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California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

2004

Earth Sciences

Articles 1 - 3 of 3

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Establishment Of Native Vegetation For Erosion Control On The Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Campus., C Appel, A. Dere, K. Carr, M. Perry, C. Stubler, B. Hallock Nov 2004

Establishment Of Native Vegetation For Erosion Control On The Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Campus., C Appel, A. Dere, K. Carr, M. Perry, C. Stubler, B. Hallock

Earth and Soil Sciences

When applied to a bare slope, vegetation and mulch will prevent further erosion and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area, ultimately improving the quality of the soil. If nothing is done to this barren slope, its condition will continue to deteriorate. Core samples were taken at six different sites located on a highly degraded and barren slope on the Cal Poly campus. Bulk density, porosity, soil temperature, and nitrogen and phosphorous levels were measured prior to vegetating the slope. Thirty-three groundcover rose bushes were planted and drip irrigation was installed. Mulch was laid down and two un-official coarse-sand walking …


Evaluation Of Extent And Bioavailability Of Chromium Contamination Near An Abandoned Strip Mine, C. Appel, J. Stuckey, A. Cosley, R. Donald, C. Griffith, S. Lager, M. Perry, T. Ray, P. Smith Oct 2004

Evaluation Of Extent And Bioavailability Of Chromium Contamination Near An Abandoned Strip Mine, C. Appel, J. Stuckey, A. Cosley, R. Donald, C. Griffith, S. Lager, M. Perry, T. Ray, P. Smith

Earth and Soil Sciences

Chromium is a potentially toxic element to plants and animals commonly associated with serpentine and anthropogenic sources. An abandoned Cr strip-mine at US National Guard Camp SLO, CA containing serpentinitic parent material was tested for total and bioavailable Cr in the soil and overlying vegetation via US EPA Methods 3050a (Total Cr) and 1311 (Total Characteristic Leaching Procedure, TCLP) (US EPA, 1995), respectively. The analysis of total and bioavailable Cr was used to assess the risk of nearby surface and groundwater contamination and to evaluate the site’s need for remediation. In addition, trends in soil Cr levels with respect to …


Mechanisms Of Lead, Copper, And Zinc Retention By Phosphate Rock, Xinde Cao, Lena Q. Ma, Dean R. Rhue, Chip S. Appel Oct 2004

Mechanisms Of Lead, Copper, And Zinc Retention By Phosphate Rock, Xinde Cao, Lena Q. Ma, Dean R. Rhue, Chip S. Appel

Earth and Soil Sciences

The solid–liquid interface reaction between phosphate rock (PR) and metals (Pb, Cu, and Zn) was studied. Phosphate rock has the highest affinity for Pb, followed by Cu and Zn, with sorption capacities of 138, 114, and 83.2 mmol/kg PR, respectively. In the Pb–Cu–Zn ternary system, competitive metal sorption occurred with sorption capacity reduction of 15.2%, 48.3%, and 75.6% for Pb, Cu, and Zn, respectively compared to the mono-metal systems. A fractional factorial design showed the interfering effect in the order of Pb > Cu > Zn. Desorption of Cu and Zn was sensitive to pH change, increasing with pH decline, whereas Pb …