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Articles 1 - 30 of 43
Full-Text Articles in Environmental Health and Protection
Photocatalytic Advanced Oxidative Processes (Aop) As A Promising Agricultural Runoff Treatment Solution For The California Central Valley, Briana Miller
Master's Projects and Capstones
Pesticide pollution in the California Central Valley (CV) is a major concern for aquatic toxicity. This research will determine if photocatalytic advanced oxidation processes (AOP), an emerging water treatment technology, could be implemented within the CV to degrade pesticides. A case study, literature review, comparative analysis, and policy analysis were conducted to identify pesticides of concern within the CV, if photocatalytic AOP can degrade those pesticides, how photocatalytic AOP compares to current technologies, and regulatory challenges with implementing photocatalytic AOP. Between 2019 and 2023, the top 30 most applied pesticides were identified, with 12 chemicals identified as aquatic toxicants, seven …
Deforestation Dynamics In The Amazon: Impacts, Socio-Environmental Drivers And Restoration Pathways, Maria Natalia Rodriguez
Deforestation Dynamics In The Amazon: Impacts, Socio-Environmental Drivers And Restoration Pathways, Maria Natalia Rodriguez
Master's Projects and Capstones
The Amazon, which is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, experienced 542,581 km² of forest loss between the years 2000 and 2020. The process of deforestation endangers the ecological system results which maintain ecosystem connectivity and the Earth's climate system. The Amazon rainforest supplies essential ecological services which include maintaining soil fertility, storing carbon, purifying water and climate stability. The fundamental ecosystem of this area faces new threats because of increasing forest destruction. The research study adopts a combined methodology that uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with a comprehensive literature review to study Amazon deforestation patterns and its driving …
Enhancing Water Supply Resilience & Sustainability: Potential Solutions To Address Water Scarcity In Bogotá, Colombia, Sophia Alvarez Wong
Enhancing Water Supply Resilience & Sustainability: Potential Solutions To Address Water Scarcity In Bogotá, Colombia, Sophia Alvarez Wong
Master's Projects and Capstones
Municipal water utilities are in urgent need of adapting to the intensifying impacts of climate change and population growth—key drivers of urban water scarcity worldwide. In rapidly expanding cities like Bogota, Colombia, these pressures have contributed to a severe water crisis driven by prolonged droughts, ecosystem degradation, increasing water demands, and overdependence on limited water sources. This study explores potential adaptation and management strategies that utilities can implement to sustainably strengthen supply system resilience and enhance water security, in the context of low- to middle-income regions. A series of comparative and case study analyses were conducted to assess the feasibility …
The Agrivoltaics Opportunity In California: Dual Use Of Agricultural Land To Support Energy Transition And Bolster Climate Resilience, Joy Michelle Cox
The Agrivoltaics Opportunity In California: Dual Use Of Agricultural Land To Support Energy Transition And Bolster Climate Resilience, Joy Michelle Cox
Master's Projects and Capstones
Agrivoltaics, which facilitates energy and food production on the same land, is an emerging technological approach that supports agricultural productivity while growing farm revenues through solar electricity sales. Agrivoltaics use in the United States is nascent, with only 2% of utility-scale solar projects integrating agricultural production. Based on estimated high- and low-end ranges in the scientific literature, I have calculated that California can use agrivoltaics to produce 20% of the additional 70 gigawatts of utility-scale solar required to meet the state’s 2045 zero-carbon electricity goal. This 20% target is ambitious and achievable, and the impacts across land use, greenhouse gas …
U.S. International Climate Finance: An Analysis Of Historical Shortfalls And A Proposal For More Equitable Distribution, Maria-Cristina Kealey
U.S. International Climate Finance: An Analysis Of Historical Shortfalls And A Proposal For More Equitable Distribution, Maria-Cristina Kealey
Master's Projects and Capstones
Least-developed countries experienced 69% of deaths from climate disasters over the past 50 years despite comprising only 13% of the world’s population. Low-income and climate vulnerable nations around the world are suffering disproportionately as wealthy, high-emitting countries, such as the U.S., profit from the climate crisis. This research provides a comprehensive overview of past U.S. contributions to international climate finance efforts, assesses the climate finance deficit globally and specifically for developing countries, and proposes a more equitable share of U.S. funding from a quantitative and restorative climate justice approach. The primary analyses included quantifying the U.S. share of global greenhouse …
Releases Of Hazardous Materials And Waste From Transportation Incidents In The Us: An Analysis To Increase Environmental Resiliency, Elizabeth Irene Tautges
Releases Of Hazardous Materials And Waste From Transportation Incidents In The Us: An Analysis To Increase Environmental Resiliency, Elizabeth Irene Tautges
Master's Projects and Capstones
Excessive amounts of hazardous materials and waste are released into the environment from transportation incidents. The United States federal government has regulations on the movement of hazardous material and waste during transportation, but preventing environmental releases is not a major priority. Multiple external factors influence the release of hazardous material and waste into the environment. Transportation incidents can be prevented by modifying the information collected in emergency reports, adjusting transportation patterns and conditions, and expressing negative environmental impacts, preparing responder efforts to communicate effectively. The components of previous hazardous materials and waste releases emphasize the needed improvements for increasing environmental …
An Integrated Architecture For A Global Clean Energy Transition, Alice Kaswan
An Integrated Architecture For A Global Clean Energy Transition, Alice Kaswan
Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Scholarship
No abstract provided.
