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Articles 1 - 20 of 20
Full-Text Articles in Environmental Sciences
Fate And Reactivity Of Natural And Manufactured Nanoparticles In Soil/Water Environments, Allison Vandevoort
Fate And Reactivity Of Natural And Manufactured Nanoparticles In Soil/Water Environments, Allison Vandevoort
All Dissertations
Nanoparticles (NPs), < 100 nm in diameter, make up the smallest component of solid material. This small size often causes increased reactivity in soil/water environments, which is true for both natural NPs, such as very fine clay particles, and for manufactured nanoparticles, such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). As the importance of these particles is more widely recognized, and as manufactured nanoparticles, especially AgNPs, are increasing in production, it is essential to consider their effect on terrestrial and aquatic environments. The studies presented in this dissertation show that both the physicochemical characteristics of the NPs (e.g., particle size, surface coating, elemental composition), as well as soil-water interfacial chemistry (e.g., ionic strength, ligand concentration, pH), are instrumental in predicting environmental fate and reactivity.
Ligand type and concentration were especially important in NP reactivity and bioavailability. Using the hard/soft acid/base concept, the effect of phosphate ligand (hard base) on Fe/Al (hard acid) oxyhydroxide natural NPs was investigated in Chapters 2 and 3. Adding phosphate to soil NPs and reference nano-minerals (Fe-(oxyhydr)oxides and kaolinite) caused coagulation or dispersion, changing the particle size of the NPs, as well as affecting the amount of phosphate in its bioavailable (i.e., dissolved) form. A review of the literature in Chapters 1 and 3 revealed that changes in the soil conditions, and therefore, soil colloids/NPs (e.g., increasing organic …
Spider Mediation Of Polychlorinated Biphenyl Transport And Transformation Across Riparian Ecotones, Diana Delach
Spider Mediation Of Polychlorinated Biphenyl Transport And Transformation Across Riparian Ecotones, Diana Delach
All Dissertations
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) contaminate the sediment of the Twelvemile Creek / Lake Hartwell Superfund Site, and are known to be transported throughout the resident biota via trophic transport. Riparian spiders have recently become of interest because they are terrestrial organisms that have significant PCB exposures derived from aquatic sources. Many riparian spiders primarily consume insects emerging from contaminated aquatic systems, and these spiders can have a body burden as high as 2900 ng/g lipid. These emergent insects carry contaminants out of the river and into the riparian zone where they are captured by spiders, which effectively directs the contamination towards …
Conservation Needs Of Nearshore Seabirds In The Southeastern U.S. Addressed Through Habitat Use Surveys And Assessments Of Health And Mercury Concentrations, Lisa Eggert
All Dissertations
Seabirds encounter a range of natural and anthropogenic stressors in the nearshore environment and are ideal candidate species for long-term monitoring of changes to coastal systems. The mitigation of threats to nearshore seabirds requires management of essential coastal habitat and monitoring population health and trends. In this dissertation, I first evaluated intertidal habitat use for a suite of coastal species as it relates to management practices at a seabird nesting island in South Carolina. Specifically, my objectives were (1) to determine intertidal areas of high bird abundance, (2) to examine course-scale habitat characteristics and human use of intertidal areas associated …
Sorption And Enantiomerization Of Current Use Chiral Pesticides, April Hall
Sorption And Enantiomerization Of Current Use Chiral Pesticides, April Hall
All Dissertations
Chiral pesticides are prevalent in the environment today and are known to react selectively with chiral environmental components such as microbes, enzymes, and other naturally occurring chiral materials. In addition, chiral sorption is a process that has been occasionally investigated in the study of homochirality (the exclusive presence of one enantiomer in living organisms), but almost overlooked in environmental science. For chiral sorption to occur, the sorbent and sorbate must be chiral entities. In the environment, there are abundant natural surfaces that are chiral, including clay minerals and organic matter present in soil, sediment and aqueous solution. A knowledge of …
The Behavior And Toxicity Of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles In Aqueous Solution, Phenny Mwaanga
