Engineering Commons^™

Practical Hints For The Layout And Construction Of 10,000 M3 Circular Dams, Terry Babbington, J S. Addison

Bulletins 4000 -

These notes and illustrations have been compiled to assist earthmovers in the construction of circular excavated earth tank dams, with pipe inlets. Construction techniques tend to evolve over time, so the methods described in this publication will not be definitive, but, they may improve efficiency of construction in the interim. Although the example used in these notes refers to 10,000 m3 dams, the construction techniques, using a bulldozer, described here equally apply to dams of any volume of similar design. Only dimensions will vary. earthmovers using a scarper together with a bulldozer should be able to extract useful information from …

The Determination Of 2-Methylisoborneol And Geosmin In Water Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Ramesh Chandra Sharma

Theses

Geosmin and 2-Methylisoborneol are responsible for imparting earthy, musty taste and odor qualities to water. The human threshold odor concentrations (TOCs) for 2-MIB and Geosmin vary over a wide range. TOCs of 10ng/1 for Geosmin and 30ng/1 for 2-MIB have been reported.

Currently available methods are time consuming and require use of sophisticated technique and expensive equipment.

Fluorescence spectroscopy has been successfully used in the identification of many organic compounds. Geosmin and 2-MIB have organic origin. This research explores the possibility of using the technique of fluorescence spectroscopy in the determination of Geosmin and 2-MIB. The excitation and emission wavelengths …

Stabilization Of Water Treatment Plant (Wtp) Residuals Using Sorbond, Rituraj Sinha

Theses

Disposal of water treatment plant (WTP) residuals has always been an important consideration for the water industry. Stringent water quality standards, environmental regulations, and unavailability of land for ultimate disposal affect disposal of large amounts of this residual. The search for alternate economical disposal options and beneficial use are probably the next most logical and economical step to take.

This study was performed to explore the possibility of stabilization of water treatment plant (WTP) residuals using additives. Three water treatment plant (WTP) residuals from treatment plants in New Jersey were used for the analysis. The objective of this research is …

Effect Of Pulsed Electric Fields On Aquatic Nuisance Species, Amr Abou-Ghazala

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Clinical and theoretical evidence indicate that electric fields have biological effects ranging from recoverable disturbance to mortality induction depending on the field parameters and time of exposure. In this thesis, the effect of electrical field in pulsed form on aquatic nuisance species is investigated. Pulse parameters in terms of amplitude, width, shape, and repetition rate that stimulate the species to desirable levels are to be defined. Applying the electrical pulses with appropriate parameters to stun aquatic nuisance species entering marine cooling systems will prevent it from attaching to pipe walls. The use of electrical fields to seek efficient, environmentally friendly, …

Shoreline Change Modeling As A Tool In Coastal Environmental Management, Jorge Espinoza Amaguana

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The one-line numerical model GENESIS has been calibrated to evaluate its performance as a tool in providing insights into the physical components to manage the coastal environment. To calibrate the model, physical environmental data, literature research, and computer modeling methodologies were utilized in addressing the objectives of this thesis. The model was applied at three beaches of the Virginia Beach City with different man-made structures by using the actual field wave data for wave year J 997. Waves are the main environmental component affecting the coastal system; however, additional environmental data and the best engineering decision were used as model …

A Two Dimensional Distributed Hydrological Model For Infiltrating Watersheds With Channel Networks, Donald Lee Currey

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A numerical model named Old Dominion Watershed Simulation Model (ODWSM) is developed for simulating the rainfall/runoff process that occurs over watersheds. ODWSM's computational modules include the capability to simulate two-dimensional overland flow, spatially varied infiltration and depression storage, interception and channel flow for irregular and looped networks.

Overland flow computation is performed by writing the two-dimensional kinematic wave equations in an implicit finite difference form. Computational speed is gained by using an upwind differencing scheme and solving the equations in the direction of flow. This solution method allows for the calculation of infiltration and depression storage to include rainfall, current …

A Calibrated Shoreline Change Model For The Southeast Atlantic Ocean Coast Of Virginia, Prasert Vangsantitrakul

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The idea that the long-term historic shoreline change at a given site is mainly caused by spatial gradients in the net longshore sediment transport is generally accepted. The position changes of the coastline can therefore be modeled by calculating the coastal erosion or accretion from the longshore sediment transport. This study used the GENESIS software program, one-line model, to simulate and calibrate the long-term shoreline change of the southeast coast of Virginia from 1925 to 1980. The study reach covers 45- km from Cape Henry to the Virginia-North Carolina border.

