Earth Sciences Commons^™

Evaluating Reclaimed Mines And Heavy Metal Soil Contamination, Torin A. Matthews

ATU Scholars Symposium

Arkansas has a rich history of lead and zinc mining. While there are still some active mines, many historical mines have been abandoned and/or reclaimed. Although most reclamation procedures result in the burial and containment of target minerals, accessory minerals and elements can be leached out of waste materials/tailings piles and include heavy metals (i.e., Pb, As, Cd). We aim to evaluate the soil and watershed of a few abandoned/reclaimed mines in Pope County, AR, for the presence of heavy metals/source minerals. Soil and stream sediment geochemistry will be conducted using a portable x-ray fluorescence analyzer. Field work and sampling …

Development Of Novel Analytical Methods For The Investigation Of Mammalian Tissues And Cells, Grace A. Binder

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation endeavors to advance the frontiers of analytical chemistry by addressing critical challenges across three distinct chapters. In the first chapter, the focus is on the evaluation of digestion methods for the analysis of trace metals in mammalian tissues and the Standard Reference Material NIST 1577c. The primary goal is to optimize methodologies, laying the groundwork for reliable trace metal analysis and furthering our understanding of their roles in biological systems.

Transitioning into the realm of immunomodulation, the second chapter elucidates immune response, disease and treatment through the optimization and discovery of STING modulators, utilizing the luciferase assay for …

Influence Of Low-Level Condensed Tannins Concentrations In Temperate Forages On Sheep Performace, F Montossi, F Liu, J Hodgson, S T. Morris, T N. Barry, D F. Risso

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Results from a series of six comparative lamb grazing trials with temperate forages are summarised, and compared with results from the literature. Condensed tannin (CT) concentrations in the diet ranged from 0.12% to 0.47% on a dry matter (DM) basis. Values were generally similar for Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and annual ryegrass (L. multiflorum), each grown with white clover (Trifolium repens), in similar circumstances. Concentrations for tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea)/white clover pastures were relatively low, but may have been artefacts. Drenching with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to bind …

Tannin Contents Of Some Indigenous Browse Plants Of Botswana, A A. Aganga, C M. Tsopito, K M. Morake

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A study was carried out to evaluate the tannin content and crude protein degradation of leaves and twigs from indigenous browsable trees which provide feed for grazing livestock on natural rangelands of Botswana. These browses include the families Leguminosae (Acacias), Capparidaceae (Boscias), Combretaceae (Combretum) and Tiliaceae (Grewias). These were found to be of good nutritive value, with the leaves having a high content of crude protein (9 - 16%) and a wide range of dry matter digestibility (37 - 69.82%). The correlation between crude protein disappearance and tannin content was found to be negative (-0.582) and significant (P<0.05).

Effect Of Tannin In Animal Diet On Nitrification Rate Of Pasture Soil Under Dung Patches, J R. Crush

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The rate of formation of nitrate and ammonium in the soil under dung patches was compared for dung from animals fed either ryegrass (Lolium perenne)/white clover (Trifolium repens) or ryegrass/Lotus pedunculatus forage. Tannin derived from the Lotus did not inhibit ammonification in the soil under dung but nitrate formation was strongly inhibited. The results support the theory that polyphenolics may bind to nitrite in acid soils and cause immobilisation of mineral nitrogen. Apart from their effect of reducing the proportion of dietary nitrogen excreted in urine, tannins in animal diets may make a further contribution to …

Condensed Tannins In Tropical Legumes: Concentration, Astringency And Effects On The Nutrition Of Ruminants, R Barahona, C E. Lascano, R C. Cochran, J L. Morrill, E C. Titgemeyer

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A feeding trial was carried out to determine the effect of extractable condensed tannins (ECT) concentration and tannin astringency in tropical legumes on nitrogen (N) digestion by sheep. Test legumes were Desmodium ovalifolium (Do) and Flemingia macrophylla (Fm) which had similar concentrations of Extractable CT (9% DM) but tannins with different degree of astringency (Do, 0.6 and Fm, 0.3 g protein bound/g of ECT). Chopped sun-dried forage of each legume was sprayed with either water (control) or polyethylene glycol (PEG, 3.5% DM) to reduce ECT and fed to 8 sheep with ruminal and duodenal canulas arranged in a replicated 4 …

