As educational tactics circulate globally, so too does the prospect of understanding sustainability amongst informed individuals and what it means for our society. Just in the past few decades, the environmental movement has changed the way in which people think about their own impact upon the planet. It is becoming a facet of common knowledge for society to realize the potential detriment of their actions, and for this, we should be grateful. However, there is much work to be done regarding all aspects of sustainability and environmental crises. This paper offers a look into the world of sustainable sunscreen usage, something that is not often thought about as an aspect of sustainable consideration. The task of this research opportunity was to examine a sample of survey respondents and connect their responses from 15 questions to different hypotheses. Alongside the discussion of sunscreen filters damaging sensitive ocean ecosystems, this research also looks into the overall importance of sunscreen for one’s health and the ways in which it can be used safely. My hope is that readers will realize the value of using sunscreen on a daily basis and become better informed of sustainability challenges and healthcare disparities.
Halogens in drinking water sources, such as bromine (Br) and iodine (I) pose no direct health risk, but are critical precursors in formation of cyto- and genotoxic brominated and iodinated (Br-/I-) DBPs. However, few spatial or historic datasets exist for bromine and iodine species in drinking water sources. This dissertation aims to quantify and understand the occurrence and speciation of Br and I in groundwater and surface water serving as source waters for drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). Aggregation of data from >9000 non-drinking water sampling locations in USA collected from 1930-2017 on halides (bromide (Br-) and iodide (I-)) determined that Br- concentrations were 50 μg/L and 100 μg/L; and I- concentrations were 12 μg/L and 13 μg/L in surface and groundwater respectively. Although, these locations were not drinking water sources, this first of its kind analysis provides potential bounds for Br- and I-. To focus specifically on DWTP sources, a nationwide survey of >250 drinking water sources was conducted between 2018-2020. Br- ion is the only bromine specie, whereas both inorganic (iodide and iodate ions) and organic iodine occur. I- concentrations ranged from 1-250 μg/L and are 4 to 100 times lower than Br- concentrations (10-7800 μg/L, median=80 μg/L). No strong correlation exists between bromide and iodide occurrence (R<0.5, p<0.005). I- was detected in 50% of the samples (75th percentile=5 μg/L) and IO3- was detected in 40% (75th percentile=3 μg/L) of all the samples. To quantify iodine species, tandem ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was applied for the first time in drinking water sources. I- and IO3- peaks were well resolved and have minimum detection limit of 0.4 μg/L and 0.7 μg/L respectively. Organic iodine (Org-I) peaks in select drinking water samples from the nationwide survey were partically resolved ranging from <5 to 40 μg/L. This dissertation provides updated nationwide Br- survey and first ever national I species survey. The data generated through this dissertation will be useful to further Br-/I-DBP formation and toxicity research by providing relevant drinking water sources information. Future research targeting Br- and I- removal is advocated for managing Br-/I-DBPs in watersheds.