Engineering Commons^™

Quantifying Surface Water And Groundwater Interactions In A High-Gradient Mountain Stream For Solute Transport, Noah M. Schmadel

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A study reach in a mountain stream highly influenced by groundwater was selected to test common data collection strategies used to characterize and quantify groundwater exchange processes necessary to predict solute transport. The data types collected include: high frequency discharge estimates with the use of rating curves, dilution gauging techniques with instantaneous tracer experiments, groundwater table and stream water surface elevations, vertical head gradients, and hydraulic conductivity estimates. The first two data types were categorized as stream gauging and the remaining three data types as site characterization. The stream gauging data were used to quantify net changes in stream discharge …

Removal And Utilization Of Wastewater Nutrients For Algae Biomass And Biofuels, Erick W. Griffiths

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Logan City Environmental Department operates a facility that consists of 460 acres of fairly shallow lagoons (~ 5'deep) for biological wastewater treatment that meets targets for primary and secondary treatments (solids, biological oxygen demand (BOD), and pathogen removal). Significant natural algal growth occurs in these lagoons, which improves BOD removal through oxygenation and also facilitates N removal through volatilization as ammonia under high pH conditions created by algal growth. Phosphorus, however, is non-volatile and stays in the water and likely cycles in and out of algal cells as they grow and die in the lagoons. In the near future, …

Characterizing Episodic Stream Acidification Using A Concentration-Duration-Frequency Methodology In Watersheds Of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, John Leland Mauney Iii

Masters Theses

Episodic stream acidification occurs as storm events temporarily reduce acid neutralizing capacity and pH. Stream acidification is suspected to have damaging effects on the health of aquatic ecosystems and biota and is dependent on various watershed characteristics such as drainage area, elevation, slope, and surficial geology. Here, a stochastic modeling approach is applied to continuous pH data for multiple stream monitoring sites within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in order to characterize episodic acidification responses during stormflows for different streams. The approach summarizes voluminous pH data recorded by water quality sondes at 15-minute intervals into concentration-duration-frequency relationships. Unique to …

Probabilistic Remediation Evaluation Model For Chlorinated Solvents Considering Uncertainty, Hailian Liang

All Dissertations

The complex processes and expensive costs of source and plume remediation of dense, non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) complicate the decision-making process for site remediation. Selection of remediation alternatives has been a big challenge due to the lack of tools that simultaneously evaluate the effectiveness of source and plume remediation and access the uncertainties in all major parameters. In this research, a new probabilistic remediation model, Probabilistic Remediation Evaluation Model for Chlorinated solvents sites (PREMChlor), has been developed. This is achieved through linking the analytical model REMChlor to a Monte Carlo modeling simulation package GoldSim via a FORTRAN Dynamic Link Library …

Biological Treatment To Remove Color And Toxicity Of Effluent From The Manufacturing Of Navipol Yellow Gr, Larry French

All Theses

Navipol Yellow GR is an organic solvent azo dye manufactured by Sunbelt Corp. in Rock Hill, SC. The effluent generated from the manufacturing of this dye is highly colored, toxic, and contains trace solvents consisting of mixed xylene isomers and ethyl benzene. Traditional wastewater treatment systems are unable to remove the color and toxicity from the effluent. This study investigated using a sequential anaerobic / aerobic treatment system to decrease color and toxicity of the dye effluent. The anaerobic phase used bacteria cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, or Enterobacter aerogenes to decrease the color of the dye. …

The Formation And Control Of Iodinated Trihalomethanes In Drinking Water Treatment, Darryl Jones

All Theses

Ever since toxic disinfection by-products (DBPs) were discovered in the 1970s drinking water utilities have had to continue to develop treatment strategies to reduce the acute health risk from infectious pathogens in water, and at the same time limit the formation of disinfection by-products. The recent two stage (1998, 2006) D/DBP rule enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which sets limits of 80 µg/L for trihalomethanes (THMs) and 60 µg/L for haloacetic acids (HAAs) will likely put more pressure on utilities in the future to decrease their chorine contact time and follow that with ammonia addition to form monochloramine …

