Digital Commons Network^™

Environment, Rights, And Waste In Bolivia: Addressing Water And Sanitation Processes For Improved Infrastructure, Maryann R. Cairns

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Water and sanitation (WatSan) development projects impact both natural systems and societal structures where they are placed. A complex process of development, including inter-governmental policies, aid agencies, personal relationships, and community politics enhance and constrain the efficacy of these projects. This study presents the many ways in which the WatSan development process has unintended and unexpected returns for certain community groups. Using a political ecology framework, I look at power structures, perceived and projected environmental impacts, multiple stakeholders, and individual discourses to critique how the right to water and sanitation is implemented in a specific community context. This project advances …

Inactivation Of Ascaris In Double-Vault Urine-Diverting Composting Latrines In Panama: Methods And Environmental Health Engineering Field Applications, Daragh A. Gibson

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The United Nations Millennium Development Goals have prioritized improving access to sanitation, but unfortunately about a third of the global population is still without an improved sanitation source and one billion still practice open defecation. Lack of access to adequate and safe sanitation means the proliferation of dangerous pathogens in the environment, especially soil-transmitted helminths (STHs). In the Bocas del Toro Province of Panama (and similar locations in the world), composting latrines have been built in many of the indigenous communities in the area. They are a form of dry or ecological sanitation and are designed to produce an end …

What Components Influence Hypothetical Willingness To Pay For The Environmental Benefits Of Shade-Grown Coffee?, Ellen V. Webb

DePaul Discoveries

Coffee is one example of a good whose consumption can lead to environmental degradation that the consumer is unaware of. During the 19^th century, new high-yield varieties of coffee were developed that could be grown under the direct sunlight of recently deforested areas. An ecologically friendly alternative to mass-produced sun-grown systems is shade-grown coffee. This coffee is grown under traditional forest cover, providing ecological benefits such as species habitat, but at lower yields. In the global market, a price premium is the practice of placing a higher price than the market price on a specific good. If consumers value …

Patch-Burn Grazing Effects On Cattle Performance: Research Conducted In A Working Landscape, Stephen L. Winter, Samuel D. Fuhlendorf, Mark Goes

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

• Patch-burn grazing is a range management strategy that might be able to simultaneously optimize livestock production objectives and wildlife habitat objectives.

• We compared patch-burn grazing to a traditional range management strategy in multiple pastures, representing a variety of land ownership and management histories, dispersed across a relatively large geographic area. Our results likely represent what land managers could expect if they adopted patch-burn grazing in similar situations.

• We found that cattle performance in pastures managed with patch-burn grazing did not differ from that found in pastures managed with a traditional range management strategy. This suggests that land …

Owning Our Food System: Urban Community Gardening And Local Food Movements, Paige A. Edwards

Masters Theses

Food is a means of examining culture, including identity, autonomy and power. It creates relationships and memories between people via shared connections. Through food, I explore local food movements and urban community gardening.

We both ingest and produce garden-grown foods. This movement is often described as simple nostalgia. I suggest that it is a response against heavily processed foods within a system reliant on mass produced food. This desire for ownership pushes community gardens and other counter-hegemonic spaces forward in their goals of using social practice to challenge the established food industry and take control within their own lives.

Is Biofuel A Feasible Long-Term Chief Energy Source? A Global Perspective, Rajee Olaganathan, Aston Lee, Debra Tong, Mameegate Zheng Jun Cheston, Zack Ho Xuan Yi

Publications

This scientific paper examines the feasibility of officiating biofuels as the future chief energy source of the world. It weighs the pros and cons of the four different generations of biofuels that have been discovered over time, explaining how the raw materials used in each generation determines each individual level of long-term sustainability. It then further analyses both general advantages and disadvantages, comprising of economic, social, health and environmental impacts; giving the reader an unbiased perspective. Few case studies have also been reviewed to better understand the implications of drawing energy from biofuels, as well as the current state of …

