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Ferrate(Vi) Transformation Of Nitrogen In Secondary Wastewater Effluent: Implications For Water And Nutrient Management, Qiufeng Lin, Zepei Tang, Hussein I. Abdel Shafy, Yang Deng

Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Ferrate(VI) is a promising chemical agent for wastewater treatment. While targeting various contaminants, it can inevitably react with different water matrix constituents such as nitrogen (N) species. However, the reactions of ferrate(VI) with wastewater N compounds remain poorly understood. This study explores ferrate(VI)-mediated transformations of different N species in a secondary wastewater effluent. Ferrate(VI) oxidation minimally abated total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), while oxidizing dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) into dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), primarily nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N), without noticeably altering ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) levels. Consequently, ferrate(VI) treatment increased the fraction of bioavailable, soil-leachable NO3--N while lowering the portion of less bioaccessible …

Mathematics In Everyday Life: Exploring Practical Applications And Real-World Impact, Priyant Banerjee, Arshad Bhat

Himalayan Research Papers Archive

Mathematics is an essential part of daily life and influences decisions and problem-solving in various aspects of life. This study explores how mathematical concepts are embedded in daily activities such as financial management, cooking, travel planning, and technological interactions. We will show how arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics are applied in real life to improve decision-making, efficiency, and productivity. Findings indicate that people with higher mathematical literacy solve problems more efficiently, especially in budgeting, as accurate calculations minimize financial mistakes and facilitate long-term financial planning. In cooking, proportional reasoning ensures the accuracy of recipes, thus providing consistent culinary results. Travel …

Restoring The AhupuaʻA: Community-Based Resource Management And Resilience In KauaʻI, Jeffrey W. Walbridge Jr.

Environmental Studies Senior Theses

This thesis analyzes Kauaʻi’s evolving resource management practices, examining the intersections of historical governance frameworks, modern legal systems, and indigenous knowledge. Utilizing the traditional ahupuaʻa system, Kauaʻi’s approach once promoted holistic stewardship across water, land, and energy resources. However, colonial policies, corporate influence, and economic pressures have gradually shifted this framework toward a market-driven model, often prioritizing tourism and development over ecological resilience. Key policy shifts as they fight to return to an ahupua'a based model – from the Great Mahele’s introduction of private land ownership to water diversions for plantation agriculture – help examine how these changes continue to …

Stability Of Lif Mirror Coatings On Space Telescopes At L2 Orbit, Devin M. Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

A team at Goddard Space Flight center has developed a coating of aluminum mirrors they term XeLiF. This coating has high ultraviolet reflection and improved environmental stability over similar LiF coatings. For these reasons, it is a potential candidate for the future Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) flagship space telescope mission. However, the stability of XeLiF at the planned L2 orbit of HWO has not been investigated. This study highlights the potential damage to XeLiF when irradiated by electrons that will be present at L2. This radiation will begin removing LiF after 6 years of exposure as well as start roughening …

Annual Variation In Attribute Importance To Upland Game Hunter Satisfaction In Nebraska, M. P. Gruntarod, J. J. Lusk, C. J. Chizinski

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Caves, Calculus, And Climate Change: Measuring And Modeling The Discharge Of Biz Falls In Mammoth Cave National Park, Ava Lich

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Climate change poses a significant global challenge, with increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide as a primary driver of rising temperatures and environmental disruptions. Karst systems, such as those in South-Central Kentucky, play a role in sequestering atmospheric CO₂ through the dissolution of limestone, a process that forms unique landscapes while mitigating climate impacts. This study investigates the discharge dynamics of Cascade River in Great Onyx Cave to enhance understanding of the relationship between hydrology and carbon sequestration in karst environments. A barrel weir equipped with pressure transducers was employed to collect and measure water flow, and Torricelli’s law was …

Data For Research Collaboration And Co-Authorship In The Gulf Of Mexico, 2000–2018, Owen Temby, Dongkyu Kim, Juliet Vallejo

Datasets

This dataset documents research collaboration and co-authorship among organizations engaged in environmental science in the Gulf of Mexico from 2000 to 2018. The data were compiled through bibliometric analysis of scientific articles, with each record containing publication-level and author affiliation information, as well as institutional and country codes. The dataset provides the basis for network analysis of collaborative patterns among institutions in the United States, Mexico, and Cuba. Variable definitions and data structure are described in the accompanying README file.

