Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

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 …

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 …

Bioremediation Potential Of Indigenous Stutzerimonas Stutzeri 08tbb Isolated From Mercury-Contaminated Gold Mining Sites In Indonesia, Uun Rohmawati, Juanita Hibatullah, Achmad Rodiansyah, Yunita Messe, Dwi Nur Aini Fajriah

Applied Environmental Research

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) widely uses mercury (Hg) in the amalgamation process, and the resulting waste is often discharged directly into the environment, posing serious risks to ecosystems and human health because of the high toxicity of Hg. This study aimed to isolate and screen indigenous Hg-tolerant bacteria from contaminated gold mining sites in Indonesia; characterize the most effective isolate using morphological, biochemical, and molecular approaches; evaluate Hg(II) degradation performance using ICP‒OES, FTIR, and SEM analyses; and identify key metabolites involved in Hg detoxification through untargeted LC–HRMS metabolomics. A total of 51 bacterial isolates were obtained from Hg-contaminated …

Assessment Of Chromosomal Abnormalities In Hybrid Catfish In Reservoir Contaminated With Heavy Metals From Municipal Landfill, Tanadol Savigun, Natchanon Thiratanaboon, Nuttawadee Maneesan, Manop Sriuttha, Lamyai Neeratanaphan

Applied Environmental Research

In this study, the concentrations of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr and Pb) in water, sediment, and hybrid catfish (Clarias gariepinus x C. macrocephalus) as well as chromosomal abnormalities (CAs) from a reservoir affected by leachate from a municipal landfill were compared to those in an unaffected reservoir. Heavy metal concentrations were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma‒optical emission spectrometry (ICP‒OES). Chromosomes were prepared from kidney cells by direct methods. The As, Cd and Pb concentrations in the water and sediment from both reservoirs were within the Thailand water and soil standards. The concentrations of As and Cd in the water …

Ammonium Adsorption From Aqueous Solutions Using Mnfe2o4-Functionalized Coffee Husk Biochar Nanocomposites : An Evaluation Of Hno3 And Naoh Activation, Thuy-Tien Do, Huu-Tap Van, Thi-Minh-Thu Nguyen

Applied Environmental Research

This research investigated the development of MnFe2O4-based composite adsorbents (MFO@CFA and MFO@CFB) by activating coffee husk-derived biochar with HNO3 and NaOH, followed by synthesis through coprecipitation and hydrothermal techniques. The structural and chemical properties of the nanocomposites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Batch adsorption experiments were used to assess ammonium removal efficiency across a range of conditions: solution pH (3–8), contact time (5–120 min), adsorbent dosage (0.2–3 g L-1), and initial ammonium concentration (10–60 mg L-1). The findings indicated that compared with MFO@CFB, which was synthesized from NaOH-activated biochar, MFO@ CFA, derived …

Assessing Forest Fragmentation And Edge Expansion In Nan Province, Thailand, Using Landsat Data (2014–2022), Kasidit Rison, Marut Fuangarworn, Chatchawan Chaisuekul

Applied Environmental Research

The increasing pressure from land-use change and agricultural expansion in Nan Province, northern Thailand, has accelerated forest fragmentation and reduced the ecosystem service value (ESV) of the landscape. This study aims to: assess land use and forest fragmentation change in Nan Province between 2014 and 2022, and evaluate the impact of land use change on ESV. Landsat 8 OLI satellite imagery from 2014 and 2022 was used to classify land cover into five types: forest, agriculture, settlements, exposed soil, and others. Forest fragmentation was evaluated using landscape metrics such as patch number, mean patch size, edge length, and core area. …

Performance And Mechanisms Of Activated Natural Coagulants For Efficient Microcystis Removal Via Coagulation–Flocculation In Thailand, Apiradee Sukmilin, Peangtawan Phonmat, Ratcha Chaichana

Applied Environmental Research

Thailand produces fruit peels and seeds rich in natural polymers, which can serve as eco-friendly coagulants to control algal blooms. In this study, banana peel (Musa spp.), orange peel (Citrus sinensis), basil seed (Ocimum basilicum) mucilage, and chia seed (Salvia hispanica) mucilage were used. These activated natural coagulants with aluminum were compared with nonactivated and commercial coagulants (ferric sulfate, ferrous sulfate, and polyaluminum chloride) for Microcystis removal. Phytochemical composition analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) analysis were conducted. The results revealed that banana and orange peels contain phenolic compounds, …

Evaluating Sediment Control Strategies Using Swat Based Bmp Assessment In A Tropical Highland Watershed, Northern Thailand, ฺBanchongsak Faksomboon, Wilailak Suanmali

