Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

A Study Of Human Exposure To Benzo(A)Pyrene (Bap) Through Different Pathways. Part A ; Assessment Of Benzo(A)Pyrene (Bap) Exposure Through Urine Analysis With The Hydriodic Acid Reduction Reaction. Part B, Shao-Keng Liang

Theses

PART A: An investigation of total human exposure to an environmental pollutant is described. The study is being conducted in a community impacted by a foundry suspected to be a dominant local source of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP). The research aims to assess the relative contributions of indoor and outdoor sources and to measure BaP in media including indoor air, outdoor air, food and water.

PART B: A method for biological monitoring of exposure to benzo(a)pyrene, a representative polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), has been developed. The analytical procedure includes extraction of PAH and PAH metabolites from urine using commercial cartridges containing c …

Thermal Decomposition Of Dichloromethane/1,1,1-Trichloroethane Mixture In An Atmosphere Of Hydrogen, Yang Soo Won

Theses

The thermal decomposition of a dichloromethane/1 , 1 , 1-trichloroethane mixture diluted in hydrogen was conducted in tubular flow reactors at 1 atmosphere total pressure. The thermal degradation of each species was analyzed systematically over temperature ranges from 475 - 810 °C, residence times of 0.05 - 2.0 seconds and three different surface to volume ratio flow reactors.

It was found that the conversions of each species in the mixture were a function of both temperature and residence time. Complete decay occurs at about 810 °C for dichloromethane and around 570 °C for 1,1,1-trichloroethane at 1 second residence time. The …

Analysis Of C2 And C3 Hydrocarbons In Ambient Air. Section I ; Identification And Quantification Of Volatile Organics Emitted From A Landfill. Section Ii, Tsong-Sheng Chang

Theses

SECTION I

A method was developed to analyze Acetylene, Ethylene, Ethane, Propylene and Propane levels in the ambient air. Chlorinated compounds within the operation retention time, Methyl chloride, Methylene chloride and Vinyl chloride, were monitored also.

Four sampling sites are located at Carteret, Elizabeth, Newark and Montville in New Jersey. Samples were taken during the summer of 1988. Two sample duration periods utilizing 12 and 6 liter stainless steel canisters were set up to take 24 hour air samples and instantaneous air samples (5 minutes collection period).

The average levels of Acetylene, Ethylene, Ethane, Propylene and Propane at the four …

Adsorption And Kinetics Of Adsorption By Flyash In Solution, Murthy K. Jogimahanti

Theses

The phenomena of adsorption is extremely important in water/wastewater treatment process. A process which uses flyash as the sorbent for removing organic compounds from aqueous solutions has been investigated. Also, the rate at which this process occurs, i.e., the kinetics of adsorption, has been studied. Single solute systems were examined and the samples were analyzed using a Flame Ionization Detector Gas Chromatograph. The potentialities of adsorption on flyash as a method of renovation of water have not been realized fully, because little knowledge is available regarding the effective application of the method for this purpose.

Flyash has been known to …

Preconcentration And Direct Flame Ionization Method For Measurement Of Non-Methane Organic Compounds In Ambient Air And Statistical Analysis Of Experimental Data, Lianyi Zuo

Theses

A fast and reliable method for the determination of non-methane organic compounds (NMOC) in ambient air has been developed. Samples are collected in SUMMA polished stainless steel canisters using a sampling system with a critical orifice as flowrate controller. Analysis of NMOC in the atmosphere via a canister is carried out by cryogenic preconcentration and a direct flame ionization detection method (PDFID). This system is sensitive and provides accurate measurement of ambient NMOC concentration even if the concentration is as low as 0.1 ppm carbon. The performance of the method was characterized using 19 pairs of canister samples and tested …

Microbial Phenol Degradation Utilizing A Complete-Mix Biological Reactor : The Effects Of Dissolved Oxygen Content, Keith Kollar

Theses

Experiments were conducted using phenol as a sole carbon source in a series of completely mixed biological reactors with solids recycle (CMBR). The reactor working volume was 4 liters, and solids were recycled from 3 liter clarifiers. Dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) was varied in order to determine the impact of this important variable on system operability.

Phenol was removed at better than 99 percent efficiency during most of the runs. Filamentous growth was not observed during any run. However, bulking did occur at higher DO levels, which was the result of microbial slime production.

Pentachlorophenol And Oxygen Consumption Of Immobilized Mixed Bacterial Culture, Tesfamariam Stephanos Tsadwa

Theses

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of Pentachlorophenol (PCP) concentration on oxygen consumption of immobilized microbial cells. The microbial population, from a municipal wastewater treatment plant, was immobilized in calcium alginate gel. The following studies have also been conducted in this project:

1. Comparison of the effect of PCP concentration on oxygen uptake between immobilized and free cells.
2. Comparison of the effects of PCP concentration on oxygen uptake between acclimated and an unacclimated bacterial beads.