Extraction And Characterization Of Lipids From Microalgae Grown On Municipal Wastewater, Matthew W. Hutton

Master's Theses

Based on results of its Aquatic Species Program (1978-1996), which sought to develop algae-to-liquid fuel technology, the U.S. Department of Energy has suggested that algal wastewater treatment may be incorporated into biodiesel production schemes to reduce the operating costs of both processes. the purpose of the current research was to evaluate the triglycerides produced by wastewater-grown algae for their suitability as a fuel feedstock and to investigate the effectiveness of several solvent mixtures and extraction procedures at recovering lipids from fresh algae. The research involved two separate experiments. The first determined the quantity and quality of lipids produced over the …

An Assessment Of Indoor Infiltration Parameters For Black Carbon From Residential Wood Combustion And The Spectral Dependence Of Light Absorption For Organic Carbon, Christopher John Malejan

Master's Theses

Black carbon, a proxy for woodsmoke was measured indoors and outdoors for an occupied residence in Cambria, CA during the winter months of 2009. The purpose was to investigate the infiltration parameters: air exchange rate, deposition rate, and penetration factor. The second part of this study investigated the light absorption properties of organic carbon from residential wood combustion, the dominant fraction of woodsmoke.

To assess woodsmoke variation, a study conducted parallel to the one presented in this thesis (Ward, 2009), a grid array of personal emission monitors (PEMS) and aethalometers were placed in a small area, approximately one square kilometer, …

Investigation Of The Geotechnical Properties Of Municipal Solid Waste As A Function Of Placement Conditions, Wilson W. Wong

Master's Theses

An investigation of the variability of engineering properties of municipal solid waste as a function of placement conditions was conducted. Limited data have been reported for the engineering properties of municipal solid waste (MSW) as a function of placement conditions. Wastes have high variability of engineering properties due to heterogeneity in composition and component size; influence from time based effects; and presence of compressible solids. Control of moisture content of MSW at the time of waste placement provides opportunity for increased capacity at a given landfill site due to higher compacted unit weight as well as for control of other …

Modeling Nitrogen Loss From Regional Switchgrass Agriculture, Saumya Sarkar

All Theses

A water quality modeling study was conducted to determine and compare nitrogen loss from agricultural systems growing switchgrass and cotton in the southeastern USA. The water quality impacts were modeled at the plot scale and at the watershed scale. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to replicate field conditions observed at switchgrass research plots at Pee Dee Research and Educational Center at Florence, South Carolina. The plot scale modeling suggested that in the early years of growth there is significant nitrogen loss from switchgrass to streamflow and groundwater but they are significantly less as the switchgrass matures. …

The Characterization, Isolation, And Fractionation Of Natural Organic Matter From Three Surface Waters, Olivia Orr

All Theses

The main objective of this study was to gain insight to the principles of isolation of natural organic matter (NOM) using reverse osmosis (RO) and subsequent fractionation using resin adsorption chromatography (RAC). Specifically, this study evaluated the RO and RAC methods for NOM characterization from three surface waters with varying physiochemical characteristics. Efficiency of RO was assessed by closing mass balances for dissolve organic carbon (DOC). Mass balances were also closed for dissolved nitrogen (DN), bromide (Br-), nitrate (NO3-), total calcium (Ca), total potassium (K), total manganese (Mn), total iron (Fe), total magnesium (Mg), total aluminum (Al), total copper (Cu), …

Leaching Of Dissolved Organic Carbon And Selected Inorganic Constituents From Scrap Tires, Meric Selbes

All Theses

An environmentally friendly method for the disposal of scrap tires is currently unavailable; as a result, ultimate disposal of used vehicle tires continues to be a major challenge around the world. In the United States (US), during the past two decades, scrap tires have been generated at the rate of approximately one tire per person per year (i.e., approximately 290 million new scrap tires every year). It is estimated that there are currently 2 billion tires stockpiled in the US. Due to various problems involved in the disposal of scrap tires, different alternatives for recycle and reuse have been examined; …