Can Bush-Clearing, Deferred Grazing, Or Camels Help Mitigate Climate-Change And Population Effects For Borana Pastoralists? An Economic Analysis Of Potential Interventions, Brigham Forrest, Deevon Bailey, Ruby Ward, D. Layne Coppock

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

An economic analysis of strategies to increase the resiliency of pastoral communities on the Borana Plateau is presented. Populations of people and livestock have grown in recent decades in this area. As a result of overgrazing and lack of fire, woody bush has proliferated and reduced grass forage for cattle. Droughts here are also perceived to be more frequent and severe as a result of climate change. One consequence of an increasing population and more frequent drought is that food aid has become pervasive in the system, and pastoral communities have become less resilient to drought. This analysis is based …

California Drought: A Need For Agricultural Revolution In The Golden State, Benjamin Clinkinbeard

2014 Student Theses

California is in a drought State of Emergency, which is fueling negative social and economic consequences. After multiple years of below average rainfall, California has arrived at one of the most severe droughts in recorded history. Climate change is upon the Golden State, and the ugly consequences need to encourage citizens to spur green movements combating environmental destruction. The agriculture industry is in need of drastic change in order to secure a future that includes clean water, and fresh food for a growing population. Currently, the agricultural techniques practiced are far from sustainable. Adopting a new ideal on what it …

Biodynamic Agriculture: A Valuable Alternative To The Industrial Farming System, Eden K. Olsen

Scripps Senior Theses

Since the Scientific and Industrial revolutions, advancing technologies and cutting-edge science have enabled our society to continually promote a growing global economy. Industrial growth has increasingly become a top priority for most governments, notably in the agricultural realm. The advances towards agricultural industrialization began in the 17^th century and escalated during the Green Revolution, which examined the possibility of using synthetic fertilizers and mechanization in farming to decrease labor and improve yields. Although seen as economically beneficial, the shift from an agrarian lifestyle to industrial farming has created an ecological, economic, and ideological crisis to our modern world. This …

Harvest Incentives: A Tool For Managing Aquatic Invasive Species, Bob Wiltshire, Nathan Stone, Marshall Meyers, Bill Hyatt, Lori Williams, Jason Goldberg, Susan Pasko, Leah Elwell

National Invasive Species Council

Conclusion

The success of any harvest incentive program to address aquatic invasive species will depend upon numerous biological, socioeconomic, and legal considerations. Programs that encourage harvest may be a successful management tool in targeting small, distinct populations; in high priority areas within a larger invasion; or they may play a supplementary role within larger control programs. Their use, however, will require careful review, planning, and monitoring to ensure success and that they do not unintentionally lead to further spread of invasive species, cause additional harm to native species, or waste valuable resources.

Recovery Of Oregon Coast Coho Salmon (Onchorhynchus Kitsutch) Through Restoration Of Freshwater Habitats, Andrew P. Lutz

Master's Projects and Capstones

Pacific salmon populations are significantly lower than historic levels on the Western Coast of the United States. The Oregon Coast coho salmon Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in February 2008. The total number of adult coho salmon returning to Oregon Coast rivers today are between 5-20% of historic levels. Since the 1980s, restoration of freshwater habitat has become a common practice in the attempt to recover Pacific salmon populations. I used two databases, the Oregon Watershed Restoration Inventory, and the Salmon Recovery Tracker, to analyze habitat restoration and coho salmon population recovery …

The Unknown Puppet Masters Of The Modern Day American Diet And How To Cut To The Strings: A Look Into Parasites And Applied Kinesiology, Kirstie E. Carrizales

2014 Student Theses

Many Americans suffer recurring health problems that are accepted as "normal" in American society. From panic attacks to digestive problems, Americans have been getting sicker and sicker. At the same time, we find ourselves craving more processed foods and sweets. And how could we not, it's very hard to find food that has not been contaminated with processed parts. Western medicine provides multiple pills both prescription and non-prescription to "ease" our pains. But what is the underlying cause? And what is a real cure? To understand what is really going on with our bodies, we must scale ourselves down and …

