Sustainability Commons^™

Development And Evaluation Of Supported Ionic Liquid Membrane And Porphyrin Frameworks For Carbon Capture Separation, Sarang Ismail

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The global urgency to mitigate anthropogenic CO₂ emissions has intensified the pursuit of energy-efficient separation technologies. Supported Ionic Liquid Membranes (SILMs) have emerged as promising candidates for CO₂ capture due to their tunable solubility-selectivity and low energy requirements. However, challenges such as mechanical instability, limited scalability, and trade-offs in transport performance have impeded their widespread adoption.

This thesis explores a systematic approach to designing and optimizing SILMs for enhanced CO₂ separation by tailoring polymer–ionic liquid interactions, processing conditions, and material architectures. A comprehensive set of studies were conducted using poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with varying molecular weights, different grades of PEBAX®, …

What's The Value Of A State? Accounting For The Ecosystem Services And Natural Capital Of Oregon, Kathryn Liebrecht

University Honors Theses

Ecosystem services are vital to human welfare and society, but often are overlooked when it comes to planning and setting policy. By neglecting to incorporate the benefits received from natural resources, policy makers may unknowingly be making decisions that harm the long term sustainability and use of these services. To highlight the importance of Oregon's ecosystems, the present study aims to provide a full accounting of the ecosystem services and natural capital of the state. Using data from the Institute for Natural Resources' updated Oregon statewide habitat map, Oregon's ecosystems were matched to biome categories from the Ecosystem Services Valuation …

Multi-Crop Systems And Crop-Switching Strategies To Enhance Water Use Efficiency And Climate Resilience In Arid Agricultural Regions, Shahryar Fazli, Wenzhao Li, Surendra Maharjan, Hesham El-Askary

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Agriculture in the Lower Colorado River (LCR) region faces mounting challenges from climate change, arid conditions, and water scarcity. This study evaluates water use efficiency (WUEc) and crop-switching strategies under SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios for 2025–2049, 2050–2074, and 2075–2099. Using historical data, climatic drivers such as temperature and precipitation were analyzed for their influence on key crops, including durum wheat, winter wheat, and corn. Results show SSP2-4.5 supports water use reductions up to 16%, stable profits (80–90%), and modest calorie increases (up to 15%), while SSP5-8.5 poses severe challenges, with water use reductions of 2–5%, profits dropping to around 20%, …

Tackling Data Quality Challenges In Remote Sensing: Solutions For Reliable Urban Heat Island Analysis, Wei Xia, Aqil Tariq, Hesham El-Askary, Rana Waqar Aslam, Elgar Barboza, Dmitry E. Kucher, Youssef M. Youssef, Habib Kraiem

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Urban heat islands (UHIs) pose critical challenges to public health, energy demand, and environmental sustainability, particularly in rapidly expanding urban regions. This study examines the complex relationship between building configurations and integrated green spaces, as well as their combined impact on thermal regulation. It focuses on addressing data quality issues commonly encountered in remote sensing applications. Using high-resolution multispectral and thermal imagery, we developed an integrated modeling approach that captures the collective influence of built form and green infrastructure on urban microclimates. A key finding is the significant linear inverse relationship between green space coverage and land surface temperature, underscoring …

Reviving The Lost Art: Historical Foundations And Future Pathways For Bespoke Service In Luxury Retail, Andrew Burnstine

Faculty and Staff Publications & Presentations

The mid-20th century witnessed a zenith of deeply personalized, bespoke service within iconic luxury specialty retailers. This paper critically analyzes the foundational principles of this historical bespoke service model, extending Service-Dominant (S-D) Logic and retail evolution theory, to propose a robust framework for its modern revival. Employing a rigorous qualitative, multiple-case study approach, grounded in extensive historical and media analysis of four archetypal American and British luxury boutiques, and uniquely informed by an insider-ethnographic perspective on the central case exemplar ("Martha's"), the study distills six core principles: Profound Client Knowledge, Visionary Curation & Styling, Anticipatory & Proactive Service, The Exclusive …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Key Technologies And Approaches For Water Resource Conservation And Utilization In Arid To Semi-Arid Open-Pit Coal Mining Areas In The Northern Sand Prevention Belt Of China, Fang Jie, Xu Zhimin, Cheng Wei, Lu Zihan, Zhao Yongqiang, Zhu Yuhao, Chen Tianci