Removal Of Boron From Produced Water By Co-Precipitation / Adsorption For Reverse Osmosis Concentrate, Imran Yusuf Rahman, Yarrow Nelson, Tryg Lundquist

Master's Theses

Co-precipitation and absorption methods were investigated for removal of boron from produced water, which is groundwater brought to the surface during oil and natural gas extraction. Boron can be toxic to many crops and often needs to be controlled to low levels in irrigation water. The present research focused on synthetic reverse osmosis (RO) concentrate modeled on concentrate expected from a future treatment facility at the Arroyo Grande Oil Field on the central coast of California. The produced water at this site is brackish with a boron concentration of 8 mg/L and an expected temperature of 80°C. The future overall …

3d Numerical Modeling Of Hydrodynamic Flow, Sediment Deposition And Transport In Stormwater Ponds And Alluvial Channels, Leying Zhang

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Prediction of flow and sediment transport is an important and challenging problem for stormwater management and river engineering applications. This thesis concerns primarily the computation of flow, sediment deposition and transport processes in stormwater ponds and alluvial channels based on a multiphase flow approach in modeling sediment transport. Starting from an existing hydrodynamic Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes flow solver, numerical models are developed to predict flow, sediment deposition and transport under the FLUENT software package. Two types of sediment transport models are formulated to consider quantities of present sediment phase volume fractions: a Discrete Phase Model in a Lagrangian frame where …

Development Of Strategies For Enhanced In Situ Bioremediation Of High Concentrations Of Halogenated Methanes, Huifeng Shan

All Dissertations

ABSTRACT
Bioremediation of high concentrations of halomethanes e.g., carbon tetrachloride (CT), trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11) and chloroform (CF) has seldom been addressed before and remains highly challenging. A microcosm study was conducted to investigate bioremediation strategies for groundwater contaminated with CT (6 to 10 mg/L), CFC-11 (1 to 26 mg/L), CF (3-500 mg/L), and 1,1-dichloroethene (1,1-DCE; up to 9 mg/L) at a former industrial site in California. Biostimulation with corn syrup and catalytic amounts of vitamin B₁₂ was demonstrated as a feasible remedial strategy and bioaugmentation with B₁₂ represents the most promising bioremediation method of the ones studied. Halomethane transformation …

An Examination Of Confined Aquifer Gradient Behavior Under Pumping Conditions, Stefanie Fountain

All Dissertations

Accurate and reliable estimates of groundwater flow and contaminant transport models are dependent on an understanding of the aquifer properties used to create the models. The borehole flowmeter has been used with increasing frequency at a variety of sites to produce high resolution vertical hydraulic conductivity (K(z)) distributions [Boggs et al. 1990; Rehfeldt et al. 1989b; Molz et al. 1989, Boman et al. 1997; Dinwiddie et al. 1999]. In theory, the validity of measurements obtained using borehole flowmeters is contingent on the hydraulic head gradients near the well at each discrete depth resulting from the pumping-induced flow having reached quasi-steady-state. …

Investigation Of Feasibility And Potential Mechanisms For The Bioregeneration Of Perchlorate Laden Gel-Type Anion Exchange Resin, Arjun Krishna Venkatesan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The feasibility and potential mechanisms for the bioregeneration of perchlorate laden gel-type anion exchange resin were investigated in this study. Bioregeneration is a sustainable process when compared to one time use of resin and disposal by incineration. Batch and bench-scale bioregeneration experiments were performed to evaluate the feasibility of the process and to gain insight into potential mechanisms that control gel-type resin bioregeneration. The results of the bioregeneration tests suggested that the initial phase of the bioregeneration process is controlled by kinetics, while the later phase is controlled by diffusion. Higher perchlorate load in the resin had a positive effect …

Spatiotemporal Estuarine Water Quality Parameterization Using Remote Sensing And In-Situ Characteristics, Kwisun Park Yu

