (March 25, 2009). â€Å"Compressed natural gas clears the air in Bangladesh: Cleaner-burning fuel is reducing dangerous levels of pollution – and saving money, too. â€Å".The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 2012-06-12. ?†Natural Resources of Bangladesh†. Retrieved May 17, 2012. ?†Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology†. Retrieved May 17, 2012. ?†Natural Gas Options for Bangladesh†. Retrieved May 17, 2012. ?†Natural gas reserve estimates vary widely for Bangladesh†. Retrieved May 17, 2012. Description Bangladesh has some oil reserves near Haripur in the east ern hilly district of Sylhet, but these have yet to be developed. The Haripur reserves are estimated at 40 Mbbl, and the total resource is likely to be much higher..The search of oil and gas in the area constituting Bangladesh began in the later part of the 19th century through some isolated geological mapping. The first serious attempt to find oil and gas was undertaken in Sitakund in 1908 by the Indian Petroleum Prospecting Company. During 1923-31 Burmah Oil Company (BOC) drilled two shallow wells in Patharia. The wells were abandoned though there was a reported occurrence of oil. A total of 6 exploratory wells were drilled, the deepest being 1047 meters. There was however no discovery and the Second World War disrupted further activity.After the liberation of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla) was formed, while the Bangladesh Petroleum Act was enacted in 1974. The offshore area of Bangladesh was divided in to 6 blocks, which were taken up by Ash land, ARCO, BODC (Japex), Union Oil, Canadian Superior Oil and Ina Naftaplin under production sharing contract. These companies 7 offshore wells resulted in the discovery of Kutubdia offshore gas field. According to the 2008 BP Statistical Energy Survey, Bangladesh had 2007 proved natural gas reserves of 0. 39 trillion cubic metres, 0. 1% of the world total, and 2007 natural gas production of 16. 27 billion cubic metres, 0. 55% of the world total. The 1980s saw accelerated exploration activities by Petrobangla, which drilled 12 exploration wells and discovered 7 gas fields. Among these the Fenchuganj well remains the deepest drilled well in Bangladesh (4977m). Meanwhile a new milestone was achieved when Petrobangla discovered the first commercial oil pool in Sylhet on December 23, 1986. Since 1972 more than 32 exploratory wells have been drilled by the national and international companies which resulted in the discovery of 13 gas fields.Since the first exploration well was drilled i n 1908 a total of 128 wells were drilled in Bangladesh until 2001, of which 63 are exploration wells. Of the exploration wells, 13 are in the offshore resulting in two discoveries and the rest 52 are on shore with 20 discoveries. In 1993, following the formation of a new National Energy policy, the government of Bangladesh divided its territory and offshore sites into 23 blocks and opened them to foreign bidding for oil and gas exploration. Eight blocks were awarded to four companies during the First Bidding Round in 1993, and four additional blocks were awarded in the 1997 Second Bidding Round.Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) Energy is the key ingredient for socio-economic development of a country. Economic Development depends on reliable energy supply. To increase efficiency of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, it was divided into two divisions, vide Cabinet Division Notification No. CD-4/1/94-Rules/23(100), dated 25 March 1998, namely Energy and Min eral Resources Division (EMRD) and Power Division. Energy and Mineral Resources Division is entrusted to formulate all policies related to natural gas, liquid petroleum and mineral resources.EMRD is also entrusted to formulate policies and administrative control over Geological Survey of Bangladesh, Petrobangla, Bureau of Mineral Development and Department of Explosives. EMRD also supervises and monitors over Hydrocarbon Unit and Bangladesh Petroleum Institute. To achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to alleviate poverty in line with vision 2021, Bangladesh has to meet increasing energy demand. In order to ensure energy security, the primary energy source of the country especially gas, coal and other mineral resources have been taken into consideration.Along with gas significant quantity of condensate is recovered. Oil was discovered in three locations but the quantity is not significant. The Division and its subordinate organizations/directorates/companies have been play ing vital role to achieve the target of Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s). To meet energy demand at desired level, initiative has been taken to increase gas supply and its optimum utilization. The demand of imported oil is also increasing. Part of it is met by condensate (by product of gas). Recent gas crisis led to the policy makers to import LNG within a short period of time.Realistic policies for development of coal fields in northern part of the country are under process for national interest. As a part of government's plan to expand gas supply network, a new distribution outlet, titled, Sundarban Gas Company Limited has been formed for the south-western region of the country. For efficient marketing of gas in Chittagong region, Karnafully Gas Company Limited has been created and it has started distribution of gas. System loss in gas distribution, a major problem, has been tackled with notable success through management and monitoring.Initiative has also been taken to build up regional energy security based on mutual co-operation with the neighboring countries under SAARC umbrella. Natural Gas In Bangladesh, natural gas is most important indigenous source of energy that accounts for 75% of the commercial energy of the country. So far in Bangladesh 23 gas fields have been discovered with the rate of success ratio is 3. 