Chemistry 11 - Research Questions by Natalie Perry

Chemistry 11 - Research Questions

Natalie Perry

Aspartame

• the pros and cons of Aspartame as an artificial sweetener?
• any alternatives to Aspartame Sweeteners?

What is Aspartame?

Aspartame is a nonutritive, synthetic sweetener made up of two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine. When it is eaten, aspartame is broken down into these two amino acids. It has also been found that methanol is released in the process. Aspartame is two hundreds times sweeter than sugar, and four calories per gram. It is the most popular synthetic sweetener of all known sugar alternatives. It is included as an ingredient in many types of beverages and foods such as gum, candy, pop, etc. It can be found in almost six thousand foods today.

Pros of consuming Aspartame

• Compared to normal sugars, the amount of calories in aspartame is very minimal and has therefore been used to promote ‘healthier’ foods containing less calories.
• It is a well-known sugar alternative used to reduce sugar and calorie consumption creating  more balanced diet.
• Aspartame is 150-260 times sweeter than regular sugar which means much less of it is needed to reach the same level of sweetness as regular sugar.
• This synthetic sweetener is composed of amino acids and not carbohydrates. This means blood sugars are not raised if aspartame is consumed. This is especially good for people that have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels, for example people that have diabetes.
• It does not promote tooth decay compared to normal sugars, therefore less cavities are formed.

Cons of consuming Aspartame

• Studies surrounding aspartame are very controversial. 74/166 studies were funded by Nutrasweet, a huge manufacturing company of aspartame. These 74 studies found that artificial sweeteners were safe for human consumption, while 92 independently funded studies found safety concerns with the human consumption of artificial sweeteners. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) affirms that the consumption of aspartame and other artificial sweeteners is safe, making the results of the studies very conflicting and controversial.
• In 2001, a medical Doctor named H.J. Roberts published a scientific book named Aspartame Disease stating potential side-effects of the consumption of Aspartame. This publishing is linked to 80% of protests conducted against aspartame. He stated side effects could include but are not limited to: Dizziness, Abdominal Pain, Change in Temper, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Memory Loss, Headaches/Migraines, Change in the quality of Eye-vision AND/OR Chronic Fatigue. He also claimed that aspartame is linked to unexplained Depression, psychological issues, joint pain, Systemic Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis(MS), Fibromyalgia symptoms and certain Cancers. Roberts claims that this is an ignored epidemic considering there are so many negative side-effects associated with aspartame yet it is still considered safe to consume. He continues to be an advocate against the consumption of aspartame today.
• Using aspartame rather than sugars has been shown in studies to increase appetite and hunger, due to the small amount of calories that aspartame contains. Further studies are required to prove this possible side effects.
• Consuming Aspartame can cause significant danger in people with a rare metabolic disorder known as phenylketonuria (PKU).

Alternatives to Aspartame

• Stevia - Produced and processed in a leaf from a plant that is native to South America
• Raw Honey - Best produced locally with no added ingredients
• Pure Maple Syrup - Best with no added ingredients and produced locally
• Coconut Sugar - Derived from liquid sap found in coconut blossoms
• Sugar Alcohols - These include xylitol, glycerol, sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol and erythritol. Xylitol can be derived from bark of hardwood trees native in North America. Sugar alcohols should be consumed in small amounts at a time since they have been shown to cause gastrointestinal distress with symptoms that include cramping, bloating, gas and/or diarrhea

Works Cited

“The 8 Safest Natural Sweeteners to Use.” DrJockers.com, 29 Dec. 2018, drjockers.com/natural-sweeteners/.

Duggett, Anna. “Aspartame: What Are The Pros and Cons.” Drugsdb.com, 9 June 2012, www.drugsdb.com/cib/aspartame/aspartame-pros-and-cons/.

“Pros and Cons of Aspartame.” HRFnd, 3 Sept. 2014, healthresearchfunding.org/pros-cons-aspartame/.

“What Is Aspartame?” FoodInsight.org, www.foodinsight.org/what-is-aspartame-safe-health-low-calorie-sweetener-artificial.

NICKEL MINING 

• What are the chemical reactions used in nickel mining?
• How might the reactants or products of the nickel extraction process affect the health of the workers or the people living near the plant?