This study experienced the lack of certain important historic data …

Investigating Sorbent Geometry Response Surfaces From Sorption Rate Data, H. Michael Harrison

Theses and Dissertations

Sorption and desorption of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) into soil particles occurs at Air Force contamination sites. Long-term desorption extends clean up time, costing billions. Accurately modeling desorption will reduce costs and improve clean up designs. State of the art models depict soil as uniform spherical particles which lose the effect of longer sorption path lengths. An alternate approach, the multiple sites in series (MSS) model, describes the sorption capacity of a mixture of soil particle sizes and shapes using a composite particle defined by a two parameter statistical distribution. When the MSS model uses a general radial geometry function …

Binder Containing Plant Protein And Densified Refuse Fuel Cubes Made Using Same And Methods Of Making Them, Jerry D. Eastin, David Jones, Darin Dux, Harold Earl Egger

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

To form a binder from naturally occurring products or a fuel brick or pellet using the binder without extraction or purification steps, the binder utilizes proteins from the germ or endosperm of cereal grasses or from the seed of buckwheat, oil seed plants, Amaranthus or leguminous plants or from leaves or from grain stillage. The protein has a thermoplastic microstructure with linear polymers of molecular weight of at least 2,000 linked with peptide linkages of at least 50 in number. The binder is mixed with waste such as municipal waste without further processing and processed in a pelleting machine.

Effects Of Temperature, Water Hardness, And Recirculation On Copper Corrosion, Brian R. Weiss

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In previous work, the effects of water quality have been shown to influence the formation of scale from copper corrosion. A general understanding of the effects of water quality on copper corrosion have been difficult to obtain because of complex interactions of water quality variables on copper corrosion in different water supply systems. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of temperature and water hardness on copper corrosion occurring in a household water supply system. The effects of recirculation were also studied in concurrence with the above water quality parameters. Electrochemical corrosion testing and corrosion by -product …

Evaluation Of Toxicity, Bioavailability And Speciation Of Lead, Zinc And Cadmium In Mine/Mill Wastewaters, Mujde Erten-Unal, Bobby G. Wixson, Nord Gale, Jerry L. Pitt

Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

The toxicity of common compounds of lead, cadmium and zinc was evaluated in waters similar to that found in the world's largest lead producing area in Missouri. Static, acute toxicity tests were performed using fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and water fleas (Daphnia magna) respectively. Test organisms were subjected to varying amounts of sulfide, carbonate, chloride and sulfate salts of lead, zinc and cadmium mixed in hard, alkaline waters typical to this region. Median lethal concentrations were calculated using nominal versus measured metal concentrations. Measured metal concentrations included four different metal fractionation (extraction/filtration) techniques at different pH …

A Modeling Study For The Implementation Of In Situ Cometabolic Bioremediation Of Trichloroethylene-Contaminated Groundwater, John A. Christ

Theses and Dissertations

The limitations of conventional groundwater remediation technologies have led to the development of innovative technologies which may achieve national hazardous waste site remediation goals. Before an innovative technology can be implemented in the field, remedial project managers, regulators and other stakeholders require adequate modeling tools to help assess the applicability of the technology at a particular site. This modeling study investigates how an innovative technology, in situ cometabolic bioremediation, might be implemented to remediate a TCE-contaminated site, under different site conditions. A steady-state model is developed which couples an analytical expression to simulate the effect of flow between multiple pumping …

Mobilization Of Trace Elements In Aquifers By Biodegradation Of Hydrocarbon Contaminants, Scott L. Kearney

Theses and Dissertations

This study had two objectives: (1) to determine the extent of metal mobility within petroleum-contaminated aquifers, (2) to determine if biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons can explain metal mobility. The approach reviewed analytical results from 2305 groundwater sampling events, taken from 958 wells, located at 136 sites found at 53 Air Force installations. The study showed that high levels of metals are present at petroleum hydrocarbon sites where metals would not generally be expected. Of the metals with drinking water maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), mercury and silver were detected the least frequently. Barium and copper were detected at the sites, but …

Metabolic Inhibition Of A Toluene-Enriched Microbial Population Due To Lead (Pb2+): Verification Of A Free Metal Ion Toxicity Model, Patrick J. S. Marbas

