RELEASE OF MERCURY DURING LEACHING OF FLY ASH

Fly ash created in the generation of energy contains mercury. Currently, the most accepted use for fly ash is as an inexpensive alternative to Portland cement in concrete mixtures. Because of new mercury-air standards, determining the affect of mercury within concrete structures is important. Analyzing the make-up of the fly ash, then, is used in this research concept to gain an understanding of the impact of the chemical make-up of fly ash on a concrete structure. Pinpointing the fly ash - concrete interaction and synthesizing the characteristics demonstrated in a concrete containing fly ash ultimately leads to a perception of the release of mercury from these materials in their final state. Leachate tests were preformed to simulate the release of mercury from fly ash samples in Municipal Solid Waste Landfills and Construction Landfills. The results of these analyses led to the determination of the limited short and long-term release of mercury from the samples and these conclusions lead to a basic understanding of the impact fly ash sample release of mercury can have on concrete structures. Advisor: Harold Walke

A profile of current internet users in dentistry

The authors developed a profile of current Internet users in dentistry using a survey administered through electronic mail and the World Wide Web. Eight hundred twenty-five respondents from 52 countries comprised dentists, assistants, hygienists, dental students and educators. Respondents reported that they used the Internet for discussing clinical cases, obtaining diagnostic and therapeutic information, buying dental products, communicating with patients and participating in continuing education. Eighty percent considered the Internet to be a useful or very useful resource in dentistry