Nickel is found in ores, mainly two different types of ores.

The first type of ore is also the main form of ores found in Canada are sulfide deposits also known as sulfide ores. This are mainly found underground. The first step of nickel extraction from sulfide ores involves crushing and grinding the ores to free the nickel minerals from the waste materials by selective floatation. This process requires the ore to be mixed and agitated with special reagents by mechanical and pneumatic devices. These devices produce air bubbles which rise through the mixture of reagents and the ore allowing the sulfide particles to adhere to a surface and be collected as a concentrate. The waste is run through scrubbers and tailing systems before being released into the atmosphere, yet it is still harmful to the environment to be released. Roasting the nickel sulfide reacts to produce it into nickel oxide + sulfide. The nickel oxide then undergoes a decomposition reaction to be separated from the oxygen. The nickel is now a form of pure nickel and will be molded into the desired shape.

The second type of ores that nickel can be found in are laterite ores.. These ores are formed by the prolonged weathering of ultramafic rocks. These are made up of igneous rock that contain very little silica. This type of mining involves less pollutants being released compared to sulfide ores yet they require a substantial amount of energy input and can have detrimental effects on  surrounding environments causing for example soil erosion. Nickel extraction from laterite ores still involves smelting to separate hydroxide molecules from the nickel.

Ores undergo smelting or electrolysis to extract nickel into its pure form. Both processes emit high amounts of polluants into the atmosphere and harms the environment causing harm to the people that work or live near the nickel mines. Wildlife and forested areas found near ores are also negatively affected by the release of these polluants.

Nickel can also be found in recycled scrap metals. The challenge with these metals is finding a way to seperate the nickel from the other scrap metals.

How does nickel and/or the extraction of nickel affect the health of workers and the nearby population? Dr. David Santillo, a senior scientist at Greenpeace Research Laboratories, says : “The mining of nickel-rich ores themselves, combined with their crushing and transportation by conveyor belt, truck or train, can generate high loadings of dust in the air, dust that itself contains high concentrations of potentially toxic metals, including nickel itself, copper, cobalt and chromium.” -From the Guardian “Nickel Mining: the Hidden Environmental Cost of Electric Cars.”

It has been reported that:

• People can have or develop a nickel allergy where if they wear nickel they will develop a rash similar to a reaction to poison ivy. The rash may also develop blisters in the worst of cases. Nickel is found in dozens of products so these people need to be very careful of what they wear, especially with jewellery.
• Nickel is essential in small quantities yet too high of exposure or intake can lead to significant health risks. We are exposed to nickel through drinking water, breathing in air, eating food or smoking cigarettes every day.
• Populations exposed to nickel fumes or breathe in nickel on a regular basis could develop serious health problems. Nickel fumes are respiratory irritants and may cause pneumonitis, exposure may lead to the development of dermatitis. Other possible health consequences could include:

• Increased chance of developing lung, larynx and prostate cancer
• Acute sickness and dizziness
• Lung embolism
• Birth defects if expecting mothers inhale polluants on a regular basis
• Respiratory failure
• Respiratory disorders such as Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)
• Heart disorders
• Skin rashes

What are the environmental impacts of nickel and the extraction of nickel?

• Nickel will be released from power plants and trash incinerators. This nickel settles to the ground or falls to the ground after they undergo reactions with raindrops in the atmosphere. The nickel can wind up on the surface of water when it’s incorporated in wastewater systems.
• Mines (sulfide ores especially) release large amounts of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere.
• Nickel dust can cause soils and lakes to become acidified. This affects plant and organism growth that are exposed to the dust. When soil is acidified, no vegetation or plants can survive/reproduce/grow in the soul and therefore die off causing a huge negative impact to the ecosystem.

Works Cited

“NICKEL.” Chemistry Explained, www.chemistryexplained.com/elements/L-P/Nickel.html.

“Nickel - The Chemical Element, Its Compounds, and Alloys.” Explain That Stuff, 19 Aug. 2018, www.explainthatstuff.com/nickel.html.

Opray, Max. “Nickel Mining: the Hidden Environmental Cost of Electric Cars.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 24 Aug. 2017, www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/aug/24/nickel-mining-hidden-environmental-cost-electric-cars-batteries.

