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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

2006

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Earth Sciences

Articles 1 - 4 of 4

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Sequential Extraction Of Copper And Zinc From Two Californian Soils, Katharine Carr, Christopher Appel, Craig Stubler, Shana Mccarthy Nov 2006

Sequential Extraction Of Copper And Zinc From Two Californian Soils, Katharine Carr, Christopher Appel, Craig Stubler, Shana Mccarthy

Earth and Soil Sciences

In order to understand how to remediate soils contaminated with heavy metals, it is important to first understand their sorption mechanisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioavailability of elevated levels of soil copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) via sequential extraction. Elevated levels of Cu and Zn were added separately and concurrently to a Mollisol and an Entisol from the central coast of California. The exchangeable amount of Cu and Zn was then extracted from the sorbed amount via 0.1 M NaNO3. The residual fraction was then extracted with 0.1 M sodium citrate (NaC6 …


Total And Bioavailable Chromium Along A Toposequence In San Luis Obispo, Ca., Britani Harris, Christopher Appel, Craig Stubler, Arwen Ross, Maribel Alvarado, Katharine Carr, Byron Clamor, Lauren Corkins, Scott Grandi-Hill, Walter Levicki, Michael Wagoner, Ryan Tappero Nov 2006

Total And Bioavailable Chromium Along A Toposequence In San Luis Obispo, Ca., Britani Harris, Christopher Appel, Craig Stubler, Arwen Ross, Maribel Alvarado, Katharine Carr, Byron Clamor, Lauren Corkins, Scott Grandi-Hill, Walter Levicki, Michael Wagoner, Ryan Tappero

Earth and Soil Sciences

The presence of large quantities of Chromium metal in soil and plants is of major concern due to its toxicity to humans. Total (USEPA 3050a) and bioavailable (USEPA 1311) levels of chromium were measured along a serpentinic Central Coast toposequence. Soil from the surface and subsurface, as well as the above ground plants of the toposequence were determined and compared to several soil chemical and physical properties using a least squares regression. The binding environments and oxidation states were found through XANES and EXAFS x-ray spectroscopies. The total and bioavailable chromium concentrations of the soil averaged 1457.1 and 1.6 mg …


Quaternary Deposits Near The San Emigdio Mountains, California: Evidence For A Paleolandscape?, Paul G. Lavelle Nov 2006

Quaternary Deposits Near The San Emigdio Mountains, California: Evidence For A Paleolandscape?, Paul G. Lavelle

Earth and Soil Sciences

Discontinuous low-relief surfaces are scattered throughout relatively high topography within the San Emigdio Mountains, California. These surfaces are considered anomalous, as they are preserved in a dissected, mountainous region that is affected by ongoing orogeny. Previous research has suggested that the low-relief surfaces may represent a once-contiguous alluvial surface. This project utilizes field mapping and sedimentological analysis to determine if the surfaces represent a paleo landscape. What is apparent from field work is the presence of two morphologically distinct lithologic units that most likely represent surficial geologic components of the same relict landscape.


Analysis Of Compost Treatments To Establish Shrubs And Improve Water Quality, Brent G. Hallock, Anne Power, Steve Rein, Michael Curto, Misty Scharff Feb 2006

Analysis Of Compost Treatments To Establish Shrubs And Improve Water Quality, Brent G. Hallock, Anne Power, Steve Rein, Michael Curto, Misty Scharff

Earth and Soil Sciences

Utilization of compost as an erosion control tool is gaining momentum for many reasons. Compost offers excellent surface protection for reducing topsoil loss while providing a favorable substrate for hydroseed mixes. Soil moisture is retained and nutrients for vegetation are provided, meanwhile inhibiting undesirable plant species. However, there is wide variation in available compost sources and cost. Possible interactions between compost composition, soil type and vegetation production may occur. Hence, an experiment aimed to determine whether there is a noticeable difference in erosion control and seedling germination performance between several common types of compost applied at varying rates and methods …