Applied Environmental Research

Soil erosion remains a critical environmental challenge in the tropical highland watersheds of Southeast Asia, where steep terrain, intense monsoonal rainfall, and intensive land use interact to accelerate sediment generation and downstream degradation. This study aims to quantify spatial patterns of sediment yield and to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of individual and combined best management practices (BMPs) at both the watershed and subwatershed (SWW) scales using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in a tropical highland watershed in northern Thailand. Baseline simulations reveal pronounced spatial heterogeneity in erosion severity, with substantial portions of the watershed exhibiting moderate to extreme …

Application Of Diatom Indices To Monitor Environmental Shifts In The Downstream Tuntang River, Central Java, Mirza Hanif Al Falah, Tri Retnaningsih Soeprobowati, Hadiyanto -, Muhammad Isnaini Ibnu Sabil, Marta Wojewódka-Przybył, Łukasz Kruszewski, Paweł Rydelek

Applied Environmental Research

Diatoms are widely recognized as sensitive bioindicators for reconstructing past water quality and ecological changes in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, multiple diatom-based indices were applied to sediment cores collected from three downstream stations of the Tuntang River, Central Java, to infer long-term environmental change in a tropical river system. A total of 38 sediment subsamples were analyzed, with dominant taxa including Fragilaria crotonensis (2.4–18.6%), Nitzschia palea (3.1–22.4%), and Aulacoseira granulata (2.0–15.8%), indicating sustained nutrient enrichment. Diatom indices consistently classified conditions as mesotrophic to eutrophic throughout the sediment profiles. The occurrence of the marine diatom Cylindrotheca closterium (up to 6.3%) …

Exploring Consumers’ Intention And Behavior In The Circular Economy : Evidence From Vietnam, Tuan Hoang Nguyen, Vo Minh Thang Phan

Applied Environmental Research

This study aims to address the key gaps in understanding the factors influencing the intention–behavior relationship of consumers in the context of the circular economy (CE). Grounded in the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this research extends the framework by integrating social pressure, attitudes toward green consumption, and the availability of CE products as crucial components that shape intention and behavior. Data were collected from 603 Vietnamese consumers and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results confirm the core TPB constructs, with perceived behavioral control emerging as the most influential factor. Notably, attitude toward green consumption …

Sustainable Approach For The Removal Of Cu(Ii) From Aqueous Solutions Using Lotus Seedpod-Alginate Composite Biosorbents, Lan Tran-Nguyen, Hue Tran Nguyen-Le, Hong T Hi Anh Nguyen, Tran Nguyen-Phuong-Dung, Ly Kim-Phung, Huynh Quoc-Khanh, Nguyen Minh-Nhut, Phuong Lan Tran-Nguyen

Applied Environmental Research

Turning waste or agricultural byproducts into valuable products has recently become a concern of scientists. In this study, the facile and cost-effective synthesis of a biocomposite derived from lotus seedpod (LS) and alginate (AG) was further applied for Cu2+ ion uptake from aqueous solutions. SEM images revealed the layered structures of the composites, which were thin and irregularly stacked sheets of a complex 3D network. The abundant functional groups on the surface of the LS-based material and its negative zeta potential value of -37.50 mV also facilitated efficient Cu2+ removal. Adsorption results revealed a Cu2+ adsorption efficiency (AE) and experimental …

Environmental Sustainability Performance And Efficiency In Thailand’S Rajabhat Universities : A Cross-Regional Analysis Of The Impact Rankings, Konstantinos Balis

Applied Environmental Research

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are expected to increasingly communicate their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the rise of alternative sustainability rankings serving as prominent reporting instruments for institutional transparency. In Thailand, Rajabhat Universities, a network of government HEIs historically associated with their mission of teacher training and local development, have been actively participating in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, presenting a unique case study to explore cross-regional sustainability efforts in relation to global benchmarks. To evaluate trends, regional disparities, and engagement performance across the sustainability pillars, this study uses a descriptive quantitative design …

Tree Composition And Carbon Sequestration Potential Of A University Campus In Bangkok, Thailand, Chaiwat Boonpeng, Pawanrat Butrid Butrid, Marisa Pischom, Satatip Noikrad

Applied Environmental Research

Trees play important roles in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption and climate change mitigation. The objective of this study was to assess tree characteristics and carbon sequestration potential at Ramkhamhaeng University (Hua Mak Campus), Bangkok, Thailand. Tree attributes, including species composition, abundance, diameter at breast height (DBH), and tree height, were recorded. Tree biomass, carbon storage, and CO2 sequestration were estimated using appropriate allometric equations. A total of 2,149 trees were recorded in the study area, corresponding to a tree density of 45.8 trees ha-1. The tree community was dominated by the palm family (Arecaceae), while Terminalia ivorensis was the …

