SCIENCE HOLIC
Collaborations Grow Your STEM
Grow Your STEM is a youth organization dedicated to spreading STEM in our community through growing high schoolers’ interest in STEM & planting seeds of curiosity in young minds. Here at Grow Your STEM, we believe it is crucial for children to be exposed to topics at a young age in a fun, interactive way. Many STEM topics like math and coding are often presented as difficult, challenging topics, even at a young age, which intimidates many people from ever learning more about them. This is why we believe it’s so important to introduce STEM with interesting, engaging activities and easy-to-follow lessons for students!
Little Bio Bits Littlebiobits aims to educate high-schoolers interested in biology especially biochemistry and biotechnology which are subjects that are not typically explored in school. We aim to do this by creating blog posts on exciting achievements made in the biology field and through social media.
STEM Unites
STEM Unites was founded by Riya Mehta and Samir Patel; two passionate university students committed to igniting a love for STEM among younger generations. At STEM Unites, our mission is to empower the next generation with knowledge and inspiration in the world of STEM. We offer comprehensive information, valuable resources, and immersive experiences through engaging events, workshops, and community initiatives. Additionally, we have opened up a general member team so that youth are given an additional opportunity to get involved in these fields, while also earning volunteer hours!
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Collaborations STEM Explorers is an online, non-profit community of curious minds that seek to discover the STEM world. We publish our own articles, publish videos, recommend videos, recommend online readings, conduct written interviews, and recommend events happening worldwide. Our community's goal is to uncover the secrets of STEM and to make them easily available to everyone that may be interested!
Opportunities Platform
STEM Explorers
Opportunities_platform is a youth driven community that is created by students on a mission to provide all youths with all tools and opportunities that help them to explore their interest to discover their passion regardless of their family background and finances, this community where you can find top internship opportunities, participate in Hackathons and competitions, do attend workshops by Industry Experts and many more. Which will help you grow and achieve more in the field what your interested in persuing. We help you find the best for you once we know your interests in a field.
The STEAM Boat is a student-run organization full of passion-driven youth doing their part to make a mark on our world. The STEAM Boat is building our future leaders in STEAM fields. We believe that our world would not be the same without STEM and Art working together. We believe that by equipping people with the best tools to solve their own problems, we can tackle the world's problems better, together. We aim to provide the resources students need to succeed in STEAM-related fields.
The STEAM Boat
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Collaborations Our Say on Science
Our Say on Science is a student-based organization that encourages the celebration of science. Through our informative content, we continue our mission to bring youth closer to the scientific world. We further promote that mission by informing youth about current events in the science community. As our student-run organization is 100% remote, members also learn to communicate well with others and make sure they deliver a clear message.
Our Water Planet is a youth-led non-profit organization that is dedicated to raising awareness and taking action to protect the world's water resources. The organization passionate about preserving the planet's waterways and ecosystems. Our Water Planet's mission is to empower everyone to take an active role in protecting the planet's water resources by providing them with education, resources, and opportunities to get involved in advocacy and action. This is done by focusing on issues such as water pollution, conservation, and access to clean water. Our Water Planet's goal is to inspire and mobilize a generation of young people to become leaders in environmental protection and sustainability.
Staff of Asclepius
Our Water Planet
The Staff of Asclepius (SOA) is a student-run organization that provides students with the opportunity to explore various fields and specialties in healthcare. A core mission of SOA is that students should gain early exposure to different career pathways in order to make a fully informed career decision. Thus, they offer free workshops, webinars, volunteer opportunities, and an annual healthcare conference in order to allow students to network with physicians and researchers within science and healthcare. They provide informational graphics on various healthcare careers, technological developments in healthcare, healthcare history, and opportunities within healthcare to an audience of over 900 students and organizations.
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Collaborations Biomed for Youth aims to provide educational opportunities and resources for students in underprivileged communities, specifically through medical and healthcare oriented topics. With our mission to support, engage, and empower, our organization works to open the doors to future career opportunities whilst exploring all that the medical field has to offer. We hope to provide students with hands-on and interactive learning opportunities through engaging workshops that strengthen the next generation of leaders. With our newly published book, educative social media platform, and our website, we strive to enhance existing support for students. Lastly, Biomed for Youth provides competition and experimental-based experiences for High School students and provides funds for school supplies.
Broncology
Biomed for Youth
Broncology is an international youth-led organization cultivating learning in STEM for people of all ages. We empower students in STEM and provide a platform to cover digestible scientific news. We are also working towards helping learners all over the world at all ages to discover the world of STEM and its intersection with other disciplines through different forms of expression. Broncology strives to make easily understandable STEM information accessible for everyone. We welcome all people from any country speaking any language to join our growing family of STEM. Whatever you have, there is always a space for everyone at Broncology.
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Collaborations STEM Support
In an era of so much information, it's getting increasingly more challenging yet more accessible to find opportunities. Our mission is to provide ambitious students that are interested in STEM-related fields with STEM opportunities, resources and information, all in one place! Our Instagram @stemsupport_ covers many different fields of STEM, including promoting events such as free webinars, in-person events, learning resources, and conferences such as this one! If you're interested in joining our team or catching up on all the amazing opportunities in your area, check out our socials or application posts for more information. We strive to help and guide STEM students towards success!
Opportunities For Students is a global nonprofit platform sharing all competitions,hiring,volunteering ,programs and more opportunities with students. It is also a platform providing students the chance to share tips, communicate ,and find like minded people to bond and initiate their own initiatives. OPPS's mission is to bridge the gap between students and nonprofits, fostering a collaborative environment where young individuals can contribute meaningfully to social causes. Through strategic partnerships with educational institutions and local organizations, OPPS actively connects students with internships, scholarships, and mentorship programs.
