Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Plastic Pollution In Urban Rivers: Spatial And Temporal Patterns Of Plastic Release And Transport, Charlotte Juliane Haberstroh

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates plastic release and transport in urban rivers with a focus on the driving spatial and temporal factors. Plastic is a key pollutant of this century that affects humans and the environment around the world. Rivers are a focal point of release and management, as they concentrate and accumulate plastics from urban watersheds and convey them to the world’s oceans.

This research assessed cross-sectional, longitudinal, and seasonal patterns of plastics in rivers, and evaluated the role of urban pollution and watershed hydrology. A detailed background is provided in the literature review. This work is built on two case …

Geographical Information Systems (Gis) Applied To Urban Nutrient Management: Data Scarce Case Studies From Belize And Florida, Charlotte Juliane Haberstroh

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Nutrient inputs into the environment greatly impact urban ecosystems. Appropriate management strategies are needed to limit eutrophication of surface water bodies and contamination of groundwater. In many existing urban environments, retrofits or complete upgrades are needed for stormwater and/or wastewater infrastructure to manage nutrients. However, sustainable urban nutrient management requires comprehensive baseline data that is often not available. A Framework for Urban Nutrient (FUN) Management for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was developed to specifically address those areas with limited data access. Using spatial analysis in GIS, it links water quality, land use, and socio-demographics, thereby reducing data collection and field-based …

Diffuse Nutrient Pollution From Residential Catchments, Melissa Rachelle Butcher

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Nonpoint source nutrient pollution is diffuse pollution lacking discrete origin and conveyance. This thesis synthesizes and critically reviews research on residential nitrogen and phosphorus loss to stormwater runoff and leaching. The evaluation pulls from research covering influential socio-demographic indicators, such as use of lawn maintenance services and homeowner fertilizer practices. The extent to which such social and economic factors may influence the prevalence and fate of diffuse nutrients in stormwater runoff from residential areas has not been adequately established. Understanding the source and influencing factors of diffuse nutrient pollution is important in order to effectively protect surface and groundwater resources. …

Examining Potential Residential Participation In Financial Incentives To Mitigate Impervious Surface Effects In Howard County, Maryland, Kristin M. Larson, Jim Caldwell, Alexander Cloninger

Suburban Sustainability

Maryland passed legislation to reduce impervious surface effects and stormwater runoff by mandating a remediation fee for ten of its counties. Along with the fee, mandated counties may use funds generated to encourage residents to follow stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs). This study uses Maryland's Howard County as a case study to examine the potential participation of its residents in financial incentives for the BMPs of rain gardens, cisterns, and permeable pavers. A survey was issued to gauge potential participation of homeowners (n=110), and results were then compared to participation numbers in three similar already implemented financial incentive programs. Results …