Green Chemistry News Roundup: June 2 – 22, 2017

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New Method of Extracting Metals from Raw Materials

June 7, 2017 | Science Daily

A team of chemists has developed a way to process metals without using toxic solvents and reagents. The system, which also consumes far less energy than conventional techniques, could greatly shrink the environmental impact of producing metals from raw materials or from post-consumer electronics.

Biodegradable Microbeads Prevent Ocean Pollution

June 8, 2017 | University of Bath

Scientists and engineers from the University of Bath have developed biodegradable cellulose microbeads from a sustainable source that could potentially replace harmful plastic ones that contribute to ocean pollution.

Business Benefits of Sustainable Chemicals Management

June 16, 2017 | GreenBiz

In tandem with the rise in interest in green chemistry, companies are increasingly looking to gain business value from sustainable chemicals management.  The key concepts: reducing risk from existing and emerging regulations while also helping to build consumer trust, meet customer demands and reduce testing costs.

Wind and Solar Combined Surpass 10% U.S. Electricity Generation

June 19, 2017 | C&EN

Wind turbines and photovoltaic arrays provided slightly more than 10% of U.S. electricity generation in March.  This marks the first time these two renewables combined have made a double-digit contribution to the nation’s generation of electricity, says a report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Green Chemistry Efforts Honored

June 19, 2017 | C&EN

The 2017 Green Chemistry Challenge Awards hailed streamlined syntheses, dye-free printing, and more.  Five technologies were recognized and honored for their achievements and creativity at a ceremony held on June 12 at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C.

European Commission Publishes Catalog of Nanomaterials Used in Cosmetics on EU Market

June 19, 2017 | National Law Review

Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 on cosmetic products requires the European Commission to publish a catalog of all nanomaterials used in cosmetics placed on the market, indicating the categories of products and the reasonably foreseeable exposure conditions.

New Soluble Polymer Removes 93% of Toxic PFOA Chemicals from Drinking Water

June 20, 2017 | C&EN

Long-chain perfluorinated chemicals contaminate millions of Americans’ drinking water. These compounds are a legacy of industrial pollution and the use of firefighting foam at military bases and airports; they persist in the environment because of their strong carbon-fluorine bonds. Now scientists have designed a cross-linked polymer that might more effectively remove one of the more prevalent and harmful of these compounds, perfluorooctanoic acid.

Helium Shortage Looms

June 22, 2017 | C&EN

The blockade of Qatar that started on June 5 has shut down the source of 30% of the world’s helium, threatening another round of shortages and price increases for scientific instrument users. Helium is used to cool nuclear magnetic resonance magnets and as a carrier gas for gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The element is also used in medical imaging and electronics manufacturing, as well as to float dirigibles.

Click here for more information on Helium: https://communities.acs.org/community/science/sustainability/green-chemistry-nexus-blog/blog/2017/02...