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Opportunities For Students
Table of Content
The Everyday Wonders of Chemical Science A Walk Through History: Development of Chemistry Exploding Colors: The Chemistry behind Fireworks Unleashing Rain: Investigating the Potential of Cloud Seeding
Unveiling the Wonders of Chemical Science
Science Simplified: Xenon Hexafluoroplatinate Alchemy Revealed: The Science and Art of Creating Gold The Spectrum of H+: Exploring the pH Scale and Its Diverse Applications
Nature's Chemical Symphony Illuminating Reactions: The Dance of Light in Photochemistry and Photosynthesis The Findings of Humans Necessity: Oxygen
Building a Greener Future Balancing Growth and Sustainability: Exploring the Impact of Chemical Fertilizers on Agriculture Green Chemistry: Sustainable Approaches to Chemical Synthesis and Processes Addressing the Global Water Crisis: Challenges and Sustainable Solution Ocean Acidification: Unraveling the Hidden Threats to Marine Ecosystems A JOURNEY INTO CHEMISTRY | 7
Note From Your
MAGAZINE BRANCH DIRECTOR Dear ScienceHolic Readers, The school year has indeed started off well, and it is my pleasure to share with you the much-anticipated release of Volume 2 of ScienceHolic’s Chemistry Themed Magazine. On this occasion, I am compelled to express my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated members of ScienceHolic whose unwavering commitment and diligent efforts have culminated in the creation of this invaluable publication. The thematic diversity within the articles, ranging from "The Everyday Wonders of Chemical Science" to "Building a Greener Future," reflects a profound commitment to exploring the multifaceted world of chemistry. Again, you are always welcomed to go onto our Instagram and Youtube to access session highlights and recordings of our Chemistry Conference. You may get to learn from Dr. Magda Barecka, a professor specializing in Chemical Biology and Electrochemistry, who talks about what kind of electrochemical experiments they perform and what they do with it. Lastly, a big shoutout to our partners, as their support is pivotal in making this magazine possible. Furthermore, I am very much looking forward to the release of ScienceHolic articles in late September. If anyone is interested in joining ScienceHolic, you can go to our social media or official websites to fill out an application. Wishing you continued success and a fantastic school year ahead!
Warm Regards,
Hanni Yang
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The Everyday Wonders of Chemical Science
A WALK THROUGH HISTORY: DEVELOPMENT OF CHEMISTRY Author: Riya Mehta Editor: Ken Saito Artist: Serena Zhou
Chemistry is a fundamental science that explores the properties, composition, and behavior of matter. It has a rich history that spans thousands of years, with remarkable discoveries and advancements that have shaped our understanding of the world. A walk through the development of chemistry is like embarking on a fascinating journey through time, witnessing the triumphs and struggles of great minds who laid the foundation for this captivating field.
The roots of chemistry can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where early practitioners sought to understand the nature of matter and its transformations. One of the earliest recorded civilizations to contribute to the development of chemistry was ancient Egypt. The Egyptians mastered the art of metallurgy, extracting metals from ores and crafting intricate objects. Their expertise in working with materials laid the groundwork for the science of chemistry. Fast forward to ancient Greece, where a group of influential philosophers known as the "Ionians" made significant strides in understanding matter. Thales of Miletus, one of the Ionian philosophers, proposed that water was the fundamental substance from which all other materials were derived. His student, Anaximenes, built upon this idea by suggesting that air was the primary element. These early concepts laid the foundation for the exploration of the building blocks of matter. The next major milestone in the development of chemistry occurred during the Islamic Golden Age. Muslim scholars made remarkable advancements in various fields, including alchemy, which laid the groundwork for modern chemistry. During this period, prominent figures such as Jabir ibn Hayyan, known as Geber in the Western world, conducted extensive experiments and documented their
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The Everyday Wonders of Chemical Science findings. They introduced laboratory techniques, developed sophisticated apparatus, and made significant contributions to chemical processes, such as distillation and crystallization. The Renaissance period witnessed a significant shift in the understanding of chemistry. Influential scientists like Robert Boyle and Antoine Lavoisier emerged during this time and revolutionized the field. Boyle's experiments with gases and his formulation of Boyle's Law contributed to our understanding of the relationship between pressure and volume. Lavoisier, often considered the "Father of Modern Chemistry," conducted meticulous experiments and established the law of conservation of mass and the concept of chemical elements. The 19th century marked a golden era for chemistry, with major breakthroughs in organic chemistry and the development of
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the periodic table. Chemists such as Friedrich Wöhler, who synthesized urea from inorganic compounds, shattered the belief in vitalism and demonstrated that organic compounds could be created artificially. Dmitri Mendeleev's creation of the periodic table, which organized elements based on their properties and atomic weights, revolutionized the field and provided a framework for future discoveries. The 20th century witnessed unprecedented advancements in the field of chemistry. The advent of quantum mechanics and spectroscopy led to a deeper understanding of atomic and molecular structure. Chemists like Marie Curie, Linus Pauling, and Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin made groundbreaking contributions to the field of radioactivity, chemical bonding, and the determination of crystal structures, respectively. In recent decades, chemistry has expanded into interdisciplinary realms, including biochemistry, materials science, and environmental chemistry. Chemists now work hand in hand with biologists, physicists, and engineers to tackle pressing global challenges and develop new technologies. The development of chemistry has been a journey of curiosity, experimentation, and discovery. It has provided us with valuable insights into the nature of matter and has paved the way for countless technological advancements that shape our lives today. From ancient civilizations to modern laboratories, the quest for knowledge and understanding continues, driving us to unravel the mysteries of the chemical world and unlock new possibilities for the future.