1:1 of which two of the gas fields are located in offshore area. Gas is produced from 17 gas fields (79 gas wells). Oil was tested in two of the gas fields (Sylhet and Kailashtila).To reduce the dependency on natural gas, alternative energy resource must be explored. Average daily gas production capacity is about 2000 mmcfd of which International Oil Companies (IOC) produce 1040 mmcfd and State Owned Companies (SOC) produce 960 mmcfd. The gas production recorded on 24 February, 2010 was 1996. 7 MMCFD. At present the daily approximate projected gas demand throughout the country is 2500 MMCFD. The demand is increasing day by day. Ener gy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) has already undertaken an array of short, medium, fast track and long term plans to increase gas production to overcome prevailing gas shortage.According to this plan 188 mmcfd, 290 mmcfd, 995 mmcfd (including 500 mmcfd LNG), 500 mmcfd and 380 mmcfd gas will be added to the national gas grid by the year 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015 respectively. After completion of these plans production capacity is expected to increase to about 2353 mmcfd gas by December 2015. To increase the gas production more programs will be taken in near future. Petroleum Product To meet total demand of commercial energy, Bangladesh imports annually about 1. 3 million metric Tons of crude oil. In addition to this, another 2. million metric Tons (approx) of refined petroleum products per annum is imported. Condensate is mixed with crude oil. Major consumer of liquid fuel is transport sector followed by agriculture, industry and commercial sector which is mostly met by imported liquid fuel. Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL), a subsidiary company of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), is capable of processing 1. 3 million metric Tons of crude oil per year. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) To reduce the dependency on imported fuel significantly, to reduce environment pollution and to save foreign currency, the use of CNG vehicles was introduced in 1997.Number of CNG refueling Station is 565 and 162 conversion workshops have already been set-up in the country. Total number of CNG converted vehicles is 150249. In addition to that 42549 CNG vehicles was imported. Total number of CNG vehicles is 192798 as of May, 2010. Average CNG usage (approx. ) is 102 MMCF per day. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) The area where access to gas pipeline is difficult and expensive but there is a demand of gas; in this case gas in the form of LPG can be used. To reduce the dependency on imported oil and thus to save foreign currency, the use of LPG has to be popularized.Curre ntly the supply of LPG of the country is 95,500 Metric Ton of which production in Public Sector is 22,500 Metric Ton while Production in Private Sector is 73,000 Metric Ton. The Possible demand of LPG in the country is 2,00,000 M. Ton. To popularize the use of LPG the present government has reduced tax rate on some appliances such as Pressure Regulator/Valve, Safety/ Relief valve and Submerged Welding Flux including bottling of LPG. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) To reduce the dependency on imported oil as well as indigenous gas, import of LNG is under active consideration.Under mid term plan, LNG will be imported to supply at the rate of 500 mmcfd by 2012. The site for building necessary infrastructure for LNG has been located. Bangladesh has to set up necessary infrastructure such as LNG Receiving Station, LNG Storage Tank, Re-gasification process and 90 km long pipeline from Maheshkhali to Anwara in its own effort. A MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to be signed between Bangladesh and Qatar, which is under process. Coal Besides natural gas, Bangladesh has significant coal reserve. Coal reserves of about 3. billion tons comprising 5 deposits at depths of 118-1158 meters have been discovered so far in the north-western part of Bangladesh. The name of these deposits are-Barapukuria, Phulbari and Dighipara coal field in Dinajpur district, Khalashpir in Rangpur district and Jamalganj in Joypurhat district. Out of which 4 deposits (118-509 meters) are extractable at present. As an alternative fuel to natural gas, coal can be extensively used. The depth of Jamalganj coal deposit