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Natural Resources and Conservation
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
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Articles 1 - 30 of 32
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Nutritional Value Of Crops Affected By Elevated Carbon Dioxide Concentrations In Atmospheric Conditions, Alex Joseph Cusimano
Nutritional Value Of Crops Affected By Elevated Carbon Dioxide Concentrations In Atmospheric Conditions, Alex Joseph Cusimano
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, and the nutritional quality of crops. Using Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) and Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) to simulate elevated carbon dioxide levels, more review of previous literature was studied. Studies found that although there is a negative loss of nutrient availability, there are major signs that nutrient deficiencies. Nitrogen(protein), Iron, and Zinc are the most impacted with elevated atmospheric CO2 conditions. Further research and experiments regarding long term plant growth should be considered moving forward. With only limted situations and different CO2 …
Ecological Perspectives Of The Eastern Saline Wetlands Differ Between Visitors And Non-Visitors, Peter Janda
Ecological Perspectives Of The Eastern Saline Wetlands Differ Between Visitors And Non-Visitors, Peter Janda
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
The Eastern Saline Wetlands of Nebraska can be found in both Lancaster and Saunders counties in Eastern Nebraska. Due to the wetlands’ important services in the areas of recreation, wildlife habitat, and flood control, it is necessary to know the extent to which these services are valued and used by residents of Lincoln . Past research completed in 2015 by the Lower Platte South NRD observed public opinions toward wetland restoration and preservation, finding that 46% of the public strongly support it, 35% mildly support it and 16% do not support it (Saline Wetlands Conservation Partnership, 2006). This past study …
Abatement Of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances With Electrochemical Oxidation, Elise Webb
Abatement Of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances With Electrochemical Oxidation, Elise Webb
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
Throughout the United States, there is a growing concern for contamination of groundwater with harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These forever chemicals have no natural degradation pathways and the science community has not had any significant breakthroughs to remediate contaminated sites. Electrochemical oxidation using a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode shows excellent potential for becoming an effective therapy for such PFAS contaminated sites. The objective of this research is to provide proof-of-concept that electrochemical oxidation can degrade PFAS, ensure analysis is accurate, and controls of experimental design are optimal. Electrochemical oxidation degraded 10 mg/L perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) under a series …
Climate Change & Grief: An Overview Of The Mental Health Effects Of Climate Change & How Biodiversity Loss In The Great Plains Affects Our Emotional Wellbeing, Luke Andersen
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
While it is known that our changing climate is predicted to have dire consequences, there is less discussion taking place about the potential mental health effects and outcomes of those consequences. Many articles outline the mental health consequences of climate change, but they all discuss similar ideas and theories that don't necessarily generate further topics to explore. A topic that remains unexplored is that of ecological grief, which is our emotional response to ecological loss. The hypothesis being tested in this research project is that people will feel relatively strong grief-related emotions (i.e. anger, sadness) when imagining the loss of …
The Effect Of Wildlife Wellbeing On Environmental Concern, Laura Casne
The Effect Of Wildlife Wellbeing On Environmental Concern, Laura Casne
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
Environmental campaigns have used animal imagery to push their initiatives for years, shocking viewers with images of human caused damage to change environmental behavior. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), a nonprofit located in Britain released a statement that they responded to 5000 calls annually regarding litter and that the main victims were wildlife species (Litter and Animals | Rubbish and Animals - RSPCA, 2017). A previous study done by Schultz (2000) showed animals in different conditions (animals in nature and animals harmed in nature), with results indicated that those who viewed an image of …
Environmental Factors On The Arctic Food Chain, Sydney Hansen
Environmental Factors On The Arctic Food Chain, Sydney Hansen
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
As the Arctic is encountering many environmental changes, a multi-species meta-analysis was conducted from peer-reviewed scientific data gathered from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) library’s bibliographic databases to determine 1) the main polar warming impacts on species of the Arctic food web such as polar bears, ringed seals, Arctic cod, copepods, and primary producers, 2) determine climatic impacts by looking at population sizes and migratory patterns over several years, and 3) discover impacts of a top-down cascade and look into conservation efforts. In the Arctic, species within its’ ecosystem are experiencing more dramatic impacts from climatic warming because of the …