The Everyday Wonders of Chemical Science
EXPLODING COLORS: THE CHEMISTRY BEHIND FIREWORKS Author: Christine Chen
Editor: Ken Saito
KABOOM! It's the Fourth of July, and the night sky is lightened up by fireworks. Do you ever wonder what fireworks are made of? What gives it the color? Many think that fireworks dated back to the second century B.C. (over 2000 years ago!) in China. These started with
Artist: Tracy Xu
bamboo sticks that when thrown into fire, would explode. Gunpowder was invented in 600-900 AD, and these were poured into the bamboo sticks. All of this was thought to ward off evil spirits (spooky). Europeans got a hold of this new innovation and used it for important
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The Everyday Wonders of Chemical Science celebrations. Fireworks are now used safely to light up the sky! Fireworks work almost like any explosive. Recall a combustion reaction, which is a type of chemical reaction where a fuel and an oxidant react to produce heat. However, this particular example is too slow to make an explosion like setting off a firework. In order to generate an explosion, one would need to produce as much gaseous product in a short time. To set off a firework, one has to light a fuse. The heat will travel along the fuse, sort of like a bomb, until it reaches the bottom part of the firework. This bottom part has the lift charge, which is made from black powder, a form of gunpowder made from 75% potassium nitrate, 15% charcoal and 10% sulfur. The shell lays on top of the lift charge and is filled with small pellets called stars. When the fuse reaches the lift charge, the black powder reacts and creates
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a lot of gas in a short time. This energy produced by the reaction allows the shell to be launched out of the cylinder that holds it, known as the mortar, and up into the sky. Now, it’s the shell’s turn to do some magic. The second fuse, known as the timed fuse, ignites and activates a burst charge, when the proper height is met. This reaction sets off all the stars in the shell, dispersing into the amazing colors and sounds you see and hear. The design depends on the types of stars contained as well as the size and amount. It would be pretty boring if fireworks were only one color. To change this, the stars inside fireworks are made of metal salts. Strontium makes it red, calcium, orange, sodium, yellow, barium, green, copper, blue, copper and strontium, purple, magnesium aluminum, and titanium, for white. Metal salts will emit colors due to the absorption of energy when setting off the stars. These metals are in salt form because they were easy to disperse and less reactive.
The Everyday Wonders of Chemical Science
UNLEASHING RAIN: INVESTIGATING THE POTENTIAL OF CLOUD SEEDING
Author: Winnie Mok Editor: Jaylen Peng Artists: Lalita Ma and Leo Li
Controlling the weather has been prominently featured in supernatural tales and myths about Gods by countless generations and societies. From lightning bolts hurled by God to tsunamis summoned by sorcerers, weather manipulation has always appeared as an absurd fantasy beyond human capabilities. However, since the invention of cloud seeding in the 1950s, we humans now possess this ability. Well, sort of. This article delves into the
intriguing world of cloud seeding, exploring its methods and evaluating its effectiveness. Cloud seeding is a weather modification procedure that allows us to impact and amplify precipitation patterns. It is done by scattering foreign substances into clouds to promote rain or snow. Clouds form when the temperature of water vapor decreases and concentrates around a small dust or salt particle drifting in the
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The Everyday Wonders of Chemical Science air. Those particles, condensation or ice nuclei, are necessary for the formation of snowflakes and rain. The substances introduced into clouds act as a foundation for the condensation of water vapor into rain, or the formation of ice crystals into snowflakes which requires specific clouds that contain supercooled (below-freezing) water droplets. One of the common molecules used for snow formation is silver iodide since it has a crystal structure close to the ice. During the summer, salt crystals are used due to their hydrophilic characteristics to form larger raindrops in the clouds.
There are two main methods used in cloud seeding: ground-based and aerial seeding. Ground-based seeding is most beneficial in areas with standard weather patterns or in mountainous zones. Generators produce chemicals that are carried up the slopes of mountains by air masses, allowing them to make contact with the clouds. On the other hand, aerial seeding involves dispersing the particles directly into the clouds using an aircraft. This technique is more commonly used in places with erratic weather patterns and for larger areas. Measuring how effective cloud seeding is is quite difficult as there is no way to tell the hypothetical results of the process that had not occurred. One way could be by comparing seeded clouds with
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unseeded clouds and using statistics of precipitation patterns to analyze if a significant impact had been made. In places where cloud seeding has been commonly used, a discernible difference could be observed, increasing precipitation up to 30 percent. As we further explore cloud seeding, this percentage will increase even more and help sustain a stable water source while battling climate change. Although cloud seeding offers promising results for supplying water, supporting agriculture, and relieving droughts in dry areas, critics have argued that there are long-term consequences of modifying precipitation patterns that have not been discovered. They raise concerns that this alteration in habitat may lead to the destruction of ecosystems. A lack of regulations also contributes to concerns of misusage and neglect, potentially leading to environmental devastation. Cloud seeding is a fascinating advancement that has been made in weather modification, allowing the opportunity to increase water supply and alleviate droughts. While it has demonstrated favorable outcomes, there are also about its environmental impact and ethical purposes. As researchers and scientists continue exploring this technique, it is necessary that they do this with the consideration of preserving nature’s natural state.
