Newswise — WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE AND NOT A DROP TO DRINK: Clemson University environmental toxicologist John Rodgers is a nationally known expert on wetlands and toxic effluent in waterways. He has constructed numerous artificial wetlands for industries that produce water pollution that must be cleaned up. One of his projects was just west of New Orleans, a Shell Oil refinery. Rodgers has met with the EPA and other federal officials to discuss the problems of toxic chemicals in floodwaters. The Savannah River Site has one of Rodger's largest artificial wetlands and shows how to build new wetlands to protect our coastlines and reclaim polluted waterways. John Rodgers is in Clemson's department of forestry and natural resources.
TOO MUCH SALTWATER IS A BAD THING: Coastal wetland forests can stand up against hurricane-strength winds, but storm surges can drown them in saltwater. Clemson University researchers are looking at data to learn about the effects of excess saltwater on coastal ecosystems.
PESTY ISSUES: Hurricanes and similar storms, including tornadoes, high winds and flooding, can wreak havoc with agricultural operations. In addition to the disastrous effects, severe weather events can cause both dollar loss and environmental pollution from agricultural chemicals. Fertilizers, pesticides, solvents, fuels and other agricultural chemicals can be lost, contaminated or contaminate the surrounding environment and environments downstream of storage and use areas.
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