Modeling Wild Rice Bed Health: A Dual Metric Approach For Bed Strength And Invasive Impact, Seth Sisneros-Martinez

Journal of Earth and Life Science

Wild rice (mannoomin; Zizania palustris) is an aquatic grain that grows in slow-moving rivers and shallow bays throughout northern Minnesota. In Headquarters Bay on Leech Lake, wild rice has served as a cultural staple for Indigenous communities for centuries. However, its population has declined in recent years due to multiple environmental issues. One potential contributor is Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum; EWM), an invasive species that forms dense mats capable of outcompeting native aquatic vegetation, including wild rice. EWM was first recorded on the southern shoreline of Leech Lake in 2005 and has since become widespread. This study …

The Effect Of Zebra Mussels On Minnesota Fish Communities, Benjamin D. Strei

Journal of Earth and Life Science

Zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha are an aquatic invasive species that has been spreading quickly throughout Minnesota water bodies since 1989. Zebra mussels are known to change certain morphological conditions in lakes such as turbidity, phytoplankton abundance, and aquatic invertebrate populations. However, studies showing impacts of the infestation of zebra mussels on the health of a fish community have been hard to prove due to a lack of repeated surveys and a suite of other confounding variables such as natural and seasonal variability, plant community, and lake morphometry. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine whether zebra mussels have …

Geological And Environmental Sciences - 2025, Dept. Of Geological And Environmental Sciences

Geological and Environmental Sciences News

• Greetings from the Department Chair
• Faculty Updates
• 2025 Geological and Environmental Sciences Department Alumni Achievement Awardee Mr. Thomas Hanna
• 60 Years - Telling Our Story
• Empowering the next generation of geoscientists

Assessing Understory Along The Elk River (Hikshari') In Headwaters Forest Reserve, Humboldt County, California, Julie R. Meyers, Aliyah M. Ingram, Caleb N. Larkin, Joshua L. Carpenter

Environmental Science & Management Senior Capstones

Northern California’s extensive logging history and lack of forest management has altered old-growth coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) forests, leaving dense, homogenous second and third-growth forest stands. This has led to the use of modern restoration techniques such as variable density thinning (VDT) which aims to rehabilitate old-growth forest conditions by improving stand heterogeneity and light availability for understory species. Our study was done in Headwaters Forest Reserve (HFR) along the Elk River (Hikshari’) Trail in Humboldt County, California. Initially, the project was supervised by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arcata Field Office. However, the 2025 U.S. government …

Quantifying Biodiversity In The Absence Of Taxonomic Data: A Study Of Thailand’S Economic Development Zones, Nikorn Mahawan, Wanpen Charoentrakulpeeti

Applied Environmental Research

The biodiversity status measures the ecological capacity of a given area. However, biodiversity assessments in developing countries are limited by the absence of taxonomic data on plants and animals. By developing methods to evaluate biodiversity via alternative data, it is now possible to quantify the ecological carrying capacity in areas where taxonomic data are lacking. The relationship between forest ecosystem health and biodiversity values can be used to estimate biodiversity values by considering the proportions of different land use types that are associated with forest ecosystem abundance. The biodiversity value of the area can be assessed by adding the abundance …

Spatial And Temporal Dynamics Of Water Use Efficiency And Climate Influence In The Central Highlands Of Vietnam Via Satellite Time Series, Thi Nguyen Quang, Hoang Van Hung

Applied Environmental Research

This study investigates the spatial and temporal patterns of water use efficiency (WUE) anomalies across the Central Highlands of Vietnam from 2001–2024 via MODIS time series data, with a focus on seasonal differences and climatic drivers. The results revealed pronounced interannual and spatial variability in the WUE, with significant improvements observed during 2004, 2015, and 2021–2024 and substantial declines during 2005–2008, 2010–2013, and 2016–2017, which coincided with major drought events in the region. Seasonal analysis indicated that WUE was lower during the early dry season and peaked during the postmonsoon months (October–November), reflecting the interplay between water availability and vegetation …

Using A Water Quality Index To Assess The Impacts Of Heavy Metals Contamination For Sustainable Water Management: A Case Study Of The Bang Pakong River, Thailand, Khin Yadana Soe, Pokchat Chutivisut, Wilailuk Niyommaneerat

Applied Environmental Research

Anthropogenic activities such as improper waste disposal, excessive fertilizer use, and industrial effluents cause heavy metal contamination in water, soil, and the atmosphere. Herein, the water quality index (WQI) was used to characterize heavy metal (i.e., cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg)) contamination in the Bang Pakong River, Thailand. Specifically, water samples were collected during the dry season from four stations along the river from 2012–2022. The heavy metal concentrations in the samples were analyzed via atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and WQI values were calculated on the basis of standard water quality parameters. At the four sampling stations, high As …