The Behavior And Toxicity Of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles In Aqueous Solution, Phenny Mwaanga
All Dissertations
The dissolution and aggregation of metal oxides nanoparticles (NPs) in aqueous solution not only alter the abundance and toxicology of NPs, but also makes the effective assessment and the correct interpretation of effects of NPs on organisms challenging. The extent to which these processes (dissolution and aggregation) occur largely depend on pH, ionic strength, dissolved natural organic matter (NOM) and NPs characteristics. This study investigated the dissolution and aggregation behavior of the four metal oxide NPs (nZnO, nCuO, nFe2O3 and nTiO2) in aqueous solution as influenced by pH, ionic strength and NOM and examined the toxicity of these NPs to …
Avian Phenology, Climate, And Land-Use Conservation Assessed At Broad Spatial And Temporal Scales Using Interdisciplinary Approaches And Citizen Science, Jason Courter
All Dissertations
Current natural resource challenges include global alteration of land cover, loss of biodiversity, impacts from increasing demands for agricultural products, and climate change. Birds are often used to assess the effects of ecological stressors because they are sensitive to environmental changes, ubiquitous and charismatic, and long-term monitoring programs have been in place for more than a century. I demonstrate the effects of climate change on avian migration and nesting dates and the potential value of using interdisciplinary approaches and citizen science to address contemporary ecological challenges. I examine Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) migration in the eastern United States from 1880-2010 …
The Influence Of Land Use On Fish Health And Fish Communities In Wadeable Steams In South Carolina, Andrew Sayer
The Influence Of Land Use On Fish Health And Fish Communities In Wadeable Steams In South Carolina, Andrew Sayer
All Dissertations
In 2011 the State of South Carolina population was over 4.6 million people and has increased at a rate of around 15% (1.5% per year) throughout the last decade. While the population density per square mile is relatively low compared to other US states, it seems certain the population will further increase in years to come. Increasing population density leads to urbanization resulting in an increase in impervious surfaces such as roadways, parking lots, and building roofs. This changing land use can have dramatic effects on smaller streams and creeks which form the upper reaches of watersheds. Although water systems …
Development Of Enrichment Cultures For Anaerobic Reductive Dechlorination Of Tetrachloroethene Under Low Ph Conditions, Chen Jiang
All Theses
Bioremediation is an attractive remediation strategy for groundwater contaminated with tetrachloroethene (PCE) since it can result in complete reductive dechlorination to non-hazardous ethene, often at a lower cost than other treatment methods. The optimum pH for microbes that chlororespire chlorinated ethenes is in the range of 6.5-7.5. However, the groundwater at many locations is outside this range, and typically on the low side. Addition of a base to increase the pH is problematic due to the difficulty of achieving homogenous distribution and the potential for clogging caused by precipitation. The objectives of this thesis were 1) to develop anaerobic enrichment …
Novel Data As A Source For Assessing Breeding Phenology Of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus Virginianus) In South Carolina, David Stone
All Theses
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) breeding phenology varies temporally throughout the species' range and is critical to population management and hunter enjoyment. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) demographic and reproductive data, collected primarily from 1970-1992, suggest that 81.86% of conceptions in the Coastal Plain occur between 6 October and 16 November. However, current data regarding conception dates are lacking for a variety of reasons including the current absence of check stations and the use of hunter surveys as the primary means of data collection. To more closely examine recent characteristics of the white-tailed deer breeding season phenology, we …
Lead And Cadmium In Seabirds Of South Africa, Carly Summers
Lead And Cadmium In Seabirds Of South Africa, Carly Summers
All Theses
Levels of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were investigated as potential stressors in adult African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) in the Western Cape Province, South Africa and in nine species of breeding seabirds on Marion Island, South Africa. Seabirds are sentinels of environmental pollution and allow researchers to study contaminant dynamics in marine ecosystems. Many seabirds occupy high trophic positions, which gives them the potential to highlight threats to other apex predators from environmental pollutants. They also accumulate contaminants in higher concentrations because of their greater size and lifespan than may be detectable in lower trophic organisms. Blood samples were collected …