Got Milk?: Exploring The Truth Behind America’S Drink And Nature’S Perfect Food, Andora Leung

2014 Student Theses

The product of milk is a staple to American culture and diet. Described as the “perfect food,” this notion has been ingrained through decades of misleading information as well as persuasive marketing and advertisement implemented by government officials and industry leaders. However as health risk rise, questions concerning the validity of milk calorie and nutritional value, the use of bovine growth hormone (rBGH) and subtherapeutic antibiotics rise as well. In my thesis paper, I will study the history of the dairy industry and how their agenda quickly transitioned from the benefit of the customer to the benefit of the industry. …

Want All, Waste All: Exploring Food Waste In The United States, Ani Esenyan

2014 Student Theses

This thesis examines food waste within the United States as an environmental and social problem. It is estimated that 40% of food in the United States is thrown out every year, and the disciplines highlighted in this thesis explains why food waste exists. First, the amount of food wasted and the reasons behind the waste is explored. Second, the history of food production and consumption within the United States is analyzed to give further explain the waste epidemic. Third, the agricultural policies which have contributed to food waste are explained in detail. Fourth, the economic and environmental impacts of food …

Growing Roots: Gardening As A Means To Mitigate Urban Poverty And Its Symptoms, Maeve Bassett

2014 Student Theses

Urban gardening has become a very popular trend in the last few years in both affluent neighborhoods as a form of relaxation and in impoverished areas as a form of hunger relief. In impoverished areas, urban gardens are usually exclusively advertised as a solution to limited food access; however, there is a naïve belief that these gardens are effective forms of mass food production. Presently, these gardens are not productive enough to globally effect food production and the environment. However, to the communities surrounding the gardens, the effects are immense. Urban gardens are cheap and effective solutions for many of …

Feeding Fordham: How Fordham University Students And Local Bronx Residents Are Affected By Their Location In An Urban Food Desert, Jane Wynne

2014 Student Theses

Abstract

My thesis examines the health and nutrition conditions in the Bronx, New York and the extent to which this location changes the diet and well-being of Fordham University students who live on or around Rose Hill’s campus. Upon entering college, there are undoubtedly social and personal changes as young adults gain independence from their parents and forge their own path. Once parents stop stocking the fridge and students are forced to make their own choices when it comes to food and diet, there are often drastic changes made. In addition, many students’ activities levels will vary in college as …

If Slaughterhouses Had Glass Walls: The Truth Behind The History, Economics, And Ethics Of Factory Farming, Deanna Ripley

2014 Student Theses

In recent years, the awareness of factory farming has raised many questions regarding the treatment of animals, the health risks towards humans, and the affects it has on the environment. In the United States today, factory farming is the largest form of food production, where it is estimated that over a billion animals each year are killed to meet the high demand in the meat industry. The goal of factory farming is to maximize the amount of meat and dairy in a given amount of time through the cheapest forms of production. Thus, animals continuously live in inhumane conditions and …

Bioplastics: Reinventing Conventional Plastic Production And The Future Of Biodegradable Materials, Ruby Roca

2014 Student Theses

The use of plastic is prevalent in our society due to the increasing amount of new products entering the market that need some form of packaging that is solid enough yet disposable. From everything to yogurt containers to diapers, plastic containers are a large part of our society’s consumption culture and often goes unnoticed. However, people point to plastic water bottles and containers as the only culprit, and often times forget that almost all packaging contains some form of plastic. For my thesis I want to examine how the use of plastics has increased waste material, considering that it takes …

Colony Collapse Disorder In North American Honey Bees: History, Economics And Policy, Lauren Marra

2014 Student Theses

In recent years, millions of bees have died in North America as part of a phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder. This thesis analyzes the importance of productive bee colonies and how their act of pollination is a vital ecosystem service to many of our economies. It identifies the major crops reliant on bee pollination and the many ecological threats that declining bee populations pose. Using data from the USDA, university studies, and other scientific research, this thesis evaluates the many reasons for the decline of honeybees as a result of the gradual decline of the nation’s current agricultural system. …