Taylor, John Campbell, and Edmund Merriman Wise. “Nickel Processing.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 5 Sept. 2013, www.britannica.com/technology/nickel-processing#ref81484.

“Water Treatment Solutions.” Lenntech Water Treatment & Purification, www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/ni.htm.

SALT and SANDING WINTER ROADS

Why is it important to use the correct salt-sand mix on highways during winter storms?

The ratio of salt to sand depends on the weather and conditions of that specific storm.

Salt is useful when water molecules that are not completely frozen are present. These loser water molecules combine with the salt (sodium chloride or NaCl) molecules creating a sort of “brine” and prevent the water from freezing. As more water molecules are attracted to the sodium chloride molecules, more brine is created preventing less water molecules from freezing. This reaction between the water and sodium chloride will only occur if there are liquids in the water that have not become frozen yet.

When temperatures dip below -9.444°C (15°F), salt may not be able be as efficient since liquid water molecules are essential for sal to react with ice. If no liquid molecules are available the sodium chloride will have no melting effect since the water cannot enter the sodium chloride molecules. The longer the salt is left on the snow, the more the reaction with water occurs causing more snow to melt with time.

In contrary to popular beliefs, sand not also used to melt ice and snow. Instead it is used as an abrasive to increase traction between a vehicle’s tires and the surface of the road. The sand crystals increase friction prompting traction and making it easier for drivers to travel on slick roads. Sand can also be used to prevent new ice from forming considering the small sand crystals/grains make it hard for water molecules to bind and stick together, prevent them from becoming a solid. Therefore overall ice build up is reduced. There is no ideal temperature for sand. This is why sand is found to be used when temperatures are extremely cold and salt or other chemical deicers do not work.

The salt and sand are mixed to keep the sand from becoming frozen and workable with. The salt also helps anchor the sand into the ice surface, which makes it easier to load the sand and allows it to spread more evenly when it is dropped on the roads by the snowplows.

Environmental impacts of salt include damage to soil and vegetation, especially near roadways. Salt is soluble and therefore will runoff into water streams, affecting the sodium content in the water. The sodium chloride may alter water stream chemistry since it is added to the water and not naturally found in the water. This could also have an impact on aquatic life and/or drinking water. Salt can prevent groundwater from penetrating into the ground if it is too abundant in soils or water streams. Birds may mistaken road salts for seeds, and if they ingest the road salt it can result in toxicosis. Lastly, salt promotes corrosion on infrastructure causing damage over time to buildings, bridges, roadways, vehicles, etc.

Environmental impacts of sanding roads includes having to clean up the sand distribution or else it will be washed into streams in lakes becoming too abundant. The sand can stay in the drainage pipes decreasing their effectiveness. The sand could clog the storm water drains and/or sewers causing majors floods on roadways. Sand must be treated with salt therefore the harmful impacts of salt still apply. Sand is more expensive than salt and the sand sediments can collect inditches and water bodies diminishing soil quality.

Works Cited

Study Compares Older and Younger Pedestrian Walking Speeds, www.usroads.com/journals/p/rmj/9712/rm971202.htm.

McCarty, Lucian, and Lucian McCarty. “The Perfect Mixture: the Science of Salting, Sanding Roads.” The Record, The Record, 23 Jan. 2011, www.troyrecord.com/news/the-perfect-mixture-the-science-of-salting-sanding-roads/article_6e88ca12-1c6e-56c3-92df-531602966603.html.

“Salt, Sand and Beet Juice: How Canada Wages War against Ice and Snow.” The Globe and Mail, The Globe and Mail, 20 Jan. 2018, www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/salt-sand-and-beet-juice-how-canada-wages-war-against-ice-and-snow/article37673031/.

“Why Is Sand or Salt Put On Roads When It Snows?” Wonderopolis, wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-is-sand-or-salt-spread-on-the-road-when-it-snows.

WATER POLLUTION - Mercury in Grassy Narrows

An analysis of the origins and cumulative effects of pollutants that enter our water systems and explain how these pollutants affect water quality.