Effect Of Condensed Tannin In Lotus Corniculatus And Lotus Pedunculatus On Digestion Of Rubisco In The Rumen, W C. Mcnabb, R J. Aerts, A Brand, J S. Peters, Y L. Foo, G C. Waghorn

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The in vitro precipitation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) by condensed tannin (CT) extracted from Lotus corniculatus and Lotus pedunculatus and the effect of these CT on the in vitro rumen degradation of Rubisco was used to compare the reactivity of these CT. The chemical structure of CT from Lotus corniculatus was homogenous with epicatechin stereochemistry and mostly procyanidin units. The CT from Lotus pedunculatus was heterogenous with mostly prodelphinidin units. The amount of CT required to precipitate all the Rubisco when total soluble leaf protein was incubated with CT from Lotus corniculatus and Lotus pedunculatus was similar. Although CT from …

Nitrogen And Fiber Digestion In Sheep Fed Fresh-Frozen And Field-Dried High And Low Tannin Sericea Lespedeza, T H. Terrill, W R. Windham, C S. Hoveland, H E. Amos, B Kouakou, S Gelaye

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Field-drying reduces extractable condensed tannin (CT) of sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza cuneata (Dum-Cours) G. Don], but effects on specific bound and unbound forms of CT and the relationship to protein and fiber digestion in ruminants are unclear. Intake and digestibility of fresh-frozen and field-dried high- and low-tannin sericea were investigated in a feeding trial with sheep (Ovis spp.). Field-drying had no effect on crude protein (CP) and fiber content of sericea, but shifted CT from extractable to bound forms. Digestion coefficients for CP, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were lower for high-tannin sericea than the low-tannin …

Alteration Of Condensed Tannin Sythesis In Transgenic Forage Legumes, F Paolocci, G Tanner, S Arcioni, F Damiani

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The transformation of Lotus corniculatus plants with the maize gene Sn, reorganizes the tissue specificity of condensed tannins accumulation. In particular the transformed plants show an increase of tannin content in roots and a decrease in leaves. Molecular and enzymatic analyses suggest that the transgene can functionally substitute an endogenous unknown gene not expressed in roots and induces its silencing when it is expressed. These findings could have applications for reducing tannin content in unpalatable plants and for cloning genes involved in tannin synthesis.

Comparison Of The In Vitro Fermentation Characteristic Of Fractionated Alfalfa And Sainfoin, L R. Mcmahon, M Goto, T A. Mcallister, G A. Jones, K J. Cheng

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Alfalfa and sainfoin leaves were lyophilized and ground (A, S, respectively) or were fractionated into soluble (A_SOL, S_SOL) and insoluble (A_INS, S_INS)components and lyophilized and incubated in vitro with diluted ruminal fluid for 24h. Whole leaf and soluble fractions were also incubated with polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG). Gas production (GP), ammonia concentration [NH3] and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production were lower (P< 0.05) from S and SSOL than from A and ASOL Insoluble fractions differed only in [NH3] (SINS < AINS, P < 0.05). Inclusion of PEG increased (P < 0.05) GP, [NH3] and VFA production from whole leaf and soluble fractions of sainfoin, but not alfalfa. Inactivating the condensed tannins in sainfoin with PEG overcame differences in degradability between these two forages.

Differences In Chemical Composition Among Provenances Of Tree Fodder Species In A Subhumid Environment: Relation To Use As Supplements, B H. Dzowela, L Hove, P L. Mafongoya

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Studies were initiated in a subhumid Southern African environment to assess the chemical composition and nutritive value of Acacia angustissima (Mill.) Kuntze, Calliandra calothyrsus Meiss. and Leucaena species. The objective was to determine variability in crude protein (CP) concentration, acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and soluble and insoluble proanthocyanidins from fodder samples of species, subspecies and provenances. A wide range was found in these parameters. The implications of these chemical composition factors, especially proanthocyanidins, on the use of these browse fodders in livestock feeding systems are discussed.

