GHS Science CAPT Embedded Task Review Brownfield Sites

Your Task Formulate a question/problem statement about a Brownfield site that can be answered through a scientific experiment/investigation. Design a scientific experiment/investigation that answers your question/problem statement. 2

What is a Brownfield Site? Piece of land that was once used for industrial purposes and is now typically abandoned because of suspected contamination. Name one Brownfield site in Greenwich? What has this property been used for that led to it being identified as a Brownfield (contaminated) site?

What is a contaminant? A contaminant is a toxic chemical that can harm humans and/or the environment. Contaminants can pollute water, air, and/or soil. Arsenic Mercury Benzene

Contaminants of Major Concern Asbestos – Cause respiratory problems Benzene – Causes cancer Lead and Copper - Neurotoxic Mercury – May cause physical and mental disorders. Greatly affects fish populations.

Where do contaminants come from? Possible source of contamination Heavy metals: arsenic, cadmium chromium, lead, mercury metal finishing/plating shops, manufacturing and foundries, coal burning power plants Gasoline/constituents of gasoline: gasoline, benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, xylene gasoline stations, tank farms, pipelines Petroleum Products Leaking undergound storage tanks Solvents: tetrachloroethlyene, trichloroethylene, III-trichloroethane dry cleaners, machine shops, metal finishing/plating shops

Why Redevelop Brownfield Sites? Discounted real estate cost Valuable location Reduce pressure on undeveloped land Preserve historical or architecturally significant buildings Eliminate health and safety hazards Improve community

Detecting Soil and Groundwater Contamination Usually a portable drilling rig is brought to the site A well is installed. Soil is sampled as the well is drilled. Groundwater is sampled and analyzed for the suspected pollutants.

How to make a Brownfield site usable again… Get rid of contaminants (ex. Excavation techniques) Stop the contaminants from spreading

Your Task Formulate a question/problem statement about a Brownfield site that can be answered through a scientific experiment/investigation. Design a scientific experiment/investigation that answers your question/problem statement. 10

First… Generate three questions about brownfield sites that can be answered through a scientific experiment. Be sure your question requires scientific research to reach an answer.  DON’T ASK "How much will it cost to remediate the site?" because you can't answer that question with a lab experiment.   1. 2. 3.

Possible Questions Does the amount of __________ (name of contaminant) effect the growth of plants. Does ___________ (name of contaminant) cause cancer in squirrels? What is the best way to slow the spread of contaminants? Does the distance from the source of contamination effect the amount of contaminants?

Identify the Independent and Dependent Variables for each… Does the amount of __________ (name of contaminant) effect the growth of plants. Independent Variable: Amount of Contaminant Dependent Variable: Height of plants 2. Does ___________ (name of contaminant) cause cancer in squirrels? Dependent Variable: Cancer in Squirrels

Identify the Independent and Dependent Variables for each… 3. What is the best way to slow the spread of contaminants? Independent Variable: Type of Remediation Dependent Variable: Amount of Contaminants at certain distances from source. 4. Does the distance from the source of contamination effect the amount of contaminants? Independent Variable: Distance from Source Dependent Variable: Amount of Contaminants.

(REMEMBER: IF…THEN…B/C) Next… DEVELOP A HYPOTHESIS (REMEMBER: IF…THEN…B/C) Problem: Does ___________ (name of contaminant) cause cancer in squirrels? Hypothesis: If squirrels are exposed to benzene then they will develop cancer because benzene is a carcinogen.

With a Partner Make a problem statement about a Brownfield Site. Write a hypothesis. Design an experiment to test your hypothesis. (Write a procedure).

"A process (phytoremediation) has been developed that uses plants to remove contaminants from soils and water.  Suppose a contaminated area (Brownfield site) in your home town is being considered for this process.  Identify at least three questions that would need to be answered before starting such a program.“ Sample CAPT Question

Possible correct responses: What is/were the sources of contamination? What are/were the contaminants of concern? What is the extent of the affected property? How deep does the contamination extend into the sediment? What are the potential effects on the local ecosystem/food webs? What type of ecological restoration is being sought (recreational, residential, etc.)? What is the timeframe needed for total restoration? What is the cost associated with this program compared to other programs? What special resources (tools, people, etc.) are required?