EMERGING
CONTAMINANTS

Thursday, May 5, 2011, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Emerging contaminants are a group of compounds that have recently been identified in wastewater, streams, and ground water but are not regulated. Some of these are known as endocrine disruptors (which are compounds that can interfere with the endocrine systems of animals, and so affect reproduction). These compounds include pharmaceuticals and other compounds that can affect the normal functions of humans and animals. Join us in conversation with Patrick Phillips, Hydrologist, US Geological Survey, Troy, NY.

Here are some questions to get you thinking about the topic:

1. What are emerging contaminants?
2. Are emerging contaminants changing our amphibians and reptiles in Lake Champlain?
3. Why are scientists concerned about emerging contaminants?
4. Can consumer choices affect the presence of emerging contaminants in our waters?
5. How do environmental scientists do science without a laboratory?
6. How is being an environmental scientist similar to being an artist?

Read more about these questions on our website.
 

Café Scientifique is being webcast by VPT, through a partnership with ECHO and Vermont EPSCoR, and their science-based programs:
Café Scientifique and Emerging Science.

Use your Twitter account to interact with the live audience at ECHO, and submit questions to the speaker: