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Articles 1 - 23 of 23
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Particulate Matter Emissions From Prescribed Burns In The Chicagoland Area, Katherine Petralia
Particulate Matter Emissions From Prescribed Burns In The Chicagoland Area, Katherine Petralia
DePaul Discoveries
Prescribed burns are a land management tool currently used to aid in fire mitigation and promotion of plant growth of desired species and reduction of undesired species, which are often invasive species. Currently there is public stigma surrounding prescribed burns which limits their use in certain parts of the US. There are also particular challenges of conducting prescribed burns in urban and suburban areas. A better understanding of prescribed burns and their impact on atmospheric chemistry and air quality can allow for better communication with the public about their positive impacts and also acknowledge and quantify any potential drawbacks. This …
Calculating And Comparing Bioaccessible Lead Concentrations In Soils From The Garfield Ridge, West Elsdon, And Lakeview Community Areas Using A Pbet And A Mehlich-3 Digestion Method, Emma Sznewajs
DePaul Discoveries
Lead exposure through soil poses potential health risks to those in areas with higher soil-Pb levels, specifically urban areas. The soil-lead concentrations recommended by the EPA are based on measurement of total lead concentration, yet only a percentage of the total lead can actually be absorbed into the body. The percentage of lead in soil that can be absorbed into the blood through ingestion is reffered to as bioaccessible lead and can be a more accurate way of measuring potential dangers of lead in soils. This study measured the amount of bioaccessible lead in the community areas of West Elsdon, …
Understanding The Effect Of Ranching On Quercus Brandegeei Recruitment In The Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve, Xavier O. Espinoza
Understanding The Effect Of Ranching On Quercus Brandegeei Recruitment In The Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve, Xavier O. Espinoza
DePaul Discoveries
In this study, we attempt to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for Quercus brandegeei’s observed lack of regeneration by identifying which animal species (wild and domesticated) most frequently were observed eating, passing by, or searching for seeds and seedlings. We established 10 paired plots (10 enclosed and 10 immediately outside enclosures) and positioned one motion-activated camera in each plot to observe animal visitations to Quercus brandegeei individuals over the course of several months (October 2019 – March 2020). No seeds and seedlings survived outside of enclosed areas at the end of the study based on their absence. Very …
An Analysis Of Lichen Presence On Quercus And Non-Quercus In Chicagoland Area, Shelby Johnson
An Analysis Of Lichen Presence On Quercus And Non-Quercus In Chicagoland Area, Shelby Johnson
DePaul Discoveries
Both anthropogenic change and the spread of invasive species have led to changes in urban and forest tree diversity. Oak rust, acute oak decline, and emerald ash borer have all had a detrimental effect on tree species in the Chicagoland area. Quercus species are well known habitats for lichen species including Physcia millegrana, Physcia stellaris, Punctelia rudecta, Flavoparmelia caperata, Xanthomendosa, and Candeleria concolor. Due to the decrease in the traditional Quercus habitats for lichen and the increase in nonnative and nontraditional tree species being introduced, particularly in cities, this study aimed to compare the number and diversity of …
Monitoring Personal Exposure To Air Quality Gradients While Biking On An Elevated Urban Trail, Gavin D. Salas
Monitoring Personal Exposure To Air Quality Gradients While Biking On An Elevated Urban Trail, Gavin D. Salas
DePaul Discoveries
Air pollution is a major global health concern, specifically as it relates to the human exposome. The EPA criteria pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and NOx can have severe impacts on respiratory and cardiovascular health, particularly in populations with chronic illnesses such as asthma, those facing economic hardships and individuals who frequently spend time outdoors, such as bicyclists and runners. To understand the impact of air pollution on human health, it is essential to assess personal exposure. This study aimed to investigate personal exposure to air pollution levels while biking along …
Stratospheric Effects On Uv, Speed Of Sound, Pressure, And Temperature, Joshua V. Chis, Joana Diaz, Brianna E. Ortiz, Imani G. Robertson, Jelani A. Shadd
Stratospheric Effects On Uv, Speed Of Sound, Pressure, And Temperature, Joshua V. Chis, Joana Diaz, Brianna E. Ortiz, Imani G. Robertson, Jelani A. Shadd
DePaul Discoveries
The atmosphere is composed of several layers, each with its own distinct environment varying in temperature, pressure, and levels of UV radiation. Quantifying these varying parameters proves to be useful in understanding atmospheric composition in greater detail. Variance in the composition of the atmosphere allows for the study of the evolution of physical phenomena at different altitudes. Our group quantified this variance using a high-altitude weather balloon and designed an experimental method to observe the nature of sound propagation through varying altitudes. The goal was to develop an altitude-dependent model of the speed of sound by using an open-air, microcontroller-based …
Atmospheric Phosphorus Deposition Into A Fresh Water Wetland: Prairie Wolf Slough Restored Wetland, Isaac B. Daitzchman
Atmospheric Phosphorus Deposition Into A Fresh Water Wetland: Prairie Wolf Slough Restored Wetland, Isaac B. Daitzchman
DePaul Discoveries
Phosphorus is a major element needed for plant growth. Excess phosphorus from agricultural runoff and urban stormwater can enter waterways, resulting in growth of toxic algal blooms that are deleterious to local fauna. One way to remove phosphorus is by diverting agricultural and urban runoff into wetlands. One such wetland is Prairie Wolf Slough (PWS), located in north suburban Chicago, IL. Stormwater enters PWS through an inlet channel and exits through an outlet pipe into the Chicago River. A 16-year study documented that a significantly greater mass of phosphorus leaves PWS than enters through the inlet. This study accounted for …
Population Structure Analysis Of The Endangered Oak Quercus Brandegeei, Carolyn Brinckwirth
Population Structure Analysis Of The Endangered Oak Quercus Brandegeei, Carolyn Brinckwirth
DePaul Discoveries
As humans continue to impact landscapes and ecosystems throughout the entire world, many plant and animal species have faced major changes in their environments. The rare endemic oak, Quercus brandegeei, is one such endangered species located in the Sierra La Laguna mountains of Baja California Sur, Mexico. This tree occurs solely on the ephemeral riverbeds of the mountains, which are inundated seasonally by hurricane waters. It is important to understand the fundamental characteristics, like spatial distribution, of Q. brandegeei in order to develop restorative management practices to protect this tree against extinction. Determining the geographic distribution of a species …
Carbon Storage And Valuation Of Ecosystem Services On A Restored Urban Forest In Northeastern Illinois, Madeline Mertes, Bailey Didier
Carbon Storage And Valuation Of Ecosystem Services On A Restored Urban Forest In Northeastern Illinois, Madeline Mertes, Bailey Didier
DePaul Discoveries
Urban forests provide a multitude of different valuable ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration and air pollutant removal. However, urban forests are also at risk due to negative impacts brought on by climate change and the increased presence of invasive species. In this natural experiment, 3 transects of land in Prairie Wolf Slough, Highland Park, Illinois was monitored over the course of 4 years in order to evaluate demographic changes. The estimated total whole tree biomass for the forest was calculated to be 115,420.4 kg in the year 2016 and 115,154.0 kg for the year 2020. The total amount of …
The Impacts Of Single-Use Plastics - A Life Cycle Assessment, Taylor Gold
The Impacts Of Single-Use Plastics - A Life Cycle Assessment, Taylor Gold
DePaul Discoveries
The objective of this study is to compare some examples of plastic and compostable single use eating and drinking utensils in terms of their environmental degradation. We use Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to quantitatively compare these products’ impacts on the environment throughout their life cycle. Specifically, we quantify and compare the global warming potential (GWP) of each single use eating and drinking utensil/container. The results of this study were that product weight, and that the material products are made from have a significant impact on GWP. This study outlined similar studies that have been done on this topic to better …
Wavenumber-Dependent Complex Refractive Indices Of Synthetic Motor Oil By Aerosol Extinction Spectra, Daniel Olesak
Wavenumber-Dependent Complex Refractive Indices Of Synthetic Motor Oil By Aerosol Extinction Spectra, Daniel Olesak
DePaul Discoveries
Wavenumber-dependent, complex refractive indices, or optical constants, in the mid-infrared for unused Pennzoil 0W-20 motor oil have been obtained from aerosol extinction spectroscopy at room temperature. The oil’s spectroscopy is dominated by carbon-hydrogen stretching modes similar to those observed in spectra for pure alkanes. These same characteristic features were observed in a previously reported motor oil study. The optical constants retrieved here are an addition to the small number of data sets in the scientific literature for organic compounds many of which are components of aerosols present in the lower troposphere, particularly in urban areas. Such data offer new perspectives …
Comparing Carapa Guianensis Seed Production In 3 Amazonian Forests, Carmen Valencia
Comparing Carapa Guianensis Seed Production In 3 Amazonian Forests, Carmen Valencia
DePaul Discoveries