Development Of A Deep Neural Network Model To Predict Pm2.5 Concentrations Based On Key Factors Affecting Air Pollution In Bangkok, Natsuda Klinklan, Tanawut Poothong, Nuttiwut Areeratphitak, Viganda Varabuntoonvit

Applied Environmental Research

PM2.5 is a significant air pollution concern in Thailand, particularly in urban areas such as Bangkok, where the 24-hour average concentration frequently exceeds national ambient air quality standards during severe seasonal episodes. Road transportation is the primary source of PM2.5 in Bangkok, accounting for 73% of total emissions, according to the Pollution Control Department. In this study, a predictive modeling framework is developed to investigate the relationship between vehicle count and the mass concentration of PM2.5 from vehicular exhaust emissions. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs) are employed for vehicle detection and counting, whereas a long short-term …

Weekly Spatiotemporal Dynamics Of Forest Fire Hotspots In Tak Province, Thailand : A Gis-Based Directional Analysis, Suphatphong Ruthamnong

Applied Environmental Research

Forest fires are recurrent dry-season hazards in northern and western Thailand, yet their short-term spatial dynamics remain insufficiently understood. In this study, weekly spatiotemporal dynamics of forest fire hotspots in Tak Province, Thailand, were examined using Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) active-fire data and GIS-based directional analysis. Hotspots from five fire seasons (2021–2025) were grouped into 24 weekly intervals beginning on 1 December. The analysis integrated weekly hotspot counts, forest-type compositions, mean-center trajectories, standard deviational ellipses, temporal changes in topographic characteristics, and fishnet-based hotspot persistence mapping. The results revealed that fire activity was highly concentrated during the middle of …

Initial Screening Of Halophilic Plastic-Degrading Bacteria From Mangrove Water And Sediment In Pekalongan, Indonesia, Novia Safinatunnajah, Muhammad Zainuri, Aris Ismanto, Tony Hadibarata, Kunarso -, Sugeng Widada, Hermin Pancasakti Kusumaningrum, Candra Wahyuningsih

Applied Environmental Research

Microplastic pollution in tropical mangrove ecosystems represents an increasing environmental concern, particularly in coastal regions such as Pekalongan, Indonesia, where industrial and residential activities contribute substantially to plastic waste. This study aimed to isolate and preliminarily screen halophilic bacteria from mangrove sediments and seawater collected from a plastic-impacted coastal area. Using mineral salt medium (MSM) supplemented with polyethylene glycol (PEG), six bacterial strains were obtained and evaluated for their potential to interact with polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) on the basis of gravimetric weight loss measurements. Among the isolates, Halomonas Cupida A1, Marinobacter nauticus A6.3, and Marinobacter nauticus SD5.2 exhibited …

Effects Of The Psb-To-Ow Ratio And Light Intensity On Biogas Composition During Phototrophic-Assisted Anaerobic Fermentation Of Organic Waste, Kridsana Jirasansawat, Sirilak Prasertkulsak, Nitiwist Teangthai

Applied Environmental Research

The integration of phototrophic processes into anaerobic fermentation offers a promising strategy for improving biogas quality; however, the combined effects of the photosynthetic bacteria-to-organic waste (PSB-to-OW) ratio and light intensity remain unclear. In this study, the photosynthetic bacteria (PSB)-assisted anaerobic fermentation of municipal organic waste under varying PSB-to-OW ratios and light intensities was evaluated. An optimal PSB-to-OW ratio of 1:2 resulted in significantly higher CH4 concentrations and lower CO2 and H2S concentrations than the other tested ratios did (p < 0.05). At this ratio, moderate illumination (2000 lx) resulted in the highest CH4 concentration (68.2 ± 0.3%), compared with 1000 lx (61.5 ± 0.4%) and 4000 lx (63.1 ± 0.5%). Under illumination, the CO2 and H2S concentrations were lower than those under dark conditions, indicating a more favorable biogas composition. Kinetic analysis indicated that CO2 and H2S exhibited apparent first-order behavior under illumination, with the highest rates occurring at 2000 lx (kH2S = 0.093 day-1; kCO2 = 0.059 day-1), suggesting light-dependent transformation processes. Metagenomic analysis revealed a microbial community dominated by sulfide-oxidizing (Chlorobium sp.), photoheterotrophic (Rhodopseudomonas sp.), and syntrophic bacteria, supporting coupled carbon conversion and sulfur transformation. Overall, optimization of the …