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation develops a new paradigm in a water quality monitoring approach to parameterize spatiotemporal estuarine water quality with sustainable reliability, less cost and less time. A key underpinning of this paradigm of the spatiotemporal estuarine water quality parameterization is various water quality parameters' interrelationship with ambient water temperature as a common factor, their time dependent characteristics, and spatiotemporal characteristics of remote sensing. It has two core models to provide input data of water quality parameterization model in a system; the transfer function models of the physical system and an analytical temperature time series model. The objective of this dissertation …

Simultaneous Nitrification And Denitrification Of Wastewater Using A Silicone Membrane Aerated Bioreactor, Kirk Hjelte Waltz

Master's Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the use of a single reactor to biologically treat wastewater by simultaneously oxidizing ammonia, and reducing nitrate and nitrite. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) places strict discharge restrictions on these compounds due to their inherent toxicity to humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. The use of a simultaneous system can assist the conventional wastewater treatment technology that requires separate systems, by creating a system that needs less time and smaller size to reach effluent requirements. To conduct this research, a bench-scale membrane aerated biofilm reactor was built using silicone tubing for aeration. Batch and …

Ground Source Heat Pumps Vs. Conventional Hvac: A Comparison Of Economic And Environmental Costs, Paul W. Fredin

Theses and Dissertations

The world is undergoing a dramatic transformation with regard to how it produces and consumes energy due to increasing demand from developing nations and diminishing new resource discoveries. In addition, there has been increased concern over the effect of carbon dioxide emissions on the environment. All of these issues have created a combined pressure to force the world to begin to redefine how energy is utilized. Geothermal or ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) may provide one potential solution to these problems. This research investigated vertical borehole closed-loop GSHP systems in direct comparison to natural gas furnaces combined with traditional air-conditioning …

Phytoremediation Of Weathered Petroleum In Groundwater By Arroyo Willows In Nutrient Amended On-Site Mesocosms, Sarah E. Bragg-Flavan

Master's Theses

PHYTOREMEDIATION OF WEATHERED PETROLEUM IN GROUNDWATER BY ARROYO WILLOWS IN NUTRIENT AMENDED ON-SITE MESOCOSMS

SARAH BRAGG-FLAVAN

A large-scale mesocosm study was conducted to determine if vegetation with willow trees enhances biodegradation and to evaluate the mechanisms of natural biodegradation of weathered petroleum compounds under field conditions. The mesocosms were designed to model conditions at a former oil field where mid-range petroleum distillates were used as a diluent for pumping crude oil contaminated the soil and groundwater at the site with petroleum compounds. Ten mesocosms were constructed at the field site using un-impacted soil and diluent-impacted groundwater from the site. Five …

Performance Of A Catch Basin Filter And Leachate From Biocidal Media For Stormwater Treatment, Ryan Scott Maclure

Master's Theses

The feasibility of installing biocidal beads into a catch basin filter insert for simultaneous stormwater disinfection and contaminant removal was tested. The catch basin filter insert (DrainPac®) was tested for its sediment, oil and grease, and coliform bacteria removal efficiency in conjunction with bench-scale testing of biocidal polymer beads. DrainPac® catch basin filters are composed of a metal frame, polypropylene filter fabric, and a high-density polymer support basket, and are installed below storm drains. A 12 x 41 in. DrainPac® filter (United Stormwater, Inc.) insert was set in a flume that simulated a large-scale catchment basin. Pond water was gravity …

Impacts Of Delayed Drawdown On Water Quality And Aquatic Biota In Seasonal Wetlands Of The Grassland Ecological Area, Los Banos, California, Kyle Nathan Poole

Master's Theses

The 178,000-acre Grassland Ecological Area in California’s San Joaquin Valley is managed to provide overwintering habitat to waterfowl on the Pacific Flyway. The major management activity is the fall flooding and spring drawdown of wetlands, timed to optimize the availability of forage vegetation and invertebrates for ducks and shorebirds. Wetland drainage contains salt, boron, and trace elements that are, in part, derived from imported surface water but also concentrate during storage in the wetland impoundments. The spring drawdown drainage contributes to occasional water quality violations in the San Joaquin River (SJR) during dry years. Compliance with water quality objectives may …

Microwave Reactor Engineering Of Zeolites Synthesis, Murad Gharibeh

Doctoral Dissertations 1896 - February 2014

Microwave chemistry has expanded over the last two decades due to the enhanced reaction rates achieved for many processes, including organic synthesis, inorganic synthesis and polymerization. Significant time and energy saving can be realized using microwave chemistry, which is important both commercially and for the environment.

