Digital Commons Network^™

Identify An Ideal Residential Wall Assembly For Las Vegas Climate Considering Construction Cost, Energy Performance And Embodied Energy, Johny Corona

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Global warming and climate change has drawn great concerns in recent years due to the impact residential buildings have on the environment. Heating and cooling consumption make up most of household energy in the desert southwest. This energy demand is a big contributor of carbon emissions being release on to the environment. In an effort to minimize energy consumption, this research study aims to identify an energy efficient wall assembly that can be use in the U.S. desert southwest, that is suitable for the environment. With the use of research and simulations, using BEopt version 2.4.0.1, this investigation compares and …

Impacts To Phytoplankton After The Establishment Of Quagga Mussels In Lake Mead, Nevada, Warren Bruce Turkett

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) are an invasive species that were discovered in Lake Mead in January of 2007, and rapidly spread throughout the lake. Quagga mussels are about the size of a fingernail, but are known to clog pipes, damage infrastructure and alter ecosystems. In large numbers, mussels can have a dramatic impact on an ecosystem by reducing the phytoplankton and potentially increasing toxin producing cyanobacteria. This research analyzed data collected from three separate basins in Lake Mead to determine if water quality characteristics that are commonly impacted by invasive mussels have changed. Transparency, chlorophyll-a, phytoplankton and zooplankton samples …

Establishing A Vegetative Cap For Sustainable Stabilization Of Copper Contaminated Soils In Torch Lake, Michigan, Virinder Pal Singh Sidhu

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

Extensive mining activities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan have resulted in a number of contaminated sites with mine tailings. Several million metric tons of mine tailings were generated during the peak of copper (Cu) mining activities in this region. These tailings are called “stamp sands” because they were generated by crushing native Cu containing rocks, by a process known as stamping. The stamp sands were discharged into Lake Superior, other interior lakes and their shorelines, converting these areas into vast, fallow lands. The Cu contaminated stamp sands are being eroded back into …

A Method Comparison And Stressor-Response Experimental Study Of Nitrogen And Phosphorus Impacts To Periphyton In Ozark Streams, Ashley Renee Rodman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Stream bioassessment is important for understanding algal-nutrient relationships and the development of scientifically defensible numeric nutrient criteria. However, multiple methods of periphyton data collection are currently used, and little is known about the comparability of resulting datasets. Literature also suggests other factors besides nutrients (i.e. variable grazing, light, and flow) can confound algal-nutrient relationships. A one-year method comparison study and 31-day algal biomass-nutrient manipulative experiment were conducted in the southern Ozarks of Arkansas. The method comparison study was implemented using two common bioassessment procedures (whole-surface and delimiter-reduced periphyton removal) to assess the potential for combining datasets. During the manipulative experiment, …

Design Of A Nutrient Reclamation System For The Cultivation Of Microalgae For Biofuel Production And Other Industrial Applications, Heather Sandefur

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Microalgal biomass has been identified as a promising feedstock for a number of industrial applications, including the synthesis of new pharmaceutical and biofuel products. However, there are several economic limitations associated with the scale up of existing algal production processes. Critical economic studies of algae-based industrial processes highlight the high cost of supplying essential nutrients to microalgae cultures. With microalgae cells having relatively high nitrogen contents (4 to 8%), the N fertilizer cost in industrial-scale production is significant. In addition, the disposal of the large volumes of cell residuals that are generated during product extraction stages can pose other economic …

Feasibility, Safety, Economic And Environmental Implications Of Whey-Recovered Water For Cleaning-In Place Systems: A Case Study On Water Conservation For The Dairy Industry, Yulie E. Meneses-GonzáLez

Department of Food Science and Technology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Several countries around the world are facing the challenge of producing food with limited water resources for a growing population. This reality is forcing all sectors involved in the food supply chain to look for water conservation strategies that contribute to assure global food security. Besides water consumption, the food industry has to deal with wastewater generation; therefore, water reconditioning and reuse is an attractive solution to address both issues. The goal of this research was to demonstrate that high quality water can be recovered from whey, a by-product of the cheese making process, and reused in cleaning-in place (CIP) …

Harsh And Variable Ecological Conditions Modulate The Relationship Between Social Structure And Direct Fitness In A Plurally Breeding Small Mammal, Kathleen Anne Carroll

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Evidence suggests that harsh and variable environmental conditions modulate the fitness benefits associated with increased group size in some species. Social network analysis is a more powerful approach to examine this relationship, as the quality of interactions is more important than quantity. Using 9 years of data, I determined how mean and coefficient of variation (CV) of nine ecological variables modulated the relationship between social network metrics on direct fitness in the plurally breeding rodent, Octodon degus. As predicted, increased social structure was most beneficial when food abundance was more variable, mean monthly rainfall was highest, predator abundance was more …