Dissolved oxygen concentration was monitored using a flow Clark-type oxygen probe, in a micro-assay bioreactor. It was found that PCP concentrations higher than 2000ppm …

Use Of Recirculation Reactor To Study Biodegradation Of Aroclor 1242, A Polychlorinated Biphenyl, Babu S. Sanji

Theses

The performance of immobilized microorganisms in the detoxification of hazardous waste was investigated using a recirculation flow reactor, run in a batch mode. A mixed microbial population from a wastewater treatment plant was immobilized in calcium alginate gel. The bio-oxidation ability of these microbes towards a model toxin Aroclor 1242 (R) (PCB 1242) was studied.

A non-ionic surfactant (Triton X-405 (R)) was used as a medium in the enhancement of the solubility of Aroclor 1242 in aqueous phase.

Dissolved oxygen concentration was monitored using a flow Clark-type dissolved oxygen probe. Oxygen consumption was compared to the biodegradation of Aroclor 1242. …

A New Hazardous Waste Treatment Technology Utilizing Low Power Density Microwave Energy, Gabriele Else Windgasse

Theses

Two major applications of a new hazardous waste treatment technology using low power density microwave energy have been characterized: 1) Desorption of organic materials such as: trichloro-ethylene, para-xylene, naphthalene and gasoline hydrocarbons from substrates such as: sand and granulated activated carbon was achieved by microwave induced steam distillation and the application of a new phenomenon: arcing between GAC particles when they are exposed to microwave radiation. All contaminants could be removed to 100% (non-detectable with GC and GC-MS). 2) Decomposition of organic contaminants such as: trichloro-ethylene and trichloro-ethane in arcing/heating GAC beds. A new fluidized bed reactor ("RDW-reactor", after Ray, …

Use Of Economic Instruments In Biodiversity Conservation Projects: The Sustainability Of Projects In The Ecuadorian Amazon, Amy Lyons

Honors Theses

Under what conditions do biodiversity conservation projects that use economic incentives promote the most significant and sustainable biodiversity protection? The study of how nations can best invest their resources to promote conservation while simultaneously encouraging a sustainable form of economic development has recently become a major focus for ecologically rich, less-developed countries. There have been many innovative and successful attempts at combining biodiversity protection with economic development, and others that have done more harm than good. Since there is no guaranteed recipe for a successful project, it is crucial to examine projects in detail to discern which type of project …

A Model Of Energy Expenditure In White-Tailed Jackrabbits (Lepus Townsendii) Based On Integrated Studies Of Energetics And Field Ecology, Gordon L. Rogowitz

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Field and laboratory studies were conducted to develop a model of energy expenditure in a population of white-tailed jackrabbits (Lepus townsendii). Field work in southwestern Wyoming during 1985-87 showed that the breeding season commenced at snowmelt and ceased during late- July drought. Adult females reproduced relatively synchronously and produced a mean of three litters annually. Greatest fetal production occurred in the second litter period. Collections indicated a 1:1 sex ratio, few jackrabbits >2 years-old, and a density of 7 animals / km² in the population. Postnatal growth was sigmoidal, culminating in heavier adult females than males. Using …

Comparative Adsorption Studies On Clay Soils, Prasanna R. Mysore

Theses

An investigation has been made to study clay as sorbent in the treatment of the hazardous contaminants of potential sludge leachate emanating from industrial landfills.

Experimentally was studied six highly toxic and hazardous chemicals, which include: phenol, aniline, cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone, cresol and monochlorophenol. Vermiculate, Kaolinite, Attacote and Hectorite clays were studied as the sorbent material. Removal of organic pollutants were measured using a total organic carbon analyzer (TOC).

Results indicate that these clays can be used for some treatment of the above mentioned organic compounds. The study shows that removal of organic pollutants by clay depends on several factors, such …

Extended Maritime Jurisdiction And Indonesian Fisheries Development, Hardjono

Theses and Major Papers

With the declaration of the Indonesian EEZ by Presidential Decree on 21 March 1980, Indonesia has acquired a vast area of approximately 5.8 million sq. km. of sea water and opportunity to manage and utilize fisheries resources in the new extended areas of jurisdiction. The EEZ is giving many more potential fishing resources and greater opportunities to exploit its available fishery resources with responsibilities to conserve the resources. By exercising a high degree of its authority within the EEZ, Indonesia can gain more benefits from the use of fishery resources than before the declaration. However, the benefits may not be …