One of the most exciting and commercially/technologically significant areas where microwave energy has been demonstrated to influence the kinetics and selectivity is in the synthesis of nanoporous materials, such as zeolites. New nanoporous materials can be created, and the times for their syntheses can be significantly reduced, involving using less energy. By reducing the …

Removal Of Thm Precursor By Enhanced Coagulation, Yasmine Kamal Abdel-Maksoud

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Temperature Influence And Heat Management Requirements Of Microalgae Cultivation In Photobioreactors, Thomas Hagen Mehlitz

Master's Theses

Microalgae are considered one of the most promising feedstocks for biofuel production for the future. The most efficient way to produce vast amounts of algal biomass is the use of closed tubular photobioreactors (PBR). The heat requirement for a given system is a major concern since the best algae growth rates are obtained between 25-30 °C, depending on the specific strain. A procedure to determine temperature influence on algal growth rates was developed for a lab-scale PBR system using the species Chlorella. A maximum growth rate of 1.44 doublings per day at 29 °C (optimal temperature) was determined. In addition, …

Phosphate And Thermal Stabilization Of Heavy Metals In Dredged Sediments, Peter Kuria Ndiba

Dissertations

Treatment and reuse of dredged harbor sediments in construction as an alternative to disposal reduces costs and conserves resources. This research focused on leachability of metal contaminants subsequent to phosphate addition and thermal treatment at 700 °C. X- ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) in combination with principal component analysis, target transformation, and linear combination revealed that in the untreated sediments Zn precipitated as the relatively soluble smithsonite (ZnCO₃) (67%) and adsorbed to hydrous iron oxides (15%) and hydrous manganese oxides (18%). Phosphate addition and calcination resulted in sparingly soluble phases, hopeite (Zn₃₍PO₄)₂.4H_{2 …}

Characterization Of Natural Organic Matter And Precursors To Trihalomethanes Using Spectral Flourescence Signatures, Krit Punburananon

Dissertations

Disinfection is an essential process to kill pathogens (i.e., disease causing organisms) in source water during the production of drinking water. Chlorine is most widely used disinfectant because it is effective, affordable, and also provides chlorine residual to ensure that the water is safe through the distribution system. Nonetheless, chlorine reacts with Natural Organic Matter (NOM) and forms potentially carcinogenic Disinfection By-products (DBPs). The major chlorination DBPs are dominantly Trihalomethanes (THMs). However, not all organic compounds are equally reactive to THMs formation.

NOM in water samples collected from the Delaware & Raritan Canal and its tributaries (Central New Jersey) was …

Determining Emissions From Landfills And Creating Odor Buffer Distances, Nicholas Guarrieloo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With population growing every year, more and more people are looking for places to live. This can lead to construction of houses near and around landfills. As homes get closer to landfills, the odors these landfills produce become more of a problem, and lead to an increase in odor complaints. Modeling these odors and recommending odor buffer distances will help determine limits on how close to landfills new homes should be allowed. This should help reduce future odor complaints. To solve this problem one must accurately estimate odorous gas emissions from the landfill. Often odors can be indicated by methane …

Nutrient And Pathogen Removal In A Subsurface Upflow Wetland System Using Green Sorption Media, Zhemin Xuan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Due to environmental health and nutrient impact concerns, the conventional on-site sewage collection, treatment, and disposal systems are no longer able to meet the nutrient reduction requirements for wastewater effluent and may represent a large fraction of pollutant loads. The loads include not only nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), but also pathogens such as fecal coliform and E. coli which indicate the presence of other disease-causing bacteria flowing into aquatic system that adversely affect public health. A subsurface upflow wetland, which is an effective small-scale wastewater treatment system with low energy and maintenance requirements and operational costs, fits the current …