Unveiling the Wonders of Chemical Science
SCIENCE SIMPLIFIED: XENON HEXAFLUOROPLATINATE Authors: Rachel Lu and Abigail Wu Editor: Ken Saito Artist: Acey Li
Noble gases are the most stable elements in the periodic table, which means their valence electrons shells are completely filled with eight electrons. Since they are the most stable elements, they are unreactive; in other words, it is
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Unveiling the Wonders of Chemical Science hard for these elements to combine with other elements because they are “reluctant to share electrons from their filled outer electron shells” (Halford). Against all odds, however, Neil Bartlett, a British chemist, created a noble gas molecule in the 1960s: xenon hexafluoroplatinate ( XePtF6). Bartlett’s interest lay in creating a compound with the element xenon, a noble gas. He observed that xenon had a similar ionization potential to oxygen. Ionization potential, also known as ionization energy, means “the amount of energy required to remove an electron from an isolated atom or molecule” (“Ionization energy”). Later, Bartlett came across a compound that was such a powerful “oxidant that it could oxidize oxygen itself by stealing electrons from it” (Bennett). This inspired him to conduct an experiment with xenon and this powerful oxidant compound. This robust oxidant with a yellow-brown solid is known as platinum hexafluoride. During Bartlett’s previous experiments with platinum, a silvery-white metal, and fluorine, a colorless gas, he accidentally allowed some oxygen into the mixture. This caused the mixture of platinum and fluorine to turn red. Consequently, he realized that platinum hexafluoride could react with oxygen, and the cause of turning the mixture red was that it had been oxidized. In March 1962, Bartlett performed an experiment with xenon and platinum hexafluoride. He took one flask that contained xenon and another flask with the vapor of platinum hexafluoride. He then broke the seal between the two substances and waited for the red vapor of platinum
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hexafluoride to mix with the colorless xenon gas. Immediately, an orange-yellow solid formed before his eyes: Neil Bartlett had become the first person to see a noble gas compound. Neil Bartlett’s experiment made history. When people denied that a noble gas could form any compound, Neil Bartlett disproved this understanding by creating xenon hexafluoroplatinate. After his discovery, scientists began experimenting with noble gases and tried to form other noble gas compounds, such as radon difluoride. To this day, “only Krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), and radon (Rn) are known to form stable compounds” (“Noble Gas”). As of today, xenon hexafluoroplatinate serves as a “fluorinating agent for inorganic as well as organic compounds. It fluorinates many materials at room temperature that does not react with elemental fluorine under the same conditions.” (“Xenon Hexafluoride''). Whether or not XePtF6 is utilizable to mankind daily, its discovery is a significant milestone in chemistry.
Unveiling the Wonders of Chemical Science
ALCHEMY REVEALED: THE SCIENCE AND ART OF CREATING GOLD Author: Jefferson Lin Editor: Ken Saito Artist: Carys Chan When you go to a jewelry store and see all the expensive gems displaced, have you ever wondered if we will run out? This planet is enormous and seemingly infinite, but everything is scarce, which does not exclude gems. Gemstones, like gold and diamond, are always in high demand, and because of their scarcity, the value of these
gems has always been skyrocketing. So, the question is, how can we create or obtain more of these valuable gemstones? The way to create diamonds has always been known; high-purity carbon, high pressure, and high temperatures are needed to stimulate the natural method of creating diamonds. However, how about
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Unveiling the Wonders of Chemical Science gold? Can we naturally create gold? Well, the short answer is… kind of. Gold is naturally occurring during a supernova through nucleosynthesis. But since we cannot cause the collision of stars, the next best way to synthetically create gold is by transmuting one element into another, which requires nuclear reactions, such as those that occur in stars or particle accelerators. These processes are not practical or cost-effective for creating gold. So, how can we access more gold if we cannot create gold? Well, as said previously, gold is created due to supernovas. With these supernovas, asteroids begin to form and collect all sorts of materials, one of which is gold. Recently, Asteroid 16 Psyche was discovered to contain enough materials, including gold, to make the entire world population richer than the richest man alive! However, as it travels through space, much of its materials will be scattered throughout space. So, the value of the asteroid will not be the same as when it was first discovered. Yet, this does not
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mean that this isn’t valuable information. Materials that are scarce on Earth can be found in other spaces The allure of precious gemstones and valuable minerals remains undeniable, driven by their scarcity and demand. While diamonds can be created synthetically, the challenge of producing gold persists due to its natural formation during supernovas. However, exploring space resources, exemplified by asteroids like Asteroid 16 Psyche, offers a glimmer of hope for accessing valuable materials beyond our planet. Still, this endeavor necessitates ethical considerations and sustainable practices. As we journey through the wonders of gemstones and the uncharted territories of space, we must strike a delicate balance between resource utilization and conservation. By advancing technology and embracing ethical approaches, we can strive to secure a future where both Earth and the cosmos hold untold treasures, inspiring dreams for generations to come.
Unveiling the Wonders of Chemical Science
THE SPECTRUM OF H+: EXPLORING THE PH SCALE AND ITS DIVERSE APPLICATIONS Author: Jefferson Lin Artist: Carys Chan
Editor: Ken Saito
The pH scale, a fundamental concept in chemistry, is often misunderstood. The concept of acids and bases emerged in the 1700s, with acids having hydrogen ions (H+) and bases releasing hydroxide ions (OH-). In 1909, Danish chemist, Søren Peder Lauritz Sørenson, developed a logarithmic formula to categorize acids and bases, allowing for easy analysis of hydrogen ion concentration in solutions. This formula gave way to the pH scale: a measurement used to determine the acidity of a substance. The pH scale ranges from zero to fourteen- acidic to basic. The concept of acidity can be illustrated through two examples. When carbon dioxide dissolves in water, it reacts with water molecules to form carbonic acid, which dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions due to its presence in polar water. This process increases hydrogen ion concentration, classifying carbonic acid as an acid. On the other hand, when ammonia, a base, is added to water, it forms ammonium hydroxide, which dissociates into ions and releases hydroxide ions. These hydroxide ions combine with hydrogen ions to form water, reducing the hydrogen ion concentration and classifying ammonia as a base.