Now Hear This! Orientation And Behavioral Responses Of Hatchling Loggerhead Sea Turtles, Caretta Caretta, To Environmental Acoustic Cues, Bethany Holtz

Celebration

Although the visual and geologic orientation cues utilized by sea turtle hatchlings during seafinding, when they move from the nest to the sea after hatching, have been well studied, the potential for auditory stimuli to act as an orientation cue has not been well explored. Over the past several decades our knowledge of the auditory capacity of sea turtles has increased greatly, yet little is known about the biological significance of this sensory ability. To investigate whether hatchlings can use ocean sounds during seafinding, we measured the behavioral responses of hatchling loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) collected from nesting beaches …

Analysis Of The Phytoremediation Potential Of A Chrysopogon Grass And Pteris Fern In Virginia Soils Affected By Acid Mine Drainage, Maura Slocum

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

Pollution from the mining industry is a historic and global environmental issue. The remediation of resulting acid and heavy metal contamination from outdated mining practices is often costly and difficult. Contamination at mine sites can result from acid mine drainage (AMD) and the disruption of underlying geologic formations, as well as improper disposal of mine tailings and other wastes. Phytoremediation, which is the use of plants to treat soil contamination, is an emerging method of reclaiming areas contaminated by toxic heavy metals and AMD. The ecosystem of Contrary Creek, a tributary of Lake Anna in Louisa County, Virginia, has been …

The Influence Of Dissolved Organic Matter (Dom) On Sodium Regulation And Nitrogenous Waste Excretion In The Zebrafish (Danio Rerio), Hassan A. Al-Reasi, Scott D. Smith, Chris M. Wood

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is both ubiquitous and diverse in composition in natural waters, but its effects on the branchial physiology of aquatic organisms have received little attention relative to other variables (e.g. pH, hardness, salinity, alkalinity). Here, we investigated the effects of four chemically distinct DOM isolates (three natural, one commercial, ranging from autochthonous to highly allochthonous, all at ∼6 mg C l⁻¹) on the physiology of gill ionoregulation and nitrogenous waste excretion in zebrafish acclimated to either circumneutral (7.0–8.0) or acidic pH (5.0). Overall, lower pH tended to increase net branchial ammonia excretion, net K^{+ …}

The Value Of Long-Term Stream Invertebrate Data Collected By Citizen Scientists, Patrick M. Edwards

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

The purpose of this investigation was to systematically examine the variability associated with temporally-oriented invertebrate data collected by citizen scientists and consider the value of such data for use in stream management. Variability in invertebrate data was estimated for three sources of variation: sampling, within-reach spatial and long-term temporal. Long-term temporal data were also evaluated using ordinations and an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI). Through two separate investigations over an 11-year study period, participants collected more than 400 within-reach samples during 44 sampling events at three streams in the western United States. Within-reach invertebrate abundance coefficient of variation (CV) ranged …

Eastern Wild Turkey Nest Site Selection In Two Frequently Burned Pine Savannas, Andrew R. Little, Nathan P. Nibbelink, Michael J. Chamberlain, L. Mike Conner, Robert J. Warren

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Introduction: Reproductive success is a critical factor affecting avian demographics and can be influenced by many factors including nesting chronology, predation risk, and fine-scale nest site selection.

Methods: We modeled the relative influences of habitat-related covariates at six spatial scales (nest site: 15-, 40-, 80-, 120-, 160-, and 200-m radii) on Eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) nest site selection in two pine savannas managed by frequent prescribed fire (≤3 years) in southwestern Georgia during 2011–2013.

Results: Nest site (15-m scale) habitat metrics (mean visual obstruction [cm] and canopy closure [%]) had the greatest influence on nest site …

Home Range And Habitat Use Of Foraging Gray Bats (Myotis Grisescens) From Five Maternity Sites In Northern Arkansas, Patrick Ryan Moore

Student Theses and Dissertations

Gray bats (Myotis grisescens) were listed as endangered in 1976 because of declining populations resulting from cave disturbance. The Gray Bat Recovery Plan recommends further study on foraging habits and home range. Yet, few data exist partly because gray bats have large home ranges, making ground-based tracking methods problematic. Accordingly, the objective was to assess gray bats’ foraging habits using aerial tracking. In 2014-2015, five maternity sites in Arkansas were harp-trapped, and 112 adult reproductive female gray bats were radio-tracked from a Cessna 182 Skylane, gathering 1,293 time-independent locations from June 15-July 15. Fixed-kernel density with least square cross validation …

Improved Microplate Fluorometric Soil Enzyme Assay For Β-Glucosidase Detection, Emily C. Hoehn