Mercury poisoning was discovered in the Wabigoon River when the Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation noticed that many fish were dying in the river. Studies show that the source of the poisoning was linked to a chemical plant located upstream operated by Reed Paper Ltd, which was owned by the Dryden Paper Mill Company. The plant, was found to have released 4-9 kilograms of mercury everyday between 1962 and 1970 into the Wabigoon River, the river that the Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation called home. They drank this water, ate the fish from this water, essentially they called this water home. The company ceased disposing of mercury into the river in 1975.

90% of the Grassy Narrows First Nations people suffer from a form of mercury poisoning. Many members display symptoms of a certain form of mercury poisoning known as Minamata disease. Many people have died and are currently still suffering from mercury toxicity. Prevalent and rising conditions in the reserve due to the contaminated water include:

-Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

-Multiple sclerosis (MS)

-Alzheimer's and Dementia

-Parkinsons

-Cancers

-Mental health, emotional and behavioural issues

-Language or speech disorders

-Increased level of learning disabilities

-Visual problems requiring glasses

-Anemia or deficiency in red blood cells

The mercury poisoning has also been found to be able to be passed on to a fetus through the placenta meaning ingestion is not necessary to have symptoms. The poisoning has become intergenerational on the Grassy Narrows reserve.

Eight Hundred members on the reserve do not have access to safe drinking water. They rely on bottled water which is very costly. If they run out on the reserve they need to wait until further deliveries from Kenora arrive. The Grassy Narrows do have a water system but it is extremely under-cared for and needs major upgrades. Currently, the water system has been found to release chemicals into the filtered water on the reserve.

Levels of mercury in fish are still found to be high today and the consumption of water/fish from the Wabigoon still has an advisory in effect in many parts along the river. This has occurred for almost half of a century yet the government still does not have an action plan to allow these Canadian residents to have access to clean water, a basic human right.

Currently, the government’s action plan includes providing $85 million committed to cleaning to river, funding a mercury treatment centre, providing medical and neuropsychological assessments to the youth in the community and increase awareness of the effects of mercury poisoning. Only 6% of members in the Grassy Narrows community have been approved for compensation from the government compared to the 90% of the community still suffering today.

Works Cited

“Before Contact.” Free Grassy Header Background, freegrassy.net/learn-more/grassy-narrows/history/.

“Grassy Narrows.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/grassy-narrows.

“Mercury contamination in the English and Wabigoon Rivers near Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong Independent Nations” Ontario.ca, www.ontario.ca/page/mercury-contamination-english-and-wabigoon-rivers-near-grassy-narrows-wabaseemoong-independent-nations.

PSAC-AFPC. “The Story of Grassy Narrows.” YouTube, YouTube, 21 June 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E06pWtCHIg.

Prokopchuk, Matt. “'Help Us' Grassy Narrows Chief Demands of Federal Government after Release of New Report | CBC News.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 6 Dec. 2018, www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/grassy-narrows-call-education-funding-1.4934778.

Scharper, Stephen Bede, and Annamaria Enenajor. “Is Grassy Narrows Poisoning a Crime against Humanity?” Thestar.com, Toronto Star, 23 Nov. 2017, www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2017/11/23/grassy-narrows-poisoning-a-crime-against-humanity.html.

“Thirsty for Justice.” English, thirstyforjustice.ca/.

CARBON TAX - See link to my document above

• an explanation on the Carbon Tax
• what it is it?
• What’s the purpose?
• Has it proven effective in other countries?
• Pros and cons

Works Cited

“Cap-and-Trade Ontario” Ontario.ca, www.ontario.ca/page/cap-and-trade-ontario.

Climate Change Canada. “Ontario and Pollution Pricing.” Canada.ca, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 20 Nov. 2018, www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/climate-change/pricing-pollution-how-it-will-work/ontario.html.

Dowdey, Sarah. “How Carbon Tax Works.” HowStuffWorks Science, HowStuffWorks, 28 June 2018, science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/carbon-tax.htm.

“Home.” Carbon Tax Center, www.carbontax.org/whats-a-carbon-tax/.

Mortillaro, Nicole. “What Is a Carbon Tax, and Will It Make a Difference? | CBC News.” CBCnews, CBC/Radio Canada, 23 Oct. 2018, www.cbc.ca/news/technology/federal-carbon-tax-1.4874706.

“Pricing Carbon.”World Bank, www.worldbank.org/en/programs/pricing-carbon.