Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Effects Of Rapid Heating And Cooling On The Composition, Structure, And Superconducting Properties Of Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O Compounds, Qing Duan

Dissertations and Theses

Bulk and thin film samples of Bi₂₋[subscript x]Pb[subscript x]Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O[subscript y] compounds were prepared by suitable methods. The thin film and bulk samples were exposed to argon gas at temperatures of about 2000 °C and pressures of about 300 atm. in a ballistic compressor (BC) and then cooled at a rate of about 10⁵ °C/sec. The samples before and after this treatment were examined and compared using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) , and an x-ray diffractometer (XRD). Resistance and magnetic susceptibility measurements were made to determine changes in superconducting temperature …

Correction Of Chromatic Aberration With An Electron Mirror, Michael Stewart Mauck

Dissertations and Theses

The theoretical basis for using electron mirrors as correctors of chromatic aberration is presented and an experimental verification of correction of chromatic aberration is demonstrated. A hyperbolic electrostatic electron mirror operating in its converging range and at unity magnification was used as a corrector. A novel separating system with deflections taking place at image planes was developed to implement the mirror without impairing the resolution. Correction was demonstrated in an electron optical probe system. The chromatic aberration was measured by means of the shadows cast by a fine mesh placed near the final image. The experimental method and equipment are …

Bacterial Biosorption Of Heavy Metals From Liquid Wastestreams, Emilia Rus

Theses

In this study, immobilized activated sludge from a municipal wastewater aerobic treatment plant has been evaluated as a potential biosorbent for the removal of heavy metals from liquid waste streams. The method of immobilization consists of entrapment of the microorganisms in calcium alginate beads.

The affinity of immobilized activated sludge to cadmium, lead, chromium and copper has been evaluated under well defined laboratory conditions.

Initially, the time course of metallic ions uptake and the effect of pH and temperature on biosorption were studied for each metal. Then the biosorption pattern and the effect of biosorbent concentration on binding capacity were …

Determination Of Pentachlorophenol In Wood And Leachate From Discarded Treated Wooden Poles, Yan Zha

Theses

Pentachlorophenol(PCP) has long been used as a preservative in the wood industry. The disposal of the used treated wood poles in landfill is of an environmental concern.

The study presented in this paper was designed to determine the leaching of pentachlorophenol from treated aged wood. An analytical method for HPLC determination of PCP was developed and validated to perform the analysis of pentachlorophenol in samples of the oringinal wood and leaching solutions.

Further studies involved the description of the PCP distribution in wood poles, the estimation of the leaching rate of PCP and the factors which influence the leaching rate …

Thermal Decomposition Of Dichloromethane In Absence And Presence Of Added Oxygen And/Or Methane, Hong-Ming Chiang

Theses

Thermal decomposition experiments on dichloromethane in absence and presence of added O₂ and/or ₄ and in argon bath gas were conducted in a tubular flow reactor. The thermal reactions were studied at 1 atmosphere pressure with residence times of 0.3 - 2.0 seconds in the temperature range from 680 to 840 °C.

The degradation of dichloromethane and the decomposition product distributions were studied in both oxidative and pyrolytic reaction environments. The slowest decay of dichloromethane occurred when CH₄ was present and 02 was absent. The concentration of all products, (except HCl, CO, and CO₂ in the oxidation), …

Thermal Oxidative Decomposition Of Chlorobenzene In A Tubular Flow Reactor, Jian Liu

Theses

The thermal reaction experiments of chlorobenzene decomposition were carried out in a tubular flow reactor in hydrogen and oxygen mixtures ranged from 1% to 5% at one atmosphere total pressure. Experiment temperatures were varied over a range of 590--640°C. Residence times ranged from 0.3 to 2.0 seconds.

It was found that the decomposition of chlorobenzene increased with both temperature and residence time. The oxidation of chlorobenzene occurred more rapidly when oxygen concentration was increased. 95% decomposition of chlorobenzene occurred at 620°C, O₂/H₂ = 5%, and two seconds residence time.