Nutritional Implications Of Bound Proanthocyanidins, H P.S Makkar, K Becker

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The correlation between protein binding capacity of proanthocyanidin-rich neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and their proanthocyanidin (PAs) content was very low (r = -0.21; n = 6). These PAs-rich NDF did not affect growth of a tannin-sensitive strain of Clostridium perfringens. A substantial amount of bound PAs (75 to 92 %) disappeared from the NDF in 24 h of fermentation in an in vitro incubation medium containing rumen microbes. Addition of a tannin-binding agent, polyethylene glycol to the incubation medium containing rumen microbes and browses made free of extractable tannins or NDF rich in bound PAs increased the gas production up …

Environmental Effect On New Released Genotypes Of Graminaceous And Leguminous Forage Perennial Crops, P Martiniello, G Genier, R Allerit

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Genotypes of perennial leguminous (alfalfa) and graminaceous (cocksfoot and tall fescue) were evaluated for adaptability in a typical Mediterranean environment (Foggia, southern Italy). The species were field evaluated to detect biomass yield potential under different types of watering. Irrigations were applied considering rainfall and FAO cultural growth coefficient for reintegrating the 75% of the evaporated water from Class A water pan. The forage harvest was applied when the shoots of the varieties reached the 10 and 50% of flowering and heading stage for leguminous and graminaceous, respectively. A split-plot experimental design, with irrigation in the main plot, was adopted. The …

Plant Tannins- Their Role In Forage Legume Quality, J A. Alokan, V A. Aletor

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Forage legumes, especially browse plants, are important in the maintenance and survival of ruminant animals. However many browse species contain high levels of polyphenolic compounds including tannins. The effects of tannins on the quality of forages are reviewed. These include reduction in palatability and intake of feeds, growth rate, digestion of fibre fractions and nitrogen utilization by animals.

Genetic Manipulation Of Sainfoin Leaf Tannins, M Y. Gruber, P Auser, G Lees, A D. Muir, M Wood

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

An isogenic population of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) plants was developed by two methods; regeneration after long term tissue culture and plant transformation with an antisense chalcone synthase gene. Tannin (proanthocyanidin) content could be dramatically increased in untransformed callus by long term culture, but was not significantly altered in regenerating plantlets. Some of the mature transgenic plants had dramatically reduced levels of leaf tannin. The antisense gene was eliminated from all transgenic plants later in development.

Induction Of Mutants With Ectopic Expression Of Condensed Tannins, M Y. Gruber, B Skadhauge, P Auser, A D. Muir, K K. Thomsen, J Stougaard, B Coulman, D Von Wettstein

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Leaves of 47,000 Lotus japonicus plants were screened using a butanol:HCl histochemical test to select “gain of function” mutants. These plants were progeny from L. japonicus lines which were transformed with T-DNA constructs containing either the maize Ds or Ac transposon (Thykjaer et al., 1995). Among 21 putative leaf tannin mutants, five (tan1-5) were characterized for synthesis of condensed tannins, leucocyanidin reductase activity and the presence of Ac and the selectable marker gene, nptII . A range of leaf tannin content among other Lotus species was also characterized.

A Revised Method Of Condensed Tannin Analysis In Leucaena Spp., S A. Dalzell, G L. Kerven

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The proanthocyanidin (butanol-HCl) assay was used to measure condensed tannin (CT) in extracts from Leucaena spp. at the University of Queensland. Inconsistent results were found to be caused by the iron catalyst in the butanol/HCl reagent and the presence of ascorbic acid in the sample matrix which enhanced anthocyanidin development. In addition, preparation of sample extracts by back extraction with organic solvents reduced CT recoveries. An accurate and rapid technique was developed that measures CT directly in 70% aqueous acetone 0.1% (w/v) sodium metabisulphite plant extracts.

The Effect Of Condensed Tannins In Lotus Spp. On The Lesser Migratory Grasshopper, C F. Hinks, G L. Lees, M Y. Gruber, A D. Muir, J Soroka

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Hatchling grasshoppers (Melanoplus sanguinipes Fab.) fed one accession of field grown big trefoil (Lotus uliginosis Schkuhr) containing a tannin content of 56 mg. g-1 FW, had a significantly lower mean weight than hatchlings fed field grown Lotus species and accessions with lower tannin content. Adult female grasshoppers fed L. uliginosis foliage with 32.3 mg.g-1 FW tannin also ate more feed and had a 2-fold higher gut trypsin and chymotrypsin activity than adults fed low tannin L. corniculatus foliage (0.13 mg.g-1 FW tannin). In more controlled experiments, growth at 20o C or 30o C was used to increase tannin …