Acids and bases, such as carbon dioxide/carbonic acid and ammonia, undergo similar processes when added to water. This results in hydrogen ions dissociating with hydroxide ions, which are responsible for acidification. Hydroxide ions “sponge up” loose hydrogen ions, making their solutions more basic. Buffers are pairs of weak acids or weak bases and their conjugates, which exist in equilibrium. When other acids or bases are added to a solution,they can neutralize them. This stabilizing property only lasts until either acid or base is depleted, after which the pH changes sharply. Blood has a known pH between 7.35 and 7.45, and our body has various buffering systems to maintain this range. The cardiopulmonary system manages
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Unveiling the Wonders of Chemical Science blood acidity by increasing or decreasing carbon dioxide expulsion. Carbon dioxide, a byproduct of cellular respiration, reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which is a crucial part of our body’s buffer system. However, when blood becomes too acidic, the body can compensate by expelling more carbon dioxide. An increase in respiration rate and heart rate can help free up the bases in our bodies. Disorders in blood pH can have serious consequences, and medical experts must use the properties of acids and bases to address the imbalance. In the medical field, disorders of the blood pH are sorted into four categories: metabolic alkalosis, metabolic acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, and respiratory acidosis. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when excessive breathing causes the blood to become too basic or acidic. Metabolic acidosis and alkalosis disrupt the body’s balance by adding substances that either acidify or alkalize the blood. These imbalances can be caused by external factors like overdosing medications or
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internal ones like diabetes or dehydration. Doctors must identify the root cause and address it with weak acids or bases. Understanding pH is crucial for plant husbandry, as too much acid or base can disrupt growth and negatively impact agriculture. Most plants thrive in slightly acidic soil, with a pH range of five to six. Soil acidity can be caused by agricultural land management, excessive fertilizers, lack of natural waste, decaying plant material, and geology. Farmers must neutralize the acid with a base like lime. pH also impacts plant appearance, as certain species of hydrangea change flower color based on soil pH. Gardeners can adjust soil pH with lime or sulfur for specific hydrangea shades. Medicine and agriculture are just two of many fields that use the properties of acids and bases. Though it’s easy to relegate the pH scale to a chemistry lab, acids and bases are all around us. Understanding how they work comes in handy in more ways than you might expect!
Nature's Chemical Symphony
ILLUMINATING REACTIONS: THE DANCE OF LIGHT IN PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOSYNTHESIS Each year an astounding 300 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide are converted into energy and nutrients by plants each year. Plants have the remarkable ability to convert carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight into glucose and oxygen. But how do they capture light and turn it into energy and nutrients? We can understand the chemical processes behind this interesting phenomenon by looking at photosynthesis and photochemistry. Photochemistry is the study of chemical reactions involving visible or ultraviolet light; photochemical reactions are chemical reactions initiated by light absorption. Photosynthesis, on the other hand, is the photochemical process through which plants convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into oxygen and nutrients. Photosynthesis begins when a particle of light, called a photon, is absorbed by a plant. Plants have different pigments, such as chlorophyll, that play a crucial role in capturing sunlight. Chlorophyll, located in the thylakoids of the chloroplast, provides plants with their green color by reflecting green light. Photosynthesis is split into two main parts: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions. The light-dependent reactions are where light is
Author: Alicia Ma. Artist: Jenny Luo
Editor: Sophia Chen
captured by the chlorophyll, and water (H2O) molecules are split into electrons, protons, and oxygen. The light-dependent reactions also produce ATP and NADPH, which are used in light-independent reactions. The light-independent reactions (the Calvin Cycle) occur in the stroma- a fluid outside the thylakoids. In the Calvin Cycle, carbon dioxide is absorbed through pores in leaves called stomata. Subsequently, the energy from the ATP and high-energy electrons from the NADPH convert the carbon dioxide into glucose.
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Nature's Chemical Symphony But why does this matter to humans? Photosynthesis impacts humans by producing a significant amount of the oxygen that we breathe while absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide, a harmful greenhouse gas. Furthermore, photochemistry is important to scientists and the petroleum and oil industries. Many chemists are researching how photochemistry can speed up reactions. In chemistry, catalysts, substances that speed up reactions by lowering the energy needed for a reaction to happen, provide a critical alternative. Currently, chemists are researching
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how photocatalysts (a catalyst fueled by solar energy) can be created and harnessed for clean solar-to-fuel conversion. Photocatalysts impact many industries, especially energy industries such as petroleum and oil because they can help minimize energy consumption and pollution while speeding up reactions. These photocatalysts need to absorb light in order to work, just like plants need to absorb light to produce nutrients. Doing more research in the field of photochemistry will shed light on new ways scientists can improve science and technology.
