Digital Commons Network^™

Case Studies To Examine Farmer Perceptions And Implementations Of Buffer Capacity In Southeastern Ontario, Bryan Collins

Journal of Applied Farm Economics

Buffer capacity measures the ability of a system to maintain its original function when confronted with outside stresses and is often considered to be a key component of resilience. Farmers in southeastern Ontario are facing several threats such as seasonal drought and volatile markets, prompting necessary responses on how to effectively manage their farms. This research study used an exploratory grounded theory approach to inquire how farmers seek to enhance buffer capacity on their farm by asking (1) what short-term threats their farm faces and (2) what strategies they are employing to navigate those threats. Ten farms in the Inverary …

Long-Term Changes In Relative Humidity And Soil Wetness: Implications On Agriculture And Environmental Sustainability In Western Himalaya, Ashwani Ashwani, Pankaj Kumar

Journal of Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

Long-term climate changes in humidity and soil wetness in the cold deserts of the Western Himalaya are still not well researched. Understanding the long-term trends of relative humidity (RH) and soil moisture is crucial in high-altitude, cold desert regions for effective agricultural management and environmental sustainability. The study was conducted in a part of the western Himalaya, which is an ecologically fragile zone with a highly sensitive agricultural region that is vulnerable to climatic variations. A comprehensive study was conducted to evaluate the spatiotemporal variability of RH and soil wetness by means four techniques: Mann-Kendall, Modified Mann-Kendall, Sen’s slope estimator, …

Forest Aboveground Biomass In The Southwestern U.S. From Misr And Gedi: Assessment With Nasa Carbon Monitoring System Data, Mark J. Chopping, Zhousen Wang, Crystal B. Schaaf, Michael Bull

Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Forest aboveground biomass (AGB) density mapping initiatives generally use one of three remote sensing approaches: lidar, radar, or near-nadir multispectral imaging leveraging machine learning methods, or a combination thereof. However, the active instrument record is limited and near-nadir multispectral imaging data are relatively insensitive to canopy physical structure. Multiangle imaging enables annual wall-to-wall mapping with a global record that extends back to 2000 as these data are highly sensitive to forest AGB. This paper describes work to validate estimates in a published annual, wall-to-wall record of forest AGB on a 250 m grid, derived using 672 nm imagery from the …

Butte Medical Monitoring Working Group Meeting, Mike Mcanulty, Eric Hassler

Silver Bow Creek/Butte Area Superfund Site

No abstract provided.

Genre Based Analysis Of Sustainability In Contemporary U.S. Film Production: Inception Or Illusion?, Tanner Ennis

Interdisciplinary Studies | Senior Theses

Anthropogenic activity is actively leading to environmental degradation, highlighting the need for large industries to take responsibility for their environmental impact, particularly the film industry. While sustainable practices in the film industry such as virtual production, recycling of set construction materials, or the use of renewable energy present opportunities to improve sustainability, there is still a substantial amount of progress to be made. For example, research has demonstrated that increases in production budget correlate with higher carbon dioxide emissions, with fuel, utilities, and travel acting as the top contributors (Sustainable Entertainment Alliance, 2022). Conversation among the scholarly community is centered …

Setting The Recycling Narrative: A Thematic Analysis Of Recycling Webpages In The United States, Haley Nolde

Dissertations and Theses

Recycling is widely promoted in the United States as a central strategy for waste diversion and sustainable materials management, yet recycling outcomes remain inconsistent and public understanding is often fragmented. While substantial research examines recycling behavior, infrastructure, material science, and markets, less attention has been paid to how recycling itself is framed and communicated to the public. This thesis addresses that gap by examining narratives produced by recycling thought leader organizations (TLOs) in the United States. Using thematic analysis, this study analyzes publicly available recycling webpages from 99 TLOs, including state government agencies, state-level non-governmental organizations (NGOs), national and regional …

When Words Flow Like Water: How The Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline Environmental Impact Statement Failed To Prevent Hydrogeologic Harm In Minnesota, Carly Gutzmann

Journal of Earth and Life Science

For the aquifers of Minnesota, the environmental impact statement (EIS) was a promise of protection that never left the page. An environmental impact statement is meant to be an aid in the decision making process in order to ensure that projects consider potential environmental harms that may occur. However, they are often used instead as another regulatory box to check, rather than as active considerations when planning. As such, a project plan can be flawed from the start—if project developers only consider environmental impacts after they have already put considerable time, effort, and funding into their project as-is, they may …

