Water Chem @ UMass Amherst
@waterchem.bsky.social
Graduate students at UMass Amherst exploring the science of water chemistry. From water quality and sustainability to the latest research, join us as we dive into the complexities of water and its vital role in our world.
Have you ever left tools out and they rusted? Chemistry has a solution. Sacrificial anodes are metals used to protect other metals from corrosion and are used in many applications. They corrode instead of the metal they're protecting, extending the life of the metal they are attached to. (1/3)
May 9, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Have you ever left tools out and they rusted? Chemistry has a solution. Sacrificial anodes are metals used to protect other metals from corrosion and are used in many applications. They corrode instead of the metal they're protecting, extending the life of the metal they are attached to. (1/3)
Did you know there are 19 national parks where you can see geothermal processes in action?
These regions are chemically and biologically complex. They form when water flows underground, is heated by magma or hot rock, and rises to the surface. (1/5)
www.nps.gov/subjects/geo...
These regions are chemically and biologically complex. They form when water flows underground, is heated by magma or hot rock, and rises to the surface. (1/5)
www.nps.gov/subjects/geo...
May 7, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Did you know there are 19 national parks where you can see geothermal processes in action?
These regions are chemically and biologically complex. They form when water flows underground, is heated by magma or hot rock, and rises to the surface. (1/5)
www.nps.gov/subjects/geo...
These regions are chemically and biologically complex. They form when water flows underground, is heated by magma or hot rock, and rises to the surface. (1/5)
www.nps.gov/subjects/geo...
Oxidation-Reduction Potential, or ORP, is a water quality parameter that is often measured in surface waters. ORP is used to determine the ability for oxidation or reduction reactions to occur depending on the presence of various dissolved species within a system. (1/4)
May 6, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Oxidation-Reduction Potential, or ORP, is a water quality parameter that is often measured in surface waters. ORP is used to determine the ability for oxidation or reduction reactions to occur depending on the presence of various dissolved species within a system. (1/4)
Can micro-nano bubbles (MNBs) enhance contaminant degradation efficiency? MNBs augment oxidative processes via elevated dissolved oxygen (DO), generating hydroxyl (·OH) and superoxide (O2• −) radicals, and facilitating ferric hydroxide floc formation.
April 30, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Can micro-nano bubbles (MNBs) enhance contaminant degradation efficiency? MNBs augment oxidative processes via elevated dissolved oxygen (DO), generating hydroxyl (·OH) and superoxide (O2• −) radicals, and facilitating ferric hydroxide floc formation.
How do wetlands remove nitrogen from water?
Redox reactions! Plants like Phragmites leak oxygen (Radial Oxygen Loss) from roots, creating redox zones. Aerobic (O₂-rich) areas oxidize NH₄⁺ to NO₃⁻, while anaerobic zones reduce NO₃⁻ to harmless N₂ gas. Some wetland plants release up to 5g O₂/m²/day!
Redox reactions! Plants like Phragmites leak oxygen (Radial Oxygen Loss) from roots, creating redox zones. Aerobic (O₂-rich) areas oxidize NH₄⁺ to NO₃⁻, while anaerobic zones reduce NO₃⁻ to harmless N₂ gas. Some wetland plants release up to 5g O₂/m²/day!
April 29, 2025 at 11:37 PM
How do wetlands remove nitrogen from water?
Redox reactions! Plants like Phragmites leak oxygen (Radial Oxygen Loss) from roots, creating redox zones. Aerobic (O₂-rich) areas oxidize NH₄⁺ to NO₃⁻, while anaerobic zones reduce NO₃⁻ to harmless N₂ gas. Some wetland plants release up to 5g O₂/m²/day!
Redox reactions! Plants like Phragmites leak oxygen (Radial Oxygen Loss) from roots, creating redox zones. Aerobic (O₂-rich) areas oxidize NH₄⁺ to NO₃⁻, while anaerobic zones reduce NO₃⁻ to harmless N₂ gas. Some wetland plants release up to 5g O₂/m²/day!
As pH and alkalinity measure acidity and hardness, another metric exists for corrosivity. In the 1930s Dr. Wilfred Langelier developed the Langelier Saturation Index to measure calcium carbonate (CaCO3) saturation, describing water’s potential for mobilizing toxic metals in pipes and fixtures.(🧵1/5)
April 27, 2025 at 7:13 PM
As pH and alkalinity measure acidity and hardness, another metric exists for corrosivity. In the 1930s Dr. Wilfred Langelier developed the Langelier Saturation Index to measure calcium carbonate (CaCO3) saturation, describing water’s potential for mobilizing toxic metals in pipes and fixtures.(🧵1/5)
Did you know that not only does fish trawling destroy the thriving ocean life on the ocean floor but it also could be contributing significantly to climate change?
