NRT trainee Alexa Stathis recently published a paper titled “Photolysis Kinetics of Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylenes at Ice Surfaces” where she proposed a new reaction pathway in the environment for the pollutants toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes. These toxic, organic pollutants are emitted through fossil fuel combustion and extraction practices and are a significant concern in the events of oil or fracking fluid spills. Through her research, Alexa discovered that these pollutants are able to break down in sunlight when on ice surfaces, such as in snow; a reaction that has previously been unconsidered. Thus, her research provides greater insight into the fate of these pollutants in the environment, specifically in colder climates.

Photolysis Kinetics of Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes at Ice Surfaces
Alexa A. Stathis, Albanie K. Hendrickson-Stives, and Tara F. Kahan
The Journal of Physical Chemistry A 2016 120 (34), 6693-6697
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.6b05595