Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Precipitation Dynamics In Kalamazoo, Sw Michigan: A Stable Isotope Perspective, Madhav V. Machavaram

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Composting Of Yard Wastes On The Ground-Water Quality: Wmu Farms Site, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Bryan Kirk Allen

Masters Theses

In the rush to find alternatives to landfilling of yard waste, federal and state agencies have identified composting as the main solution. There is therefore a need to address the possible environmental problems which could be associated with such composting operations. Compost may contain nutrients, organic acids, pesticides, and metals which could leach through soils to the ground water posing a potential contamination problem.

At the WMU Farms Site, two sites have been used for the composting of leaves by the City of Kalamazoo. The physical and chemical hydrogeology of these sites were characterized.

The results suggest that the presence …

Vegetation And Tree Survival In A Savanna Restoration Project, Vermilion County, Illinois, Mary Claire Hruska

Masters Theses

This study involved pre-burn and post-burn inventories of herbaceous and woody vegetation, a post-burn tree survival survey, the development and implementation of a management plan for the savanna restoration site and the development of general guidelines for savanna restoration. An herbarium collection was made, 242 species representing 64 families were found on the site.

There were several significant changes in the density and frequency of vegetation after the burn. The following herbaceous species increased significantly in frequency: Agalinis tenuifolia (Vahl.) Raf, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Carex spp., Cassia fasciculata Michx., Desmodium glabellum (Michx.) DC., Dichanthelium acuminatum (Sw.) Gould & Clark var. …

A Preliminary Study Using The Willow Cutting Method To Reduce Lake Shoreline Erosion, Jeffrey L. Bushur

Masters Theses

The Charleston Side-Channel Reservoir has been experiencing extensive shoreline erosion since its completion in 1982. A diagnostic/feasibility study of the reservoir in 1992 rated shoreline erosion as the second largest source of sedimentation. Sedimentation reduces the reservoir volume, increases nutrient loading, and increases water turbidity.

As a part of Clean Lakes Program Phase II, the use of willow cuttings for bank stabilization was proposed as a possible treatment for shoreline erosion. While the use of willows for streambank stabilization has been extensively reported, lake documentation is rare. This experiment determined the feasibility of such action for the Charleston Side-Channel Reservoir …

Concentration And Distribution Of Phosphate In The Sediment Of The Charleston Side Channel Reservoir, Nancy A. Johnson

Masters Theses

The Charleston Side Channel Reservoir (CSCR) is located on the southeast edge of the City of Charleston in Coles Co., IL. The CSCR is the sole source of public drinking water for the city and also provides for a variety of recreational activities. Water quality in the CSCR has deteriorated since its construction in 1981, leading to its classification as hypereutrophic. The presence of high levels of phosphate are of particular concern having contributed to an increase in algal blooms and high turbidity.

In order to assess the role of internal loading of phosphate from the sediment, thirty-five sample sites …

Inhibition Of Total Gas And Methane Production In Anaerobic Digestion By Various Toxicants, Steven H. Malehorn

Masters Theses

Heavy metal inhibition of anaerobic digestion of municipal sewage sludge has been investigated over the past 50 years. Many assays began with steady-state conditions and observed the rate at which total gas or methane production decreased due to toxicant inhibition. These methods required considerable time and labor. Modified Warburg respirometers and serum bottle assays reduced much of the effort, but each method has limitations in terms of complexity, cost, and accuracy.

This series of experiments had two objectives: 1) develop a quick, inexpensive, and easy method to measure methanogenic activity in anaerobic digesters, and 2) determine median inhibitory concentrations (IC …

Ecology Of The State Endangered Yellow Mud Turtle, Kinosternon Flavescens In Henry Co., Illinois, Michael W. Tuma

Masters Theses

Illinois populations of the state endangered yellow mud turtle (Kinosternon flavescens) persist in scattered locations on sand prairies. The largest population occurs on a remnant sand prairie of the former Green River Marsh in Henry Co. A study was conducted during 1992 to determine important criteria for preserve design. These criteria included extent of turtle movements within the site and habitat use. Turtles were captured by aquatic hoop traps, drift fence, and by hand from May 11 to August 31. A total of 16 adults, four juveniles, and eight hatchlings were captured. Population size was estimated at 44.80 adults using …