The major products were benzene and HCl, and …

Microwave Treatment Of Hazardous Wastes : Feasibility Studies - Operating Costs, Yongping Lu

Theses

Pilot plant studies have been carried out on a process for the remediation of soils contaminated with volatile organics (VOCs) and semi-volatile organics (SVOCs) by microwave-assisted steam distillation that had been developed in benchscale studies. The major concern had been that the process is based upon the use of electrical energy, and thus could not be competitive with fossil fuel based technologies like incineration. That concern was addressed in the pilot plant studies.

A pilot plant rated at 6 kW power and a cavity of approximately 60 cubic feet was used. In studies carried out on a water load it …

Measurement Of Vocs Pollution From Recycling Petroleum Contaminated Soils In Hot Mix Asphalt Concrete, Yaoqing Chen

Theses

The petroleum contaminated soils (PCSs) due to leaking underground storagetanks are required to be removed and isolated in a designated area for proper treatment. Recently, a technique of recycle has been developed to incorporate PCSs into hot mixing asphalt (HMA) as a partial substitute for stone aggregate; the mixture then was used for road paving.

This study focuses on the estimation of the emission of volatile organic compounds from the process of mixing asphalt with PCSs and the contamination of ground water by paving the asphalt mixture made with PCSs. Eleven volatile organic compounds and total non-methane organic compounds emitted …

Influence Of Fly Ash And Chromium Characteristics On Compressive Strength Of Mortar And Concrete, Lin Wang

Theses

The behavior of cement mortar incorporating fly ash varies with chemical and physical characteristics of fly ash. Of many parameters affecting the compressive strength of fly ash mortar, five were investigated in this study. They are the particle size, the particle size distribution, fineness of fly ash, the CaO content and the Fe₂O₃ content.

Fly ashes from two different sources were used in this study. One comes from the Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G)'s electrical generation station in Hudson County and the other is from the PSE&G plant in Mercer County. Each was separated into seven …

I: Reaction Of Ch3c1 With H2 And Ch4 Under Oxidation And Pyrolysis Conditions Ii: Kinetic Analysis Of C2h6, C2h4, And C2h2 Reactions With Oh, O, H, And Cl, Qing-Rui Yu

Theses

Experimental and detailed modeling are presented for the high temperature combustion systems involving CH₃Cl/CH₄/O₂ and C₃3Cl/H₂/O₂ reactions. More important C2 species reaction rate constant are created. A mechanism incorporating 263 step elementary reactions and 76 stable compounds and active radicals is developed based on (1) fundamental thermochemical and Kinetic principles (2) Quantum Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel (QRRK) theory analysis (3) accurate thermodynamic Properties and thermochemical analysis (4) reliable experimental data to validate our model.

The study of Part II evaluates and analyzes theoretically the rate constants of C₂H₆, C …

Irreversible Immobilization Of Heavy Metal, Hyoung-Seog Ko

Theses

Heavy metals are contaminants of both solid and liquid wastes. For example, the ash produced from the incineration of domestic or industrial wastes often contains substantial concentration of lead, mercury, cadmium and other heavy metals that make it a hazardous waste. These heavy metals in wastes are hazardous because they are mobile. Immobilization of the metals is an effective method of rendering the metals harmless, provided that immobilization is irreversible. This study focused on the heavy metal immobilization potential associated with the activities of anaerobic bacteria known as the dissimilatory sulfate reducers (Postgate, 1984). The sulfate-reducing bacteria produce sulfide and …

The Influence Of Redd Distribution And Microhabitat Availability On The Distribution And Abundance Of Young-Of-The-Year Trout In The Green River, Utah, Michael J. Buntjer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Redd distribution, redd density, and physical habitat were used to explain the distribution and abundance of young-of-the-year (YOY) brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the Green River, Utah. The importance of variables at both a microhabitat and macrohabitat scale were assessed using stepwise regression analysis. Availability of cover (rock and vegetation) and proximity to spawning sites were the most important variables used to explain the distribution and abundance of YOY brown trout and rainbow trout. In addition, YOY brown trout and rainbow trout occupied specific microhabitats and showed patterns of use for …