is 640-1158 meter with 1053 Million Tones in-situ coal reserve where production may not be viable by present day’s technology due to the depth of the deposits.Possibilities of extraction of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) need to be explored from this coal deposits. Government is actively reviewing law to be applicable for Exploration and Production of Coal Bed Methane. So far, only Barapukuri a coal field is under production. Other Mineral Resources available in Bangladesh Besides indigenous energy resources, Bangladesh has other mineral resources. Various organizations under Energy and Mineral Resources Division are engaged to explore for mineral resources. In case of commercial discovery, foreign company can apply for production license.White Clay occurs in Sherpur, Netrokona, Dinajpur and Chittagong district etc. White Clay is used to make crockery’s, sanitary materials, insulator and tiles . It is also used in Paper,cement and sugar industries. Glass sand occurs in Sherpur, Habiganj, Comilla and Dinajpur district etc. Glass sand is used to make crockery’s, lenses, glass sheet of windows and doors. It is also used to make quartz clock, frame of boat and aero plane, foam glass and in various electronic equipments etc. Silicon chips are also made from silica, which is a main ingredient of glass.Limestone occurs in Sunamgonj and Joypurhat district and St. M artin’s Islands. Limestone is used to make lime and cement and in paper, Ispat, sugar, glass industry. It is also used to decorate the building. Ilmenite,Garnet,Zircon,Kyanite,Magnetite,Rutile,Leucoxine,Monazite,etc are found in Cox’s Bazar and Teknaf Beach, Kuakata Beach , Moheshkhali, Nijhum dwip, Kutubdia and Monpura Island. Ilmenite, Rutile and Leucoxine are used to make slag and in welding and in melting of metal. They are used as a dyeing subject and Refractory Brick.Ilmenite is used to make sand blasting and heavy mud as an alternative to Barite in drilling activities. Titanium metal, which is derived from this mineral, is used to make frame of aeroplane, missile, and in chemical reaction and salt removal process. Zircon is used to make foundry sand, Refractory brick and as a dyeing substance. Zirconium is used as a radioactive substance. Monazite is used to make catalyst, television tube, refractory substance, thermal insulator substance and in computer disk an d line printer.Peat occurs in Gopalganj, Madaripur, Khulna, Sylhet and Sunamganj district etc. It is used as an alternative fuel to household work, in brick and lime industries and in thermal power plant. Hard Rock occurs at Maddyapara in Dinajpur district. It is used in regulator dam, river training, and river bank erosion. It is also used as construction material and as mosaic stone. Gravel Deposit occurs in Lalmonirhat, Panchagar, Sylhet district, Greater Chittagong and Chittagong Hill Tracts. It is used to construct buildings, road, railway, bridge and in river training and flood control.Renewable Energy Sources in Bangladesh Renewable Energy Sources may also be helpful in the achievement of the MDGs, as well as in tackling the challenges of energy security especially for developing countries and global climate changes. The renewable energy sources include biomass (combustible renewable and waste), hydropower, solar, wind, ocean, and geothermal energy. Biomass is currently the l argest renewable energy source due to its extensive noncommercial use (mainly for cooking and heating) in developing countries like Bangladesh.The share of other forms of renewable sources is minimal. Possibility of installing mini and micro level hydro-electric power plant in the hilly areas of Bangladesh would be explored. Windmills are with capacity of 2 MW in operation in the costal area of Bangladesh. Biogas Biogas may be the most promising renewable energy resource. Presently there are about 50,000 households and village-level biogas plants in place throughout the country. There is a huge potential for expansion in rural areas. Solar Energy Potential of solar energy is good in Bangladesh.But due to its higher cost of equipment it has to go a long way to become commercially viable. However, in remote areas of Bangladesh it is gradually becoming popular and government has undertaken lot of scheme to subsidize on it. Presently there are about 2, 64,000 solar panels installed thro ughout the country. Bio-diesel Bio-diesel may also be one of the promising sources of energy. Though Bangladesh is a densely populated country with 150 million people just in 147,570 Sq. Km areas, except the hilly areas, most of the areas are covered with fertile land that producing high yielding crop.Diesel from Jatropha plant may be a source of renewable energy in our country. Jatropha trees can be planted in both the sides of rail way tracks & high ways, marshy land & costal belt of the country. These Jatropha plant can also be used for coastal protection. Gasohol Gasohol is being blended with octane/petrol in many countries. Project in private sector is being undertaken to produce Gasohol from molasses used to be blended with octane/petrol. The molasses is a by-product of sugar industries.