Solar-Powered Microgrids In Northern California: An Opportunity For Resilience, Marina Riddle
Solar-Powered Microgrids In Northern California: An Opportunity For Resilience, Marina Riddle
Master's Projects and Capstones
Planned and unplanned power outages have been increasing in frequency and duration, negatively impacting all public sectors, and threatening public safety. These outages are deadly to those who rely on medical devices. As climate change-fueled extreme weather events (wildfires, earthquakes, storms, etc.) also increase in frequency, our electrical grid must be prepared to bounce back. Microgrids provide necessary redundancy and reliability. Through a novel GIS suitability analysis, based on solar radiation, land use type, local energy demand, distance to transmission lines, distance to roads, and slope, optimal locations for solar-powered microgrids throughout Northern California were determined. The counties of Fresno, …
Possible Impact Of Additives In Artificial Turf On Aquatic Life In The San Francisco Estuary, Elena Galkina
Possible Impact Of Additives In Artificial Turf On Aquatic Life In The San Francisco Estuary, Elena Galkina
Master's Projects and Capstones
The use of artificial turf fields as a replacement for natural turf has been increasingly promoted as a green solution to reduce water usage, maintenance costs, and the need for pesticides. However, the potential environmental impacts of artificial turf fields are poorly understood, particularly in the context of the San Francisco Estuary, which is one of the largest and most polluted estuaries in the United States. This paper investigates the potential contribution of artificial turf from sports fields to the microplastic and chemical pollution of the San Francisco Estuary during artificial turf’s use and maintenance life stage. The study synthesizes …
The Threat Of Hospital Wastewater: An Evidence-Based Call To Action, Ann P. Nguyen
The Threat Of Hospital Wastewater: An Evidence-Based Call To Action, Ann P. Nguyen
DNP Qualifying Manuscripts
Introduction: Hospital wastewater carries a unique composition of pollutants, a burden that includes high chemical and biological residuals. These pollutants are discharged into sewage treatment plants and natural environments where they contaminate human water sources and larger ecosystems. Water treatment plants are not designed to treat the high loads of biomedical waste and persistent organic compounds found in hospital wastewater and therefore pollutants survive in conventionally treated water. Evidence of contaminated soil, municipal wastewater, surface water, ground water, and even drinking water have been demonstrated in studies conducted around the world highlighting the ubiquity of the problem. Hospital effluent as …
Analyzing The Effects Of Climate Impacts In El Salvador And How They Influence Pollution, Ecosystems And Communities, Veronica Norio-Tomasino
Analyzing The Effects Of Climate Impacts In El Salvador And How They Influence Pollution, Ecosystems And Communities, Veronica Norio-Tomasino
Master's Projects and Capstones
Due to projections of rising temperatures and increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the rate at which climate change is impacting nations is devastating. However, developing countries and vulnerable communities are not the primary contributors to climate change, but they are at a greater risk for climate impacts by industrialized nations. As a result of increased human activity, developing nations such as El Salvador are particularly susceptible to climate-related events. Deforestation, water pollution, and human health risks are some activities that have contributed to El Salvador's vulnerability to climate change, drastically affecting rural communities suffering from multidimensional poverty. …
Potential Of Bioremediation To Remove Metal Pollution From Maritime Activity In The Ports Of Long Beach And Los Angeles, Ilaria Paola Lentrichia
Potential Of Bioremediation To Remove Metal Pollution From Maritime Activity In The Ports Of Long Beach And Los Angeles, Ilaria Paola Lentrichia
Master's Projects and Capstones
Maritime traffic congests the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles in San Pedro Bay, CA, and contributes to aquatic metal pollution. Zinc, copper, and nickel are released from all boats, and there has been inadequate management of sediment containing high concentrations of metals in the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles. The contaminated sediment is currently dredged, but this method is expensive (over $300,000,000 annually), requires additional treatments, and can harm aquatic life. A site evaluation from grey literature and water quality reports revealed that dissolved copper and zinc have repeatedly exceeded chronic levels of …
Assessing The Efficacy Of California’S Wildfire And Forest Resilience Action Plan, Chloe Nelson
Assessing The Efficacy Of California’S Wildfire And Forest Resilience Action Plan, Chloe Nelson
Master's Projects and Capstones