A Comparative Analysis Of The Reception Of Laudato Si’ By Progressive And Traditional Catholics, Mikayla Dorff
A Comparative Analysis Of The Reception Of Laudato Si’ By Progressive And Traditional Catholics, Mikayla Dorff
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
This study considers the impacts of religion, specifically Catholicism, on environmental views. In 2015, Pope Francis published an encyclical entitled Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. In this encyclical, Pope Francis calls all humans to an “ecological conversion” and identifies environmental stewardship as a Catholic responsibility. Progressive Catholics embraced Laudato Si’ and its messages, while traditional Catholics condemned the encyclical. In this study, a comparative literary analysis is conducted to determine why traditional Catholics reject the encyclical while progressive Catholics applaud it. Initiatives stemming as a direct result from Laudato Si’ are also examined. The study found …
Analysis Of Trees Damaged From Flooding And Ice In Columbus, Nebraska, Alaina Kapla
Analysis Of Trees Damaged From Flooding And Ice In Columbus, Nebraska, Alaina Kapla
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
In the spring of 2019, an intense storm system came through eastern Nebraska resulting in a historic flooding event. This flood caused many trees throughout the state to be uprooted, broken, or scarred. This study looks at trees on the Quail Run golf course in Columbus, Nebraska to determine the extent of damage on trees caused by flooding and recommend tree care solutions to ensure safety. The cottonwood trees endured the most damage compared to other species on the property. All of the trees showed wound wood meaning that the trees were recovering from their injuries. Dead and broken branches …
The Changing Habitat And Decline Of Ring-Necked Pheasant Populations In Otoe County, Nebraska, Jacob T. Herman
The Changing Habitat And Decline Of Ring-Necked Pheasant Populations In Otoe County, Nebraska, Jacob T. Herman
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
Since the early 20th century, wildlife conservation in Untied States has walked a fine line of growth and decline. The implementation of the Ring-Necked Pheasant in Nebraska has brought a wealth of tradition and revenue to the state across multiple generations. This thesis analyzes how habitat changes in Otoe County, Nebraska have affected the Ring-Necked Pheasant population, and what programs are in place to counteract the issue. To answer this question, the study compared five different aerial photos taken from Google Earth Pro and the county archives located in Hardin Hall at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. The results of …
Growth And Feeding Response In Python Regius In Ambient Temperature Vs. Hot-Spot, Mckenzie Martinez
Growth And Feeding Response In Python Regius In Ambient Temperature Vs. Hot-Spot, Mckenzie Martinez
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
Python regius, also known as the ball python or the royal python, is one of the most popular reptiles in the pet trade and has been heavily imported, kept, and bred in captivity since 1976 (Toudonou 1). This species has adapted to life in captivity extremely well making it one of the most popular reptiles in the reptile trade. It is one of the first reptiles many reptile enthusiasts own. It is a frequently used species for educating the public in zoos and other facilities. Some of the main reasons that Python regius has maintained its popularity in the reptile …
Fungal Mycelium; The Key To A Sustainable Future, Sawyer Krivanek
Fungal Mycelium; The Key To A Sustainable Future, Sawyer Krivanek
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
This study focuses on fungal mycelium-based packaging as a biodegradable replacement of polystyrene packaging. In this thesis project, there will be a thorough study of the characteristics of fungal mycelium and how it can be combined with other products to create biodegradable packaging. Polystyrene packaging is unsustainable and poses threats to human health and our natural environments. It is pivotal that alternative packaging options for polystyrene are researched and tested to prove reliability as packaging systems develop. Research questions answered in this thesis include: Can fungal mycelium be a biodegradable replacement for plastic/polystyrene packaging at a large scale? What is …
The Effects Of Street Tree Site Planting Width On Canopy Width And Ability To Provide Ecosystem Services, Ryan Kendall
The Effects Of Street Tree Site Planting Width On Canopy Width And Ability To Provide Ecosystem Services, Ryan Kendall
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
In a time where pests such as emerald ash borer are reducing urban forests, it is important to gain a return on investment for new trees planted. Since trees cost money, the value of the ecosystem services that they provide over the course of their lives should outweigh their costs. Due to the need for a return on investment, it is important to know whether newly planted street trees are being planted in a space that does not inhibit their growth or ability to provide benefits. This study, in Lincoln, NE looks to determine the relationship between a street tree’s …
