Sustainability Commons^™

Raman Spectrum Characteristic And Structural Evolution Of High Rank Coalscryptocrystalline Graphite, Li Huantong, Wang Nan, Zhu Zhirong, Fan Jingjing, Zhang Weiguo

Coal Geology & Exploration

Raman spectroscopy can reflect the order degree and structural defects of carbon materials, and can be used to characterize the structural changes during the evolution of high rank coal-cryptocrystalline graphite, and analyze the relationship between Raman parameters of coal with different deformation and metamorphic degrees and the spacing of surface network(d002). The results showed that: (1) there was stepped variation between the G peak position and d002, but the graphite and high rank coal could be distinguished well. The S2 peak, the full width at half maximum of D1 and G had a good linear relationship with d002; (2) the …

Occurrence And Origin Of Graphite Microcrystal In Meta-Anthracite, Li Jiuqing, Qin Yong, Chen Yilin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Microcrystalline graphite occurs widely in meta-anthracite,to analyse the occurrence characteristics and genesis of graphite microcrystal, by methods of optical microscope, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope, the optical properties, material composition and crystal structure of graphite microcrystal in Yong’an coal field of Fujian Province were characterized, and their genesis was preliminarily discussed. The results show that the graphite microcrystal in coal occurs mainly in micro cracks and cavities, and most of them have fibrous microstructure similar to petroleum coke, with bubble membrane structure. The maximum reflectivity of the microcrystal ranges from 9.29% to 10.83% and significantly stronger than the …

Molecular Structure Characteristics And Model Construction Of Anthracite In Jarud, Zhang Shuai, Ma Rujia, Liu Lu, Zhang Hao, Liu Qinfu

Coal Geology & Exploration

To construct the macromolecular structure model of anthracite in Jarud of Inner Mongolia, the macromolecule structure of anthracite in this area was investigated using the methods of proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, carbon nuclear magnetic resonance(13C-NMR), high resolution transmission electron microscope(HRTEM), and X-ray photoelectric spectrometry(XPS). The results showed that aromatic carbon was the main component of macromolecule structure. Aliphatic carbon existed mainly in the form of short aliphatic chains and naphthenic hydrocarbons. The oxygen-containing functional groups in macromolecule structure of anthracite existed in the form of phenolic hydroxyl group and ether oxygen group. The nitrogen atoms were mainly in the form …

“Scenario-Response”-Based Emergency Decision-Making Mechanism Of Mine Water Inrush Disaster, Lian Huiqing, Yang Junwen, Han Ruigang, Meng Lu, Han Yong

Coal Geology & Exploration

The urgency, complexity and uncertainty of mine flood accidents determine that traditional emergency decision-making models are difficult to meet the requirements of efficient emergency rescue. Using the “scenario-response” model for emergency decision-making of mine flood accidents can effectively solve the timely real-time decision-making of specific disaster scenario after disasters occur. Using a multi-case analysis method to analyze 11 typical mine flood accidents in recent years, based on the general structural description of the accident, six elements of the mine flood scenario were summarized(inrush water source, water inrush channel, water inrush position, water output, submerged range, living space) as the scenario …

Characteristics And Sedimental Control Of Mine Water Outflow In Hujirt Mining Area, Liang Xiangyang, Yang Jian, Cao Zhiguo

Coal Geology & Exploration

Hujirt mining area in Ordos basin is a deep-buried Jurassic coalfield with high water pressure, large water volume and uneven water abundance. Each mine is facing serious pressure of mine water hazard prevention and control. In order to clarify the water outflow conditions and main controlling factors of the coal seam roof of the mine in this area, the research on geological deposit and water-producing horizon of roof boreholes, water-inrush from boreholes and water-inrush from working face was carried out. The results showed that within the water conducting fractured zone of Hujirt mining area, there are mainly meandering river sedimentary …