California’s wildfire threat eclipses current forestry management and wildfire mitigation strategies in place to protect people, infrastructure, and the natural environment. Climate change escalates wildfire risks with declining water supply coupled with hotter, drier conditions. California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan attempts to integrate and build upon previously successful wildfire resilience plans to amplify the scale and pace of the state’s land management and community protections. This research assesses the plan’s efficacy to respond to the growing wildfire threat. This study investigates if there is equitable planning for the needs of high-wildfire risk groups living in the WUI and …
Analysis Of Mexico City Transportation Systems To Address Climate Change, Traffic, Social Equity, Safety, And Air Pollution Health Risks, Rene Franco
Master's Projects and Capstones
This research presents an analysis of Mexico City's transportation systems and how they impact climate change, traffic, social equity, safety, and health risks. The purpose of this research is to propose transportation and energy management strategies to the government of Mexico City to reduce the effects of climate change, traffic, social equity, safety, and health risks. The methodology used in the research includes a traffic analysis, environmental and social impact analysis across Mexico City transportation, an equity analysis, and a SWOT analysis of policies. Through the traffic analysis of the research found that traffic congestion occurs in the northwest region …
Should Mangrove Forests Be Used As Coastal Protection For The Gulf Of Mexico From Future Climate Effects: A Look At The Houston Galveston Area., Benjamin L. Weldon
Should Mangrove Forests Be Used As Coastal Protection For The Gulf Of Mexico From Future Climate Effects: A Look At The Houston Galveston Area., Benjamin L. Weldon
Master's Projects and Capstones
Climate change effects pose a major threat to coastal cities. Sea-level rise and an increase in hurricane intensity will increase the need for protection for these communities. Wetland ecosystems provide key protective services to the cities that lie behind them. Mangroves are a coastal wetland with benefits such as wave attenuation, carbon sequestration, and shoreline management. Mangrove’s habitat range will expand northward as climate change progresses. With a 2-4°C increase in winter temperature extremes black mangroves are projected to be able to inhabit the entire coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The viability of using mangrove forests as future protection …
Addressing Uncertainties Of Polychlorinated Biphenyls In Schools, Alice Fan
Addressing Uncertainties Of Polychlorinated Biphenyls In Schools, Alice Fan
Master's Projects and Capstones
Despite the potential neurological health deficits resulting from polychlorinated biphenyls, there is a lack of inhalation studies and regulations to protect students and teachers who are widely exposed to PCBs in older (1950 to 1979) schools. To estimate the extent of PCB detections in Los Angeles County schools, I applied a mathematical model to estimate the range of PCB detections in schools built between 1950 and 1984. I estimate the range of 17-34% PCB detections of open schools within Los Angeles County. Next, I reviewed exposure tools provided by the US EPA to bridge the uncertainty gaps between ingestion and …
Assessing Hawaiian Climate Resilience Plans On Flood Management, Maggie Chen
Assessing Hawaiian Climate Resilience Plans On Flood Management, Maggie Chen
Master's Projects and Capstones
Island coastal communities are increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including storms, flooding, and sea-level rise. In 2017, the state of Hawaiʻi saw an unprecedented number of minor flood events due to a combination of higher mean sea levels and seasonal tidal patterns. This research assessed the the climate resilience and adaptation initiatives in Hawaiʻi’s Resilience plans as they address coastal hazards. This research examined the robustness of resilience strategies to flooding due to climate change. This report focused on a community’s resilience to the physical impacts of climate change specifically on flood events and other environmental hazards that contribute …
A Comparison Of The Efficacy Of Methane-Oxidizing Alternative Daily Landfill Covers And Policy Recommendations For Landfill Regulatory Agencies, Eric Lara
Master's Projects and Capstones
Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) that has 28-36 times the greenhouse effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 100-year timespan. Recent remote sensing research conducted by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Scientific Aviation has indicated that the working face of landfills are sectors of much higher methane emissions than previously considered. A working face location, which is the area of the landfill where daily waste is deposited, lacks the engineering controls present on the rest of the landfill. Controls such as gas collection and extraction wells and substantial covers to ensure surface integrity for methane leaks are …
Policy Changes Impact In Deforestation Of The Brazilian Amazon, Iara Silva Jaques
Policy Changes Impact In Deforestation Of The Brazilian Amazon, Iara Silva Jaques
