High-priority problems

This volume covers ongoing research and, thus, leaves many questions unanswered and many problems unsolved. The geochemistry of disposed radioactive wastes involves many complex issues that will require years of additional research to resolve. High-priority problems include integration of geochemical data with computer models of chemical interaction and transport, definition of environmental conditions that affect the behavior of radionuclides at specific disposal sites, evaluation of complex formation of dissolved radionuclides with inorganic and organic complexants, and determination of radionuclide solubilities in natural waters. 

Table I. Biotechnology Research Directed to Solve High Priority Problems...

After peaking at 23% the oxygen levels dropped to today s level of 21% and the megamammals disappeared. If history is any indication, the oxygen levels in the atmosphere will continue to change significantly over time but this is obviously not a high-priority problem for us in the twenty-first century. 

Due to the direct contact of water with various species, the aqueous streams are laden with various compounds including methanol, non-process elements NPEs, and organic and inorganic species. In this problem, we focus on methanol as the pimary species in water. Methanol is classified as a high priority pollutant for the pulping industry. In addition, it may provide a source of revenue if properly recovered. 

It is always surprising to find how even very small quantities of some chemicals can create contamination or waste disposal problems. As a result, such matters should be given high priority when planning a new or modified laboratory, purchasing new equipment, or introducing new procedures. 

Commentary This problem demonstrates that potential health issues receive high priority. While many possible sources of the fish kill were identified, they were likely approached simultaneously and the most obvious sources were eliminated from consideration first. While there may be some ethical concerns with the use of live fish as a pollution detector, it is important to solve this problem in the most efficient manner possible, at least until it is determined whether this is a human health concern. 

Usnally IWE does not pose grave problems, if snitable countermeasures have been contemplated a priori. In process sampling obtaining a constant increment mass has many advantages, and is thus often given a high priority. For practical purposes, this can be considered effectuated if the relative variation between increment masses remains below, say, 20% [2,3,9,14]. In order not to confuse the process issues needlessly, below we shall assume that all IWE issues have been dealt with properly (i.e. eliminated). 

The forest products industry is faced with two very significant problems 1) what to do with processing residues other than using them to recover low-value heat, and 2) how to meet the demand for materials should the petroleum crunch of the early 1970 s recur. Alan Lambuth, who opened the symposium, speaks not only from the needs felt by his company but also as the Chairman of the National Forest Products Association s Wood Adhesive Committee on Evaluation of Research. His committee s longterm support for research on the development of new adhesives based on renewable resources confirms that the forest products industry in the United States ranks this as high-priority research. The excellent participation by industry in the symposium that laid the foundation for this book is further evidence that many companies have deemed that investments in... 

---