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The northern sand prevention belt (NSPB) of China is primarily distributed in arid and semi-arid regions such as Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Gansu. This belt exhibits scarce rainfall and intense evaporation, which lead to a shortage of water resources and vulnerable ecosystems. In recent years, the large-scale development of open-pit coal mines has caused increasingly violent mining disturbance in this belt, as well as increasingly prominent issues such as a decline in regional groundwater levels and ecological contradictions. To address technical challenges in balancing coal exploitation and water resource conservation in this belt, there is an urgent need …

Trace Element Migration In Groundwater In Sandstone Aquifers In The Jurassic Coalfields: A Case Study Of The Guojiahe Coal Mine, Shi Longqing, Qu Xingyue, Cheng Hao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The Ordos Basin, a vital energy hub in China, contains considerable coal reserves. However, the environmental issues arising from coal mining warrant attention, especially given the fragile ecosystems of the Jurassic coalfields. Methods This study investigated the Guojiahe Coal Mine in Shaanxi Province. Based on measured concentrations of 31 trace elements dissolved in sandstone aquifers across varying geological ages, this study conducted a comparative analysis of the evolutionary characteristics of these trace elements between unmined reducing and post-mining oxidizing conditions using numerical simulations. Accordingly, it revealed the impacts of coal seam mining on trace element migration in groundwater in …

Seismic Anisotropy Of Sandstone Aquifers In Coal Seam Roofs, Yu Hang, Chen Tongjun

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The identification and assessment of sandstone aquifers in coal seam roofs play a vital role in the safe mining of mines. Investigating the rock physics and amplitude variation with incidence and azimuth (AVAz) responses of these sandstone aquifers is critical to the prevention and control of water hazards in mines. Methods By integrating rock physical models Voigt-Reuss-Hill (VRH), differential equivalent medium (DEM), Hudson, and Wood, as well as Gassmann’s anisotropic fluid substitution theory, this study proposed a rock physics modeling method for fractured sandstones of the horizontal transversely isotropic (HTI) media type (hereafter referred to as HTI sandstones). Using …

Research On Monitoring And Early Warning Systems For Mine Water: Progress And Prospects, Yin Shangxian, Ding Yingying, Lian Huiqing, Dong Donglin, Du Tong, Yin Huichao, Zhao Peng, Zhang Yi’An, Wang Xiong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Water disasters in mines are occasional accidents occurring due to the influence or triggered by mining-induced intense changes in geological bodies. The complexity, heterogeneity, and dynamics of geological bodies, coupled with the random and instantaneous nature of mining influence, lead to the uncertainty, instability, occasionality, and transience of water disasters in mines. Given that mine water monitoring and early warning serve as a prerequisite for advanced disaster prevention and control, their research and system construction hold great theoretical significance and practical value. Progress and Prospects Fighting against water disasters in mines is conducted throughout the development and utilization of …

Experiments On The Diffusion Patterns Of Coal Gangue-Based Grout In Goaves Under Varying Rock Particle Sizes And Grout Mass Fractions, Zeng Yifan, Yuan Zilong, Li Hao, Wu Qiang, Zhao Gangyi, Zhou Anqi, Gao Xiang, Zhang Shuai, Bai Yanfei, Liang Jin, Yang Huxiong, Sheng Xinli, Yang Donghui, Zhao Yixia