Master's Projects and Capstones
Since discovered and inhabited, the Brazilian Amazon has been explored and impacted negatively by human activities. The conversion of forest to pastureland and farmland, as well as mining activities, road opening, wood and ore extraction and fire are historically the main causes of environmental damages and forest loss in the region. This project overviewed the latest changes in environmental policy and practices towards environmental protection conducted by the Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, since he took office in 2019, and analyzed the progress of deforestation in the recent years under the new federal administration. Geographic Information System analysis were used to …
Updating The Electronics Cycle: Improving Us E-Waste Management Practices, Martin Cooper
Updating The Electronics Cycle: Improving Us E-Waste Management Practices, Martin Cooper
Master's Projects and Capstones
The United States is one of the largest producers of electronic waste (e-waste), partly due to a lack of federal legislation to regulate e-waste disposal and transport. Increased collection, recycling, and reuse of electronics can reduce pollution from hazardous metals and chemicals found in e-waste, lower the carbon footprint of the electronics industry, and protect the health of workers in the global waste management sector. This paper examines case studies of e-waste management strategies in European Union member nations and US states, and identifies ways to integrate those strategies in US federal and state policy. This paper finds that extended …
Effects Of Land Use On Riparian Corridors In Sonoma County, Marina Davies
Effects Of Land Use On Riparian Corridors In Sonoma County, Marina Davies
Master's Projects and Capstones
Riparian corridor protection through zoning ordinances is a common best management practice to protect riparian ecosystems and function. These zoning ordinances protect riparian ecosystems by establishing setback distances where land use activities are prohibited. While management of protected riparian corridors are widely studied, recommendations for riparian corridor width vary and are often site specific. The variability of corridor widths presents a challenge to riparian corridor implementation, in addition to balancing economic needs with natural resource protection. This study evaluates the effects of land use on riparian corridors and compares the Riparian Corridor Combining Zone ordinance in Sonoma County to other …
A Survey Of Single-Use Plastic Foodware Ordinances Of The San Francisco Bay Region, Christopher Slafter
A Survey Of Single-Use Plastic Foodware Ordinances Of The San Francisco Bay Region, Christopher Slafter
Master's Projects and Capstones
Municipal jurisdictions in the San Francisco Bay Region (SFBR) are passing comprehensive single-use plastic (SUP) foodware ordinances in response to growing public pressure, and a California mandate to achieve zero waste. SUP foodware items have become an issue of concern because they are readily available in the restaurant industry, and are regularly among the top-ten pollutants collected during beach cleanups. SUP foodware items pose a danger to marine wildlife and contribute to rising carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Policy makers in the SFBR are creating local ordinances that regulate the distribution and use of a variety of SUP foodware …
Wildfire Exposure To Critical Habitat Of Endangered And Threatened Species In California, Kristin Butcher
Wildfire Exposure To Critical Habitat Of Endangered And Threatened Species In California, Kristin Butcher
Master's Theses
Researchers, fire ecologists and wildlife managers are concerned about impact to endangered and threatened species and their critical habitat due to the projected increase in future wildfires. Wildfires have been studied in California for the last six decades and have been increasing at an alarming rate since the 1980’s. In this study, I use the 2018 spatial dataset for critical habitat of federally endangered and threatened species located in the state boundaries of California and compare it to a spatial dataset for wildfires that have occurred over the span of 32 years (1984 to 2016). Trends are derived from spatial …
Risk Assessment For Tce Contamination At The Plymouth Tube Sitegila River Indian Reservation, Az, Eric Canteenwala
Risk Assessment For Tce Contamination At The Plymouth Tube Sitegila River Indian Reservation, Az, Eric Canteenwala
Creative Activity and Research Day - CARD
Trichloroethylene or TCE is a volatile organic compound and Group A known human carcinogen that has been widely used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications and is one of the most common types of environmental contaminants found at industrial sites. A human health risk assessment was conducted using indoor air, soil vapor and groundwater monitoring well sample data to assess whether historic contamination posed a current risk to workers occupying a factory at the former Plymouth Tube Site in Chandler, Arizona. Sample data was analyzed using US EPA guidance and basic risk assessment calculations to quantify the cancerous …