The Introduction Of A Carbon Market: A Regression Analysis Of The Impacts On Participating Firms, Zachery Sehnert
The Introduction Of A Carbon Market: A Regression Analysis Of The Impacts On Participating Firms, Zachery Sehnert
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
In this study, we strive to analyze the economic impacts on the firms participating in an emission trading system. Many studies have analyzed the impact on emission control and whether or not it is an effective tool in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This was achieved by running a log regression of sales against emissions from before and after the introduction of the carbon market. The statistical technique of Difference in Differences (DID) was used to observe the outcome against a control group, or those that had not participated in said market. The Korea Emission Trading Scheme (KETS) was the focus …
What Are The Impacts Of Plastic Pollution On Sea Turtles And How Can We Prevent Them?, Stacey Safarik
What Are The Impacts Of Plastic Pollution On Sea Turtles And How Can We Prevent Them?, Stacey Safarik
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
This paper will address the impacts of plastic pollution on sea turtles and how humans can combat the issue. Sea turtles are often harmed due to human activities because the ocean is used as a dumping ground for trash, and humans need to take it upon themselves to change this. The purpose of this project was to learn how plastic can impact the lives of sea turtles, and to find out if there are prevention efforts in place. A thematic literature review was conducted in order to find all of the data. Once all of the data was compiled, it …
The Effects Of Phosphate On The Metamorphosis Of Larval Western Barred Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma Mavortium), Alexis Jean Polivanov
The Effects Of Phosphate On The Metamorphosis Of Larval Western Barred Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma Mavortium), Alexis Jean Polivanov
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
This investigation will collect data to assist in determining if elevated aquatic phosphate levels affects the metamorphosis rate of larval western barred tiger salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium). Monoammonium phosphate fertilizers are being used on crops in Nebraska (NDA, 2017). This area lines up with the area the western barred tiger salamanders are disappearing from (Damme, 2018). Monoammonium phosphate is made up of nitrogen and phosphate. There have been several studies showing how nitrogen is harmful to amphibians such as this salamander (Griffis-Kyle, 2007) (Griffis-Kyle & Richtie, 2007), but there have not been many showing how phosphate affects amphibian’s metamorphosis …
Effect Of Urban Green Space On Urban Populations., Jack Mensinger
Effect Of Urban Green Space On Urban Populations., Jack Mensinger
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
As the world's population continues to urbanize, population density increases and people endure the ever-increasing speed of the urban environment. The need to focus on mental and physical health becomes ever more critical as daily routines may not fulfill urban residents' basic needs. The bulk of work studying the relationship between green space, mental, and physical wellness, have had a narrow scope in their assessment of the benefits of green space. Previous studies focused either on the human interaction or the spaces utilities as a corridor and a habitat for flora and fauna. We utilized a systematic literature review to …
A Study Of The Relationships Between Environments And Human Death Practices, Carly Elizabeth Thody
A Study Of The Relationships Between Environments And Human Death Practices, Carly Elizabeth Thody
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
This paper analyzes connections between environmental factors and human death practices from several locations throughout the world. Using a thorough literature review, a thematic analysis is applied to combine a variety of sources to draw conclusions regarding how death practices are influenced and evolve over time. Environments, broken down into physical geography, religious, social, and political influences, are examined for the United States, Mexico, Japan, The Torajans of Sulawesi, Indonesia, and Tibet. Factors such as religion and culture have been an important component in the development of many societies’ practices revolving around death. The interconnectedness of cultures makes it difficult …
The Effect Of Pictorial Signs On Recycling Rates, Christopher A. Sukstorf
The Effect Of Pictorial Signs On Recycling Rates, Christopher A. Sukstorf
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
Recycling is a core way that college students can act altruistically. Many studies have been conducted to study how to increase the participation of recycling on college campuses, office buildings, and the like. This study focuses on the University Lutheran Chapel, a Christian church adjacent to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. While the University of Nebraska – Lincoln has drastically improved recycling participation in recent years, the University Lutheran Chapel lags behind. Pictorial signs were used in an experiment to determine whether they improved recycling rates at The Chapel. Recycling rates at the University Lutheran Chapel were measured by …