Development And Application Of Macroscopic And Mesoscopic Analytical Testing Instrument For Reinforcement-Soil Interface Characteristics, Yi Fu, Du Changbo, Wang Zhengyun, Yu Ben

Coal Geology & Exploration

To analyze the interaction characteristics of soil-reinforcement interface more comprehensively, an experimental instrument for macro-and micro-analysis of interface characteristics of visible reinforced soils was developed and can be used for direct shear and pull-out tests with different geosynthetics and fillers. The instrument improves the size of test box, facilitates the comparative analysis of the two tests, and has an image recording system which enables the microscopic analysis of test process. The direct shear and pull-out tests of geosynthe­tics(geogrid and geotextile) reinforced tailings sand were carried out with the newly developed apparatus. The results show that the interface parameters(pseudo-cohesion and pseudo …

Envisioning Higher Education For Sustainability After The Sh*T Hits The Fan, Paul Morgan, Rebecca Drake

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

No abstract provided.

Arctic Ice And The Ecological Ascent Of The Dinosaurs, Paul E. Olsen

Sustainability Seminar Series

Despite the extremely high levels of atmospheric CO2 (+2000 ppm) in the Late Triassic and earliest Jurassic (~232-199 million years ago), there is evidence of seasonally freezing conditions in the Arctic of that time. This evidence consists of abundant icerafted debris in lake sediments. Based on phylogenetic bracket analysis, dinosaurs at this time were insulated, and could take advantage of the rich Arctic deciduous and evergreen vegetation, even under freezing winter conditions. Transient volcanic winters caused by the eruptions of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province led to a mass extinction at 201.6 million years ago, at the close of the …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 95, No. 18, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news. This issue contains articles:

• Lamb, Cassady. Posted Up: Local Apartment Complexes Are Suing the United States Post Office
• Williams, Matthew. WKU to be Evaluated by Higher Education Consulting Firm
• Collins, Michael. Strategic Sustainability Plan to be Developed
• Stack, Madalyn. Editorial Cartoon re: Racism
• Black History Month: Past & Present
• Warner, Casey. Kentucky Canabis Laws Are Behind the Times – Marijuana
• Dobbs, Jack. Bitter Sweet – Chocolate Festival, Hospice of Southern Kentucky
• Metcalf, Taylor. Fast Fashion
• Lowe, Julianna. Sustainable On-campus Bathroom Practices, In Public or Private
• Gaylord, Kaden. WKU Softball …

Project 1851 - A Journey In Sustainability: A Tech-Integrated And Regenerative Rental Property, Markos Duey

Sustainability Research & Practice Seminar Presentations

No abstract provided.

Reconstructing Last Interglacial Sea Level To Understand How Ice Sheets Behave In A Warmer World, Jacqueline Austermann

Sustainability Seminar Series

The last interglacial (125 ka) marks a time during which global mean temperatures were 1-2º warmer than pre-industrial values. This time period has therefore been used as a natural laboratory for studying ice sheet stability and sea level rise in a warmer world. Local sea level during the last interglacial can be reconstructed using sea level indicators such as fossil corals. In order to infer global mean sea level, or equivalent ice volume, one needs to correct local sea level estimates for post-depositional deformation. In this presentation I will explain what solid Earth deformation needs to be accounted for in …

Risk And Cost Assessment Of Nitrate Contamination In Domestic Wells, Pongpun Juntakut, Erin M.K. Haacker, Daniel D. Snow, Chittaranjan Ray

Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute: Faculty Publications

This study combines empirical predictive and economics models to estimate the cost of remediation for domestic wells exceeding suggested treatment thresholds for nitrates. A multiple logistic regression model predicted the probability of well contamination by nitrate, and a life cycle costing methodology was used to estimate costs of nitrate contamination in groundwater in two areas of Nebraska. In south-central Nebraska, 37% of wells were estimated to be at risk of exceeding a threshold of 7.5 mg/L as N, and 17% were at risk of exceeding 10 mg/L as N, the legal limit for human consumption in the United States. In …

Ecological Risk Assessment Of The Shark Bay Invertebrate Fisheries, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development

WA Marine Stewardship Council report series

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD, Department) in Western Australia (WA) uses an Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) approach that considers all relevant ecological as well as social, economic and governance issues to deliver community outcomes (Fletcher et al. 2010; 2012). Ecological risk assessments (ERAs) are undertaken periodically to assess the impacts of fisheries on all the different components of the aquatic environments in which they operate.