Materials engineering

Mercury is a common element that is found naturally in a free state or mixed in ores. Because mercury is very dense, expands and contracts evenly with temperature changes, and has high electrical conductivity, it has been used in thousands of industrial, agricultural, medical, and household applications. Major uses of mercury include dental amalgams, tilt switches, thermometers, lamps, pigments, batteries, reagents, barometers, manometers, and hydrometers. It also may be present in rocks or released during volcanic activity. (Ross & Associates, 1994) Mercury can enter the environment from a number of paths. For example, if a mercury-containing item is thrown into the garbage, the mercury may be released into the atmosphere from landfill vapors or, or the mercury may vaporize if the trash is incinerated. If mercury is flushed through a wastewater system, the mercury will likely adhere to the wastewater sludge, where it has the potential to volatilize and be deposited elsewhere. Mercury can enter the atmosphere through these various means because it evaporates easily. It can travel through the atmosphere in a vaporized state. (Ross & Associates, 1994) Once mercury is deposited into lakes and streams, bacteria convert some of the mercury into an organic form called methylmercury. This is the form of mercury that humans and other animals ingest when they eat some types fish. Methylmercury is particularly dangerous because it bioaccumulates in the environment. Bioaccumulation occurs when the methylmercury in fish tissue concentrates as larger fish eat smaller fish. (U.S. EPA, 1994) Methylmercury interferes with the nervous system of human body and can result in a decreased ability to walk, talk, see, and hear. In extreme examples, high levels of methylmercury consumption have resulted in coma or death. Many animals that eat fish also accumulate methylmercury. Mercury can interfere with an animal's ability to reproduce, and lead to weight loss, or early death. (Ross & Associates, 1994) Instruments containing mercury on campus Thermometers Description: Thermometers include fever thermometers for home and medical use, laboratory thermometers, and industrial thermometers. How to Identify: The bulbs of thermometers containing mercury are usually silver in color. Types of mercury thermometers on campus include: Laboratory and weather thermometers. Amount of Mercury: typical fever thermometers contain about 0.5 grams of mercury each, while laboratory thermometers contain up to 3 grams of mercury. Pollution Prevention Options: Mercury-free alternatives are digital, aneroid, and alcohol thermometers, and for most applications they are as accurate as mercury thermometers. Digital thermometers tend to last longer, however, because they are less likely to break. Safe Handling: Mercury thermometers are easily broken when not handled carefully. If the break occurs, use two pieces of paper or two razor blades to scoop it up from a smooth surface. An eyedropper or a mercury vacuum can also be used. Mercury spill kits are available from safety equipment supply companies for large mercury spills. (U.S. EPA, 1994) Safe Disposal: Save old or broken thermometers in an air-tight container. Homeowners can use local household hazardous waste collection programs for disposal. Businesses should deliver their thermometers to a consolidation site or arrange for a transporter to take them. Contact your county or state environmental office or solid waste office for services available in your area. Also, save the invoices that track your waste that include the following information: date of shipment, amount of waste, location from where waste is shipped, and destination of shipment. Thermostats Description: Mercury-containing thermostats use mercury tilt switches. How to Identify: Most thermostats, other than electric thermostats, contain mercury. To determine if a thermostat contains mercury, remove the front plate. Mercury-containing thermostats contain one or more small mercury switches. Thermostats are generally mounted on walls and easily found. (U.S. EPA, 1994) Amount of Mercury: About 3 grams of mercury are in each mercury tilt switch. Most thermostats have one switch; some have two, and up to six switches are possible. Pollution Prevention Options: Programmable electronic thermostats are mercury free, and they are more energy-efficient than the mercury model. Look for programmable electronic thermostats that have the Energy Star label. Safe Removal: Remove the entire thermostat using a screwdriver and a pair of wire-cutters and store safely. Don't remove the switches from the thermostat, or dismantle the thermostat. Safe