Application Of Organic Geochemistry To The Characterization Of Hydrochar And Biochar: Insights Into Composition And Optimization, Michael A. Kruge, Teresa A. Centeno, Alvaro Amado-Fierro, José Manuel González-Lafuente, Rubén Forján, José Luis Gallego

Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Hydrothermal carbonization has garnered significant attention in recent studies due to potential applications of the hydrochar produced, which overlap with those of torrefied biochar, including soil improvement, carbon sequestration, and energy production. However, unlike the relatively uniform properties of biochar, hydrochar characteristics can vary greatly depending on the feedstock used. Advanced characterization techniques are essential to better understand these materials and enhance their practical applications. Research on hydrochar requires a multi-faceted approach, including molecular-level studies, to optimize production processes and identify specific applications.

In this regard, analytical methods commonly used in organic geochemistry could play a crucial role in deepening …

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment Of End-Of-Life Crystal Silicon Photovoltaic Panels: Recovery Methods And Extended Life In Agricultural Application, Patima Chaichana, Vacharaporn Soonsin, Nattapong Tuntiwiwattanapun

Applied Environmental Research

The increasing deployment of crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic (PV) panels has raised concerns about their waste management. This study evaluated management strategies for discarded c-Si PV panels in Thailand, integrating environmental and economic analyses. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) were applied. The LCA can be divided into 2 parts: (1) secured landfill vs decentralized recycling by existing facilities vs centralized full recovery and (2) reusing PV panels in agricultural applications. The results revealed that secured landfills were the most environmentally burdensome (34.43 Pt), whereas centralized recycling achieved net benefits (-211.93 Pt) through emission reductions and recovery of …

Seasonal Variations In Co2 Emission From Poultry Manure-Amended Soils In Two Contrasting Tropical Agroecosystems, Gladys M. Akande, Adebayo J. Adeyemo, Chidozie J. Oraegbunam, Iduh J.J. Otene, Ezekiel C. Are, Babatunde S. Ewulo, Chioma M. Ahukaemere, Samuel O. Kolawole, Sunday E. Obalum

Applied Environmental Research

The soil remains the largest carbon sink, the capacity of which varies spatiotemporally and with anthropogenic activities, with implications for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and associated global warming. Despite the increasing popularity of organic amendments in the ecologically and anthropoculturally diverse farming systems of tropical Africa, manure-induced CO2 emissions in this region with high soil-carbon-sequestration potential are poorly documented. This study assessed seasonal CO2 emissions from poultry manure-amended sandy-clay-loam and sandy-loam soils in the Rainforest-Savannah and Southern Guinea Savannah zones, respectively, of Nigeria. Following manure application at 3 rates (0, 10, and 15 t ha-1), soil samples were collected during …

Land Use And Land Cover Simulation Via Integrated Modelling With Gis Techniques For Sustainable Land Utilization Development In The Northeast Khong Subwatershed Of Thailand, ฺBanchongsak Faksomboon, Thipphaphone Keoviyavong

Applied Environmental Research

Land utilization is an important indicator of socioeconomic and environmental changes caused by both natural and man-made factors. Land use and land cover (LULC) simulation is a critical tool for monitoring and predicting LULC and is essential for sustainable development, land resource management and planning. The cellular automata (CA) Markov model is the basis for the current study’s prediction of LULC changes in the Northeast Khong Sub Watershed (NKSW). Landsat data from 2013 to 2023 were used to investigate LULC classification and determine the spatiotemporal distributions of LULC. In addition, LULC data from 2013 and 2023 were used to generate …

Life Cycle Assessment Of Co2-To-Methanol: Comparative Evaluation Of Direct And Alcohol-Assisted Hydrogenation Routes, Chayet Worathitanon, Naphat Chansonthi, Pawat Pinthong, Kritsana Suwanamad, Viganda Varabuntoonvit

Applied Environmental Research

The increasing severity of global warming, primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions, underscores the urgent need for CO2 reduction and utilization strategies. Converting CO2 into methanol presents a promising approach, as methanol serves both as a fuel and a feedstock in various industries. This study evaluates the life cycle environmental impacts of three methanol production routes: (1) direct CO2 hydrogenation, (2) ethanol-assisted CO2 hydrogenation, and (3) propanol-assisted CO2 hydrogenation. Two energy scenarios are considered: conventional energy and wind power. Process simulations were performed using Aspen Plus V.14, and inventories were analyzed through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using the ReCiPe 2016 …