The Influence Of Flagship Species On In Situ And Ex Situ Wildlife Tourists' Connection To Wildlife And Pro-Conservation Behaviors, Jeffrey Skibins
The Influence Of Flagship Species On In Situ And Ex Situ Wildlife Tourists' Connection To Wildlife And Pro-Conservation Behaviors, Jeffrey Skibins
All Dissertations
Annually, millions of tourists visit natural areas and zoos primarily to view flagship species such as lions and elephants. Venues rely on the inherent charisma of these species to increase visitation and anchor conservation efforts. Expected visitor outcomes from the use of flagships include raised levels of awareness and pro-conservation behaviors. However, the role of flagships in wildlife tourism has been criticized for not delivering conservation benefits for species of interest or biodiversity, and producing negative site impacts. Furthermore, little is known about how the connection to a species influences conservation behaviors. This dissertation addresses this gap in knowledge by …
Mass Latex Balloon Releases And The Potential Effects On Wildlife, Stephan Irwin
Mass Latex Balloon Releases And The Potential Effects On Wildlife, Stephan Irwin
All Dissertations
The first component of the study examined the fate of balloons after release to determine aspects of where, in what state, and how long they persist in the environment to assess potential risk of exposure to wildlife. Tagged balloons from sporting events gave estimates of mean distances traveled from releases. Effects on the structural integrity of the latex balloon as it reaches the upper atmosphere were also tested to determine the physical state when fragments landed. Degradation studies were conducted to determine the length of time latex can persist in the environment after exposure to various environmental conditions (sun, shade, …
Assessing Maasai Attitudes And Perceptions Toward Vultures: A Case Study Of Resident Maasai Around Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya., Eric Reson
All Theses
The vulture population is declining globally, a situation that is more acute in the Maasai Mara region of Kenya where studies report over 60% decline in the last few years, resulting primarily from loss of habitat and poisoning by the Maasai pastoralist. This rate of decline is devastating and will result in the extinction of vultures in the region. Given that the causes of the decline are as a result of detrimental human activities, it is important to understand the Maasai attitude and perception toward vultures, particularly factors that determine their behavior to favor or oppose vulture conservation. In this …
Biomarker Effects In Sunfish And Bass From The Saluda River, Sc, Jessica Mierzejewski
Biomarker Effects In Sunfish And Bass From The Saluda River, Sc, Jessica Mierzejewski
All Theses
The upstate and Piedmont region of South Carolina is a rapidly urbanizing area with a fast growing population. This increase in population and development has the potential to negatively impact the aquatic system due to increased pollution from runoff and effluents from industrial, manufacturing and wastewater treatment facilities. In 2009 the Saluda River, a major river in this area of the state, was ranked 6th of America's most endangered rivers by American Rivers. This ranking was largely due to high phosphorus levels in the river, though there are many sources of pollution that may be affecting the river ecosystem. The …
Reproductive Ecology Of American Oystercatchers In The Cape Romain Region Of South Carolina: Implications For Conservation, Samantha Collins
Reproductive Ecology Of American Oystercatchers In The Cape Romain Region Of South Carolina: Implications For Conservation, Samantha Collins
All Theses
The Cape Romain Region (CRR) is located along the coast of South Carolina and supports over half of the breeding pairs (approximately 200 pairs) of American Oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus) in the state. Research has shown that oystercatcher productivity in this area is low due to predation and over-wash from high tides and boat wakes. I assessed the feasibility of using headstarting as a means of reducing nest loss in an attempt to enhance reproductive success during the 2010 and 2011 breeding seasons. Apparent nest success of headstarted nests (52%) was higher than control nests (11%) along two study areas within …