This common fishing technique harms ecosystems and may have more environmental consequences than we realize.
This common fishing technique harms ecosystems and may have more environmental consequences than we realize.
April 26, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Did you know that not only does fish trawling destroy the thriving ocean life on the ocean floor but it also could be contributing significantly to climate change?
This common fishing technique harms ecosystems and may have more environmental consequences than we realize.
This common fishing technique harms ecosystems and may have more environmental consequences than we realize.
MIT developed a new filtration material that can be used to remove PFAS chemicals. This new material is composed of natural silk and cellulose.
The cellulose material can be derived from agricultural wood pulp waste, and is also biodegradable making it a great sustainable option for PFAS treatment.
The cellulose material can be derived from agricultural wood pulp waste, and is also biodegradable making it a great sustainable option for PFAS treatment.
April 23, 2025 at 12:43 PM
MIT developed a new filtration material that can be used to remove PFAS chemicals. This new material is composed of natural silk and cellulose.
The cellulose material can be derived from agricultural wood pulp waste, and is also biodegradable making it a great sustainable option for PFAS treatment.
The cellulose material can be derived from agricultural wood pulp waste, and is also biodegradable making it a great sustainable option for PFAS treatment.
Oil companies in the Permian Basin are testing new ways to manage the massive volumes of salty wastewater from drilling. Efforts include evaporation and desalination, aiming to recycle or safely release the water.
Read more here: www.wsj.com/business/ene...
Read more here: www.wsj.com/business/ene...
April 22, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Oil companies in the Permian Basin are testing new ways to manage the massive volumes of salty wastewater from drilling. Efforts include evaporation and desalination, aiming to recycle or safely release the water.
Read more here: www.wsj.com/business/ene...
Read more here: www.wsj.com/business/ene...
It is likely you have been warned about the dangers of lead paint or lead weights, but do you know how lead poisoning is cured?
Lead poisoning can be cured using coordination compounds which are atoms, ions, or molecules that have donated electrons to the metal and formed a complex. (1/2)
Lead poisoning can be cured using coordination compounds which are atoms, ions, or molecules that have donated electrons to the metal and formed a complex. (1/2)
April 15, 2025 at 2:41 PM
It is likely you have been warned about the dangers of lead paint or lead weights, but do you know how lead poisoning is cured?
Lead poisoning can be cured using coordination compounds which are atoms, ions, or molecules that have donated electrons to the metal and formed a complex. (1/2)
Lead poisoning can be cured using coordination compounds which are atoms, ions, or molecules that have donated electrons to the metal and formed a complex. (1/2)
What if sunlight alone could disinfect water without chemicals or electricity even in the world’s most remote regions?
Solar-powered water disinfection has been revolutionized by a breakthrough floating catalyst, blending atomic precision with plasmonic heating replacing chemicals and grids.
Solar-powered water disinfection has been revolutionized by a breakthrough floating catalyst, blending atomic precision with plasmonic heating replacing chemicals and grids.
Silver single atoms and nanoparticles on floatable monolithic photocatalysts for synergistic solar water disinfection - Nature Communications
Photocatalytic water disinfection holds great promise for off-grid areas due to abundant year-round solar irradiance. Here, authors present a floatable monolithic photocatalyst with ZIF-8-NH2 loaded A...
doi.org
April 13, 2025 at 3:34 PM
What if sunlight alone could disinfect water without chemicals or electricity even in the world’s most remote regions?
Solar-powered water disinfection has been revolutionized by a breakthrough floating catalyst, blending atomic precision with plasmonic heating replacing chemicals and grids.
Solar-powered water disinfection has been revolutionized by a breakthrough floating catalyst, blending atomic precision with plasmonic heating replacing chemicals and grids.
Did you know that some forests are resistant to acid rain?
Acid rain is defined as precipitation that contains acidic compounds that are created through fossil fuel combustion. These compounds combine with the water in the atmosphere, turning it acidic. (🧵)
Acid rain is defined as precipitation that contains acidic compounds that are created through fossil fuel combustion. These compounds combine with the water in the atmosphere, turning it acidic. (🧵)
April 11, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Did you know that some forests are resistant to acid rain?