This paper is the first part of a project that has the purpose of creating models that help us better understand variation in seed production in Carapa guianensis, a species in the mahogany family. The goal of this paper is to visualize seed production patterns to inform species management. When this study is completed, it will aid local communities harvesting Carapa in projecting revenue from the oil produced from the seeds. Carapa is a masting species, which means it has an intermittent synchronous production of large seed crops. The major suspected causes of variation in seed production are resource …
Life Cycle Assessment Of Four Different Sweaters, Sarah Nolimal
Life Cycle Assessment Of Four Different Sweaters, Sarah Nolimal
DePaul Discoveries
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a methodological tool to describe the impacts of a product over its lifetime, from ‘cradle to grave.’ Despite increased employment of LCA, textile LCA studies are often private, outdated, not transparent, or lack accurate data. Further, we know of no LCA study specific to sweaters. This screening LCA combines published literature and data from OpenLCA databases (Ecoinvent 3.3 and GaBi Professional) to conduct a comparative LCA for four sweaters. To determine the composition of these sweaters, we massed and assessed the material composition of 117 sweaters in October 2015. Based on results, our study compares …
The Mobile Monitoring Of Particulate Matter Through Wearable Sensors And Their Influence On Students' Environmental Attitudes, Joseph M. Abbate
The Mobile Monitoring Of Particulate Matter Through Wearable Sensors And Their Influence On Students' Environmental Attitudes, Joseph M. Abbate
DePaul Discoveries
While we have a comprehensive understanding of air pollutants, and their spatiotemporal characteristics across global, and even regional, scales, we are quite limited in our capacity to monitor neighborhood-scale emissions. The mobile monitoring of air pollution is a growing field, prospectively filling in these gaps while personalizing air quality-based tools and risk assessment. In the present study, we developed wearable sensors for particulate matter (PM); and through a citizen science approach, students of partnering Chicago schools monitored PM concentrations throughout their commutes over a five-day period. While their recorded findings would be used to explore the relationship between PM concentrations …
The Effects Of Isoprene Emission From Native And Invasive Trees On Local Air Quality, Aarti P. Mistry
The Effects Of Isoprene Emission From Native And Invasive Trees On Local Air Quality, Aarti P. Mistry
DePaul Discoveries
Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) are the second-most abundant reactive gasses emitted into the atmosphere by the biosphere. Isoprene is a BVOC produced by the process of photosynthesis from vegetation and is emitted from plant leaves. Isoprene is a hydrocarbon that combines with oxides of nitrogen in the atmosphere to create ozone in the troposphere, an air pollutant. Invasive trees alter ecosystems and affect native tree populations. Invasive tree species in the Chicagoland area are outcompeting native tree species and expanding rapidly. The effect of isoprene emissions on air quality is a well-researched area in the atmospheric science community, however, …
Environmental Impacts Of Holiday Gift Giving Of Books And Movies, Benjamin Shaffer
Environmental Impacts Of Holiday Gift Giving Of Books And Movies, Benjamin Shaffer
DePaul Discoveries
This project examines the relationship between gift giving deadweight loss (when the cost of a gift exceeds it value to the recipient) or welfare gain (when the value of a gift to a recipient exceeds the cost of a gift), and the environmental impact of gifts. Surveys of American adults were used to determine the economic welfare losses or gains created by holiday gift giving, comparing gifts of traditional (paper) books and DVD or Blu-ray format movies. Both products showed overall welfare gains as gifts, with books averaging a larger welfare gain than movies. An ANOVA was done to determine …
Using A High-Altitude Balloon Platform To Observe And Measure Ozone Uptake Over Agricultural Landscapes In Central Illinois, Cody Sabo
DePaul Discoveries
An increase in the amount of factories and machines that emit greenhouse gases (GHGs) has caused the concentration of GHGs to rise steeply since the industrial era. These emissions create compounds that react with sunlight to form ozone, a GHG. Ozone not only traps heat in the atmosphere causing long-term global issues, but it also causes direct harm to both plants and animals. The damage that ozone causes to plants is due to plants taking the gas up through their stomata. Measuring ozone uptake has traditionally been a difficult and expensive process. This study proposes a novel approach towards measuring …
Combinatory Effect Of Changing Co2, Temperature, And Long-Term Growth Temperature On Isoprene Emissions, Michael Cole
Combinatory Effect Of Changing Co2, Temperature, And Long-Term Growth Temperature On Isoprene Emissions, Michael Cole
