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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons™

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

2007

Environmental Sciences

Air Force Institute of Technology

Articles 1 - 6 of 6

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Aerobic Biodegradation Of Fuel Oxygenates, Adam M. Gutshall Jun 2007

Aerobic Biodegradation Of Fuel Oxygenates, Adam M. Gutshall

Theses and Dissertations

Methyl tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE) is the most commonly used fuel oxygenate in the world. Its recalcitrant nature as well as its chemical properties have led to widespread groundwater contamination. Questions regarding its toxicity have spurred a search for viable oxygenate alternatives. Since biodegradability is a key indicator of a chemical’s environmental impact, this research used three different well-known methods, BOD5, respirometry, and GC analysis, to examine the extent and rates of aerobic biodegradation of MTBE along with tert-butyl alcohol (TBA). The common fuel component toluene was added to some of the samples to determine if the presence of …

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Development Of A Screening Model For Design And Costing Of An Innovative Tailored Granular Activated Carbon Technology To Treat Perchlorate-Contaminated Water, William C. Powell Mar 2007

Development Of A Screening Model For Design And Costing Of An Innovative Tailored Granular Activated Carbon Technology To Treat Perchlorate-Contaminated Water, William C. Powell

Theses and Dissertations

Perchlorate contamination of drinking water is a problem that has recently gained national attention. The purpose of this research was to develop a tool to predict the cost and performance of tailored granular activated carbon (T-GAC), an innovative technology to treat perchlorate-contaminated water. The ability to predict cost and performance is essential to promote transfer and commercialization of innovative technologies. This study investigated how data obtained from small-scale laboratory tests could be applied to predict cost and performance of a full-scale T-GAC system to treat perchlorate-contaminated water. A technology model was developed using GAC design principles and using a multi-component …

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The Effects Of Orthophosphate As A Copper Corrosion Control Inhibitor In High Alkalinity Drinking Water Systems, Stephen Grace Mar 2007

The Effects Of Orthophosphate As A Copper Corrosion Control Inhibitor In High Alkalinity Drinking Water Systems, Stephen Grace

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to investigate orthophosphate as a corrosion inhibitor for copper pipe in a high-alkalinity drinking water system. Specifically, this thesis sought to answer three research questions regarding the impact of orthophosphate treatment, the nature of the mechanism by which orthophosphate controls copper corrosion, and the value of equilibrium modeling in predicting orthophosphate’s effects. The research questions were answered through a comprehensive literature review and experimental methodology integrating laboratory jar tests, water sampling and analysis from a field investigation, qualitative solids analysis, and equilibrium model application. This study analyzed field data obtained over the course of …

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Microbial Degradation Of Fuel Oxygenates Under Aerobic Conditions, John M. Dietz Mar 2007

Microbial Degradation Of Fuel Oxygenates Under Aerobic Conditions, John M. Dietz

Theses and Dissertations

This research determined the rate and extent of aerobic biodegradation of fuel oxygenates ethyl tert butyl ether (ETBE), tert amyl methyl ether (TAME), and ethyl alcohol (ethanol). Biodegradation was measured using gas chromatography (GC), respirometry, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) tests. Additionally, the research determined the effects of toluene on degradation rates. This microcosm study used a microbial consortium obtained from a petroleum refinery wastewater treatment facility. Respirometry data were collected from chambers containing pure oxygenates, or oxygenate/toluene mixtures. Samples were withdrawn periodically for GC analysis. Aerobic conditions were maintained in the chambers at all times. The five-day BOD test …

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Characterization Of Chlorinated Ethene Degradation In A Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland, James M. Waldron Mar 2007

Characterization Of Chlorinated Ethene Degradation In A Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland, James M. Waldron

Theses and Dissertations

Chlorinated solvents, including perchloroethene (PCE) and trichlorethene (TCE), are among the most common groundwater contaminants found in the United States. Once released into the environment, chlorinated solvents are extremely persistent and often require costly and lengthy remedial actions. The use of constructed wetlands has shown promise as an effective and less costly alternative for the treatment of chlorinated solvent contaminated groundwater. This study characterized and evaluated the concentration of chlorinated ethenes within a vertical flow constructed wetland, fed with PCE contaminated groundwater, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), Ohio. Chlorinated ethene concentrations were characterized within three distinct layers of the …

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Using Value-Focused Thinking To Evaluate The Use Of Innovative Stormwater Management Technologies On Air Force Installations, Jeffrey T. Falcone Mar 2007

Using Value-Focused Thinking To Evaluate The Use Of Innovative Stormwater Management Technologies On Air Force Installations, Jeffrey T. Falcone

Theses and Dissertations

Stormwater runoff occurs naturally after every storm event; however, traditional development practices have created many impervious surfaces, such as buildings, parking lots, and streets that increase runoff volume and flow rate. Conventional stormwater management practices focus on collecting runoff into centralized channels and conveying it as quickly as possible to local bodies of water. This type of conveyance system decreases the opportunity for stormwater to naturally infiltrate back into the ground. It also prevents contaminants from being naturally filtered out of stormwater flows. As a result, centralized conveyance systems can cause flooding, erosion, and terrestrial and aquatic habitat degradation. Innovative …

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