Nature's Chemical Symphony
THE FINDINGS OF HUMANS NECESSITY: OXYGEN Author: Hanni Yang Editors: Ken Saito and Sophia Chen Artist: Jade Li What is the one thing that lies at the heart of our survival? Many people may think that food and water are their primary needs, but air is undoubtedly the most significant factor for human survival. Given numerous factors, what makes air crucial for our survival? Would we die without oxygen? Are there other alternatives to replace oxygen, this lifesustaining element? Oxygen, a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas is essential to living organisms such as humans, plants, and animals. These organisms can convert it to carbon dioxide; plants, in turn, utilize carbon dioxide as a source of carbon and return the oxygen to the atmosphere. Oxygen has a mutually beneficial relationship with living organisms. Essentially, oxygen is a chemical element with an atomic number of 8 and is represented by the chemical symbol O. By reacting with almost any other element, and by reactions that displace elements from combinations of one another, oxygen forms compounds such as water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sugar (C12H22O11). In many cases, these processes are accompanied by the evolution of heat and light, in this case called combustion. Oxygen is an important resource for
us, but who found out about oxygen? Oxygen was discovered by three people. Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele was the first to discover oxygen in 1772. Scheele produced oxygen by heating a variety of substances, including mercury oxide, potassium nitrate, silver carbonate, manganese nitrate, and manganese oxide. Subsequently, Joseph Priestley, an English chemist, discovered oxygen in 1774 and published his findings a year before Scheele, in 1776. Through a series of experiments in 1774, Priestley concluded that “air is not a fundamental substance, but a composition: or mixture of gasses. Among them was a colorless, highly reactive gas he called “dephlogisticated air,” which the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier gave it the name "oxygen" — a Greek word that means “acid-former” — after a year of discovery by Priestley.
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Nature's Chemical Symphony Oxygen is the most important element for living things as it sustains life on Earth. It is said that around 90% of our biochemical and metabolic activities require oxygen. When we breathe, we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Oxygen is taken from the lungs by hemoglobin and carried to every cell in the body. Breathing through the nose is highly recommended, as its specialized structure cleans and filters the air before it reaches the lungs. Oxygen is essential to oxidize food, releasing the energy and heat needed to perform everyday tasks. It is estimated to make up about 65% of your body weight and is responsible for regulating most bodily functions. Without air, plants would not be able to keep up with the process of photosynthesis, and without air, animals that depend entirely on plants for their survival would perish. While oxygen may seem like it’s beneficial for living organisms, the potential hazards cannot be underestimated. Our blood has evolved to safely attach the oxygen that we breathe into a transport molecule known as hemoglobin. However, oxygen in the lungs
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can exceed the blood's capacity for removal if the oxygen concentration in the air we breathe is significantly higher than normal. As a result, free oxygen binds to lung surface proteins. This interferes with the functioning of the central nervous system and damages the retina. Hyperventilation at normal pressure does not cause oxygen toxicity (dizziness due to CO2 levels falling too low), but breathing oxygen for more than 16 hours at 0.5 bar or higher (about two and a half times normal pressure) can cause irreversible lung damage, eventually leading to death. Oxygen has been fostering and providing for humans for a long period of time, developing groundbreaking practices like oxygen therapy, also called supplemental oxygen. This treatment provides extra oxygen for patients who may experience low blood oxygen due to pneumonia, COVID-19, late-stage heart failure, and sleep apnea. Oxygen may be untouchable, but it has extended to people’s daily lives which they may not notice. With all the remarkable findings, oxygen remains an intricate marvel and stands as essential in living organisms’ lives.
Building a Greener Future
BALANCING GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY: EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS ON AGRICULTURE Just under half of the human population depends on chemical or synthetic fertilizers for food production. As of 2023, that is nearly 4 billion people. Fertilizers have been an integral part of our food production, yet we hardly pay any attention to what they mean to agriculture and their lasting impact. Fertilizers have been used in agriculture for over 7,000 years, and the modern chemical fertilizer was found in the 20th century. Farmers discovered their crop yield increased by adding animal manure or decomposed plant remains. These growth assistants add mineral ions necessary for plant growth to the soil. Over
Author: Vartika Rani Editors: Angela Pan and Hwi-On Lee Artist: Carys Chan time, soil loses its nutrients and minerals as plants are grown on it repeatedly, which harms crop yield. Fertilizers help add these micronutrients to the soil, yielding a greater crop. They also allow farmers to increase their profit while not having to invest as much in their plants. Eventually, through the technological advancements of society and the shift towards manufacturing rather than agriculture, the easy organic techniques became harder and harder to use. Organic fertilizers needed a large amount of material that could not be easily produced naturally or for a cheap price. As an alternative, people started to shift more toward processed chemical fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and several other micronutrients. These nutrients allow plants to grow larger and in greater quantities. To the greater convenience of farmers, chemical fertilizers can be massproduced and processed, lowering their prices and increasing accessibility. These fertilizers can produce fast results and can be mixed with various other additives. This widespread accessibility of chemical fertilizers allowed the expansion of agriculture, with farmers easily being able
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Building a Greener Future to access nutrients for their crops to grow. With the common use of fertilizers, plants become resilient against harmful plant pathogens, pests, and weeds, helping increase crop yield and quality. However, with this advancement in the agricultural world, there are environmental drawbacks to the extensive use of this form of fertilizer. When chemical fertilizers are added to the soil, they can percolate through the ground and into the underground water system. Along with groundwater, fertilizer can be carried through surface water from surface runoff. Consequently, fertilizer is carried through the water, both above and below the ground, and can disrupt ecosystems as part of the water cycle. For example, when fertilizer runs into lakes, there are algae blooms that make the surface of the water darker. This causes the temperature of the water to rise, which lowers the amount of dissolved oxygen, drastically changing the environment for several species in that ecosystem. Along with impacting the environment, the increased use of chemical fertilizers also impacts humans. Due to the increasing amount of fertilizer in the water system, water sources now contain an increased amount of nitrate and phosphate
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due to the high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus transported from these fertilizers. Ironically, when farmers add chemical fertilizers to improve the quality and nutrients of their soil, they are unconsciously contributing to the degradation of the soil as well. Because soil structure naturally has the right balance of minerals and nutrients, adding fertilizers aids in its deterioration. Specifically, fertilizers that contain high levels of sodium and potassium, which most chemical fertilizers contain, have a negative impact on the soil pH. The increased pH in the soil causes a sudden drop in crop yield and quality. Similarly, it further aids soil pollution through its accumulation in the soil. All in all, chemical fertilizers have left an undeniable mark on the agricultural world and continue to impact billions of people daily. Chemical fertilizers have allowed farmers to prosper and impacted the environment in ways that haven’t been done before. They will continue to be an avid part of agriculture for many years to come, and the only question remains whether these fertilizers will continue to aid or hinder the progression of agricultural advancements for many years.