Acid rain is defined as precipitation that contains acidic compounds that are created through fossil fuel combustion. These compounds combine with the water in the atmosphere, turning it acidic. (🧵)
Acid rain is defined as precipitation that contains acidic compounds that are created through fossil fuel combustion. These compounds combine with the water in the atmosphere, turning it acidic. (🧵)
The majority of water is made up of the most common isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen, but some water molecules are made up of less common isotopes such as hydrogen-2, which includes a neutron in its nucleus, and oxygen-18, which includes two additional neutrons. (Image source: USGS) (🧵 1/3)
April 7, 2025 at 6:24 PM
The majority of water is made up of the most common isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen, but some water molecules are made up of less common isotopes such as hydrogen-2, which includes a neutron in its nucleus, and oxygen-18, which includes two additional neutrons. (Image source: USGS) (🧵 1/3)
Is taking CO2 out of the atmosphere best achieved through greenhouse gas emissions reductions, or carbon capture and storage?
Given current projections, the answer might be both. A process called carbon mineralization looks at locking away CO2 in rocks and mineral precipitates permanently. (1/5)
Given current projections, the answer might be both. A process called carbon mineralization looks at locking away CO2 in rocks and mineral precipitates permanently. (1/5)
March 29, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Is taking CO2 out of the atmosphere best achieved through greenhouse gas emissions reductions, or carbon capture and storage?
Given current projections, the answer might be both. A process called carbon mineralization looks at locking away CO2 in rocks and mineral precipitates permanently. (1/5)
Given current projections, the answer might be both. A process called carbon mineralization looks at locking away CO2 in rocks and mineral precipitates permanently. (1/5)
We all heard about the devastating wildfires in California at the end of January. But did you know a Trump executive order released 2.2 billion gallons of water in response? The water was intended to aid firefighters in the South, yet it was known from the start that it wouldn’t actually help. 🧵1/4
March 26, 2025 at 12:45 PM
We all heard about the devastating wildfires in California at the end of January. But did you know a Trump executive order released 2.2 billion gallons of water in response? The water was intended to aid firefighters in the South, yet it was known from the start that it wouldn’t actually help. 🧵1/4
Ever notice a white residue on your faucets?
This can be caused by hard water, or high levels of calcium carbonate in your water supply. Hard water can be a nuisance, causing skin dryness and mineral buildup in pipes.
An easy way to test for hard water in your home is to use the Soap Test. (1/3)
This can be caused by hard water, or high levels of calcium carbonate in your water supply. Hard water can be a nuisance, causing skin dryness and mineral buildup in pipes.
An easy way to test for hard water in your home is to use the Soap Test. (1/3)
March 14, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Ever notice a white residue on your faucets?
This can be caused by hard water, or high levels of calcium carbonate in your water supply. Hard water can be a nuisance, causing skin dryness and mineral buildup in pipes.
An easy way to test for hard water in your home is to use the Soap Test. (1/3)
This can be caused by hard water, or high levels of calcium carbonate in your water supply. Hard water can be a nuisance, causing skin dryness and mineral buildup in pipes.
An easy way to test for hard water in your home is to use the Soap Test. (1/3)
CERCLA (aka Superfund) gives the EPA authority to clean up contaminated sites that pose a risk to public health and the environment.
To learn more about Superfund and sites near you check out the EPA’s Superfund Site Map:
www.epa.gov/superfund/se...
To learn more about Superfund and sites near you check out the EPA’s Superfund Site Map:
www.epa.gov/superfund/se...
March 13, 2025 at 9:27 AM
CERCLA (aka Superfund) gives the EPA authority to clean up contaminated sites that pose a risk to public health and the environment.
To learn more about Superfund and sites near you check out the EPA’s Superfund Site Map:
www.epa.gov/superfund/se...
To learn more about Superfund and sites near you check out the EPA’s Superfund Site Map:
www.epa.gov/superfund/se...
Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid and can easily burn your skin, but our bodies need it to survive. Hydrochloric acid as well as digestive enzymes break down our food for digestion. So why don't our stomachs get burned?
Mucus! Our stomach secretes a layer of protective mucus to hold off the acid.
Mucus! Our stomach secretes a layer of protective mucus to hold off the acid.
March 7, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid and can easily burn your skin, but our bodies need it to survive. Hydrochloric acid as well as digestive enzymes break down our food for digestion. So why don't our stomachs get burned?
Mucus! Our stomach secretes a layer of protective mucus to hold off the acid.
Mucus! Our stomach secretes a layer of protective mucus to hold off the acid.
Did you know? Carbon dioxide is the gas that causes the bubbles in carbonated beverages. 🧵 (1/4)
March 6, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Did you know? Carbon dioxide is the gas that causes the bubbles in carbonated beverages. 🧵 (1/4)
The unusual properties of water which have enabled life to flourish on Earth have been attributed to its unique intermolecular structure. 🧵 (1/3)
water.lsbu.ac.uk/water/cluste...
water.lsbu.ac.uk/water/cluste...