Development And Application Of Novel Detection Methods For Aqueous Radioactive Iodine, Kelly Grogan
Development And Application Of Novel Detection Methods For Aqueous Radioactive Iodine, Kelly Grogan
All Dissertations
Novel detection and analysis methods for radioactive iodine concentration and speciation were investigated for aqueous samples. Radioactive iodine is one of the primary risk-drivers at nuclear waste facilities, and regulations for the presence of radioactive iodine in drinking water are stringent. The first phase of this investigation described the development and characterization of a scintillating anion-exchange resin preferential for aqueous iodine in the form of iodide (I-). The resin was incorporated into a radiochromatography flow-cell scintillation detection system that allowed for simultaneous separation, concentration, and detection of aqueous 129I. The performance of this analytical method was characterized with both on-line …
Best Management Practices For Reducing Coyote Depredation On Loggerhead Sea Turtles In South Carolina, Trent Eskew
Best Management Practices For Reducing Coyote Depredation On Loggerhead Sea Turtles In South Carolina, Trent Eskew
All Theses
Sea turtles are one of the most recognizable and charismatic marine species worldwide that continue to be the focus of many conservationists. However, their populations and habitat continue to decline at an alarming rate due to predation, development, pollution, rising sea levels, beach erosion, and commercial fishing. Consequently, maximizing nest production in current nesting regions is fundamental to sea turtle recovery efforts. On the southeastern coast, coyotes (Canis latrans) and sea turtles have a relatively new relationship, but the presence of this latest predator has dramatically reduced sea turtle nesting success in certain areas. An active predator management strategy for …
Ecology Of The American Mink & The Potential Impact On Species Of Concern In Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina, Caroline Gorga
Ecology Of The American Mink & The Potential Impact On Species Of Concern In Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina, Caroline Gorga
All Theses
Species reintroduction projects are becoming more common as a conservation tool to reestablish populations following extirpation. The implementation of these projects can be controversial due to the potential impact the reintroduced animal could have on endangered, threatened, or at risk prey species. In 1999, South Carolina's Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) reintroduced the American mink (Neovison vison), a SCDNR designated species of high conservation priority, to the northern coastal marshes of the state, including Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge (CRNWR). In order to estimate the impact of this opportunistic predator on other species, especially those of special concern to the …
Using Bald Eagles To Monitor Hydroelectric Projects Liscense Requirements Along The Au Sable, Manistee And Muskegon River, Michigan, Peter Datema
All Theses
Consumers Energy operated hydroelectric projects located along the Au Sable, Manistee, and Muskegon Rivers underwent environmental studies in the late 1980s and early 1990s as part of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission relicensing. One of the questions posed during these studies was, would passage of Great Lakes' fishes over barrier dams along these rivers cause detrimental impacts to sensitive wildlife species. Relicensing also required that the operation of all hydroelectric projects on the Au Sable, Manistee, and Muskegon rivers be maintained as run-of-river. Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were chosen as a biomonitor. This risk assessment included calculating new hazard quotients …
Avian Communities And Landscape Characteristics Of Golf Courses Within The Beaufort County Sea Island Complex, Jessica Gorzo
Avian Communities And Landscape Characteristics Of Golf Courses Within The Beaufort County Sea Island Complex, Jessica Gorzo
All Theses
The native breeding bird community of Beaufort County, South Carolina is experiencing landscape alteration in several forms. A prevalent human land use in the coastal zone is golf course development. This study explored the relationship between golf course land cover (n=23) and avian community metrics. Each study site consisted of the in-play area of the golf course, surrounded by a 400 m zone. Landscape metrics were calculated for each study site, and served as independent variables. The dependent variables were the following avian community metrics: species richness, neotropical migrant richness, abundance, diversity, evenness, and mean Partners in Flight (PIF) score. …