Blue Carbon Stock Assessment Of The Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve In Baganga, Davao Oriental, Philippines, Renz Morales Lanaban, Yves Paul M. Montero, Hilario L. Wong, Jr., Marnie Grace I. Sonico

Applied Environmental Research

Mangrove ecosystems are vital carbon sinks, yet they are threatened by anthropogenic pressures and natural disturbances, causing significant carbon stock losses. Given the limited data for Baganga, Davao Oriental, this study quantified the aboveground biomass (AGB) and blue carbon stock in the Lucod mangrove swamp forest reserve. We identified mangrove species, measured AGB and carbon content via allometric equations, and compared storage among species. The results indicated that the mangrove forest AGB was within typical ranges for tropical wet regions and the Asia-Pacific region, but its overall carbon content did not reach highly productive ecosystem levels. Nonparametric analysis revealed significant …

Assessment Of Metal Contamination And Potential Health Risk Of Roadside Vegetables Along The Sayre Highway, Province Of Bukidnon, Philippines, John R.N. Labajo, Junesa U. Cristobal, Myrna G. Pabiona

Applied Environmental Research

This study assessed heavy metal contamination in roadside vegetables (Ipomoea batatas and Moringa oleifera) across five urbanized localities in Bukidnon, Philippines, and evaluated potential human health risks. Metal concentrations (Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, and Zn) were analyzed via atomic absorption spectro-photometry and compared against FAO/WHO maximum permissible limits. The results revealed severe contamination, with Mn (575.27–862.17 mg kg-1) and Fe (256.46–706.68 mg kg-1) dominating natural soil mineralogy (Adtuyon series) and anthropogenic inputs. Toxic Cr (16.20–21.93 mg kg-1) exceeded permissible limits by nine and a half times in Quezon. Health risk assessments revealed negligible noncarcinogenic risks (THQ …

Spatial Distribution And Potential Ecological Risk Of Microplastics In Surface Sediments Of The Inner Gulf Of Thailand, Sarayut Suanluang, Pathompong Vibhatabandhu, Sarawut Srithongouthai

Applied Environmental Research

The global surge in plastic usage during the COVID–19 pandemic raised concerns about increased microplastic (MP) contamination in aquatic environments. This study assessed the abundance, characteristics, and ecological risk of MPs in surface sediments of the inner Gulf of Thailand during the post–COVID–19 period (April 2021). The sediment samples were analyzed via density separation, stereomicroscopic examination, and polymer identification via micro–FTIR. The mean MP abundance was 196.07 ± 85.60 pieces kg-1, with concentrations ranging from 73.08 to 351.19 pieces kg-1. PTFE and PP were the dominant polymer types, comprising 50% and 32% of all the MPs, respectively. Fibers (34%) and …

Health Risk Assessment Of Copper Exposure Through Hand-To-Mouth Activities In The Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing Industry, Adisorn Phungkum, Worawat Meevasana, Khanidtha Marungrueang

Applied Environmental Research

This study aims to evaluate the occupational exposure levels of copper (Cu) among workers in a battery manufacturing facility by analyzing the Cu concentrations on hand surfaces at three distinct time periods: before work (BW), before lunch (BL), and after work (AW). A total of 30 workers involved in 13 different workstations or tasks—such as battery cell preparation, spot welding, soldering, and labeling—were included in the study to reflect diverse exposure scenarios. Surface wipe sampling was conducted according to NIOSH Method 9102, and the Cu concentrations were quantified via inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry (ICP‒MS). Additionally, the hazard quotient (HQ) was …

Spatial Estimation Of Trophic State For Reservoir Using Ground Monitoring And Remote Sensing Data, Thong Nguyen Hoang, Van Tran Thi

Applied Environmental Research

Nutrient pollution, also known as eutrophication, is a severe environmental problem that leads to harmful algal blooms in water bodies and affects water supplies for human use. This study aims to determine the trophic state of the reservoir based on the trophic state index (TSI) calculated from ground monitoring data of Secchi depth (SD), total phosphorus (TP), and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) obtained from 35 points in 2 survey periods during the late rainy season to early dry season 2012–2013 and May 2023. In addition, we combined remote sensing data to spatially estimate the eutrophication situation across the reservoir through correlation analysis …

Efficient Oxidation Of Methylene Blue Via Catalytic Activation Of Peroxymonosulfate Via An Engineered Δ-Feooh/Pili Nutshell Biochar Composite, Lorenz Borromeo