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Soil microbes produce extracellular enzymes responsible for degrading complex organic compounds to release energy and nutrients. Measurement of soil enzymes can be considered an indicator of soil health and microbial community composition because of its sensitivity to agricultural and management practices. Fluorescence enzyme assays tend to be more sensitive than spectrophotometric (ie. colorimetric) assays and a 96-well plate has the potential capacity for high-throughput use. Development of a newly modified enzyme assay using fluorometric (4-methylumbelliferone), automated pipetting system and sonication, as well as a reduction in replicates allows for a higher sample throughput rate suitable for service laboratory use. The …

Export Of Insect Ecosystem Services From Hayed Native Prairie, Wayne J. Ohnesorg

Department of Entomology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Natural areas, such as prairie, have the potential to provide the benefits of pest suppression and pollination for agricultural production. In Nebraska, prairie is often used for hay production. The impact of prairie hay production management practices on beneficial arthropods is not well understood. Four prairie hay meadows adjacent to row crop fields were selected in northeast Nebraska. The goal was to assess the impact of haying them on beneficial arthropods and the movement of natural enemies into adjacent crop fields. Three management practices were evaluated for hay harvested from prairie meadows one cut per growing season, two cuts per …

Inhibitory Effects Of Vinegar And Plant Essential Oils Against Airborne Molds Collected Near A Dairy Farm, Nosa Lloyd Nwaonumah, Tedd Gandy, Teyaijah Givens, Atin Adhikari

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Mold growths are common in damp areas of a dairy farm and airborne mold spores and mold toxins could be hazardous for workers and animals. Mold growth often returns after remediation. The cleaning of molds in these situations by farm owners requires some mold cleaners such as bleach or other chemical solutions. However, researchers are now concerned about adverse side effects of these chemical solutions and their use in an organic farm is not desirable. Plant based products such as grape fruit seed extracts and tea tree oil have demonstrated promising effect against growth of mold pure cultures in our …

Does Predation Influence The Seasonal And Diel Timing Of Moose Calving In Central Ontario, Canada?, Brent R. Patterson, Kenneth J. Mills, Kevin R. Middel, John F. Benson, Martyn E. Obbard

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Birth synchrony is well documented among ungulates and is hypothesised to maximize neonate survival, either by minimizing the risk of predation through predator swamping or by synchronising birthing with increased seasonal food availability. We used encapsulated vaginal implant transmitters to locate and capture neonatal moose calves and document the seasonal and diel timing of parturition in two adjacent study areas with different predation pressure in central Ontario, Canada. We tested the hypothesis that predation promotes earlier and more synchronous birth of moose calves. Across both areas, proportionately more births occurred during the afternoon and fewer than expected occurred overnight. Mean …

Annotated Bibliography: Environmental Education (2014-2015), Erich Yahner

BIBLIOGRAPHIES

No abstract provided.

Sustainability & The Environment, Marissa Parker

George Modlin Book Award

Marissa Parker, Environmental Studies and Geography, Class of 2016 at the University of Richmond, describes her process of building a book collection focusing on Sustainability and the Environment.

Human Health Risk Characterization Of Petroleum Coke Calcining Facility Emissions, Davinderjit Singh

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Calcined coke is a high quality carbon material produced by calcining green petroleum coke. Calcining is the process of heating green petroleum coke in a kiln to remove excess moisture, extract all remaining hydrocarbons, and modify the crystalline structure of the coke into a denser, electrically conductive product. The final product, calcined coke, is primarily used to make carbon anodes for the aluminum industry and recarburizing agent for industries such as the steel industry. If not appropriately controlled, the calcining process could lead to excess production of particulate emissions from either handling or storing of raw coke, or from the …

Estimating The Probability Of Vegetation To Be Groundwater Dependent Based On The Evaluation Of Tree Models, Isabel C. Pérez Hoyos, Nir Y. Krakauer, Reza Khanbilvardi

Publications and Research

Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) are increasingly threatened by humans’ rising demand for water resources. Consequently, it is imperative to identify the location of GDEs to protect them. This paper develops a methodology to identify the probability of an ecosystem to be groundwater dependent. Probabilities are obtained by modeling the relationship between the known locations of GDEs and factors influencing groundwater dependence, namely water table depth and climatic aridity index. Probabilities are derived for the state of Nevada, USA, using modeled water table depth and aridity index values obtained from the Global Aridity database. The model selected results from the performance …

The Effect Of Nitrate On The Release Of Glucose Into The Hemolymph Of Crayfish, Procambarus Clarkii, Alec R. Flores, Lee Kats, David Green, Gary Bucciarelli

