Digital Commons Network^™

A Foray Into Laboratory Scale Soil Incubations With Corn Stover And High Lignin Fermentation Byproduct, Michelle Wang

ENGS 88 Honors Thesis (AB Students)

As the production of biofuels increases to meet the demands of a growing low carbon economy, questions of sustainability surrounding its feedstock and waste streams have become increasingly relevant. In the biofuel production process, crop residues like corn stover are harvested from the field and converted to biofuels leaving generating a residue called high lignin fermentation byproduct (HLFB). From extensive process modelling in the literature, it is suggested that HLFB should be either combusted to fuel auxiliary conversion processes or returned to the soil in place of the crop residues that were harvested. Currently, there is little literature testing the …

Activating Vacant Spaces: An Art And Environmental Justice Project - Assessment In Cleveland, Ohio’S Slavic Village Neighborhood, Patrick Connolly

Community Engagement Student Work

The overdevelopment of cities has caused residents to suffer from environmental and economic harm. Situated near a steel mill and a highway, and with less than 20% tree canopy, the Slavic Village neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio is a community that may be in need of environmental justice. The movement to introduce green elements to urban environments is growing, and there are clear economic benefits to greening urban areas. Using art as a tool for education, this project proposes a series of six sustainable art installations that attempt to teach the community about environmental issues. Using this art project as a …

State Of Sustainability And Resilience In Georgetown A Small Business Perspective, Hannah Garthwaite

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

No abstract provided.

Georgetown County Environmental Services Office, Shane Doone, Dean Wrobel

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

No abstract provided.

Celebrate 10 Years With Platte Basin Timelapse, Madison Husmann, Madison Smart, Justine Cherovsky

Environmental Engagement in the Community (ENVR 319): Student Projects

Environmental Engagement in the Community projects, spring 2021

Poster titled Celebrate 10 Years with Platte River Basin with client Brooke Talbott.

Synchronous Marine And Terrestrial Carbon Cycle Perturbation In The High Arctic During The Petm, Ying Cui, Aaron F. Diefendorf, Lee R. Kump, Shijun Jiang, Katherine H. Freeman

Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM; 56 Ma) is considered to be one of the best analogs for future climate change. The carbon isotope composition (δ¹³C) of n-alkanes derived from leaf waxes of terrestrial plants and marine algae can provide important insights into the carbon cycle perturbation during the PETM. Here, we present new organic geochemical data and compound-specific δ¹³C data from sediments recovered from an early Cenozoic basin-margin succession from Spitsbergen. These samples represent one of the most expanded PETM sites and provide new insights into the high Arctic response to the PETM. Our results reveal …

Assessing And Mapping The Spatial-Temporal Change In Forest Phenology Of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Using Moderate Resolution Satellite, Bailey Ytterdahl

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study focuses on coastal forests in Kenya that have some of the highest variety of flora and fauna, specifically Arabuko Sokoke Forest. Arabuko Sokoke Forest is located 110 miles north of Mombasa and 18 kilometers south of Malindi. This forest is known to be a worldwide biodiversity hotspot that is home to endemic and rare plants and animals. Within the Arabuko Sokoke Forest ecosystem, there are two main issues that challenge the conservation of the area. First, there has been more competition for land, primarily for agriculture and development. Second, there is an increase demand for forest resources due …

Mitochondrial Dna Genetic Variation And Structure In Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis Pectinata), Keyla N. Pruett

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Parasite Prevalence In Marsh Rice Rats (Oryzomys Palustris) On Sites Affected By The 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Layni Leblanc

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Late Eocene Record Of Hydrology And Temperature From Prydz Bay, East Antarctica, Emily J. Tibbett, Howie D. Scher, Sophie Warny, Jessica E. Tierney, Sandra Passchier, Sarah J. Feakins

Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The Eocene-Oligocene transition (EOT) marks the onset of Antarctic glaciation at 33.7 Ma. Although the benthic oxygen isotope record defines the major continental ice sheet expansion, recent sedimentary and geochemical evidence suggests the presence of earlier ephemeral ice sheets. Sediment cores from Ocean Drilling Program Legs 119 and 188 in Prydz Bay provide an archive of conditions in a major drainage system of East Antarctica. We study biomarker and microfossil evidence to discern how the vegetation and climate shifted between 36 and 33 Ma. Pollen was dominated by reworked Permian Glossopterid gymnosperms; however, penecontemporaneous Eocene pollen assemblages indicate that some …

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Npl Site Butte Priority Soils Operable Unit, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

An Application Of Lakota Ethics To The Contemporary American Waste Crisis, Erika Marchant

Student Research

In this paper, I discuss the unethical nature of modern American waste systems and individual practices, focusing on the benefits of adopting elements of indigenous land care ethics. Specifically, I discuss the opportunities for sustainable improvement found in the Lakota perspective of humans’ relationship with the land, such as the frugality epitomized in their hunting, harvesting, and material culture. Lakotan environmental consciousness is ultimately owing to the centrality of their spiritual convictions and traditions, which are, of course, not replicable in the non-indigenous Western context; although we will certainly never be able to understand nor internalize the heart of Lakota …