Unveiling Microplastic Removal And Characteristics In Wastewater From Two Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facilities In Indonesia, Nurul Setiadewi, Prayatni Soewondo, Cynthia Henny

Applied Environmental Research

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are considered an entrance pathways for microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic environments. This study reveals the removal and characteristics of MPs in wastewater from two municipal WWTPs in Indonesia. The influent contained 17.1 ± 5.65 particles L-1 (WWTP A) and 15.45 ± 4.31 particles L-1 (WWTP B), whereas the effluent contained 1.41 ± 0.01 and 1.5 ± 0.16 particles L-1. The removal efficiency was 91.75% for WWTP A and 90.32% for WWTP B, with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). WWTP A employed advanced treatment units, whereas WWTP B used a conventional pond-based system. MPs were …

Activated Carbon Prepared From Residual Eucalyptus Wood For The Removal Of Methyl Orange: Equilibrium, Kinetics, Thermodynamics, And Desorption, Mathin Jaikua, Phuthidhorn Thanaphu, Sunisa Ungwiwatkul, Jakkrawut Maitip, Kanyarak Prasertboonyai

Applied Environmental Research

This research utilizes activated carbon derived from residual Eucalyptus wood (EW) for the removal of methyl orange (MO). The residual Eucalyptus wood-based activated carbon (EWAC) was produced through carbonization at 400 °C (EWC) followed by activation with a mass ratio of H3PO4 to EWC of 1:3, which was conducted at 800 °C for 1 h. The characterization of the EWAC involved various analytical techniques, including FTIR, XRD, BET, and CHN analysis. The adsorption parameters, such as pH (range: 3–8), adsorbent dose (range: 0.01–0.5 g per 50 mL of MO solution), contact time (range: 5–720 min), initial MO concentration (range: 5–600 …

Reduction Of Cr(Vi) With Infrared Light And Chemical Adsorption Of Cr(Iii) By A God-Crown/Bentonite Composite For Electroplating Waste Remediation, Andre Taufik Kurniawan, Muhammad Djoni Bustan, Sri Haryati

Applied Environmental Research

Heavy metal pollution, particularly chromium (Cr) from electroplating industrial waste, has severely threatened environmental quality and human health. This study aims to develop a composite adsorbent material based on bentonite and god crown biomass capable of removing chromium ions from liquid waste through a combination of reduction and adsorption mechanisms. The god crown/bentonite (GC/Bt) composite was synthesized at a mass ratio of 2:1 and calcined at 900°C. FTIR characterization revealed active functional groups (–OH, C=O, Si–O, and Al–O–Si), whereas BET analysis revealed a mesoporous structure (surface area 31.12 m2 g-1, pore diameter 4.37 nm) suitable for ion diffusion. The reduction …

Assessment Of The Influence Of Human Activities On The Occurrence Of Forest Fires In Thailand Via Multiple Linear Regression (Mlr), Sittipong Ruktamatakul, Jirarat Insuk, Benjaporn Pinwongpet, Sarisa Ruktametakul, Pornpis Yimprayoon

Applied Environmental Research

Forest fires represent one of the most critical environmental challenges in Thailand, with impacts varying depending on forest type, fuel characteristics, terrain conditions, fire intensity, and the frequency of fire occurrence on the same landscape. While forest fires can contribute to ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, and the depletion of natural resources, such effects are not uniformly severe across all forest ecosystems. Understanding the human-induced factors contributing to forest fire occurrence is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and promoting sustainable forest management. This study aimed to identify the anthropogenic factors influencing forest fire areas in Thailand via multiple linear regression …

Effect Of Chromium Doping On The Uv- And Sunlight-Driven Photocatalytic Performance Of Srtio3, Ro’Ikhatul Jannah, Dianisa Khoirum Sandi, Fahru Nurosyid, Risa Suryana, Didier Fasquelle, Yofentina Iriani

Applied Environmental Research

Chromium (Cr)-doped strontium titanate (SrTiO3, STO) photocatalysts with compositions of SrTi1-xCrxO3 (x = 0, 5, and 10%) were prepared via the coprecipitation method. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Cr doping on structural, morphological, and optical properties. Furthermore, this work aimed to examine the photocatalytic performance of pure and Cr-doped STO against methylene blue (MB) degradation under ultraviolet (UV) and sunlight exposure. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of the cubic STO phase and the insertion of the Cr dopant in the STO structures. Furthermore, Cr doping reduced the lattice constant, crystallite size, and average particle size and narrowed …