The Impact Of Public Policy On Portland's Waterfront, John G. Ferland

Theses and Major Papers

In May, 1987, Portland voters approved by a 2-to-1 margin a referendum preventing non-marine development along its waterfront for at least five years. It has become clear that the vote was not just a Portland waterfront issue. To many, the vote was a statement of no confidence in growth regulations and unhappiness with the pace of development throughout the Greater Portland region. The vote illustrated that there is no consensus on Greater Portland's future. For Portland's waterfront, a lack of consensus is nothing new. Portland has debated waterfront policy in fits and starts for most of the 20th century. As …

An Analysis Of Offshore Safety During Oil And Gas Operations On The Outer Continental Shelf, James H. Collins

Theses and Major Papers

Trends in offshore fatalities and lost time accidents since the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments of 1978 need to be identified to allow an evaluation of the safety of offshore operations. Fatality and accident data between 1975 and 1985 are analyzed in the context of the Federal regulatory structure. The safety data generated for oil and gas drilling operations on the Outer Continental Shelf varies according to the source of the information. Modifications to accident reporting formats and data collection systems would benefit the offshore industry and the Government regulators in their efforts to improve operational safety. A major …

Enforcement Of State Coastal Resources Management Regulations: The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, David W. Kaiser

Theses and Major Papers

This paper examines the adequacy of the enforcement efforts of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) in carrying out the rules and regulations of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Program (CRMP). This analysis describes the Federal and State mandates and contributions to the enforcement of the Rhode Island CRMP, determines the legitimacy of the CRMC through Superior Court cases, examines CRMC enforcement activities, and determines the compliance to CRMC cease and desist orders. The research finds that the CRMC has not enforced its regulatory responsibilities well. Actual compliance to cease and desist orders was only 41%. It …

Dredging Management: A Comparative Analysis Of Mid-Sized U.S. North Atlantic Ports, Matthew H. Masters

Theses and Major Papers

Dredging management within the states of Rhode Island, Maine and Connecticut is examined through an analysis of the ports of Providence, Portland, and New Haven. These ports were selected from a field of 30 Atlantic Coast ports through a multivariate statistical analysis, based on similarities in size, function and geography. Each port's dredging history was compiled to illustrate the frequency and magnitude of dredging activity among the three states. Pertinent state laws, regulations and policies regarding dredging and dredged material disposal were reviewed in an attempt to identify similarities and differences. It was believed that differences among each state's regulatory …

The Relationship Between Perceptions Of Gentrification And Waterfront Revitalization Policies, Noreen Merainer

Theses and Major Papers

This thesis examines the waterfront revitalization experience in Jersey City, N.J. In particular, the issue of gentrification, as perceived by the city administration, was examined to determine its impact on current city policies. A direct relationship between perceptions of gentrification and waterfront revitalization policies is suggested based on data obtained from detailed interviews and city documents.

The Dynamic Balance Between Experts And The Public In The Assessment Of Hazards: Ocean Incineration - The U.S. Experience, Sally J. Spadaro

Theses and Major Papers

Understanding environmental threats posed as a byproduct of technology has become an important role for our federal governmental agencies. This study examined environmental hazard assessment in theory and in practice. Discussion established the unique nature of environmental hazard assessment as compared to financial or natural hazard assessment. This first section examined advantages and shortcomings of four methods to judge the tolerability of environmental hazards: Natural Baselines, Risk/Cost/Benefit Analysis, Revealed Preferences, and Expressed Preferences. The differences in perspectives between expert risk assessors and the lay public was highlighted. For the case of ocean incineration of hazardous wastes the dilemma faced by …

An Assessment Of Tributyltin Contamination In Sediments And Shellfish In The Chesapeake Bay, Francois A. Espourteille

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.

Availability Of Lead, Zinc, Copper, And Cadmium To The Peregrine Falcon (Falco Peregrinus) From Waterfowl Of The Craney Island Disposal Area, Douglas Stephen Davis

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.

Assessing Environmental Stress On The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta Caretta) In Virginia Waters, Sarah A. Bellmund

Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects

No abstract provided.