A Study Of Environmental Attitudes Between Rural And Urban Students, Sabrina Severin
A Study Of Environmental Attitudes Between Rural And Urban Students, Sabrina Severin
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
With growing environmental concern and climate change rapidly occurring, it is important to understand how these issues will impact different areas of the world. Both urban and rural areas will be impacted in different ways. In order to tackle these climate issues and create environmental policies, it is important to understand environmental attitudes of residents in all areas. Understanding environmental attitude may help understand environmental behavior. An environmental attitude is a psychological tendency expressed by evaluating the natural environment with some degree of favor or disfavor (Milfont and Duckitt, 2010). A literary analysis was conducted to determine if there is …
Future Implications Of Extreme Heat On Public Health For Those Living In Lincoln, Nebraska, Mandy Koehler
Future Implications Of Extreme Heat On Public Health For Those Living In Lincoln, Nebraska, Mandy Koehler
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
Increasing temperatures are expected as the climate crisis progresses. This crisis is fueled by the increasing amount of greenhouse gas emissions being released into the atmosphere, which trap heat in the environment. With rising temperatures, more extreme heat events threaten multiple sectors of society including public health. To gain insight into future climate issues related to warming temperatures and public health for people living in Lincoln, Nebraska, this research will evaluate the predicted extent of extreme heat for this area and consider what other relevant regions do to deal with these problems. This study identifies the scope of future extreme …
Lincoln, Ne Composting In Restaurants, Brodie Baum
Lincoln, Ne Composting In Restaurants, Brodie Baum
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
This study aimed to investigate restaurants across the city of Lincoln, Nebraska that compost as a way to reduce food waste. Food waste is a growing environmental concern because it leads to climate change, eutrophication and acidification of bodies of water, pollutes the air and more. This study utilized a software program to distribute a survey that restaurants owners/personnel would take. The survey asked a variety of questions that provided information about the restaurants and who runs it. This information allowed us to draw important conclusions. Based on the results of the survey we can begin to speculate about possible …
To What Extent Has The Relationship Between Humans And Red Foxes (Vulpes Vulpes) Evolved Throughout History?, Abigail Misfeldt
To What Extent Has The Relationship Between Humans And Red Foxes (Vulpes Vulpes) Evolved Throughout History?, Abigail Misfeldt
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
Red foxes are one of the few creatures able to adapt to living alongside humans as we have evolved. All humans and wildlife have some id of relationship, be it a friendly one or one of mutual hatred, or simply a neutral one. Through a systematic research review of legends, books, and journal articles, I mapped how humans and foxes have evolved together. First, the relationship between humans and foxes in a geographical manner by starting in Asia, moving to Australia and Tasmania, then Europe, Africa, finishing with North and South America. I will be analyzing all the information through …
Observing Spectral Response Differences In Freshwater Lakes Using Remote Sensing Technology, Brady Cooper
Observing Spectral Response Differences In Freshwater Lakes Using Remote Sensing Technology, Brady Cooper
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
Nutrient pollution is a growing issue around the world. The excess nutrients going into aquatic ecosystems allows phytoplankton to thrive and form algal blooms. Algal blooms can be hazardous to humans, wildlife, and destroy aquatic ecosystems. They also are costly to monitor and control. This study uses remote sensing to observe the spectral differences in lakes, specifically one that experienced an algal bloom, Lake St. Clair. It was also compared to a lake with exceptional water quality, Lake Tahoe. The objective was to see how the two differed spectrally and determine if remote sensing is a viable option for monitoring …
The Role Of University Of Nebraska-Lincoln’S Biodigester On Sustainable Food Waste Reduction Within Selleck Dining Center, Jennifer Gilbert
The Role Of University Of Nebraska-Lincoln’S Biodigester On Sustainable Food Waste Reduction Within Selleck Dining Center, Jennifer Gilbert
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln took a major step toward sustainability this past fall when Dining Services installed their first ever biodigester on November 8, 2019 within Selleck Dining Center. The impact this biodigester has had, thus far, is observable in the form of quantitative data collected in the amount of food waste digested by this technology. This study focuses on analyzing collected data from the LFC Cloud database, while also searching for trends and patterns that could further suggest substantial impact and efficiency of the biodigester on food waste reduction and sustainability initiatives within UNL Dining Services. Data Tables and …