DePaul Discoveries
Isoprene, the most abundant hydrocarbon in the atmosphere, plays a significant role in atmospheric chemistry. Its reactions with NOx lead to the formation of ozone in the lower troposphere, which is harmful to plants and detrimental to human health. As air temperatures and CO2 concentrations increase with climate change, it is uncertain how isoprene emissions from plants will respond. We hypothesized that isoprene emissions will increase with the combination of increasing temperature and CO2 concentrations. We predict that oaks grown at a higher temperature will exhibit an increase in isoprene emissions with combined short-term increases in temperature …
Implications Of Manipulations Of Soil Quality On The Growth Of European Buckthorn (Rhamnus Cathartica) In A Greenhouse, Sam L. Pepper, Liam Heneghan
Implications Of Manipulations Of Soil Quality On The Growth Of European Buckthorn (Rhamnus Cathartica) In A Greenhouse, Sam L. Pepper, Liam Heneghan
DePaul Discoveries
European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica L.) is an invasive shrub that is capable of changing the nitrogen content of a soil through the deposition of its nitrogen rich leaf litter. This change creates conditions that may favor recolonizing by buckthorn and negatively affect the growth of native plants. In this greenhouse experiment, we examined the effect of altering soil quality by adding mulch comprised of buckthorn wood on above and belowground biomass, stem length and leaf production of buckthorn saplings. We found that buckthorn saplings planted in buckthorn mulch had reduced stem length and leaf production compared to growth in …
What Components Influence Hypothetical Willingness To Pay For The Environmental Benefits Of Shade-Grown Coffee?, Ellen V. Webb
What Components Influence Hypothetical Willingness To Pay For The Environmental Benefits Of Shade-Grown Coffee?, Ellen V. Webb
DePaul Discoveries
Coffee is one example of a good whose consumption can lead to environmental degradation that the consumer is unaware of. During the 19th century, new high-yield varieties of coffee were developed that could be grown under the direct sunlight of recently deforested areas. An ecologically friendly alternative to mass-produced sun-grown systems is shade-grown coffee. This coffee is grown under traditional forest cover, providing ecological benefits such as species habitat, but at lower yields. In the global market, a price premium is the practice of placing a higher price than the market price on a specific good. If consumers value …
Quantifying The Effects Of Vegetation On The Carbon Storage Of Northern Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands, Nia Hurst
Quantifying The Effects Of Vegetation On The Carbon Storage Of Northern Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands, Nia Hurst
DePaul Discoveries
Given the rising concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth’s atmosphere, it is important to assess the natural reservoirs in which carbon can be stored. Great Lakes coastal wetlands are a potentially significant pool of carbon that have yet to be thoroughly investigated. Our study measured soil C (carbon) and depth of organic matter in swamp, transitional, and wet meadow vegetation zones of three wetlands located in the Eastern half of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, in the Les Chenaux Islands. It was hypothesized that soil C would decrease moving lakeward (swamp>transitional>wet meadow); however, this hypothesis was …
The Effect Of Short-Term Water Stress On Leaf Isoprene Emission, Othon Nunez-Montelongo
The Effect Of Short-Term Water Stress On Leaf Isoprene Emission, Othon Nunez-Montelongo
DePaul Discoveries
This study measured the photosynthetic rate and isoprene emission from red oaks (Quercus rubra) during drought stress conditions. Over a period of 30 days, the trees were grown outdoors on a rooftop. The experimental group was subject to drought stress while the control group was watered regularly. The measurements from each group were compared to determine differences. The results indicated that isoprene emissions do not increase directly from drought stress, and that whole plant increases are due to indirect increases in leaf temperature caused by drought conditions.
A High-Altitude Balloon Platform For Exploring The Terrestrial Carbon Cycle, Monica Pocs
A High-Altitude Balloon Platform For Exploring The Terrestrial Carbon Cycle, Monica Pocs
DePaul Discoveries
Carbon dioxide uptake by plants is a major component of the global carbon cycle that can be affected by climate change. This experiment quantifies the rate of landscape exchange of CO2 in the time between a high altitude balloon’s ascent and descent. It was hypothesized that measured seasonal trends would match a predicted trend of spring and fall release and summer uptake showing that the high altitude balloon method was a valid method. This was supported by the collected data where three flights showed landscape uptake, seven flights showed release and four showed no net exchange.