Metal–Organic Frameworks : Opportunities And Challenges In Nutrient Recovery, Suchana Amnuaychaichana, Chi-Wang Li, Pongsak (Lek) Noophan, Sumeth Wongkiew

Applied Environmental Research

Nutrient recovery from waste streams is a critical strategy for promoting sustainable agriculture and mitigating environmental degradation. Essential nutrients commonly present in organic waste and wastewater, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can be reclaimed and reintegrated into agricultural systems. Metal‒organic frameworks (MOFs), which are composed of metal clusters coordinated with organic ligands, have emerged as promising materials for adsorption and have the potential for nutrient recovery and pollutant removal because of their high porosity, large surface area, and tunable physicochemical properties. These attributes enable MOFs to serve in diverse applications, including heavy metal adsorption, organic pollutant degradation, and nutrient transformations. …

Recycling Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate For Asphalt Modification: A Comprehensive Review On Material Properties, Processing Techniques, And Engineering Applications, Ruizhe Huang, Feng Ma, Ke Shi, Zhen Fu, Jenny Liu

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a thermoplastic polyester widely used in beverage bottles and packaging materials, accounting for approximately 60% of global plastic production. Due to its non-biodegradable nature, the accumulation of waste PET has posed a serious environmental challenge worldwide. In recent years, the recycling of PET for use in road engineering has been considered an effective approach to promote resource circulation and reduce plastic pollution. This paper first reviews the main recycling methods of PET, including mechanical shredding and chemical depolymerization, and analyzes its molecular structure, thermal properties, and reprocessing adaptability. Two typical engineering application paths are then evaluated: …

Modeling Of Transformation Temperatures In Cast Martensitic Stainless Steels-Ca6nm: Effects Of Composition, Heating Rate, And Grain Size, Ugochukwu Agbedo, Mario Buchely, Laura Bartlett, Caelan Kennedy

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Accurate prediction of the critical transformation temperatures Ac1 and Ac3 is one of the essential factors in the heat treatment of CA6NM cast martensitic stainless steel. In this study, the influence of alloy composition, heating rate, and prior austenite grain size on the critical temperatures was quantified using dilatometric measurements and statistical modeling. Six heat treatment conditions produced prior austenite grain sizes ranging from ~75 to 247 µm. Experimental results showed that grain size variations produced only minor changes in Ac1 and Ac3, indicating a weak dependence of transformation temperatures on prior austenite grain size within the investigated range. In …

Multiphysics Simulation And Experimental Validation Of Phase Transformation And Hardness In Jominy End-Quenched Low-Alloy Steels, J. S. Alabi, E. Heidari, M. F. Buchely, K. Chandrashekhara, S. N. Lekakh, R. J. O'Malley, V. A. Athavale, A. Kumar

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

High-volume industrial continuous hot-rolled steel heat treatment processes involve sophisticated multi-phase modeling. The performance of a given process can be optimized by coupling phase transformation kinetics with the cooling conditions of the process. This study develops a multiphysics model to simulate an intensive quenching process for steel, which is inherently transient and highly dependent on numerous parameters. The simulated object was a Jominy end-quenched specimen geometry using two commercial steels, AISI 4130 and AISI 4140, with the goal of transferring a verified methodology to the heat treatment process for industrial heavy-section products (bars, slabs). The simulation employs thermal, mechanical, and …

Critical Parameters Controlling Oxide Scale Formation And Hydro-Descaling Efficiency During Steelmaking, Tochukwu Princewill Ojiako

Doctoral Dissertations

In modern steelmaking, cast slabs are exposed to high-temperature oxidizing environments during secondary cooling, reheating, and hot rolling, resulting in the formation of multilayer oxide scales on the steel surface. These scales interact with mold-flux residues originating from the casting process (CC). The morphology, chemistry, and adhesion of oxide scale strongly influence its removability during high-pressure hydraulic descaling and ultimately determine the surface quality of hot-rolled products. However, the mechanistic relationship between oxide scale evolution, scale-steel interfacial structure, and hydraulic descaling performance remains poorly understood.