March 3, 2025 at 1:51 PM
The unusual properties of water which have enabled life to flourish on Earth have been attributed to its unique intermolecular structure. 🧵 (1/3)
water.lsbu.ac.uk/water/cluste...
water.lsbu.ac.uk/water/cluste...
One of the leading experts in water quality, HACH company can trace its roots back to the piloting skills of the amazing women pictured below. Kathryn Hach-Darrow, a founder of the Hach chemical company helped drive expansion by selling water testing kits across the country flying her own plane.
March 2, 2025 at 5:21 PM
One of the leading experts in water quality, HACH company can trace its roots back to the piloting skills of the amazing women pictured below. Kathryn Hach-Darrow, a founder of the Hach chemical company helped drive expansion by selling water testing kits across the country flying her own plane.
In #lithium brine, temperature drives mineral dissolution and activity (effective concentration) is less than actual concentration. As a result, activity-based geothermometers are more precise.
How might #groundwater salinization affect temperature and #aquifer reactivity?
doi.org/10.1016/j.ge...
How might #groundwater salinization affect temperature and #aquifer reactivity?
doi.org/10.1016/j.ge...
February 27, 2025 at 10:14 PM
In #lithium brine, temperature drives mineral dissolution and activity (effective concentration) is less than actual concentration. As a result, activity-based geothermometers are more precise.
How might #groundwater salinization affect temperature and #aquifer reactivity?
doi.org/10.1016/j.ge...
How might #groundwater salinization affect temperature and #aquifer reactivity?
doi.org/10.1016/j.ge...
Reposted by Water Chem @ UMass Amherst
TEAM ART HISTORY! I know how much you love Jacques Louis David and his bangin' portrait of the Lavoisiers. www.metmuseum.org/art/collecti...
But did you know that Lavoisier didn't just play a scientist in paint? He did real life science too! Follow Water Chem at Umass to get all the knowledge.
But did you know that Lavoisier didn't just play a scientist in paint? He did real life science too! Follow Water Chem at Umass to get all the knowledge.
In 1774, French chemist Antoine Lavoisier theorized that all acids contain oxygen, shaping the word "oxygen" from Greek roots meaning "sour" and "production." However, this idea collapsed when Sir Humphry Davy later discovered that hydrochloric acid consists only of hydrogen and chlorine. 2/3
February 26, 2025 at 10:19 PM
TEAM ART HISTORY! I know how much you love Jacques Louis David and his bangin' portrait of the Lavoisiers. www.metmuseum.org/art/collecti...
But did you know that Lavoisier didn't just play a scientist in paint? He did real life science too! Follow Water Chem at Umass to get all the knowledge.
But did you know that Lavoisier didn't just play a scientist in paint? He did real life science too! Follow Water Chem at Umass to get all the knowledge.
History of Acids Cont'd:
In 1884, Svante Arrhenius and Friedrich Wilhelm Ostwald proposed that the atoms of acids and bases separate in water—acids releasing hydrogen ions (H+) and bases producing hydroxide ions (OH-). This explained why acids and bases neutralize each other to form water (H2O).1/6
In 1884, Svante Arrhenius and Friedrich Wilhelm Ostwald proposed that the atoms of acids and bases separate in water—acids releasing hydrogen ions (H+) and bases producing hydroxide ions (OH-). This explained why acids and bases neutralize each other to form water (H2O).1/6
February 27, 2025 at 4:03 PM
History of Acids Cont'd:
In 1884, Svante Arrhenius and Friedrich Wilhelm Ostwald proposed that the atoms of acids and bases separate in water—acids releasing hydrogen ions (H+) and bases producing hydroxide ions (OH-). This explained why acids and bases neutralize each other to form water (H2O).1/6
In 1884, Svante Arrhenius and Friedrich Wilhelm Ostwald proposed that the atoms of acids and bases separate in water—acids releasing hydrogen ions (H+) and bases producing hydroxide ions (OH-). This explained why acids and bases neutralize each other to form water (H2O).1/6
Did you know that as you eat a pineapple, it also eats you? Its proteins and acids break down the cells in your mouth as you chew. While protein studies are recent, theories around acids date back to the late 1700s. In this thread, we’ll explore the brief but important history of acids and bases.1/3
February 26, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Did you know that as you eat a pineapple, it also eats you? Its proteins and acids break down the cells in your mouth as you chew. While protein studies are recent, theories around acids date back to the late 1700s. In this thread, we’ll explore the brief but important history of acids and bases.1/3