New Vertebrate Microfossils Expand The Diversity Of The Chondrichthyan And Actinopterygian Fauna Of The Maastrichtian–Danian Hornerstown Formation In New Jersey, Zachary Boles, Paul V. Ullmann, Ian Putnam, Mariele Ford, Joseph T. Deckhut

School of Earth & Environment Departmental Research

The abundance of shark and actinopterygian fossils in the Cretaceous and Paleogene strata of the Atlantic Coastal Plain is well documented; but much remains unknown about the survivorship patterns of these major components of shallow marine faunas in the western Atlantic through the K/Pg mass extinction. To shed light on this subject, we describe an assemblage of new actinopterygian, chondrichthyan, and reptilian microfossils recently recovered from the Maastrichtian Navesink and Maastrichtian–Danian Hornerstown formations at the Jean and Ric Edelman Fossil Park at Rowan University in Mantua Township, New Jersey. The new microfossils clarify extinction patterns across the K/Pg, create temporal …

Phighting Phosphorus: The Effects Of Sedimentary Phosphorus On The Macatawa Watershed, Elizabeth Kelley, Rachel Fusik, Jake Lyon

23rd Annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2024)

Lake Macatawa experiences severe eutrophication and algal blooms that negatively impact the native species and recreational usage of the lake. There have been several previously completed studies on phosphorus pollution in the water by the Hope College Day1 Watershed Group. However, these measurements do not include lake sediments, which could also be a significant reservoir of phosphorus. Our research group decided to test the sediment at the same three lake locations tested by the Watershed Group, taking two core samples at each location. These samples were dried, combusted in a muffle oven, weighed, digested from solid to liquid, and then …

Potential Non-Carbonate Buffering In An Interdunal Wetland/Slack Along Lake Michigan, Faith Huff

23rd Annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2024)

Interdunal wetlands/slacks occur in Lake Michigan's coastal dunes where the wind scours the sand to the water table. Since May 2016 we have performed ecohydrological studies on the largest interdunal wetlands/slack, ~1.25 ha in size, lying within a deflated parabolic dune east of Lake Michigan at the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, Michigan. The slack’s hydrology is influenced by Lake Michigan-Huron, appearing and increasing in size and water depth with rising lake levels and decreasing in size to drying with low levels. Prior to 2014, the slack was completely dry and dominated by upland dune species due to low lake levels. …

Development Of A Liquid Chromatography Method For The Quantification Of Carbohydrates In Peat Soils, Christopher Klaver, Parker Diaz, Abigail Brewer, Gael Figueroa-Enriquez, Madison Smith

23rd Annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2024)

Peatlands are an important carbon sink. However, climate change threatens to cause the peatlands to release their stored-up carbon. This would result in lots of carbon dioxide and methane to be released into the atmosphere due to the increased peat decomposition. This would end up forming a positive feedback loop, and thus resulting in more and more carbon lost from the peat. The biochemical composition of the peat is an indicator of the degradation state of the peat as well as its ongoing vulnerability to decomposition. In this study, we developed an HPLC method for analyzing the carbohydrate composition of …

No "Butts" About It: The Heavy Metal Impact Of Cigarette Litter, Faith Huff, Connor Monson, Spencer Whittington

23rd Annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2024)

Cigarettes are the most common litter globally. Following smoking, the filter is left with carcinogenic compounds, tar and metals. All of which are highly toxic for wildlife, affecting reproduction, behavior and mortality rate in animals. The heavy metals that are left within the filter also have potential to leach from the cigarettes and enter the groundwater system. As these heavy metals enter the system, it leads to adverse effects on the environment and can cause detrimental health effects in humans, such as cell damage, induced carcinogenic processes and loss of cellular functions. Much research that exists currently only focuses on …

Temperature Sensitivity Of Nitrogen Mineralization In Peat From Bogs Across A Michigan Transect, Madison Smith, Hannah Sturgeon, Abigail Brewer, Gael Figueroa-Enriquez, Christopher Klaver

23rd Annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2024)