Fabrication Of Acid-Modified Corn Plant By-Product-Based Biochar For Efficient Adsorption Of Sulfamethoxazole From Aqueous Solutions, Thi An Hang Nguyen, Thi Duyen Le, Thi Hang Bui

Applied Environmental Research

Antibiotic pollution is of great interest owing to growing concerns about antibiotic resistance worldwide. This study aims to fabricate acid-modified biochar (CBM-A) from corn plant byproducts (CRs) for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) adsorption in aqueous solutions. CBM-A was synthesized via pyrolysis at 700 °C and modified with 14% H3PO4. Kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics were investigated in combination with material characterization to elucidate the adsorption behaviors and mechanisms. The results showed that pyrolysis and acid modification effectively enhanced SMX adsorption by CR because of the increased number of binding groups, specific surface area, and porosity. SMX adsorption on CBM-A was optimized at a …

Blue Carbon Stock Assessment And Climate Resilience Potential Of Mangrove Forest In Hung Thang Commune, Vietnam, Hla Phong Ko, Pham Hong Tinh, Nguyen Thuy Duong

Applied Environmental Research

Mangrove forests are vital blue carbon sinks that contribute to climate change mitigation and coastal resilience. This study assessed the carbon stock and spatial‒temporal dynamics of a mangrove forest in Hung Thang commune, Hai Phong Province, Vietnam, via a combination of field measurements, soil organic carbon (SOC) analysis, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)-based remote sensing models. The results revealed that mangroves in the Hung Thang community store an average of 87.42 tC ha-1, with SOC accounting for approximately 19% of the total carbon. A generalized additive model (GAM) analysis revealed a consistent increase in carbon stocks between 1996 and …

Triangulating Primary Sources, Professional Judgement, And Llm-Generated Summaries: Educating Nurses In An Ai-First World, Sarah Oerther, Daniel B. Oerther

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Iere Annual Report 2026, Erin Largo-Wight, Heather Barnes Truelove, Kelly Rhoden, Jessica Barnes, Lauren Canady, Nicole Lowe, Ruby Cox, Sydney Barrett, Kathleen Hutton

Annual Reports

2026 Annual Report of the Institute for Environmental Research and Education

Implementation Of A 3-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Numerical Model On A Large Northern Lake, Kirin Lorente

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Climate change is impacting high latitude regions disproportionately more than those at a lower latitude. With polar lakes being highly sensitive to changes in the climate, shifts in lake ice dynamics and hydrodynamics are indicators of such changes in regional and global climates. These changes impact future seasons in a positive feedback loop, where changes in winter ice cover impact open water nutrients levels and lake thermal structure. This highlights the importance for long-term monitoring. Despite the abundance of lakes distributed across Northern Canada, there has been limited research conducted on these sentinels of climate change.

Specifically, Great Bear Lake …

Impacts Of Burn Severity On The Hydro-Physical, Chemical And Thermal Properties Of Sub-Arctic Peat, Joshua B. Meyer Mr

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Under current climate change, summer season in the boreal regions of Canada is becoming increasingly warmer and drier. This shift is driving increases in the frequency and intensity of naturally occurring wildfires and allowing access to areas not normally susceptible to fire such as wetlands. In peatland areas, these increasingly large fires can create complex burn scars, which contain a wide variety of different burn severities across different landcover types. This variety calls for a greater understanding of how varying fire intensity affects the hydro physical, chemical, and thermal characteristics of boreal peat. This study aims to deepen that understanding …

Unlocking Green Potential In Indonesian Small Medium Enterprises: Challenges And Opportunities For Sustainable Vermicelli Production, Togar W. S. Panjaitan, Karina Agustin, Prayonne Adi, Jani Rahardjo, I Nyoman Sutapa

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Due to limited initiatives and support, the transition to green manufacturing among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries remains challenging. Through a critical literature review and case study of the Indonesian vermicelli industry, this study highlights the importance of collaboration and strong policies to address this. Other findings also reveal that the energy intensity and emissions in the sector exceed best practice benchmarks, with the cooking and drying stages contributing significantly to emissions due to high energy consumption. Lack of government regulations, company awareness, and understanding of applicable practices and technologies creates challenges in green manufacturing. The study …

Lessons For Transformative Ocean Science From The Integrated Marine Biosphere Research (Imber) Project, Deborah Santos Prado, Ella-Kari Muhl, Mia Strand, Derek Armitage, Nina Bednaršek, Stephanie Brodie, Christopher Cvitanovic, John Claydon, Sam Dupont, Karen Evans, Alistar Hobday, Eileen Hofmann, Raleigh Hood, Laura Kaikkonen, Dongyan Liu, Jessica Melbourne-Thomas, Franz Mueter, Eugene Murphy, Prateep Kumar Nayak, Alice Newton, Heidi Pethybridge, Carol Robinson, Samiya Selim, Rowan Trebilco, Micaela Trimble, Fang Zuo

