Highly Contaminated Sediments From The Gowanus Canal (New York) Superfund Site: An Environmental Forensic Approach,
2025
Montclair State University
Highly Contaminated Sediments From The Gowanus Canal (New York) Superfund Site: An Environmental Forensic Approach, Michael A. Kruge, Kevin K. Olsen, Eric A Stern, Maria Mastalerz, Albert Permanyer
Department of Earth and Environmental Studies Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works
The 2.5 km long Gowanus Canal (Brooklyn, NY, USA) is a severely contaminated urban waterway dating from the mid-19th century, listed as a US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Superfund site since 2010. Applying an environmental forensics approach to the extensive USEPA data set, we detect systematic variations in parent PAH ring number distributions in the canal sediments, as well as an extraordinary enrichment in organic carbon. We subjected a supplemental sample set to a more detailed analysis by quantitative pyrolysis-GC-MS, Rock-Eval pyrolysis, and organic petrology. With these sensitive methods, we can confirm the alkyl-PAH fingerprint of coal tar (a legacy …
Removal Of Heavy Metals From Motorcycle Washing Wastewater Using A Zeolite-Embedded Sheet,
2025
Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, West Java 16424, Indonesia
Removal Of Heavy Metals From Motorcycle Washing Wastewater Using A Zeolite-Embedded Sheet, Noverita Dian Takarina, Hanies Ambarsari, Sekar Arum Pramudyawardhani, Maria Fatima Niken Kris Rahmawati, Erni Johan, Naoto Matsue, Mohammad Afdhal Adidharma
Makara Journal of Science
The increased use of motorcycles for transportation has heightened environmental challenges related to their washing, particularly the discharge of untreated wastewater containing heavy metals, such as copper (Cu) and lead (Pb), into drainage systems. This study explored the effectiveness of zeolite-embedded sheets (ZESs) in the removal of these pollutants from motorcycle washing wastewater. ZESs were prepared through treatment of nonwoven sheets with Linder Type A (LTA Zeolite) powder and heat treatment, washing, and drying. Characterization was performed via scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Over a 60 min adsorption period, the ZES achieved removal …
Why Real Impact Stories Of Forest-Dependent Communities Are Essential In Carbon Marketing,
2025
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Why Real Impact Stories Of Forest-Dependent Communities Are Essential In Carbon Marketing, Andrew Mwape
School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications
As the global carbon market matures, the pressure on companies and project developers to prove the integrity and social value of their carbon offset initiatives has never been greater. At the heart of this growing scrutiny lies a key opportunity: to move beyond metrics and tell authentic, human-centered stories that reflect the real impact of carbon projects; especially those rooted in forest landscapes.
2d Cuo/Rgo Nanocomposite: A Novel Architecture For Enhanced Cr(Vi) Photo-Reduction,
2025
Port said University
2d Cuo/Rgo Nanocomposite: A Novel Architecture For Enhanced Cr(Vi) Photo-Reduction, Islam Gomaa, Nasser M. Hosny, Medhat A. Ibrahim
Nanotechnology Research Centre
he urgent need for efficient detoxification of carcinogenic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in aquatic environments has driven the development of advanced photocatalytic materials. This study presents the synthesis of 2D CuO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite via probe sonication, designed to synergistically enhance the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) to less toxic Cr(III). The nanocomposite was meticulously characterized using XRD, HRTEM, FESEM, XPS, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Structural analysis confirmed the formation of CuO nanosheets (average size: 396 nm, thickness: 6 nm) integrated with rGO, where the rGO acted as an electron acceptor, mitigating charge recombination. XPS revealed Cu²⁺ in CuO and …
Pvc Biodegradation Potential Of Native Fungal Strains From Mt. Hood National And Tillamook State Forests,
2025
Portland State University
Pvc Biodegradation Potential Of Native Fungal Strains From Mt. Hood National And Tillamook State Forests, Bristol Ozturgut
University Honors Theses
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a toxic, degradation-resistant environmental waste product. Recent research has revealed fungal enzymatic activity capable of biodegrading plastics. As PVC infiltrates local environments, it becomes imperative to determine the adaptability of local fungi to PVC substrates. In this experiment, 100 local native fungal strains sampled from the Tillamook State and Mt. Hood National forests and one commercial strain of common oyster mushroom were investigated for their ability to colonize and digest PVC by direct isolation on 0.1% and 0.2% PVC-enriched limited growth media. Substrates for positive cultures were imaged using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to analyze potential …