The Effects Of Climate Change On Food Borne Diseases And Nutrition, Erin Griffin, Hannah Twombly

CLAS: Colby Liberal Arts Symposium

Despite the need for more research in order to assess fully the effects of climate change on human health, there is significant evidence to suggest the implications of climate change on food- and waterborne diseases and nutrition are significant. This study assesses the extent to which increasing temperatures and extreme weather events are increasing the incidence of foodborne disease and malnutrition in humans. Our study will focus on current research illustrating the connection between the incidence of these diseases with periods of high temperatures and rare weather patterns. We will also assess current policy in place governing climate change and …

Herring Governance Report Herring Network Institutions And Governance, Harry V. Strehlow, Dariusz P. Fey, Adam M. Lejk, Friederike Lempe, Henrik Nilsson, Iwona Psuty, Lena Szymanek

HERRING

The Governance Report presents the research about the governance framework in which the various aspects and sectors that are relevant for spawning ground management are embedded.

Gouldian Finch Breeding Surveys 2014: Ord-East Kimberley Expansion Project - Weaber Plain Development Area, Sarah R. Pryke, Nina Svedin

Irrigated Agricultural Development in the North

As part of the requirement for State approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and the Gouldian Finch Management Plan (GFMP), a baseline assessment and on-going monitoring of the endangered Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae) is required during the construction and operation of the Ord River Irrigation Area Weaber Plain Development Project in the eastern Kimberley, Western Australia. This report details the findings from surveys of Gouldian finches during their annual breeding season (Feb-May 2014).

Lowering Somatic Cell Count With Best Management Practices, Stephen F. Higgins, Kylie Schmidt, Sarah Wightman

Agriculture and Natural Resources Publications

As health and food safety concerns grow, dairy producers are facing more stringent regulations. In 2010, the European Union (EU) set the somatic cell count (SCC) upper limit, an indicator of milk quality, for exported milk at 400,000 cells per milliliter. However, the current U.S. SCC limit is 750,000 cells per milliliter. As of January 2012, any U.S. milk used in export markets must meet the EU standards. It is projected that US milk processors will gradually adopt the EU upper limit, making it difficult for dairy producers to sell milk containing more than 400,000 somatic cells per milliliter. Dairy …

An Ipm Scouting Guide For Common Problems Of Apple In Kentucky, Nicole Ward Gauthier, Ricardo Bessin, John Strang, Shawn Wright, Cheryl A. Kaiser

Agriculture and Natural Resources Publications

The National Integrated Pest Management Network defines IPM as “a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks.” One of the key components of IPM is to continually scout and monitor crops to identify problems before they result in significant economic losses. Proper identification of pathogens and insect pests as well as nutritional and physiologic disorders and even herbicide drift is essential to determining the proper course of action. The pictures included in this guide represent some common pests or problems that growers may encounter …

Dirty Recycling: Auto Salvage And Its Potential Impacts On Marginalized Populations, Ethan B. Dively, Nicholas C. Ferreri, Cole D. Rossiter

Student Publications

The salvage yard represents the final waypoint in the cradle-to-grave cycle of the automobile. Residual amounts of petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and acids used in automobiles can be extremely harmful to human health and the environment if not managed correctly. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which minority populations were exposed to the hazards of the auto salvage industry. Census data for population, income, race/ethnicity, sex, and age were organized using ArcGIS software. Population demographics were analyzed in the areas surrounding 98 auto salvage yards found in Philadelphia and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia County, …

Estimating Nitrogen Fixation Rates, Importance, And Short-Term Efficiency In Small, Temperate Reservoirs Using Delta15n Techniques, Bryant Christopher Baker