Educating For Sustainable Forestry: Perspectives On The Career Readiness Of New Professionals, Samantha Jones

Education Doctorate Dissertations

This qualitative phenomenological study explored forestry career readiness from the perspective of forestry employers and early career forestry professionals. A virtual focus group interview, individual online interviews, and a review of forestry education documents produced study data. Participants were selected through snowball sampling. Data were analyzed through open and axial coding. Salient themes emerging from this inquiry centered on the dynamic complexity of forestry, field competence, interpersonal skills, and situated learning. Study findings concluded that sustainable forest management required field skills to conduct remote forestry activities and interpersonal skills to negotiate diverse stakeholder interests. Implications for educational practice and recommendations …

Unprecedented Migratory Bird Die-Off: A Citizen-Based Analysis On The Spatiotemporal Patterns Of Mass Mortality Events In The Western United States, Di Yang, Anni Yang, Jue Yang, Rongting Xu, Han Qiu

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Extensive, severe wildfires, and wildfire-induced smoke occurred across the western and central United States since August 2020. Wildfires resulting in the loss of habitats and emission of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds pose serious threatens to wildlife and human populations, especially for avian species, the respiratory system of which are sensitive to air pollutions. At the same time, the extreme weather (e.g., snowstorms) in late summer may also impact bird migration by cutting off their food supply and promoting their migration before they were physiologically ready. In this study, we investigated the environmental drivers of massive bird die-offs by …

The Economic And Environmental Effects Of Recycling Plastic In South Carolina, Sophia Gouhin

Senior Theses

The state of South Carolina generated 4,809,041 tons of municipal solid waste during the fiscal year of 2019 (July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019). During this same period, the state maintained an average municipal solid waste recycling rate of 28.2% (Toomey, 2019b). This thesis gives an in-depth look in to the economic and environmental effects of recycling, specifically plastic, in South Carolina. I have researched and analyzed the process, capabilities, and impact of recycling plastic in South Carolina. This includes all seven types of plastic as classified by their chemical makeup. In addition, I surveyed South Carolina residents to …

Investigation Of Hurricane Irma Deposits, Big Pine Key, Florida, Youzhu Wang

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Few paleotempestological studies have focused on coastal sinkholes, a common feature in Florida, which can receive and preserve storm overwash sediments. The major goal of this research is to improve our understanding of the characteristic signatures of storm sediments in sinkholes thereby determining reliability of these environments as proxies for hurricanes. Hurricane Irma as a Category 5 storm provides an excellent case study for characterizing storm deposits in sinkholes on Big Pine Key. I cored at four sinkholes along a 350 m transect normal to the shoreline. Core sediments were characterized using physical description, short-lived radioisotope dating, sediment grain size …

Epa Region 8 Qa Document Review Crosswalk, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc., Nikia Greene

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Epa Region 8 Qa Document Review Crosswalk, Nikia Greene, Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Building A Long-Time Series For Weather And Extreme Weather In The Straits Settlements: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach To The Archives Of Societies, Fiona Williamson

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

In comparison to the Northern Hemisphere, especially Europe and North America, there is a scarcity of information regarding the historic weather and climate of Southeast Asia and the Southern Hemisphere in general. The reasons for this are both historic and political, yet that does not mean that such data do not exist. Much of the early instrumental weather records for Southeast Asia stem from the colonial period and, with some countries and regions changing hands between the European powers, surviving information tends to be scattered across the globe making its recovery a long and often arduous task. This paper focuses …

A Study Of Policy Implementation And Community Participation In The Municipal Solid Waste Management In The Philippines, Mary E.C. Camarillo, Luzvisminda M. Bellotindos

Applied Environmental Research

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management has become one of the most pressing environmental concerns of the Philippines at present. Several measures have been implemented to circumvent this issue, including waste management policies stipulated in the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2001.  However, the implementation of these policies even at the barangay level has always been a challenge.  Hence, this study assessed the compliance of selected barangays in Cebu City, Philippines, specifically to the integrated solid waste management plan based on the 3R’s (reduce, reuse, and recycle).  A descriptive quantitative method was utilized in this study. There were 1523 residents …

Inspection And Understanding Of Sewer Network Condition In Dindaeng District (Thailand), Hnin E. Phyu, Sutha Khaodhiar

Applied Environmental Research

Sewer pipelines are usually operated with little maintenance after installation. After years in service, sewer pipes get old and deteriorated.  The present research is the first study that attempts to inspect the condition of sewer pipelines in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. A robot with Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) was used to capture videos and images of the interior of the sewer pipelines between two manholes. The system was operated by Utility Business Alliance (UBA) Company. The condition of the sewer pipelines was visually analyzed in line with the scoring and grading system of New Zealand’s pipe inspection manual. CCTV footage …

Exploring Approaches To Equity In Environmental Education Access For Teens, Norah Cook

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Marsh Management In Coastal Marsh Impoundments On Marsh Vertical Accretion In The Face Of Sea Level Rise., Scott P. Graham