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

Pollutants can change the behaviors of invertebrate stream animals. The level of one common pollutant, nitrate (NO3), has been rising in many local rivers and streams throughout the United States due to increases in anthropogenic sources. Nitrate, heavily regulated for its toxic effects to human health, namely the aiding in the development of cancer, also dangerously affects aquatic species by converting oxygen-carrying pigments to forms that are incapable of carrying oxygen. To understand the stress effects of ambient nitrate exposure on P. clarkii, we collected hemolymph samples from red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) over a 48-hour period after exposure to …

Western Australian Silver-Lipped Pearl Oyster (Pinctada Maxima) Industry, Anthony M. Hart, K. L. Travaille, R. Jones, S. J. Brand-Gardner, F J. Webster, A. Irving, A. V. Harry

WA Marine Stewardship Council report series

This report provides a comprehensive description of the pearling (Pinctada maxima) industry in Western Australia. The pearling industry is comprised of the wild capture and cultivation of the silver-lipped pearl oyster Pinctada maxima in Western Australia’s northwest region.

Natural Resource Management, Department Of Natural Resource Management

NRM Newsletter

This is the Spring 2016 issue of the Department of Natural Resource Management newsletter.

Getches-Wilkinson Center Newsletter, Spring 2016, University Of Colorado Boulder. Getches-Wilkinson Center For Natural Resources, Energy, And The Environment

Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment Newsletter (2013-)

No abstract provided.

Nesting Trends Of The Green (Chelonia Mydas) And Hawksbill (Eretmochelys Imbricata) Turtles On Misali Island, Pemba, Thaowan Giorno, Megan Herrmann

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Misali Island, one of the first conservation areas in Zanzibar, is considered an important nesting ground for the Green and Hawksbill turtles. This study was conducted to present results on the nesting and hatching trends on Misali Island by using data collected since 2002. Thorough statistical analyses were used on these data in order to find patterns in the nesting trends of these two species, and identify any significant differences that have occurred over the years. Overall, there has been a steady decline in the number of nesting and hatching events, but no statistically significant trends were found in terms …

Nutrient Cycling In The Amazon: A Comparison Of Soil Characteristics, Insects, Root Types And Decomposition Rates Between Varzea And Terra Firme Habitats In The Ecuadorian Amazon, Mira Ensley-Field

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Decomposition and nutrient cycling form the basis of every ecosystem. Nutrient availability in the soil affects plant species composition, richness, and productivity. The Amazon rainforest is known for its unusually fast nutrient cycle, but many aspects lack detailed study and analysis. This comparative study carried out in the Ecuadorian Amazon had four primary objectives related to understanding the nutrient cycle in the Amazon; 1.) analyze soil characteristics, 2.) assess insect diversity in the leaf litter layer, 3.) examine root characteristics, and 4.) measure the decomposition rate between Varzea and Terra Firme habitats alongside the Rio Napo. Forty 0.25 x 0.25m …

Tracking The Elephant (Lexodonta Africana) Corridor And The Human-­‐Wildlife Conflict In Esilalei Village, A Continuation Study, Victoria Gray, Cara Cappelletti

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Elephants are threatened and their habitat, wildlife corridors and overall space to roam is diminishing due to an increasing human population. As more and more space is being utilized for human development, it has begun to interfere with existing migratory corridors. This is a problem because elephants tend to destroy farmlands on their route, destroying villagers’ livelihoods, and also on occasion, may kill or hurt humans. As a result, there is a human elephant conflict. This study focused on human elephant conflict in Esilalei as well as GPS mapping evidence of elephant migration along the projected corridor between Lake Manyara …

Water Quality In Relation To Land-Use Of The Upper 62.8 Kilometers Of The Santa Maria River, Santa Fe, Veraguas Using Benthic Macroinvertebrates As Indicators, Charlotte Steeves

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The Santa Maria River spans approximately 148 kilometers from its headwaters in the district of Santa Fe, Veraguas to its mouth at the Golfo de Parita, Herrera. The objective of this study was to determine the relation between land-use and site-specific water quality using benthic macroinvertebrates as indicators. To assess water quality of the upper portion of the Santa Maria River, benthic macroinvertebrates were collected at 10 points within the river from Santa Fe national park to the town of San Francisco, approximately 62.8 kilometers. This study examines how land-use near the banks of the Santa Maria River effect water …

Comparison Of Growth Rates In Two Captive Bred Species Of Atelopus (Anura; Bufonidae), At El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center, Cecile Avery

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Since their evolution, amphibians have managed to survive four mass extinctions. But today’s amphibians are now facing severe decline due to a plethora of causes including habitat destruction, climate change, pathogens, and pollution. Of all the possible causes of decline and extinction of amphibian populations, one of the most startling has been the effect of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), or chytrid fungus. It was decided that rapid action was needed to preserve the amphibian populations in the area, since it was clear that current in situ conservation methods were ineffective against Bd. EVACC, the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center, was created …