Applied Environmental Research

This study introduces a novel composite catalyst formed by anchoring delta iron oxyhydroxide (δ-FeOOH) onto pyrolyzed Pili nutshell biochar via a room-temperature coprecipitation technique, marking the first application of Pili nutshell waste in advanced oxidation processes for wastewater treatment. This innovative methodology enhances catalyst dispersion and stability, facilitating the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to generate reactive sulfate radicals (SO4•–) for the degradation of methylene blue (MB), a thiazine dye commonly used in the medical field and the dye industry. Different techniques have been used to characterize synthesized composites in terms of their morphology, elemental composition, surface functional groups, and crystalline …

Public Attention Index Of Air Pollution Exposure From Pm2.5 In Thailand, Pailin Suntigul, Sittidaj Pongkijvorasin

Applied Environmental Research

Thailand faces a persistent PM2.5 challenge, with pollution levels consistently exceeding the World Health Organization’s guidelines. In response, the Thai government has made air pollution a national priority, implementing various policies and city-level plans to reduce exposure. These policies are often temporary and do not fully address root causes, whereas the limited monitoring coverage across Thailand restricts a comprehensive assessment of PM2.5 exposure severity. This study addresses the data gap by constructing a public attention index for PM2.5, using internet search data from Google Trends, to quantify public awareness and concern regarding PM2.5 exposure. This index aims to improve the …

Assessment Of The Carbon Stock Of Trees In Selected Urban Green Spaces Of Davao City, Philippines, Daiseree Cuabo, Yves P.M. Montero, Daryl S. Salas, John P.M. Viernes

Applied Environmental Research

The combined impacts of deforestation, tree cover loss, and urbanization in urban and suburban areas significantly reduce the capacity of natural carbon sinks to sequester and store carbon. Hence, this study assessed the aboveground biomass (AGB) and carbon stock of trees in the selected green spaces of Davao City. A purposive sampling technique was employed in placing quadrats, with data collected from 27 plots categorized by size. AGB was estimated via an allometric equation, and aboveground carbon (AGC) was derived from the AGB values. A total of 358 individual trees from 25 species, 24 genera, and 13 families were documented. …

Spatial And Temporal Trends In Surface Water Quality And Pollution Sources In Ben Tre, Vietnam: A Principal Component Analysis/Factor Analysis-Based Approach, Nguyen Xuan Tong, Luu Tang Phuc Khang

Applied Environmental Research

Surface water quality is vital for maintaining ecological health and supporting sustainable development, particularly in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, where water is heavily utilized. However, rapid urbanization and economic activities have led to water pollution. This study assessed the spatial and temporal variations in surface water quality in Ben Tre Province from January 2022 to December 2023 using 384 samples collected across dry and rainy seasons and two zones (headwater streams and cities). The water quality index (WQI) was calculated on the basis of 15 parameters, and principal component analysis/factor analysis was applied to identify pollution sources. Five key factors …

Development Of Highly Effective Sulfonic Acid–Functionalized Nr/Ms Nanocomposites For Biodiesel Production, Sakdinun Nuntang, Satit Yousatit, Toshiyuki Yokoi, Chawalit Ngamcharussrivichai

Applied Environmental Research

The acidic natural rubber/wormhole-like mesostructured silica nanocomposites (NR/WMS-SO3H) were successfully functionalized with propylsulfonic acid and arenesulfonic acid via a cocondensation method using 3-mercaptopropyl trimetho-xysilane (MPTMS) and 2-(4-chloro-sulfonylphenyl) ethyltrimethoxy silane (CSPTMS), respectively. Compared with organosulfonic acid-functionalized wormhole-like mesostructured silica (WMS-SO3H), NR/WMS-SO3H demonstrated increased hydrophobicity while maintaining mesoporosity and a large surface area. The catalytic performance of the synthesized solid acids was subsequently evaluated via batch esterification of palmitic acid with methanol to generate fatty acid methyl esters for biodiesel synthesis. Compared with WMS–SO3H, NR/WMS–SO3H demonstrated superior catalytic activity, which was attributed to the synergistic interaction between the strongly acidic functional groups …

Evaluating Anambra State's Readiness And Willingness For A Subnational Carbon Market For Climate Change Mitigation And Sustainable Development, Ojiako Godfrey Ogbo, Uchenna Cynthia Okonkwo