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Investigating grout diffusion patterns and predicting the grouting range hold great significance for coal gangue grouting and filling engineering in goaves. Specifically, they are significant for designing grouting hole and row spacing, guiding grouting construction, determining the grouting filling degree, and further ensuring grouting effects. Methods Using crushed rocks as the medium to be grouted and coal gangue-based grout as the grouting materials, this study conducted grouting experiments under different particle sizes of crushed rocks and varying mass fractions of grout. Accordingly, it investigated the flow patterns of gangue-based grout in goaves. Results and Discussion Under a mass fraction …

Differential Roof Water Hazards And Comprehensive Utilization Of Mine Water In The Dongsheng Coalfield, Huang Haiyu, Ding Xiang, Liu Xi, Fan Jiangwei, Ji Zhuochen, Li Zhaoyang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The Dongsheng coalfield exhibits various types of mine water hazards, complex water filling mechanisms, and high water inflow with high total dissolved solids (TDS) content in mining areas. These characteristics pose challenges to the comprehensive utilization of mine water, severely restricting the safe, green, and efficient coal mining in the coalfield. Methods This study aims to reveal the roof water filling characteristics of the Dongsheng coalfield and enhance the comprehensive utilization of mine water. Using methods including statistical analysis of drilling data, analytic hierarchy process, and hydrochemical tests, this study analyzed the strata, spatial distribution of aquifers, and the …

Mechanisms Behind Grouting Pressure Jumping In Low-Permeability Limestones And Techniques For Grouting Pressure Control, Fan Zhenli, Cao Lutong, Cui Yong, Zhang Zhiwei, Zhang Fengda

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The exploitation of the Carboniferous-Permian coalfields in China is gradually transitioning toward coal seams in lower formations. In this context, issues including the confined water hazards in the floor and karst water preservation become increasingly pronounced. During the advanced surface treatment of karst water hazards in coal seam floors, the unclear patterns of matching between grout selection and grouting pressure control lead to empirical parameter selection, thereby yielding poor performance of grouting reinforcement. Methods This study aims to deal with the phenomena of rapid pressure rise with a limited grout volume in the low-permeability argillaceous limestones within the top …

Suitability Evaluation For Deep Geological Storage Of Mine Water In The Ordos Basin, Gulbostan Tursun, Sui Wanghua, Aibibai Mamat, Yang Weifeng, Chen Ge, Gao Liang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Given the issues of large mine water drainage in coal mines in China, as well as the corresponding high treatment cost and low utilization rate, thoroughly investigating efficient, environmentally friendly, economically feasible mine water treatment technologies is the key to the green transformation and the implementation of the sustainable development strategy in the coal industry. Deep geological storage of mine water represents an emerging technology for mine water treatment, enjoying the advantages of low cost and zero emissions. A key step in the application of this technology is to select suitable target reservoirs. Although relevant studies have proposed some …

Advances In Key Technologies For The Management, Restoration, Development, And Utilization Of Coal Mining Subsidence Areas, Meng Zhuanghan, Wang Yutao, Tian Yanzhe

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Coal mining subsidence areas, formed by the exploitation of coal resources, have emerged as severe challenges to the construction of ecological civilization and the sustainable development of the social economy in China. Their management, restoration, development, and utilization play a significant role in ecological security, food security, and energy transformation. Methods This study aims to address the unresolved and emerging issues in the management of coal mining subsidence areas. Based on the core concepts of management, restoration, development, and utilization, this study developed a dual-level zoning basis system combining theories and reality. Accordingly, coal mining subsidence areas in China …

Design And Efficiency Assessment Of A Passive Treatment System For Acid Mine Drainage, Yan Ruiwen, Zhu Jun, Zhu Junhao, Lin Gang, Zhang Wanqiu, Jia Zenghua, Wang Wenming, Xi Furui