Building a Greener Future
GREEN CHEMISTRY: SUSTAINABLE APPROACHES TO CHEMICAL SYNTHESIS AND PROCESSES According to renowned American science writer Janine Benyus, "Green chemistry is replacing industrial chemistry with nature's recipes." Benyus’ thoughtprovoking aphorism illustrates the transformative nature of green chemistry, which seeks to replace detrimental industrial practices with environmentally friendly alternatives inspired by nature. Benyus emphasizes that industrial processes use all periodic table elements, even though life can function with just a few; some elements even pose dangers to human health and the environment. Hence, he accentuates the importance of using green chemistry over industrial chemistry. This article will cover the basics of green chemistry and how it can help create a more sustainable future. Green Chemistry is “the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances.” The fundamental principles that govern green chemistry's approach to chemical synthesis and processes include the following preventing waste; designing less hazardous chemical syntheses and safer chemicals and products; using safer solvents and reaction conditions; increasing energy efficiency and using renewable feedstocks; and minimizing the potential for accidents. By
Author: Anagha Krishna Prasad Editor: Ken Saito and Kyra Wang Artist: Leo Li
adhering to these principles, chemists strive to develop environmentally friendly, economically viable, and productive solutions that decrease their environmental viability. The waste prevention principle encourages employing innovative strategies in green chemistry to reduce waste production. These strategies include
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Building a Greener Future producing fewer byproducts and repurposing refuse. Reusing and recycling materials are also crucial components of ecological chemistry. By employing circular economy principles, chemists are discovering methods to recover and repurpose refuse products, decreasing the need for new resources and environmental pollution. With this principle, chemists are targeting novel insecticides and pesticides. Pesticides and insecticides are toxic only to target organisms and decompose into environmentally safe substances. Examples include using highly toxic organic tinbased compounds and chlorine bleaches. Tin-based compounds were once coated on the exterior of the organic compounds to prevent the capture of seaweed and plankton. To reduce the effects of Sn, these organic compounds have been supplanted with Sea-Nine, a non-toxic product. The production of chlorine bleaches often results in disruptions in the ozone layer. To decrease this problem, an oxidant activator is being developed in hydrogen peroxide to
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replace chlorine bleaches. Green chemistry embodies a paradigm-shifting methodology for chemical synthesis and processes to substitute deleterious industrial procedures with nature-derived and ecologically benign alternatives. The quote by Janine Benyus emphasizes the importance of embracing green chemistry instead of conventional industrial chemistry, as it presents a trajectory towards a more environmentally sustainable future. By adhering to the principles of green chemistry, safer chemical design, and utilization of renewable resources, chemists can devise pioneering solutions that effectively mitigate environmental impact while simultaneously upholding economic viability. As the global community progressively adopts green chemistry principles, we approach a state of enhanced concordance between human endeavors and the natural ecosystem, thereby cultivating a more salubrious and enduring planet for forthcoming generations.
Building a Greener Future
ADDRESSING THE GLOBAL WATER CRISIS: CHALLENGES AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION Author: Anannya Gairola Editor: Bryan Li and Samuel Huang Artists: Mehrsa Karbas and Leo Li Water, the essence of life, is an indispensable resource that sustains all living beings. However, the ongoing water crisis poses a significant threat to global populations, impacting regions worldwide, including countries in Africa and India. This essay explores the far-reaching consequences of the water crisis on diverse communities, analyses the primary causes, such as the rise of greenhouse gases and pollution, and examines the proactive measures we have taken to combat these global issues. By harnessing environmental technology, including solar energy and electric vehicles, and embracing sustainable practices, such as green building initiatives, we can work towards mitigating the water crisis and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. I. The Global Water Crisis and its FarReaching Impact: Africa: African countries, already vulnerable to environmental and economic challenges, face the brunt of the water crisis. Erratic weather patterns due to climate change have led to prolonged droughts, causing wells, ponds, and rivers to dry up. The lack of clean water has severe implications for public health, agriculture, and socioeconomic development.