Theses and Dissertations

A dissolved oxygen probe and an ion specific electrode were used to study the lead-induced metabolic inhibition in a toluene-enriched microbial population. Predicted toxicity values were compared to the actual toxicity responses using a free metal ion toxicity model (TM) which linked metabolic inhibition with lead activity. Experimentally derived values for the model parameters (lead activity and a lead distribution coefficient) were used in the TM. It was postulated that cellular metabolism is disrupted by the conformational changes to the cell's plasma membrane produced by lead ion adsorption. The predicted toxicity values were higher than the actual toxicity response. This …

Department Of Defense Hazardous Waste Site Remediation Issues In The Republic Of Korea, Edwin H. Oshiba

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to provide information to DoD decision makers regarding factors influencing hazardous waste site remediation policy for South Korea. This study addressed: International agreements and U.S. and South Korean laws and policies relevant to hazardous waste sites; objectives of DoD environmental policy makers; extent and effects of soil and groundwater contamination; cleanup precedents set in other foreign countries; availability of resources and technical capabilities to investigate and remediate hazardous waste sites in South Korea; and opportunities for cooperation between the U.S. and South Korean military with regard to hazardous waste site remediation. Data were collected …

Biodegradation Of Deicing Agents In Various Soil Types, Annmarie Halterman-O'Malley

Theses and Dissertations

Airports have found that spent deicing fluids eventually reach the airfield's stormwater system and soil surrounding the airfield. Due to toxic effects of spent deicing fluids, containing and collecting the fluid for treatment can be a very costly activity for airports. One alternative to dispose of the used deicing fluid is to institute a land treatment system if it can be proven that the deicing fluid is readily biodegradable in a soil system. The primary concern of this research effort was to monitor the behavior of a simulated aircraft deicing fluid in various soil systems. An automated respirometer monitored the …

A Cercla-Based Decision Model To Support Remedy Selection For An Uncertain Volume Of Contaminants At A Doe Facility, Christine E. Kerschus

Theses and Dissertations

The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) operated by the Department of Energy is challenged with selecting the appropriate remediation technology to cleanup contaminants at Waste Area Group (WAG) 6. This research utilizes value focused thinking and multi attribute preference theory concepts to produce a decision analysis model designed to aid the decision makers in their section process. The model is based on CERCLA's five primary balancing criteria, tailored specifically to WAG 6 and the contaminants of concern, utilizes expert opinion and the best available engineering, cost, and performance data, and accounts for uncertainty in contaminant volume. The model ranks 23 …

Evaluation Of The Natural Biodegradation Of Aircraft Deicing Fluid Components In Soils, Laura M. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort was conducted to analyze the biodegradation of propylene glycol (PG) and tolyltriazole in two different soil types; a sandy soil and a high clay soil. Both an automated respirometer and a high performance liquid chromatograph (H PLO) were used in the analysis. Two separate experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, one level of tolyltriazole was added to the soils to determine whether or not there was a difference in the biodegradation rates of tolyltriazole in the two soils. The respirometer results indicated that there was a significant difference between the respiration rates of the microorganisms in …

An Examination Of Elements Necessary For Transfer Of An Environmental Remediation Technology From Full-Scale Demonstration To Implementation, Glenn C. Mandalas

Theses and Dissertations

The fact that an innovative environmental remediation technology has been proven feasible in a full scale evaluation does not assure that the technology will be implemented. A number of regulatory, economic, and institutional barriers may impede the transition of a remediation technology from full scale demonstration to implementation. This research explores these barriers, suggesting means to overcome them. Regulators, technology users, and other remediation decision makers apply the nine criteria specified in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) to evaluate the applicability of an innovative remediation technology at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. These criteria consider such things …

A System Dynamics Model Of The Bioavailability Of Metals In Constructed Wetland Sediment, Timothy S. Wood

Theses and Dissertations

Constructed wetlands used for storm water treatment accumulate metals primarily in their sediment. This sediment has the potential to produce toxic effects in benthic organisms at some period in time. Bioavailability of metals in sediment is directly linked to pore water metal activity. The mechanisms that influence pore water metal activity are included in physical, chemical, and biological processes. A system dynamics model was developed to represent these processes and the major influences affecting pore water metal activity in a treatment wetland receiving storm water influent. The model structure and behavior was tested and validated using several system dynamics validation …