Dynamic Multi-Species Animal Habitat Modeling With Forest Succession Models, Stephen A. Compton

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This research determines and demonstrates the ability to simulate dynamic multi-species animal habitat suitability with forest succession models. A literature review of dynamic animal habitat models is presented. The structure of an existing forest simulation model (MASS10) was modified from a basal area-based model to a volume-based model (DYNAM10). The forest model was calibrated using data from permanent-plot growth and vegetation samples collected by USDA Forest Service Forest Survey procedures. The theoretical growth parameters used to simulate stand development were validated. Predictions of DBH and height growth, as well as stand-level behavior, were verified. A subroutine, VEGDYN, was added to …

Soil Heterogeneity And Its Exploitation By Plants, Robert B. Jackson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In this dissertation I first examine the ability of individual plants in the field to garner localized soil nutrients. I then measure actual soil variability around perennial plants and use various statistics to quantify the scale and degree of that variability.

Soil patches on opposite sides of Pseudoroegneria spicata tussocks were treated with distilled water or a nutrient solution containing N, P, or K in three field experiments. When P was augmented in the enriched soil patches, rates of P uptake increased significantly for roots from enriched patches compared with roots in control patches. Rates of ammonium and potassium uptake …

Desert Bighorn Sheep And Riverboat Interactions In Cataract Canyon, Utah, Mark C. Stanger

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

I studied desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) behavior and habitat use in response to boating activities during 1985. The percent of total observed time in attention behavior before the boating season, during the boating season, and while riverboats were< 0.8 km from bighorn sheep groups was 1, 1.4, and 12.2, respectively. Estimated energy expenditure did not significantly differ for high riverboat pressures (2 > 0.2) or seasonal comparisons (2 > 0.1). Habitat use significantly differed for proximity to the river, which was probably related to the summer use of the river for drinking. Moderate, minor, and no responses to passing riverboats were observed 3, 39, and 58%, respectively. Responses to riverboats did not significantly differ according to time of day (2 > 0.15) or …

Microwave Treatment Of Hazardous Wastes : Feasibility Studies-Mass Balances, Liu Liu

Theses

This laboratory has been developing processes for the remediation of soils contaminated with hazardous wastes using microwave treatment. The initial stage was to define situations in which microwave treatment could potentially have unique advantages, and to define the relevant physical chemical mechanisms. That having been accomplished, at the present stage, feasibility studies are being carried to determine whether or not on-site field testing is justified. To that end, mass balances on the processes are needed. In this study mass balance studies were carried out on the microwave assisted steam distillation of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and semi-volatile organics (SVOCs), respectively, …

Kinetics Of Phenol Biodegradation By Pseudomonas Resinovorans (Atcc 14235), Susmita Guptapal

Theses

The kinetics of phenol biodegradation were studied by using a pure culture of Pseudomonas resinovorans (ATCC 14235). Experiments were performed in shaker flasks and samples were analyzed for biomass content (based on optical density), and for phenol concentrations (based on HPLC measurements). The experimental data indicated that phenol is an inhibitory substrate at high concentrations. Specific growth rate data were fitted to an Andrews' expression with good success. The regressed kinetic constants were also used in predicting phenol biodegradation as a function of time. It was found that predicted and actual experimental values were close at least for the first …

Immobilization Of Heavy Metals In Incinerator Ash Using A Microbiological System, Gordon Hinshalwood

Theses

The heavy metals contained in incinerator ash constitute an environmental hazard because they can be leached out of the ash matrix by rain water after the ash is landfilled. This study focused on a novel biological treatment process in which immobilization of the heavy metal content of incinerator ash is achieved using naturally occurring microorganisms. Specifically, immobilization was obtained by the use of a sulfide producing bacteriological system. The genus Desulfovibrio was cultured under anaerobic conditions, providing a source of sulfide from the reduction of sulfate as a natural metabolic function. The sulfide produced then formed highly insoluble precipitates with …