In this study, seven peat bogs across a latitudinal transect of Michigan were used to analyze inorganic nitrogen (nitrate and ammonium) release from peat to predict the impact that climate warming has on peatland nitrogen cycle. More nitrogen release is expected in samples kept at warmer temperatures (simulated climate warming) and also from samples from lower latitudes in the transect. 1-m peat core samples were taken at each site. 20 g of acid washed sand was added to upper chambers of microlysimeters (two-chambered filter towers). 50 g of peat was added onto the sand and was left to equilibrate for …

Stream-Borne Floating Mismanaged Waste In Holland, Michigan: Focus On Foam, Sam J. Haakenson, Reina A. Duron

23rd Annual A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (2024)

Streams and storm drain systems link terrestrial roadside litter to rivers and lakes, which eventually supply floating debris to the global ocean. To better understand this linkage, we evaluated the kinds and quantity of floating mismanaged solid waste being transported in five streams within the Lake Macatawa watershed in the environs of Holland, Michigan. We deployed floating litter booms in the four smallest streams. These consisted of a rip-stop nylon sleeve encasing pool noodle floats strung on a wire rope. These were placed diagonally across the stream and anchored to fence posts set into the stream banks. In the largest …

Investigating Geomorphic Controls On The Luminescence Properties Of Quartz Sand In A River System, Jenna Mills

Student Research Symposium

Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating of quartz sand grains is used to date young deposits across disciplines in geology and archaeology. OSL dating requires that the quartz mineral is sensitized, or pre-conditioned to produce a luminescence signal following exposure to ionizing radiation. The geological processes that enhance the OSL sensitivity (photons released per given radiation dose and sediment mass) remain uncertain. Our Research Objectives are to investigate the geomorphic controls (bedrock source, fluvial transport, and hillslope processes) on OSL sensitivity using sediment collected along the Pagliara River in NE Sicily.

The Pagliara catchment (13km²) is tectonically active and …

Glacial Resource Analysis – Castner Glacier, Alaska, Logan Erichsen

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Glaciers cover much of the 49th U.S. state of Alaska. While many of these are deep blues, just as many are “rock” glaciers which means the glacier is covered in sediment. This sediment can be transported many miles through the mountain ranges. With the current climate melting these glaciers they are receding. Sediment and rock samples can now be safely collected from different locations where glaciers have released sediment that was locked in the ice for an untold number of years. Much of the USGS data comes from the 1940’s through 1960’s due to the size and remoteness of Alaska. …

Volcanic Ash In Lincoln County, Kansas, Logan Erichsen

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

This report outlines the analysis of Pearlette volcanic ash in Lincoln County Kansas. Both field and lab methods were used to compile this report. Fort Hays State University alumni Dr. Ron Whitmer allowed use of his property on which the ash is found. Auguring was utilized as the main form of field work which allowed mapping of the subsurface ash layer. The ash was analyzed by UMKC using their scanning electron microscope (SEM). At Fort Hays, the SEM reports were compared to thin sections of the ash using plane and cross polarized light in petrographic microscopes. The ash is comprised …

Climatology Of Tornadoes In Kansas, John P. Wasinger, Todd Moore

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Recent studies report changes to the climatology of tornadoes in the United States (US). Changes with the most supporting evidence include an increase in the intra- and inter-annual variability, increased concentration of tornadoes in bigger outbreaks, and a geographic shift of the densest tornado activity away from Tornado Alley in the Great Plains and toward the Great Lakes and Southeast regions of the US. Broad, national-level changes are valuable, but they can mask changes occurring at the state and sub-state levels where mitigation efforts are most effective. Kansas is of interest due to its reputation as a hotbed of tornado …

Revolutionizing Ecosystems: Innovative Planting Machines Combating Desertification, Sunghun Park, Jeanne Sumrall

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

An important environmental issue that has a profound effect on human welfare, socioeconomic stability, and global ecosystems is desertification. A little over 12 million hectares of land perish year due to the damaging impacts of desertification, which is made worse by overgrazing, deforestation, and inadequate water management. This not only results in a significant loss of arable land, capable of producing 20 million tons of grain, but also in substantial economic repercussions, with estimated annual losses reaching USD 42 billion (UNCCD, 2020). The enormity of the problem emphasizes how urgently we need practical, long-term solutions to stop and reverse the …