LSU Master's Theses

Many coastal marshes are managed for wildlife through the use of levees and water control structures. Management techniques such as water manipulation, herbicide application, and controlled burns are used to set back succession and facilitate recruitment of annual plant species, which are highly sought after by many wildlife. These marsh impoundments alter or prevent natural tidal exchange, which might alter or prevent sediment and nutrient inputs to the marsh. Although these management techniques are effective in managing for wildlife, there are few studies comparing vertical accretion between managed and unmanaged marshes. Vertical accretion is important because it allows coastal wetlands …

Tribal Revegetation Project Final Project Report: 92-Acre Area, Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Complex, Nevada National Security Site, Nevada, Jeremy Spoon, Brittany Kruger, Richard Arnold, Kate Monti Barcalow, Tribal Revegetation Committee, Trc

Anthropology Faculty Publications and Presentations

Nuwu (Southern Paiute), Newe (Western Shoshone), and Nuumu (Owens Valley Paiute) are linguistically related, Numic-speaking peoples who are part of the broader Uto-Aztecan language group. Numic peoples view the land as a holistic, living, sentient being with feelings and purpose. The land is personified with human characteristics and it needs to be experienced to be understood through “learning by doing.” Numic peoples do not support ground disturbing activities within their ancestral lands, including activities tied to the storage of low-level radioactive waste or classified materials on the NNSS, which they view as culturally inappropriate. These deep-rooted ancestral connections are the …

Socastee Interview, Participant #01, March 26, 2021, Jennifer Mokos, Jaime Mccauley

Flood Survivor Interviews

A community member of the Rosewood neighborhood in Socastee is interviewed by CCU students.

The Level Of Securing Dust Deposits Against The Possibility Of Coal Dust Explosion In The Drilled Dog Headings, Bogdan Malich, Krzysztof Cybulski, Malgorzata Wysocka, Krystian Skubacz, Aneta Michałek, Paweł Urban

Journal of Sustainable Mining

The article presents the analysis how the actual coal dust explosion hazard is at the distance of the initial 200 metres of the safety zone maintained along the entire length of driven inclined drift II – face 567 in BRZESZCZE colliery, which was used during realization of the project titled Modelling of the mechanism of explosive coal dust deposition in the vicinity of mined faces in terms of identification, assessment and levelling the possibility of its explosion financed by the National Centre for Research and Development. The mine dust level was between 0.014 kg/m³ and 0.193 kg/m³, …

The Influence Of Pressure Drop On Gas Emissions From A Mining Shaft – An Overview, Paweł Wrona, Zenon Różański, Grzegorz Pach, Adam Niewiadomski, Tomasz Suponik

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Climate change can make an impact on the mining sector and post-mining sites. Among others, extreme weather events are connected with sudden and deep pressure drops which lead to gas emissions from an underground space to the surface through closed shafts. The tests undertaken in the frameworks of TEXMIN project lead to get measuring data of this phenomenon and will allow validating numerical models for further forecasts and mitigation means. Three examples of the results were presented. They showed that the intensity of pressure drop influences strongly on gas emissions from a closed shaft. Although the pressure drop process should …

Wcu’S Geoexchange System, Stream Salinization, And Heated Sidewalks: Exercises In Sustainable Connections, Martin Helmke, Patricia Haug, Abigail Keebler

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

No abstract provided.

Using Multiple Ecological Models To Inform Environmental Decision-Making, Kristy A. Lewis, Kenneth A. Rose, Kim De Mutsert, Shaye Sable, Cameron Ainsworth, Damian C. Brady, Howard Townsend

Faculty Publications

Coastal ecosystems are experiencing degradation from compound impacts of climate change and multiple anthropogenic disturbances. These pressures often act synergistically and complicate designing effective conservation measures; consequently, large-scale coastal restoration actions become a wicked problem. The purpose of this study was to use two different food web models in a coordinated manner to inform resource managers in their assessment of the ecological effects of a large-scale marsh restoration project. A team was formed that included the model developers and outside scientists, who were asked to use available model results of the calibrated simulations of an Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) model …

Exploring Viirs Continuity With Modis In An Expedited Capability For Monitoring Drought-Related Vegetation Conditions, Trenton D. Benedict, Jesslyn F. Brown, Stephen P. Boyte, Daniel M. Howard, Brian A. Fuchs, Brian D. Wardlow, Tsegaye Tadesse, Kirk A. Evenson

National Drought Mitigation Center: Faculty Publications

Vegetation has been effectively monitored using remote sensing time-series vegetation index (VI) data for several decades. Drought monitoring has been a common application with algorithms tuned to capturing anomalous temporal and spatial vegetation patterns. Drought stress models, such as the Vegetation Drought Response Index (VegDRI), often use VIs like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The EROS expedited Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrora-diometer (eMODIS)-based, 7-day NDVI composites are integral to the VegDRI. As MODIS satellite platforms (Terra and Aqua) approach mission end, the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) presents an alternate NDVI source, with daily collection, similar band passes, and …