Photochemistry Of Quinones And Combustion-Derived Particles,
2025
University of Denver
Photochemistry Of Quinones And Combustion-Derived Particles, Desiree J. Sarmiento
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Quinones are ubiquitous species that can be produced from the photochemical aging of combustion-derived particles (CDPs). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a major component of CDPs and are precursors to quinones and other oxidized products (OPAHs). My work first expanded on the PAH and OPAH photochemistry research of Dr. John Haynes, who showed that anthracene (ANT) oxidizes into 1,4-naphthoquinone (1,4-NAPQ), 1,4-anthraquinone (1,4-ANTQ), and 9,10-anthraquinone (9,10-ANTQ), and of Dr. Heather Runberg, who demonstrated the ability of ANT and these quinones to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Then at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), I was given the opportunity to investigate …
Trade-Off Between Limonene & Geraniol-Based Reprocessable And Non-Reprocessable Epoxy Thermosets: Role Of Aliphatic Diamines In Polymer Networks Design,
2025
Pittsburg State University
Trade-Off Between Limonene & Geraniol-Based Reprocessable And Non-Reprocessable Epoxy Thermosets: Role Of Aliphatic Diamines In Polymer Networks Design, Priyankkumar Kanubhai Patel
Electronic Theses & Dissertations
The growing demand for sustainable materials, driven by environmental concerns and the rapid depletion of fossil fuels, has garnered significant attention in the fabrication of bio-based epoxy thermosets as renewable alternatives to petroleum-derived thermosetting polymers. The present study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of epoxy prepolymer resins derived from limonene and geraniol via a two-step process, followed by the fabrication of thermally cross-linked flexible epoxy thermoset films using various traditional aliphatic diamine curing agents, namely 1,2-ethylenediamine (EDA), 1,4-butylenediamine (BDA), and 1,6-hexamethylenediamine (HDA). Additionally, the incorporation of cystamine, a disulfide-containing diamine, enabled the formation of a covalent adaptable network through …
Diel Patterns Of Biogeochemical Indicators In Tidally-Dominated Creeks,
2025
Coastal Carolina University
Diel Patterns Of Biogeochemical Indicators In Tidally-Dominated Creeks, Juliana Calderone
Honors Theses
Marshes and swashes are vital environments as a controlling barrier between land affected by various pollutants and the ocean. Eutrophication and the effects of this process can be detrimental for the areas experiencing it. I am interested in ways areas that have little contact with human interactions compare to areas that are heavily urbanized, and whether either of these locations is at a higher risk for eutrophication. Using spectrophotometry and fluorometry, I analyzed samples collected from the relatively undeveloped and restricted-access locations of Waities Island Beach and Dunn Sound monthly for dissolved nutrients, and chlorophyll. At the time of sampling, …
Impact Of Unconventional Gas Extraction On Tributaries Of Tenmile Creek, Greene County, Pennsylvania: A 12-Year Perspective,
2025
Duquesne University
Impact Of Unconventional Gas Extraction On Tributaries Of Tenmile Creek, Greene County, Pennsylvania: A 12-Year Perspective, Christian L. Beall
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Much of southwestern Pennsylvania has been central to a rapid increase in development for unconventional natural gas extraction in the past two decades. The continued monitoring of streams over their lifetime as extraction sites is pivotal to understanding the effects of fracking on local waterways and their ability to provide for wildlife and human use. Here, using multiple indices of biotic integrity (IBI), I perform analyses of fish and macroinvertebrate communities as well as water chemistry on two streams, Bates Fork (with shale wells) and Fonner Run (without), as part of a follow-up to work performed there from 2010-2012. Fish …
Toxicity And Biodegradability Of Novel Boronium Vs Conventional Ammonium Based Anti Microbial Compounds In Wastewater Treatment Systems,
2025
University of South Alabama
Toxicity And Biodegradability Of Novel Boronium Vs Conventional Ammonium Based Anti Microbial Compounds In Wastewater Treatment Systems, Noor Shalan
Poster Presentations
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are highly effective as disinfectants, herbicides, and pesticides; thus, overuse causes elevated levels of residual toxicity in domestic and industrial wastewater. QACs can be toxic to essential bacteria breaking down pollutants in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and can remain untreated in effluent, harming the environment, and contributing to antibiotic resistance, posing risks to human health. Novel boronium-based antimicrobial compounds have demonstrated efficacy in eliminating bacteria, fungi, and viruses. If the boronium compounds exhibit lower residual toxicity, they could offer a promising alternative to QACs. Because these compounds are still in development, their potential toxicity to the …