Risk Assessment For Tce Contamination At The Plymouth Tube Sitegila River Indian Reservation, Az, Eric Canteenwala
Risk Assessment For Tce Contamination At The Plymouth Tube Sitegila River Indian Reservation, Az, Eric Canteenwala
Creative Activity and Research Day - CARD
Trichloroethylene or TCE is a volatile organic compound and Group A known human carcinogen that has been widely used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications and is one of the most common types of environmental contaminants found at industrial sites. A human health risk assessment was conducted using indoor air, soil vapor and groundwater monitoring well sample data to assess whether historic contamination posed a current risk to workers occupying a factory at the former Plymouth Tube Site in Chandler, Arizona. Sample data was analyzed using US EPA guidance and basic risk assessment calculations to quantify the cancerous …
What’S At Steak? The Political Discourse Of Emissions Intensity And Implications Of Animal Agriculture, Kalyn Simon
What’S At Steak? The Political Discourse Of Emissions Intensity And Implications Of Animal Agriculture, Kalyn Simon
Master's Theses
This thesis analyzes the international discourse of greenhouse gas emissions in relation to livestock production. Specific government ministries, research institutes, and multilateral organizations are framing a new strategy to mitigate emissions by using emissions intensity metrics. Emissions intensity is a ratio comparing emissions produced per unit of animal product as oppose to measuring absolute emissions. This research is acknowledged as a win-win scenario which allows for a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions while continuing production more efficiently. This thesis outlines the emergence of this metric in international discourse and the implications this shift has on the livestock sector globally. Ultimately, …
Improving Habitat Restoration For Native Pollinators In San Francisco, Tyrha Delger
Improving Habitat Restoration For Native Pollinators In San Francisco, Tyrha Delger
Creative Activity and Research Day - CARD
By looking at how these three species are conserved inside and outside of San Francisco, how an urban environment might affect habitat conservation, and lessons learned from other cities’ restoration projects, we can improve urban habitat conservation projects.
Disproportionate Realities: The Climate Justice Implications Of Mitigation Policies Across Scales, Tinuviel Carlson
Disproportionate Realities: The Climate Justice Implications Of Mitigation Policies Across Scales, Tinuviel Carlson
Undergraduate Honors Theses
Global climate change will have disproportionate effects on low-income and minority communities around the world producing important justice challenges. As national governments increasingly rely on local governments, civil society, and private transnational actors to establish and implement climate actions policies, it is important to assess whether and how these newly emergent actors can address these justice challenges. First this thesis examines concepts of justice in relation to climate change across different scales in order to develop a comprehensive conceptual framework of climate justice. This conceptual framework expands the scale of the international climate justice movement address local concerns. Further, the …
Remediation Strategies For Mercury Contaminated Lakes And Reservoirs Within The State Of California, Emily Chortek
Remediation Strategies For Mercury Contaminated Lakes And Reservoirs Within The State Of California, Emily Chortek
Master's Projects and Capstones
Mercury is an environmental and public health concern due to its neurodegenerative effects and ubiquitous concentration within the environment. To mitigate these risks and reduce concentrations within the environment, remediation methods are necessary. The purpose of this paper is to investigate and evaluate the efficacy of a number of remediation options for mercury contaminated lakes and reservoirs in the State of California. This paper also identifies a number of challenges associated with the implementation of each method and provides recommendations for environmental managers to use when remediating mercury contaminated lakes. Hypolimnetic oxygenation (HOS) was found to be the least problematic …
Rethinking Urban Green Infrastructure As A Means To Promote Avian Conservation, Allen Lau
Rethinking Urban Green Infrastructure As A Means To Promote Avian Conservation, Allen Lau
Master's Projects and Capstones
There is an under-recognized potential for cities to use urban green infrastructure to contribute to avian biodiversity conservation. At the global scale, climate change and growing urbanization are primary global drivers leading to decline and homogenization in world bird populations. Birds are fundamental and intricate species in ecosystems, and even in urban areas, act as indicator and regulator species contributing to healthy ecosystem function. While many cities have recognized the economic and social benefits associated with green spaces, such as the vast benefits ecosystem services provide to the urban dweller, the use of green spaces to concurrently contribute to avian …