Ecological Risk Assessment Of The Exmouth Gulf Prawn Managed Fishery, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development

WA Marine Stewardship Council report series

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD, Department) in Western Australia (WA) uses an Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) approach that considers all relevant ecological as well as social, economic and governance issues to deliver community outcomes (Fletcher et al. 2010; 2012). Ecological risk assessments (ERAs) are undertaken periodically to assess the impacts of fisheries on all the different components of the aquatic environments in which they operate.

Ecological Risk Assessment Of The Abrolhos Islands And Mid-West Trawl Managed Fishery, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development

WA Marine Stewardship Council report series

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD, Department) in Western Australia (WA) uses an Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) approach that considers all relevant ecological as well as social, economic and governance issues to deliver community outcomes (Fletcher et al. 2010; 2012). Ecological risk assessments (ERAs) are undertaken periodically to assess the impacts of fisheries on all the different components of the aquatic environments in which they operate.

Planning For The Peel Food Zone, Heather M. Percy

All other publications

The Planning for the Peel Food Zone project is part of Phase 1 of the Transform Peel initiative.Transform Peel is intended to be a ‘disruptive’ long-term program that supports economic growth, diversification and creates jobs in the Peel region. Transform Peel recognises the importance of protecting the internationally recognised waterways and wetlands of the Peel–Harvey Estuary and aims to halve the nutrient loads entering its waterways from the surrounding catchment.

The $49.3 million Phase 1 program for Transform Peel comprises three main components: Peel Food Zone; Peel Integrated Water Initiative; Peel Business Park.

This report summarises the findings from the …

Urban Heat In Tropical Kuala Lumpur: Microclimate, Outdoor Thermal Comfort And Mitigation By Land-Cover Modification, Chng Saun Fong

Student Works (2020-2029)

Urban heat island (UHI) is an urban warming phenomenon characterized by steep urban-rural temperature difference. Rapid land-use change in the urbanization process has introduced urban morphologies with impermeable surfaces and materials which causes higher heat retention in city centres. The emergence of urban hotspots is a growing concern due to the impact on the urban microclimate and human population. The comprehension of the multi-dimensional impact of UHI has become imperative to ensure good urban liveability especially in tropical cities where it is hot and humid annually. Hence, this study aims to explore the complex nexus of urban heat in terms …

Reverse Osmosis; Addressing Freshwater Shortage With Sustainable Desalination, Jessica Savage

Sustainability Conference

Water security is an imperative part of high-functioning societies. Currently, large populations of the globe live in water-impoverished or water-stressed areas. With climate change and growing global populations, projections show more people being impacted by issues of water shortage.

One solution to water security is the implementation of desalination, specifically with reverse osmosis systems. This presentation walks through the history, capabilities, future work, and explanations on how reverse osmosis systems work. With continued research on improving desalination, communities in both developed and developing nations around the world can work towards total water security.