This dissertation investigates oxide scale formation, modification, and removal in low-carbon thin-slab steels produced by …

Data-Driven Prediction Of Compressive Strength In Pofa-Modified Concrete: A Comparative Study Of Lr, Nlr, And Ann Models, Shuaaib A. Mohammed, Hawdin Ismael Ibrahim, Diar Fatah Abdulrahman Askar, Hersh F Mahmood, Mehdi Khodaei, Soran Abdrahman Ahmad

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Production of concrete results in high CO₂ emissions, high energy demand, and consumption of various raw materials; however, it is one of the most widely used materials in construction to date. Therefore, researchers aim to minimize the impact of concrete production through various methods, such as introducing sustainable sources of materials that can be used in concrete. For instance, agricultural waste materials can be used as partial cement replacement. This study presents a comprehensive data-driven analysis of the effects of POFA on the properties of normal-strength concrete. By synthesizing a database of 196 experimental datasets from existing literature, three …

Harnessing Activated Sludge For The Treatment Of Hydrothermal Liquefaction Wastewater: A Proof-Of-Concept Study, Cyrus Li, Jiefu Wang, Meicen Liu, Yi Zheng, Sandeep Kumar, Isamu Umeda, Chandan Mahata, John Norton

Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Although hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is the leading technology in converting wet biomass into bioenergy, the treatment of its toxic-laden aqueous phase wastewater presents a major challenge on its path toward commercial viability. This study presents the first-ever assessment of sewage sludge-fed HTL wastewater (SS-HTLWW) treatment and toxic compound removal using municipal activated sludge (AS) by optimizing its cultivation condition. It was found that AS with optimized pretreatment can remove up to 91.2% of the soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) in SS-HTLWW, of which up to 82% can be attributed to biological mineralization and adsorption of sCOD by AS. Conventional bioprocess …

Micro- And Nanoplastics: A Paradigm Shift In The Pathogenesis Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Michael Saadeh, Priyata Dutta, Gordon Hong, Edward Oldfield, David A. Johnson

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants with growing recognition as potential contributors to human disease. Widespread human exposure occurs primarily through ingestion of contaminated food and water, and MNPs have been detected in multiple human tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract. Experimental evidence provides a plausible biological basis for disease associations, including impairment of intestinal barrier integrity, activation of mucosal immune pathways, and alteration of gut microbial communities caused by MNP exposure. Although human data remain limited, early studies demonstrate MNP detection in stool and suggest potential correlations with inflammatory biomarkers such as fecal calprotectin. These findings, together with …

The Professional Constructor, Full Issue

The Professional Constructor

Full Issue, Winter 2026

Volume 50, Number 01

Rapid Urbanization Reduces Genetic Diversity And Increases Genetic Differentiation Of A Lynx Spider Oxyopes Sertatus In Central Taiwan, Ying-Yuan Lo, Chi Wei, Wan-Jyun Chen, Chung-Ping Lin

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Urbanization is a dominant force driving destructive and irreversible changes of natural habitats in modern times. While the effects of urbanization on community composition and phenotypic responses are well-documented, its influence on genetic diversity and population structure remains understudied, particularly for invertebrates in subtropical regions. This study tested the hypothesis that urbanization reduces genetic diversity and increases population differentiation in the lynx spider Oxyopes sertatus, a common foliage-dwelling spider in Taiwan. We sampled 245 individuals from 17 sites distributed along an urban-rural gradient and quantified urbanization intensity using land-use composition at both landscape (4 km²) and local (0.25 km²) …

Using Aqueous Geochemistry Of Acid Mine Drainage To Spatially Investigate Concentrations Of Rare Earth Elements Throughout West Virginia, Pennsylvania, And Maryland, Elyssa Lynn Allen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Rare earth elements (REEs) are an important commodity utilized in many industries such as electronics, defense, manufacturing, medicine, and green energy production. A lack of economical domestic sources forces the United States to import a majority of its supply, and incentivizes novel methods of acquisition. Mining regions of the United States, such as Appalachia or the West, are afflicted with acid mine drainage (AMD) impacted surface waters. REEs occur in varying concentrations within coal seams, indicating that coal and its waste are potential avenues of recovery that might also incentivize the remediation of coal impacted areas. Understanding spatial and geochemical …

Shm For Incipient Buckling Detection In Overloaded Structures Using Nonlinear System Identification Algorithms On Redundant Data Sets, Padmanabh Shridhar Desai

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Structural health monitoring (SHM) detects and characterizes damage to predict failure, but failures such as buckling, which are not predicated on traditional damage modalities, are harder to detect. Direct load measurements are costly and difficult to implement (especially for dead loads) as they require copious numbers of sensors, which must be installed before loading is present. Vibration-based detection is a good alternative because it can infer global structural characteristics with relatively few sensors. This dissertation presents an SHM approach for detecting incipient buckling in structures under excessive loads based on non-linear models fit from measurements of small lateral vibrations due …