Attempts To Demonstrate Reductive Dechlorination Of Chlorobenzenes By Anaerobic Microorganisms, Melissa S. Gross

Theses

Chlorobenzenes are a source of environmental pollution throughout the world. Investigations of the potential biodegradability of these compounds have been conducted employing different media under various conditions. In this study, the biodegradability of hexachlorobenzene (HCB), pentachlorobenzene (QCB), and 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobenzene (1,2,3,4-TetCB) at a concentration of 70 uM (20 ppm), 80 uM (20 ppm), and 93 uM (20 ppm), respectively, was investigated. The source of inoculum was fresh anaerobic digester sewage sludge. Compound and sludge were combined in a serum bottle incubation system under anaerobic conditions and allowed to incubate at 30°C for several weeks. An extraction method utilizing hexane and acetone …

Recalcitrance Of Polychlorinated Biphenyls To Biodegradation By Phanerochaete Chrysosporium In Soil, Thierry B. Poncet

Theses

The white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium has been shown in the past to effectively degrade a number of chlorinated aromatic compounds. Previous investigators (Eaton, D. C., "Mineralization of Polychlorinated Biphenyls by Phanerochaete chrysosporium, a Lignolytic Fungus", Enz. Microb. Technol., 7, 194-196 (1985); Bumpus, J. A., Tien, M., Wright, D., and Aust, S. D., "Oxidation of Persistent Environmental Pollutants by White Rot Fungus", Science, 228, 1434-1436 (1985)) have also claimed that this fungus is capable of mineralizing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in submerged cultures under stationary conditions. Therefore, the objective of this work was to study the biodegradation activity of the fungus …

Population Status And Characteristics Of Macrhybopsis Gelida, Platygobio Gracilis And Rhinichthys Cataractae In The Missouri River Basin, Selena J. Werdon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Few sturgeon chub (Macrhybopsis gelida: Cyprinidae) have been collected in the last decade, therefore their status, habitat selection and morphology were investigated at 172 previous collection sites. Data on two ecologically similar species, Platygobio gracilis and Rhinichthys cataractae, were also collected. Macrhvbopsis gelida were collected at 28 sites on the Powder River (n = 158) in Wyoming and Montana, and at one site on the Yellowstone River (n = 1) in Montana. Age-I, Age-II and Age-III M. gelida were collected. Specimens were 37 to 95 mm in total length. Macrhvbopsis gelida were ripe in mid-June, at water temperatures of 18.3-22. …

Restoration, Nourishment And Stabilization At Browning Beach, South Kingstown, Rhode Island, Robert Lee Gass

Theses and Major Papers

Browning Beach is situated on the south shore of Rhode Island just to the west of Matunick. Midway along the barrier beach connecting Green Hill Point and Matunick Point is a narrow strand separating Card's Pond from Block Island Sound. Five homes were built along this section of the barrier beach in the early 1930's. At that time, the homes were situated near the back property lines. Aerial photographs indicate the primary dune system was well established and densely vegetated. After sixty years of shoreline retreat, most of which has taken place in the last seventeen years, the primary dune …

Netc Tank Farm Five Hazardous Waste Cleanup: An Investigation And Evaluation Of Cleanup Practices For Waste Oil Tanks At Netc, Newport, Ri, David J. Sisson

Theses and Major Papers

My intention in this paper is to focus on the "chronic" hazardous waste problem stemming from past disposal/storage practices. More specifically, to focus on two underground storage tanks at NETC which were used for the storage of hazardous waste (waste oil tanks). It is now common knowledge that old underground storage tanks throughout the country present a potential ground water contamination hazard which must be dealt with. Over the past decade naval installations have heightened their awareness of environmental responsibilities and implemented recycling programs for the disposal of paper, glass, etc. and have even established programs for fuel collection and …

Marine Spill Response Corporation (Msrc): How It Hopes To Fill The Oil Recovery Requirements Of The Oil Pollution Act Of 1990, Gerald P. O'Reilly

Theses and Major Papers

The establishment of Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC) is a direct outcome of OPA-90 which will have a substantial effect on domestic shipment, storage and traffic of oil. The ramifications of the law will be felt internationally and it has set a precedent for prevention of oil spills from tankers throughout the world. It will have a positive impact on the environment of the world. But it will be costly and the public will ultimately bear the burden of the environment impact.