Optimal Pulsed Pumping For Remediation Of Aquifers When Sorption Is Rate-Limited, Lawrence J. Schmitt

Theses and Dissertations

A variational optimization technique is developed to acquire an optimal schedule of pulsed pumping operations for use at existing pump-and-treat aquifer remediation sites. The optimization problem is stated as a minimization of a generic management objective functional, constrained by the contaminant transport equations in two-dimensional or three-dimensional flow models which account for rate-limited sorption. The two-dimensional case is fully developed and a first-order rate equation is used to describe the transport of sorbing contaminant. The first variation provides necessary optimality conditions that must be met by any optimal solution, in turn leading to a pulsed pumping schedule of operation. The …

Modeling Uptake And Translocation Of Lead (Pb) In Maize For The Purposes Of Phytoextraction, Mark A. Brennan

Theses and Dissertations

Phytoextraction is a remediation technology that uses plants to remove heavy metals from soil. This technology has the potential to decrease the costs of remediating contaminated sites by several orders of magnitude compared to traditional technologies. To effectively implement this technology requires an understanding of the plant processes that control uptake and translocation of metals from the soil. Currently these processes are poorly understood, and especially so for Pb. The purpose of this thesis was to gain insights concerning the plant mechanisms that control uptake and translocation of Pb and how these mechanisms interact to control levels of Pb accumulation …

Investigation Of Biodegradation Processes In Solid Waste Landfills, Philip A. Colborn

Theses and Dissertations

Greater demands on landfill capacity, stricter regulations intended to minimize landfill environmental impacts, and the economic potential associated with landfill operations have shifted the emphasis of landfill disposal toward methods concerned with the long term performance and capacity of landfills. Two opposing philosophies have emerged in constructing and managing landfills: the dry tomb and the wet cell. The key to managing a landfill from the wet cell viewpoint is first understanding the biodegradation processes occurring within the landfill. This thesis attempts to determine the fundamental processes responsible for the degradation of solid waste by employing a system dynamics approach. A …

Maine Guide To Energy Efficient Residential Construction : A Manual Of Accepted Practices, State Of Maine Energy Conservation Division

Maine Collection

Maine Guide to Energy Efficient Residential Construction : A Manual of Accepted Practices

State of Maine Energy Conservation Division, Department of Economic and Community Development, 59 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0059

Second Edition - November, 1997

Contents: Dedication / Acknowledgements / Introduction / Part 1. Summary of Maine's Residential Energy Standards / Part 2. Siting and Initial Design Considerations / Part 3. Important Considerations for the Design Phase / Part 4. Recommended Construction Practices / Appendixes

The Detoxification Of Petroleum Contaminated Coastal Plain Sandy Soil Using An Amended Vermicomposting Approach, John Charles Kraemer

Health Services Research Dissertations

This study explores the feasibility of utilizing an amended vermicomposting treatment approach for detoxifying petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated sandy soil. The bench-scale testing of gasoline and diesel contaminated soil using three test soil vessels and one control soil vessel was performed in a laboratory setting for a six week time period. The control soil received no treatment other than distilled water to maintain soil moisture. Treatment 1 consisted of direct application of liquid municipal biologic sludge on a weekly basis. Treatment 2 consisted of the addition of 30 Eisenia foetida earthworms and distilled water. Treatment 3 consisted of direct application of …

Greener And More Equitable: A Vision For Dams And Other Western Water Issues, Bruce C. Driver

Dams: Water and Power in the New West (Summer Conference, June 2-4)

10 pages.

Contains 1 page of references.

The Future Of Western Water Developments, John Keys

Dams: Water and Power in the New West (Summer Conference, June 2-4)

9 pages.

River Management In The Twenty-First Century: The Vision Thing, A. Dan Tarlock

Dams: Water and Power in the New West (Summer Conference, June 2-4)

12 pages.

Contains references.

Of Dams And Salmon In The Columbia/Snake Basin: Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind?, Don B. Miller

Dams: Water and Power in the New West (Summer Conference, June 2-4)

106 pages (includes illustrations and maps).

Contains 4 pages of references.

Klamath Basin: Balancing Instream Flows With Irrigation And Power, Carl Ullman

Dams: Water and Power in the New West (Summer Conference, June 2-4)

15 pages (includes illustrations and maps).