Applied Environmental Research

Climate change necessitates innovative strategies, with carbon markets emerging as a key tool for mitigation. This study assesses the readiness and willingness of stakeholders in Anambra State to engage in a subnational carbon market. Using a structured questionnaire distributed across government, industry, and academia, the data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings indicate a moderate level of readiness (M = 3.47) and willingness (M = 3.48) among stakeholders. Correlation analysis revealed a significant alignment between composite willingness indicators and direct willingness to participate (r = 0.406, p = 0.004) but a weak and …

Influence Of Crabgrass Root Exudates On The Hydrocarbons Degrading Microorganisms In Crude Oil Contaminated Soil, Sinha Changsiriwatana, Kwang Mo Yang, Toemthip Poolpak, Prayad Pokethitiyook

Applied Environmental Research

Understanding plant‒microbial interactions in petroleum-contaminated soil is critical for enhancing phytoremediation technology. In this study, the root exudate of crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris) was collected hydroponically, and its dominant composition was identified via GC‒MS. A soil microcosm study was subsequently conducted to evaluate the influence of crabgrass root exudates on microbial growth, dehydrogenase activity, and biodegradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons by the petroleum-degrading bacteria Micrococcus luteus WN01 and Acinetobacter lwoffii A07. The amendment of crabgrass root exudates significantly promoted microbial degradation in both A. lwoffii A07 (47.98%) and M. luteus WN01 (62.78%), which were 8.47% and 15.78% greater than …

Investigation And Health Risk Assessment Of Indoor And Outdoor Nitrogen Dioxide At Preschools In Haze Areas Of Lampang Province And Industrial Areas Of Rayong Province, Thailand, Susira Bootdee, Sawaeng Kawichai, Suganya Phantu, Sopittaporn Sillapapiromsuk

Applied Environmental Research

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a major indoor air pollutant and a significant ambient air contaminant associated with health effects, especially for students and teachers who attend schools in the areas of traffic, roads and industry. This study aims to assess the impacts of NO2 exposure on the health of students in haze and industrial areas from November 2023 to March 2024. Researchers utilized tube-type passive samplers to collect indoor and outdoor NO2 samples, which were subsequently analyzed via spectrophotometry. The results revealed that the weekly mean indoor and outdoor NO2 concentrations in the haze areas (HA1–HA5) ranged between 4.4–29.0 and …

Macroplastic Characteristics And Assessment Of The Plastic Abundance Index (Pai) Of Beach Sediments In Prigi Bay, East Java, Indonesia, Adinda P.A. Nevandhra, Seftiawan S. Rijal, Syarifah H.J. Sari, Defri Yona

Applied Environmental Research

Macroplastics, defined as plastic debris ranging from 2.5 to 100 cm, pose significant threats to aquatic ecosystems, as they can breakdown into smaller particles. These materials are widely dispersed across marine environments, including coastal areas. This study aimed to compare and assess the abundance of macroplastics in the foreshore and backshore zones of four beaches around Prigi Bay, East Java, Indonesia, via the plastic abundance index (PAI). Macro-plastics were collected via a 5×5 m quadrat transect method. The results revealed that single-use plastics, particularly packaging and sachets, dominated both zones, accounting for 86% and 91% of the total number of …

Applying Radom Forest And Support Vector Machine For Land-Use Classification In Phu Giao District Vietnam, Trong Dieu Hien Le, Linh Truong Vinh

Applied Environmental Research

Machine learning algorithms are currently widely used to classify satellite images to create surface maps of the earth. Support vector machines (SVMs) and random forests (RFs) are more effective ML algorithms and more accurate classifications than other methods. The aim of this study is to analyze the performance of these two algorithms in land-use and land cover classification. For this purpose, the Landsat 8 OLI satellite image freely provided by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) was used to classify land use in the Phu Giao District, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam, where forestland is being strongly converted into rubber plantations …

The Use Of Machine Learning Algorithms For Water Quality Index Prediction In The Sai Gon River, Vietnam, Thuy Nguyen Thi Diem, Mai Nguyen Thi Huynh, Tra Tran Quang

Applied Environmental Research

Accurate prediction of the water quality index (WQI) lays the groundwork for integrated river basins and sustainable water resource management. Recent and accelerated advances in machine learning have led to various promising applications in water quality assessment. The present study leverages the predictive performance of several ML algorithms, including extreme gradient boosting (XGB), the gradient boosting model (GBM), support vector regression (SVR), and the radial basic function (RBF), to predict the WQI at three monitoring sites on the Sai Gon River from 2015–2019. In comparison, the results indicate that the XGB model outperforms the other models when eight parameters, including …