Incorporating Tallgrass Prairie Into Urban Environments, Daniel Hauschild
Incorporating Tallgrass Prairie Into Urban Environments, Daniel Hauschild
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
As an agricultural state with a population poised to shift to primarily urban based, Nebraska is in the unique position of being able to decide how people live in modern cities. While the benefits of including green spaces in urban areas are well documented, evidence also suggests that increased biodiversity in these areas compounds those benefits. As such, incorporating elements of functioning natural ecosystems within urban areas can potentially create pockets of sustainable landscapes. Nebraska’s two largest population centers are located on land that was historically tallgrass prairie, an iconic landscape in American history and now almost entirely absent from …
The Research And Analysis Of Potential Gray Wolf (Canis Lupus) Habitats And Gray Wolf Management In The U.S., Youhan Mei
The Research And Analysis Of Potential Gray Wolf (Canis Lupus) Habitats And Gray Wolf Management In The U.S., Youhan Mei
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
The Gray Wolf (Canis Lupus) is a keystone species that have significant impacts on the ecosystem where they belong. They used to have a wide range of habitat across the whole of North America. In 1960, the wolves were treated as threats to the safety of humans and livestock. They were wiped out by the government of the day and only had few populations left in Minnesota and Michigan. Today, there are identified in the “Red List) of International Union for Conservation of Nature as endangered species all around the U.S. This shows the urgent need for conservation, …
Diet Composition And Analysis Of Fish Species Consumed By The Eurasian Otter In A Marine/Costal Environment, Alexandrea Otto
Diet Composition And Analysis Of Fish Species Consumed By The Eurasian Otter In A Marine/Costal Environment, Alexandrea Otto
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
Understanding prey preference in Eurasian otters, Lutra lutra, is important to provide greater insight into aquatic predator-prey relationships which will inform conservation efforts. Identifying the composition of an organism’s diet is one of the primary steps in understanding an organism and developing effective conservation strategies. This study expands upon basic identification of consumed items to estimate size of fish eaten by Eurasian otters to provide information on the diet of these important aquatic predators. Many studies on the Eurasian otter have considered diet from river systems, yet less is known of their diet in marine systems. The goal of my …
Remediation Strategies To Reduce Heavy Metal Uptake In Lettuce Grown In Contaminated Urban Soil, Ryley Thomas
Remediation Strategies To Reduce Heavy Metal Uptake In Lettuce Grown In Contaminated Urban Soil, Ryley Thomas
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
Urban soils are increasingly used to produce food for local consumption, which requires at the same time management strategies that prevent the plant uptake of potentially present contaminants. This study was conducted to test different soil amendments for their ability to retain lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) within the soil matrix. The analyzed soil was taken from a potential community garden lot near a railroad in Lincoln, NE where elevated concentrations in Pb and As had been detected. Ponderosa pine biochar and spent coffee grounds were used as soil additives because of their documented chemical reactivity towards soil cations or …
An Analysis Of A Waste Audit Performed On Unl Campus Buildings, Nathan Zach
An Analysis Of A Waste Audit Performed On Unl Campus Buildings, Nathan Zach
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
This is a research paper that analyzes data collected during a waste audit on two buildings located on the city campus of UNL. Two academic buildings known as Bessey Hall and Burnett Hall were audited for four days during two separate weeks. The total trash collected for each day was searched through and the actual waste was separated from the material that could have been recycled to see how much recyclable material was wasted each day in the building. This data collected will show the rate at which recyclable material is being thrown away. At the conclusion of the audit, …
Diatom Morphology In Light Of A Changing Climate: A Focus On Aulacoseira Crenulata, Brighid Welchans
Diatom Morphology In Light Of A Changing Climate: A Focus On Aulacoseira Crenulata, Brighid Welchans
Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses
Fossilized diatoms are arguably the most vital proxy record utilized in paleolimnology. Diatoms are unicellular microalgae that are the basis of countless food webs, are invaluable bioindicators, and generate nearly a quarter of global net primary productivity. Diatoms are affected by a variety of environmental factors but there is relatively little research on how environmental conditions impact diatom valve morphology, and in particular whether there is a correlation between incoming light and diatom pore morphology. This report focuses on the Amazon lowland lake Garzacocha, and analyzes the relationship between light levels and the corresponding size of Aulacoseira crenulata pores. We …