Recovering From Industrial Overshoot: Thermal Removal Of Atmospheric Co2, Ted Von Hippel, Sandra Boetcher, Matthew Traum, Farshid Azadian Ph.D., William Mackunis

Sustainability Conference

Humanity will soon overshoot a safe level of atmospheric CO2, if it hasn't done so already. Countries, industries, and the global economy need to dramatically and quickly alter their behavior and technology to avoid this dangerous overshoot, yet this appears unlikely. Direct Air Capture of CO2 represents an insurance policy for society - a way of removing excess atmospheric CO2. I will present an approach to this problem based on thermal physics that cools cubic kilometers of air to extract CO2 as it sublimates. I propose a combination of an efficient heat exchanger, radiative cooling, and refrigeration, all at industrial …

Using Low-Cost Renewable Energy For Waste Valorization, Zhiyong Jason Ren

Sustainability Seminar Series

With renewable electricity costing 2 cents per kwh to even negative in some places during some periods, how to use cheap renewable energy to maximize waste valorization can become an interesting direction. In this talk, I will discuss some recent progress in identifying the synergy between microbial electrochemistry and photoelectrochemistry that led to the development of new materials and systems for spontaneous high rate H2 production from wastewater and sunlight. I will also report some development on functional hydrophobic gas transfer membrane electrodes that enabled specific resource recoveries from wastewater and CO2. While we have been focusing on energy-neutral wastewater …

Perspectives Of Global Warming, Diomaris Padilla Dr.

Open Educational Resources

This course is designed to foster an interest in global environmental issues by informing the student of both the anthropogenic and natural causes for climate change. While focusing on the scientific aspects of climate change, a broader study will include issues pertaining to global policy and economics in order to engage the student in public policy debates.

Sdstate Sustainability Newsletter: Vol. 4 Issue 1, Jennifer Mclaughlin

SD State Sustainability Newsletter

Food Pod Ties Environmental and Social Sustainability
Harding Hall Wins Award for Reuse
Recycling Factors
Sustainability Tidbits

Statistical Analysis Of Nutrient Loads From The Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin (Marb) To The Gulf Of Mexico, Phyllis Okwan, Yi Zhen, Huan Feng, Shinjae Yoo, Murty S. Kambhampati, Abreione Walker, Shayne Boykin, Joe Omojola, Noel Blackburn

Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

This study investigated the annual and seasonal variations in nutrient loads (NO₂⁻ + NO₃⁻ and orthophosphate) delivered to the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin (MARB) and examined the water quality variations. The results indicate that (1) annually, the mean NO₂⁻ + NO₃⁻ and orthophosphate loads showed a steady increase during 1996–1999, a persistent level during 2000–2007, and a moderate increase during 2008–2016; (2) seasonally, NO₂⁻ + NO₃⁻ and orthophosphate in MARB in spring and summer were higher than those in autumn and winter. Analysis of …

Arjen Y. Hoekstra 1967–2019, Davy Vanham, Mesfin Mekonnen, Ashok K. Chapagain

Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute: Faculty Publications

Arjen Hoekstra introduced the water footprint in 20021, building on the concept of virtual water Tony Allan to discuss the role of trade in alleviating water scarcity in the Middle East. He thereby opened a new dimension in the debate around fair and sustainable allocation of freshwater resources. He laid the foundations to show the role of indirect water (that is, water used elsewhere to produce goods we consume) in our daily life beyond our direct use for drinking, cooking or washing. The water footprint is an indicator of direct and indirect water use by a producer or consumer, showing …

Swine Slurry Characteristics As Affected By Selected Additives And Disinfectants, Jon Duerschner, Shannon L. Bartelt-Hunt, Kent Eskridge, John E. Gilley, Xu Li, Amy M. Schmidt, Daniel D. Snow

Nebraska Water Center: Faculty Publications

Current swine industry practice is to house animals in confinement facilities which capture and store feces and urine as slurry in pits below the production area. Additives and disinfectants may be introduced into the manure pits. This study was conducted to measure the effects of additives and disinfectants on temporal changes in swine slurry characteristics. Slurry from a commercial swine production facility in southeast Nebraska, USA was collected and transferred to 57 L reactors located within a greenhouse. Selected additives and disinfectants were added to the reactors and physical properties, chemical characteristics, and antibiotic concentrations were monitored for 40 days. …