Bioavailability Of Lead In Terre Haute Soils, Terre Haute, Indiana,
2025
Indiana State University
Bioavailability Of Lead In Terre Haute Soils, Terre Haute, Indiana, Zach Kemp
All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Contamination of soils from heavy metal pollution has been a global concern for decades. Heavy metals are released into the soil from natural and anthropogenic releases. The largest producers of heavy metal pollution include mining, industrial production, and the combustion of fossil fuels. Vigo County formed in 1818, and Terre Haute was established in 1832. After the discovery of coal in Clay County in 1867, Terre Haute became the third largest coal producer and fifth largest iron manufacturer in the state during that time. Lead, in particular, is a heavy metal of concern because of the harmful effects to humans …
Development Of Mixed O/S-Donor Imidazole Thione Ligands For Trivalent Lanthanide/Actinide Separations,
2025
Clemson University
Development Of Mixed O/S-Donor Imidazole Thione Ligands For Trivalent Lanthanide/Actinide Separations, Rhianna Wolsleger
All Dissertations
Separation of lanthanides and actinides is difficult due to their very similar size and charge. Increasing selectivity for actinides over lanthanides is possible by incorporating a softer, more polarizable donor atom into a chelating ligand, since the softer donor atom is capable of greater orbital overlap with the 5f orbitals of the actinides vs the 4f orbitals of the lanthanides. Sulfur-containing imidazole thione chelating ligands have not been investigated for this purpose but possess a resonance structure that puts significant negative charge on the sulfur, enabling it to form strong metal-sulfur bonds compared to other sulfur-containing ligands such as thioethers …
Composition And Rich/Lean Loading-Dependent Density Measurements Of A Series Of Aqueous Ionic Amines For Co2 Capture,
2025
University of South Alabama
Composition And Rich/Lean Loading-Dependent Density Measurements Of A Series Of Aqueous Ionic Amines For Co2 Capture, Claudia Nguyen
Honors Theses
As climate change worsens worldwide, there is a drive to develop more efficient and sustainable methods to mitigate its impact through carbon capture methods like carbon dioxide scrubbing. Carbon scrubbing directly captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industries or power plants before they are released into the environment. The CO2 captured can be utilized for various applications or can be stored underground. However, this method faces numerous challenges, such as the degradation of the solvent or corrosion of equipment. As a result, research has expanded to find a better medium to overcome these issues. In particular, aqueous ionic amines (AIA) …
Toxicity And Biodegradability Of Novel Boronium Vs Conventional Ammonium-Based Antimicrobial Compounds In Wastewater Treatment Systems,
2025
University of South Alabama
Toxicity And Biodegradability Of Novel Boronium Vs Conventional Ammonium-Based Antimicrobial Compounds In Wastewater Treatment Systems, Noor Shalan
Honors Theses
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are highly effective as disinfectants, herbicides, and pesticides; thus, overuse causes elevated levels of residual toxicity in domestic and industrial wastewater. QACs can be toxic to essential bacteria breaking down pollutants in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and can remain untreated in effluent, harming the environment, and contributing to antibiotic resistance, posing risks to human health. Novel boronium-based antimicrobial compounds have demonstrated efficacy in eliminating bacteria, fungi, and viruses. If the boronium compounds exhibit lower residual toxicity, they could offer a promising alternative to QACs. Because these compounds are still in development, their potential toxicity to the …
A Kinetic Analysis On Hydrolysis And Hydrothermal Conversion Of Cellulose To Dodecane,
2025
East Tennessee State University
A Kinetic Analysis On Hydrolysis And Hydrothermal Conversion Of Cellulose To Dodecane, Joel Nyangoka Onyancha
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Cellulose, the most abundant biomass on Earth, offers a promising pathway for alternative energy through conversion into alkane hydrocarbons. Traditional methods rely on high temperatures and high-pressure hydrogen, often derived from petroleum. In this study, we investigated the conversion of Microcrystalline Cellulose using hydrogen metal oxides (bronzes) under milder conditions. Following ASTM E3417-24 hydrolysis protocols, we employed hydrogen bronzes with toluene for product extraction. This approach enabled conversion at lower temperatures without pressurized hydrogen. Products were analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer for identification and Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detector for quantification. Our findings revealed the formation of a possible …
Utilizing Drainage Induced Pfas Enrichment In Cascade Generated Foam For Efficient Removal At Wastewater Treatment Plants,