Forage Potential Of Seasonal Wetlands, Daniel Edward Hubbard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Investigations on aspects of seasonal wetland forage potential were conducted in eastern South Dakota. The quantity and quality of the standing crop of vegetation in 6 seasonal wetland communities were assessed at the end of the growing season in 1983 and in 2 seasonal-wetland-dominated basins and their associated uplands (native mixed-grass prairie) over the growing season in 1985. Crude protein (CP), ash, detergent fiber, and in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) values were measured on the above-ground material of whitetop [Scolochloas festucacea (Willd.) Link], slough sedge (Carex atherodes Spreng.), burred (Spargnaium eurycarpum Engelm.), and smartweed (Polygonum amphibium L. var. emersum …

Productivity, Movements, And Habitat Use Of Nesting And Brooding Wild Turkey Hens In Gregory County, South Dakota, Keith Stephen Day

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Radio-equipped wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) hens (n=53) were monitored in a prairie river breaks environment in south-central South Dakota during 1986 and 1987. Seventy percent (36 of 47 adults and 1 of 6 juveniles) of the monitored hens nested. Hens that nested prior to 7 May selected nest sites in woodland habitats, while hens nesting later than 7 May selected nest sites in grassland habitats. Hens nested at sites with higher (P<0.05) percent visual obstruction, percent shrub cover, presence of overhanging vegetation, and habitat diversity than found at random control sites. Nest sites also allowed greater field of vision and opportunities for escape than random controls. Discriminant models developed from variables measured at nest and control sites were effective in distinguishing between the 2 categories. Seventeen of 39 (43.6%) clutches hatched, and 11 broods survived to mid-August. Poult survival in 1986 was 42.9%, with all poult mortality occurring during the first 2 weeks post-hatch. Accurate data for poult survival was not obtainable during 1987, but survival appeared to be similar to 1986. Broods moved up to 3.5 km from nest sites before establishing definite ranges. Broods ranges were composed of ≥50% woodland types, while woodlands comprised only 30.8% of the study area. Mean range size increased 3-fold from the 0-4 week age class (Age 1) to the 4+ week age class (Age 2). Broods used habitats in proportion to availability within ranges. However, grasslands were used more than expected (P<0.05) between 0631 hr and 1130 hr over the summer, and less than expected (P<0.05) by Age 2 broods between 1131 hr and 1630 hr. Woodlands were used more than expected between 1131 hr and 1630 hr over the summer, but not significantly so. Seventy-seven percent of all brood sightings made between 0631 hr and 1130 hr, and 67% of all sightings made between 1631 hr and 2030 hr were in grassland habitats. Seventy-two percent of all brood sightings made between 1131 hr and 1630 hr were in woodlands. Grassland brood use sites had greater forb cover, less grass cover, and were closer to habitat edges than random control sites (P<0.05). Discriminant analysis effectively reclassified grassland brood use sites, but not control sites. Age 1 broods sued grassland sites with greater overhead (> 30 cm) shrub cover, and nearer habitat edges than sites used by Age 2 broods (P<0.05). Woodland brood use sites were nearer (P<0.05) habitat edges than random controls. No significant differences could be found between woodland sites used by Age 1 and Age 2 broods. Discriminant analysis was ineffective in distinguishing between classes for woodland brood use sites or between ages for either woodland or grassland brood use sites.

The Effect Of Grass Carp Introduction On Aquatic Vegetation And Existing Fish Populations In Two Small Prairie Lakes, David L. Bauer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Within two years after triploid grass carp introduction in 2.3 hectare Prior Lake in South Dakota, aquatic vegetation coverage and height in the water column were significantly lower (P<0.005). During the same two year period, triploid grass carp did not significantly reduce aquatic vegetation coverage or height in the water column in 11.4 hectare East Lake Eureka, also in South Dakota. Stocking densities were 49 fish/hectare and 61 fish/hectare (229 mm mean total length) in Prior Lake and East Lake Eureka, respectively. The biomass of prey fish in East Lake Eureka in 1986 was quite high with 88.3, 85.3 and 17.3 kg/hectare for black bullhead (Ictalurus melas), yellow perch (Perea flavescens), and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), respectively. The biomass of northern pike (Esox lucius) was also high at 13.8 kg/hectare. A Proportional Stock Density (PSD) of 11 and Relative Weight (WK) of 117 indicated a relatively healthy bluegill population in East Lake Eureka. However, the PSD value for black bullheads was lower (8) while their condition was relatively good (K=l.58). The yellow perch population appeared to be over-populated in East Lake Eureka with a PSD of only 5 and a relatively low condition factor (K=l.14). The northern pike population in East Lake Eureka had a PSD value of 53, but a slightly low Wr of 94. Available prey/predator ratio indicated that there was an excess of prey fish for most size classes of predators. Because no significant vegetation reduction occurred in East Lake Eureka, no changes in existing fish populations could be attributed to grass carp introduction or aquatic vegetation reduction. Data gathered on existing fish populations in East Lake Eureka will serve as a pre-treatment data set to be compared to future conditions if aquatic vegetation is reduced. Fish sampling in Prior Lake was greatly reduced due to a winterkill which occurred in the late winter of 1986. Bluegill and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were the most abundant fish species found in Prior Lake in 1987. Bluegill appeared to be overpopulated as their PSD value was 1; a high Wr of 109 may have indicated improved conditions immediately following the winterkill. Results for the largemouth bass in Prior Lake were similar with a low PSD (7) and a high w~ (112). Winterkill (Prior Lake) and lack of aquatic vegetation control by grass carp (East Lake Eureka) prohibited making conclusions about the effect of grass carp introduction on the existing fish populations in the two lakes. Further research needs to be conducted in South Dakota to determine appropriate grass carp stocking rates for South Dakota waters, and to evaluate what effect grass carp introduction and aquatic vegetation reduction has on existing fish populations.