Dual-Axis Solar Tracker, Bryan Kennedy

All Undergraduate Projects

Renewable energies, and fuels that are not fossil fuel-based, are one of the prolific topics of debate in modern society. With climate change now becoming a primary focus for scientists and innovators of today, one of the areas for the largest amount of potential and growth is that of the capturing and utilization of Solar Energy. This method involves using a mechanical system to track the progression of the sun as it traverses the sky throughout the day. A dual-axis solar tracker such as the one designed and built for this project, can follow the sun both azimuthally and in …

Effects Of Surface Heterogeneity Due To Drip Irrigation On Scintillometer Estimates Of Sensible, Latent Heat Fluxes And Evapotranspiration Over Vineyards, Hatim M. E. Geli, José González-Piqueras, Christopher M. U. Neale, Claudio Balbontín, Isidro Campos, Alfonso Calera

Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute: Faculty Publications

Accurate estimates of sensible (H) and latent (LE) heat fluxes and actual evapotranspiration (ET) are required for monitoring vegetation growth and improved agricultural water management. A large aperture scintillometer (LAS) was used to provide these estimates with the objective of quantifying the effects of surface heterogeneity due to soil moisture and vegetation growth variability. The study was conducted over drip-irrigated vineyards located in a semi-arid region in Albacete, Spain during summer 2007. Surface heterogeneity was characterized by integrating eddy covariance (EC) observations of H, LE and ET; land surface temperature (LST) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data from Landsat …

Assessment Of An Automated Calibration Of The Sebal Algorithm To Estimate Dry-Season Surface-Energy Partitioning In A Forest–Savanna Transition In Brazil, Leonardo Laipelt, Anderson Luis Ruhoff, Ayan Santos Fleischmann, Rafael Henrique Bloedow Kayser, Elisa De Mello Kich, Humberto Ribeiro Da Rocha, Christopher Michael Usher Neale

Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute: Faculty Publications

Evapotranspiration (ET) provides a strong connection between surface energy and hydrological cycles. Advancements in remote sensing techniques have increased our understanding of energy and terrestrial water balances as well as the interaction between surface and atmosphere over large areas. In this study, we computed surface energy fluxes using the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) algorithm and a simplified adaptation of the CIMEC (Calibration using Inverse Modeling at Extreme Conditions) process for automated endmember selection. Our main purpose was to assess and compare the accuracy of the automated calibration of the SEBAL algorithm using two different sources of meteorological …

Treenuts And Groundnuts In The Eat-Lancet Reference Diet: Concerns Regarding Sustainable Water Use, Davy Vanhama, Mesfin Mekonnen, Arjen Y. Hoekstra

Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute: Faculty Publications

The EAT-Lancet universal healthy reference diet recommends an increase in the consumption of healthy foods, among which treenuts and groundnuts. Both are, however, water-intensive products, with a large water footprint (WF) per unit of mass and protein and already today contribute to blue water stress in different parts of the world. The envisaged massive required increase in nut production to feed a global population with this reference diet, needs to occur in a water-sustainable way. In this paper, we identify and quantify where current nut production contributes to local blue water stress and discuss options for water-sustainable nut production. We …

Water Productivity Benchmarks: The Case Of Maize And Soybean In Nebraska, Mesfin Mekonnen, Arjen Y. Hoekstra, Christopher Michael Usher Neale, Chittaranjan Ray, Haishun Yang

Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute: Faculty Publications

Water productivity benchmarks for irrigated and rainfed agriculture will provide relevant information to manage scarce water resources and control groundwater level decline. We analyze the temporal and spatial variation of the water productivity (WP) of maize and soybean in Nebraska, with WP defined as harvested crop weight per total evapotranspiration. The results show that WP of both maize and soybean increase from west to east within Nebraska and have increased over the last 25 years, mainly due to the increase in crop yields (land productivity). We derive WP benchmarks for each crop per climate zone. Increasing actual WPs in the …