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Nitrogen (N2) fixation can give certain species of cyanobacteria a competitive advantage in lake and reservoir phytoplankton. These species of cyanobacteria, along with others that cannot fix N2, can form toxic compounds that impair water quality when present in high concentrations. N2 fixation rates may be substantial in small (< 1.0 km2), temperate reservoirs since these systems experience thermal stratification and often nitrogen (N) limitation throughout a substantial proportion of the year. However, the effects of N2 fixation on N cycling, alleviation of short-term N limitation, and water quality are not well-understood. A mesocosm experiment and ecosystem-scale observational study were conducted to 1) determine the efficiency of N2 fixation under varying N relative to phosphorus (P) supply, 2) examine the effects of N2 fixation on autotrophic biomass accumulation and microcystin production, and 3) measure N2 fixation rates and importance to autotrophic N demand and zooplankton N assimilation. Results of the mesocosm experiment indicated that N2 fixation was increased at low N:P supply under high P. However, N2 fixation was inefficient at alleviating N limitation when fixed N was the primary source of N. Additionally, microcystin production occurred only at high N:P supply when N2 fixation was low, indicating that reducing external N inputs may have a positive effect on water quality. Results of whole-reservoir determination of N2 fixation using seston δ15N natural abundances indicated that N2 fixation rates throughout the warm season were substantial and influenced by water temperature. Annual N2 fixation rates ranged from 2.2 - 6.6 g N m-2 yr-1, and contributed up to 19% of the annual autotrophic N demand. Zooplankton were assimilating fixed N in most of the study reservoirs, representing a possible mechanism of ecosystem fixed N retention. Collectively, these results suggest that N2 fixation plays a substantial role in N cycling in small, temperate reservoirs, but likely cannot alleviate short-term N limitation.

Identifying, Monitoring, Quantifying And Converting Algae To Bio-Fuels In Bio-Reactors, Alice C. Jernigan

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Growing algae as a source for bio-fuels has become an area of interest due to concerns about global warming and the reliability and ecology of the production of fossil fuels. Dried algae harvested from a pilot water quality improvement technology at the Rockaway Wastewater Treatment Facility in New York were examined as a source of carbohydrates and lipids for the production of bio-fuels in bio-reactors. The length of storage time, storage conditions, sugar and lipid extraction processes, and fuel production were studied. The results show that if the algae is stored dry (0.015 g/g algae even after a year in …

Leaching Characteristics Of Selenium From Coal Fly Ash, Mark Allen Cantrell

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Selenium (Se) contamination can be a potential groundwater concern near un-lined coal ash landfills. Out of all the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) priority and non-priority pollutants, Se has the narrowest range between what is considered beneficial and detrimental for aquatic and terrestrial organisms. The effects of ash type (i.e., fresh and weathered), water-extractant type (i.e., deionized water, rainwater, and groundwater), and extraction time (i.e., 2- and 6-hours) on Se, arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr) concentrations were investigated from Class C, subbituminous coal fly ash produced at the Flint Creek Power Plant located in Benton County, AR. Water-extractable Se concentrations differed …

Missed Opportunity: Excluding Carbon Emissions Markets From Comprehensive Oversight, Leo Mensah

William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review

No abstract provided.

Prymnesium Parvum And Fish Kills In A Southern Nevada Man-~Made Reservoir, Tara Gregg

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The water chemistry of Lake Las Vegas (LLV), a Southern Nevada man-made reservoir, is influenced by both anthropogenic and natural sources. These sources affect the reservoir's water chemistry, which may promote harmful algal blooms (HABs) leading to massive fish kill events. Fish kills, caused by the golden algaePrymnesium parvum (P. parvum), continue to pose a threat in the reservoir. However, no effective treatments to controlP. parvumin large reservoirs such as LLV have been determined. This cross-sectional study evaluated important variables that may affectP. parvumHABs in LLV, including non-P. parvumbiomass (mg/m3), total zooplankton abundance (#/m3), temperature, TDS (salinity), mineral concentration (Ca, …