The International Regulation Of The Maritime Transportation Of Hazardous Cargo, Philip M. Henry

Theses and Major Papers

This paper examines the subject of the international regulation of the maritime transport of hazardous cargo. For the scope of this paper, hazardous cargo includes all that material which is carried by vessels for market and as waste with the exception of oil. The study examines the trend of the regulatory process by reviewing the development of concern, international agreements, codes and the International Maritime Organization. It also provides a broad overview of international regulations governing the marine transportation of hazardous cargo and the prevention of pollution by hazardous cargo of the marine environment.

Shipping Conferences: Their Future In The Face Of Political And Technological Changes, Timothy J. Helbling

Theses and Major Papers

Shipping conferences developed more than a century ago because a means was required to regulate the intense competition in the international shipping industry. This competition, which is natural, was intensified because of technological innovation, high capital investment, and overtonnage. This study is undertaken to show, through a discussion of the development of conferences, tools available for their use, and current political and technological environment in which they operate, that similar conditions still exist, and although the nature of the shipping industry has been experiencing major changes in technology and operations, the conference system still offers a viable forum for negotiating, …

Rhode Island Marine Debris Pilot Project, Christina L. Beal

Theses and Major Papers

The Rhode Island Marine Debris Pilot Project was initiated in Newport, R.I. during the summer of 1991. The objective of the project was to decrease recreational boaters' contribution to marine debris. Two methods were used to achieve this goal. First, trash and recycling disposal facilities were increased around the harbor. Secondly, educational literature on the environmental consequences of marine debris, and the law that applies to overboard disposal, were distributed throughout the local marine community. The implementation of the pilot project led to a significant increase in the amount of debris brought ashore by boaters, and a decrease in the …

Problems Of Fisheries Management On The Patagonian Shelf: A Decade After The 1982 Falklands (Malvinas) Conflict, Gustavo A. Bisbal

Theses and Major Papers

The armed conflict between Argentina and Britain over the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) early in 1982, resulted in a confusing partition of the maritime area around these islands. The military strategies and policies developed by both countries during and after the war created an unclear situation regarding limits and jurisdictions, thus delaying managerial actions and regulation enforcement over the fishing resources of the area. Several foreign fishing fleets operating in the region at the time, took advantage of the lack of protective legislation and recognized authority, resulting in overfishing of species such as squid and hake. No significant control was …

Mitigation Banking: A Potential Tool For Port Planners, Laura Kelley

Theses and Major Papers

Mitigation banking has been used as a means of facilitating the permit process by removing the negotiation of appropriate mitigation for development from the confines of the permit process. A developer with frequent needs to mitigate for losses associated with Section 404 and Section 10 requirements may, using a mitigation bank, consolidate mitigation and in so doing, potentially reduce mitigation costs. As a result of route maintenance, as well as expansion requirements, ports were considered to be good candidates for sponsoring mitigation bank efforts. Port use of mitigation banking has not been as expected due to a lack of available …

The Potential Loss Of Coastal Open Space Due To The Utilization Of Privately Owned Wastewater Treatment Facilities: A Case Study In Gloucester, Massachusetts, Eric W. Hutchins

Theses and Major Papers

The impact of privately owned sewage treatment plants, a viable alternative to on-site septic systems, is examined in regards to future land-use patterns. It was hypothesized that the use of these facilities would lead to a greater loss of open space, in the coastal City of Gloucester, Massachusetts, than if only conventional on-site septic systems were to be permitted. Constraints to development such as zoning, wetlands, soil characteristics, parcel size, and economic viability were applied to undeveloped property in Gloucester. The results were used to identify individual parcels and calculate the respective developability based on the two different scenarios. Only …