Conservation Of Least Terns And Piping Plovers Along The Missouri River And Its Major Western Tributaries In South Dakota, Monica Jean Schwalbach

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Interior least terns (Sterna antillarum) and piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) are listed as endangered or threatened over all of their breeding range, including South Dakota (SD). Investigations were made into the status, distribution, production, habitat characteristics, and factors limiting productivity of least terns and piping plovers in SD. The study area included the Missouri River from the North Dakota state line to Ponca State Park, Nebraska, and the lower 1/3 of the Grand, Moreau, Cheyenne, and White rivers. Least tern numbers increased substantially (253; 367) between 1986 and 1987, but plover numbers increased only slightly (187; 197). Terns and plovers …

Wetland Characteristics Of Avian Cholera Outbreaks And Surface Water Transfer In The Nebraska Rainwater Basin Area, Brian J. Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Avian Cholera (Pateurella multocida) has infected and killed thousands of migrating waterfowl each year since 1975 in Nebraska’s rainwater basin area. Disease outbreaks in migrating waterfowl populations just prior to the nesting season are of concern to biologists. Feedlots and itner-wetland basin surface water transfer mechanisms of the avian cholera causative agent, P. multocida, were investigated using remote sensing techniques. Wetland basin characteristics (classification type, adjacent landuse, basin landuse, and basin densities) were also investigated for relationships to 1981 avian cholera outbreaks. No surface drainage relationships were found that would permit the transfer of P. multocida from one wetland basin …

Growth, Survival, And Vulnerability To Predation Of Stocked Walleye (Stizostedion Vitreum) Fingerlings, James D. Wolters

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In laboratory tanks, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and northern pike (Esox Lucius consumed fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) 2.6 times more frequently than walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) and 5.7 times more than lepomids. Prey were more vulnerable in circular than rectangular tanks. In field studies, walleye fingerlings averaging 35 mm and 53 mm (mean total length) were stocked in two ponds (3- and 7- hectares) respectively: both contained largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch (Perca flavescenes), green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), and fathead minnows. Aquatic insects dominated the diet of largemouth bass for 3 days after walleye were stocked, indicating that walleye fingerlings …

Electrophoretic, Morphometric, And Meristic Comparisons Of Walleye Broodstock In South Dakota, Chantel M. Waltner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Electrophoretic and morphological variability among walleyes collected from three upper Missouri River tributaries and a glacial lake in South Dakota was investigated, and an upper Mississippi River stock was electrophoretically compared to the South Dakota stocks. Allele frequencies of two (MDH-3, GMP-3) of the twenty-one loci examined differed significantly (P<0. 05) between South Dakota and Mississippi River walleyes. Contingency chi-square tests of allele frequencies showed homogeneity among walleyes from the Missouri River tributaries, and significant (P<0.001) heterogeneity (P<0.001) at the GMP-3 locus between Missouri River and glacial lake stocks. A dendogram derived from Nei unbiased genetic identity values produced separate branchings for the South Dakota and Mississippi River walleyes. All four walleye stocks in South Dakota were morphologically variable, although no one character could be used as a diagnostic tool to separate the stocks visually. Discriminant function analysis of eight of the most powerful discriminatory characters was successful in correctly classifying walleyes by origin with 83-97% accuracy.

Waterfowl Production On Three Types Of Artificial Nesting Structures In South Dakota Wetlands, Marcy Haworth

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Artificial nesting structures are currently being used by various agencies to offset the decline in waterfowl production due to predation losses and degradation of nesting habitats. However, the various structure types available are not equally attractive to nesting waterfowl. This study looked at 3 types of artificial nesting structures – open topped cone baskets, round hay bales, and concrete culverts – and evaluated their used, success, and production in South Dakota. Structure type and site characteristics were correlated to occupancy rates and nesting success. Sixty-eight baskets and 205 bales were monitored during 1986, and 154 baskets, 200 bales, and 20 …