2025
Western Michigan University
Utilizing Drainage Induced Pfas Enrichment In Cascade Generated Foam For Efficient Removal At Wastewater Treatment Plants, Ethan Samuel Coffin
Dissertations
Observed trends in municipal solid waste landfills reveal a distinct disparity between per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) composition entering in waste, mostly as diPAP and FTOH, and leaching out as FTCA and PFCA. These patterns are elucidated by compiling PFAS compositions in paper, textiles, and carpet, with known precursor transformations that generate FTCA and PFCA in leachate. Landfill leachate is commonly discharged to wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), which are ineffective at degrading PFAS and only serve as key conduits and discharge points for PFAS to the environment. Foam fractionation has been identified as a promising technology for concentrating and …
Salmon As An Ecological Pathway Of Contaminants Into Alaskan Food Webs,
2025
Nova Southeastern University
Salmon As An Ecological Pathway Of Contaminants Into Alaskan Food Webs, Miranda Brohman, Gretchen Roffler, Dimitri G. Giarikos, David Kerstetter, Amy C. Hirons
SECLER Data
Salmon are important fish taxa for humans and animals in hemiboreal and subarctic ecosystems. Trace elements and their marine food web bioaccumulation raises biomagnification and potential human health risk concerns. Sixteen trace element concentrations and their health risk assessments were determined in seven different tissues of two Southeast Alaska salmon species (chum, Oncorhynchus keta and pink, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha). Chum tissues had overall higher trace element concentrations compared to pink, which may be attributed to a difference of diets, generally longer-lived and spending more time in the open ocean. All kidney and liver samples exceeded the tolerable daily intake for …
Air-Based Chemical Patient Decontamination Methodologies For Arctic Regions Using Methly Salicylate As A Chemical Agent Surrogate On A Litter-Bound Manikin,
2025
Air Force Institute of Technology
Air-Based Chemical Patient Decontamination Methodologies For Arctic Regions Using Methly Salicylate As A Chemical Agent Surrogate On A Litter-Bound Manikin, Marcus D. Shadd
Theses and Dissertations
This study evaluated a mobile air shower for patient decontamination without disrobing or rinsing, an alternative for Arctic conditions where water is scarce. A manikin in extreme cold weather gear was exposed to 10 µL of methyl salicylate (MeS), a sulfur mustard surrogate, and placed in a horizontal chamber on a military litter. Airborne MeS was measured using a ppbRAE 3000 detector to assess inhalation risk for the patient and decontamination team. Three methods were tested: an air-knife system, paper towels, and no decontamination, with 10 trials each (30 total). ANOVA analysis showed significant reductions in airborne MeS with air-knife …
Evaluating Dry Air Personnel Decontamination Of Methyl Salicylate As A Chemical Agent Surrogate In Extreme Cold Environments To Reduce Airborne Risks Using A Manikin,
2025
Air Force Institute of Technology
Evaluating Dry Air Personnel Decontamination Of Methyl Salicylate As A Chemical Agent Surrogate In Extreme Cold Environments To Reduce Airborne Risks Using A Manikin, Lance E. Campbell
Theses and Dissertations
This research investigated a mobile air shower as an alternative to water washing for personnel chemical decontamination in Arctic environments, where traditional methods like disrobing and rinsing are impractical. Interest in Arctic operations has grown with recent U.S. military focus on strategic advancements by Russia and China, yet research on air shower effectiveness for chemical decontamination remains limited. This study examined whether a commercial off-the-shelf air shower could effectively decontaminate methyl salicylate (MES), a surrogate for chemical warfare blister agents, from a manikin outfitted in military cold-weather gear. Researchers used a ppbRAE 3000 photo-ionization detector to measure MES concentrations following …
Molecular Scale Investigations Of Interactions Between Pfas And Concrete,
2025
Air Force Institute of Technology
Molecular Scale Investigations Of Interactions Between Pfas And Concrete, Eric E. Keeler
Theses and Dissertations
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), widely referred to as “forever chemicals,” exhibit high environmental persistence and potential health risks due to their robust carbon-fluorine bonds. These substances are prevalent in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), used in industrial and military applications, and are known to contaminate environmental surfaces, including concrete. This study aims to characterize the molecular-level interaction energies of six PFAS species—PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFHxA, 6:2 FTS, and PFBS—with calcium silicate, a key component of concrete, using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG) was determined for each of the interactions, revealing negative ΔG values for …