Disposal: Store the entire thermostat in a marked container until it can be sent for proper disposal. In many states, the Thermostat Recycling Corporation operates a recycling program utilizing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) wholesalers; eventually this program will be in operation nation-wide. The wholesalers consolidate thermostats from contractors and send them to recyclers; only whole thermostats are accepted. (U.S. EPA, 1995) Switches Description: Mercury is contained in temperature-sensitive switches and mechanical tilt switches. Mercury tilt switches are small tubes with electrical contacts at one end of the tube. As the tube tilts, the mercury collects at the lower end, providing a conductive path to compete the circuit. When the switch is tilted back, the circuit is broken. How to Identify: A mercury tilt switch is usually present when no switch is visible. They are used in thermostats, silent light switches, and clothes washer lids. Amount of Mercury: About 3.5 grams of mercury are contained in a small electrical switch. Industrial switches may contain up to 8 pounds of mercury. Pollution Prevention Option: Alternatives to mercury switches include hard-contact switches and solid-state switches. Safe Removal: Remove switches from appliances very carefully so as not to release any mercury into the environment. Safe Disposal: Store mercury switches in a suitable leak proof, closeable containers. A five gallon plastic bucket with a lid may work. Each container must be labeled â€Å"Mercury Switches for Recycling.† Be careful to keep the switches from breaking and releasing mercury into the environment. If breakage occurs, you must immediately take steps to contain and clean up the spill. Take switches to a consolidation site or arrange with a transporter to take them. Contact your county or state environmental office/ solid waste office for services in your area. Keep records of the mercury switches you have recycled, including copies of invoices containing information on the date of shipment, number of switches, and location.   (U.S. EPA, 1994) Manometers, Barometers, and Hydrometers Description: Manometers and barometers are used for measuring air pressure. Hydrometers are used to measure density of liquid. How to Identify: All these devices will have a gauge for reading air pressure. Pollution Prevention Options: The Replacements of mercury containing Manometers     are battery operated digital units and vacuum gauges. Battery operated digital units are extremely sensitive. Safe Removal: To safely remove the manometer or barometer, remove the entire device from the machine it is attached to. Safe Disposal: Put the entire unit into an airtight, labeled container and ship it to a mercury recycling plant. Sphygmomanometers Description: Sphygmomanometers are used to measure blood pressure. How to Identify: Usually, they are installed on walls and placed on tables in hospitals. Pollution Prevention Options:   The replacement for mercury sphygmomanometers includes electric vacuum gauges, aneroid monitors, and automated devices. Recycling/Disposal: Develop a protocol for the preparation of mercury sphygmomanometers for recycling or disposal that that is consistent with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state and local regulations, and pertinent standards. Contact your hazardous waste management coordinator for details about packaging, labeling and transporting that are specific to your facility. A suggested protocol might include the following instructions: Place the sphygmomanometer in a clear plastic bag and seal the bag. Do not use a red bag biohazard bag. Mark the bag: â€Å"Contains Mercury.† Place the bag in a plastic basin to contain any spills during transport to the designated hazardous waste collection point. Batteries Description: Mercury zinc, carbon zinc, silver oxide, and zinc air contain mercury. Mercury is used to protect cathode from oxidation. Pollution Prevention Options: Most consumers dry-cell batteries contain no added mercury. The best way to reduce mercury is recycling. (U.S. EPA, 1994) References Ross & Associates Environmental Consulting, Ltd. (1994), Mercury Sources and Regulations: Background Information for the Virtual Elimination Pilot Project. Ross & Associates Environmental Consulting, Ltd. (1994), Polychlorinated Biphenyls Sources and Regulations: Background Information for the Virtual Elimination Pilot Project. U.S. EPA. (1994), Virtual Elimination Pilot Project: Briefing Packet for Meeting Participants, U.S. EPA. (1995), Mercury Study Report to Congress (External Review Draft) (External Review Draft) U.S. EPA. (1995), Mercury Study Report to Congress