India: With its massive population, India is grappling with the consequences of water scarcity. Rapid urbanisation, unchecked pollution, and mismanagement of water resources have contributed to depleting groundwater levels. As a result, many regions in India experience chronic water shortages, affecting agriculture, industries, and livelihoods. II. Causes of Water Shortage: The Role of Greenhouse Gases and Pollution: Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change: The accelerated rise of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, has led to global warming, causing shifts in weather patterns and extreme temperatures. As the earth's temperature rises, it intensifies evaporation rates, leading to reduced water levels in natural water sources. Pollution and Water Contamination:
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Building a Greener Future Water pollution from industrial and agricultural activities severely impacts the availability of clean water. Toxins and chemicals contaminate water bodies, making them unfit for consumption, while agricultural run-off contributes to eutrophication, suffocating aquatic life and ecosystems. III. Sustainable Solutions to Combat the Global Water Crisis: Harnessing Environmental Technology: Solar Energy: Solar energy is an ecofriendly solution to power water desalination plants and treatment facilities. By using solar-powered pumps to extract and distribute water, we can optimize energy consumption and minimize the carbon footprint. Electric Vehicles: The transition from conventional gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) reduces harmful emissions and air pollution. Lower emissions contribute to mitigating climate change, indirectly influencing the water cycle and supporting water conservation efforts. Embracing Sustainable Practices: Green Building Initiatives: Green buildings incorporate innovative practices to reduce water consumption and preserve natural resources. Rainwater Harvesting: Implementing rainwater harvesting systems allows buildings to collect and store rainwater for non-potable uses, reducing the demand for municipal water supplies. Greywater Recycling: By treating and recycling greywater from sinks and showers, green buildings can
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reuse water for irrigation and flushing, minimizing overall water consumption. Sustainable Landscaping: Employing drought-resistant plant species and xeriscaping techniques in landscaping reduces the need for excessive water usage, promoting sustainable water management Utilizing new discoveries in science: the power of chemistry: chemicals are used in our current water infrastructures to ensure clean and safe drinking water. These methods have been researched over many centuries and scientifically proven to be fit for human life. Chlorination is one of the main methods that can be used to disinfect water. The chemical chlorine
Building a Greener Future inactivates a microorganism by damaging its cell membrane. This damage allows the chlorine to enter the cell and damage its functions. By doing so, chlorine successfully removes harmful bacteria and microorganisms within fluids like water. These methods are most likely used in your local city. However, many third-world countries need more resources to build these infrastructures. Third World Countries: Scientists have been trying to implement chlorination in water treatment facilities in third-world countries. However, because chlorine is a chemical, many people in thirdworld countries are unaware of how to use it. This is a huge problem, as too much chlorine can result in nausea and vomiting. Another method we can implement in third-world countries is Solar Water Disinfection. This method utilizes the sun to improve water quality and prevent diarrheal infections. It is also fairly inexpensive, which allows more people to access the technology. IV. The Role of Collaborative Efforts: Addressing the global water crisis requires collaborative efforts from governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses, and individuals. International cooperation is vital to share knowledge, resources, and technologies to combat water scarcity on a global scale. Equitable access to water and sanitation services should be a priority to ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind. Conclusion: The ongoing water
crisis poses a formidable challenge to populations worldwide, with African countries, India, and many others bearing the brunt of its impact. The rise of greenhouse gases and pollution has exacerbated this crisis, depleting wells, ponds, and rivers. However, we have made strides toward mitigating the water crisis through sustainable solutions like environmental technology, including solar energy and electric vehicles, and adopting green building practices. By prioritizing collaborative efforts and equitable access to water resources, we can create a sustainable future that ensures the availability of clean water for all, preserving this precious resource for generations to come.
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Building a Greener Future
OCEAN ACIDIFICATION: UNRAVELING THE HIDDEN THREATS TO MARINE ECOSYSTEMS Author: Chloe Jeon Editors: Ken Saito and Sophia Chen Artist: Tracy Xu The ocean makes up 70% of Earth, but a major issue is rising from it. It is up to us to take action and save our Earth. The ocean’s chemistry is significantly changing due to the formation of carbonic acid from carbon dioxide absorption. The ocean’s pH has shifted from approximately 8.2 to 8.1 since the Industrial Revolution. While a 0.1 difference in pH may not seem substantial, according to UNESCO’s data, it is revealed that the “acidity of the ocean has increased by 26% since the beginning of the industrial era.” If 26% still does not appear to be a large change to you, scientists predict that the pH could plummet to 7.8 by 2100, meaning the ocean will be 150% more acidic by that time.
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What does ocean acidification have to do with us? Marine biodiversity is heavily endangered. This endangerment will eventually affect aquaculture, fisheries, transportation, and tourism industries. Let’s look at these calcifying crustaceans – lobster, crab, and krill. Their exoskeletons are made out of chitin, protein, and calcium carbonate. Similarly, other creatures like coral, sea urchins, plankton, and oysters also utilize carbonate ions to build their calcium carbonate shells. However, these carbonate ions have been dropping in numbers as they are converted to bicarbonate ions when combined with the extra hydrogen ions from acidification. As a result, these creatures have been unable to build and maintain their shells.
Building a Greener Future
Taking it to the next level, acidification hinders physiological processes such as growth and reproduction. For example, plankton feed many species as they belong to the lowest trophic level, but a decrease in their population destroys the stability of the food chain. Coral reefs are also in danger due to bleaching and the lack of protection due to a sharp decline in sea urchin populations. Young brittle stars are not able to survive from lowered muscle mass. Squids are no longer able to control oxygen transfer in large amounts. Clownfish have lost a sense of smell from acidified areas, preventing them from sensing predators. Scientists are currently researching ways to prevent further acidification. The
IAEA has been supporting isotopic techniques, reports, real-time data, and communication resources to investigate the causes and effects of this crisis. NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program has intensively connected scientists, policymakers, resource managers, and the public to keep track of marine ecosystems. The real question is, what can we do daily to protect our oceans? According to the National Ocean Service, we can conserve water, reduce pollutants and waste, shop wisely, reduce vehicle pollution, use less energy, fish responsibly, practice safe boating, and respect the habitat. By adhering to these practices, you and I can ensure a valuable ocean teeming with life.
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