CCPO Publications

This paper synthesizes the key contributions and lessons learned from Integrated Marine Biosphere Research (IMBeR), a large-scale global research project aimed at fostering ocean sustainability under global change for the benefit of society. The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development has catalyzed a renewed focus on the importance of transforming ocean science. IMBeR’s global activity over the past decade has focused on promoting transformative science by generating, mobilizing, and communicating the knowledge needed to support ocean governance. Key contributions from IMBeR participants include quantifying and comparing historic and present structure and functioning of linked ocean and human systems, …

Inequality In The Urban Forest: Modeling Tree Canopy Dynamics Through Demographics And Restoration Strategies, Eve Johansson

Honors Theses

Urban tree canopies play an important role in environmental quality, public health, and neighborhood livability, yet their distribution is highly uneven and often reflects historical patterns of inequality. In Brooklyn, long-term processes such as redlining, uneven development, and demographic change have contributed to persistent disparities in access to green space.

This thesis examines how urban tree canopy evolves across space and time in Brooklyn and how different restoration strategies affect long-run outcomes. The analysis uses demographic and canopy data from 1990-2020, considering race, income, employment, and educational attainment. Among these, education is the most consistent predictor of canopy coverage, with …

A Transdisciplinary Approach To Advancing Water Security And Public Health: The “Nurse + Engineer” Model For Achieving Sustainability In Wash Systems Using Community-Based Participatory Research, Daniel B. Oerther, Sarah Oerther

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Human health is linked to the health of the environment, a concept referred to as planetary health. As environmental challenges become increasingly complex, single-disciplinary approaches are insufficient to achieve sustainable solutions. This article presents a transdisciplinary framework, termed the "Nurse + Engineer" model, as a novel methodology for addressing complex problems at the nexus of environmental engineering and public health. The model integrates the technical design and systems-level thinking of environmental engineering with the community-based, patient-centered care of nursing. This work details the key lessons learned from the retrospective application of this framework to a series of multi-year, community-based participatory …

Environmental Engineers Develop Solutions To Problems Of Planetary Health: The Legacy Of Professor P. Aarne Vesilind, Daniel B. Oerther

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The principal ethical obligation of the engineering profession, to "hold paramount the health, safety, and welfare of the public," has been challenged for decades. Professor P. Aarne Vesilind identified two primary deficiencies: an anthropocentric bias that values nature only instrumentally and the use of non-mandatory, aspirational language for environmental protection, which resulted in the exclusion of enforceable environmental canons. This paper argues that two recent developments provide a comprehensive response to Vesilind's recommendations for engineering ethics. First, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics has redefined environmental engineering as "developing solutions to problems of planetary health." Second, Oerther proposed a …

Neonicotinoid Bioaccumulation In Bluegill And Bullhead Within Lake Julia And Lake Zumwalde, Jake Stuber

Journal of Earth and Life Science

Brown Bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus, Yellow Bullhead Ameiurus natalis, and Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus are unique in their stark differences. Bullhead are scaleless bottom feeders that can tolerate high pollution and low O₂ conditions. In contrast, Bluegill are scaled, aggressive nesters and are less tolerant of high pollutants or low-oxygen conditions. Among these pollutants include a class of chemicals called neonicotinoids (hereafter referred to as neonics). Neonics are a class of insecticides primarily used within agriculture and pest management. Due to the effectiveness, application has escalated on a global scale. They have been well documented by many toxicology assessments. …

Indigenous Land Seizure & Environmental Injustice: Impacts Of Settler Colonialism, Lydia Moorman

Journal of Earth and Life Science

The fields of conservation and environmentalism prioritize ecosystem health, yet both emerged from western frameworks that displaced and criminalized Indigenous land stewardship. The idealization of “pristine wilderness” narratives served to justify the removal of Indigenous peoples from their homelands and erased millennia of sustainable land stewardship that had maintained ecological balance long before western conservation existed. These narratives not only misrepresented Indigenous relationship with land but also constructed a false dichotomy between humans and nature that positioned Indigenous presence as a threat rather than a source of ecological knowledge. Simultaneously, anthropogenic expansion; such as pipelines, mining, railroads, and other extractive …