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Acid mine drainage (AMD) refers to highly acidic, heavy metal-rich effluent generated from mining activities, potentially causing severe environmental contamination. Methods Focusing on the Lujiang alum mine in Anhui Province, this study established a systematic framework for the design and assessment of an integrated passive AMD treatment system using the Phreeqc and AMDTreat software. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the on-site hydrogeochemical characteristics (pH: 2.93‒3.06, Fe: 5.98‒42.52 mg/L, and Al: 18.87‒32.14 mg/L) and physical conditions (flow rate: 50‒96 m³/h, available area: about 50 000 m²), this study proposed a hybrid passive treatment system comprising …

Permeability Evolutionary Patterns Of Fractured Rock Masses In Fault Zones Under Seepage-Stress Coupling, Zhao Dekang, Han Bing, Zeng Yifan, Feng Guorui, Xi Yonghong, Chang Bofeng, Li Zhenghao, Wang Pengwei, Wang Lisan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background In coal mines, fault structures serve as critical pathways for water inrushes from coal seam floors, posing serious threats to the production safety of mines. Delving into the permeability evolutionary patterns of fractured rock masses in fault zones under seepage-stress coupling holds great significance for the prevention and control of water inrushes along faults from coal seam floors.Methods Against the engineering background of the Gaohe Coal Mine under the Shanxi Lu’an Mining (Group) Co., Ltd. in Shanxi Province, this study analyzed the microscopic physical properties and the pore and fracture structures of a fractured rock mass in a …

Multi-Objective Allocation Optimization Model For Water Resources From A Coal Mine In The Inner Mongolia-Shaanxi Contiguous Area, Miao Hechao, Dong Shuning, Wang Hao, Yang Yuanyuan, Qiao Wei, Wang Xiaodong, Wang Dongqi, Fu Hongyang, Liu Yuting

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In China, as coal resource exploitation shifts gradually from eastern to western regions, coal bases in the western region play an increasingly notable foundational role in the basic energy supply in the national economy. However, due to its fragile ecosystems, the safe, efficient, and green coal exploitation of this region has long been challenged by the contradiction between the prevention and control of water hazards and the conservation of water resources. Therefore, advancing intelligent mine water control technology is identified as a crucial method to address the conflicts between coal mining and mine water in the western region. Additionally, …

Groundwater Rebound And Seepage Characteristics And Water Quality Evolution In A Sealed Mining Area In North China Type Coalfield, Yin Huiyong, Sun Dehui, Dong Fangying, Wang Fanhua, Zhang Lifeng, Wu Tao, Liu Chao, Zeng Yifan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The seepage field and water quality evolution associated with the groundwater rebound induced by the sealing of mining areas significantly affects the prevention and control of mine water hazards, as well as the recycling of water resources. Systematically elucidating the mechanisms underlying the seepage-hydrochemistry synergy of groundwater is recognized as a fundamental scientific issue for promoting the collaborative management and resource development of the water systems in mining areas. Methods Based on the engineering background of the sealed No.116 mining area in the Binhu Coal Mine, Zaozhuang, Shandong Province, this study investigated the groundwater rebound and seepage characteristics, along …

Theory And Engineering Practice Of Coal-Water Coordinated Mining Based On Constraints Of Formation Bearing Capacity, Pang Zhenzhong, Zeng Yifan, Han Keyao, Wu Qiang, Liu Shouqiang, Hua Zhaolai, Zhao Gangyi, Zhang Shuai, Yang Huxiong, Wang Xuejun, Li Feifan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The high-intensity mining of coal resources in the Yushen mining area has caused negative environmental effects and water disasters on coal seam roofs, seriously restricting the sustainable development of the area.Methods and Results Based on a summary of previous research results on the mitigation of the impacts of coal mining on groundwater resources and surface ecosystem, this study analyzed the contradiction between coal mining and the protection of the fragile ecosystem in the Yushen mining area in Shaanxi Province through theoretical analysis, field investigation, and data statistics. Then, it systematically illustrated the concept of the formation bearing capacity …