Environmental Science Senior Projects -1994
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Name: Scott R. Anaya
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Mark L. Lord and Dr. Tom W. Dougan
Title: Small stream response of glaciated northwestern Pennsylvania to climate and landuse changes during the Holocene
Northwestern Pennsylvania has experienced several climatic changes during the Holocene, as well as land use changes during the past 200 years. The objective of this study is to determine the response of small streams of northwestern Pennsylvania to changes in climate and landuse.
Cemetery Run and Bennyhoot Creek basins were studied because they contain fluvial terraces which reflect aggradation and degradation history of a stream. These two streams are representative of many other small streams in northwest Pennsylvania which flow through steep sided valleys. Four cross-sectional profiles of Cemetery Run and two of Bennyhoof Creek were determined to show the location and height of the terraces. Terrace lithologies of Cemetery Run were recorded including type and thickness of sedimentary units. Organic material from the lower terrace of Cemetery Run was sent to a lab for carbon-14 dating. Longitudinal profiles for the modern stream and terraces in Cemetery Run were also determined.
Two distinct terraces in the Cemetery Run valley were mapped, revealing overall degradation of the stream interrupted by two periods of aggradation. The upper terrace was likely formed during the last dry period, 760-410 years before present (ybp). This dry climate would have decreased basin vegetation and increased sediment input into the stream. This former floodplain was then abandoned and degradation began 410 ybp as a switch to the modern, relatively wetter climate occurred. A wetter climate would have increased basin vegetation, lowering sediment input into the stream. This period of degradation was then interrupted by the aggradation of what is now the lowest terrace.
Radiocarbon dates indicate the lowest terrace has a maximum age of 190 ybp. This correlates the formation of the lowest terrace with clear-cutting in the region, which would have increased the amount of sediment input into the stream resulting in the aggradation of the terrace. The switch to degradation and the abandonment of this former floodplain likely coincided with the decrease in sediment input that began as the cleared land again became vegetated. The stream is presently in this state of degradation as evidenced by the presence of a mainly bedrock channel. Bennyhoof Creek's cross-sectional profiles provide evidence of a regional response to climate and landuse changes due to the presence of terraces, at comparable heights above the stream, to the terraces in the Cemetery Run valley. This study reveals northwestern stream response to climate and landuse changes throughout the Holocene and offers insight into future stream responses to changes in climate and landuse.
Name: Anne K. Battista
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Professor Pallant and Professor Bowden
Title: Mine Reclamation using Sewage Sludge: The effects of Timothy and Tall Fescue grasses, pH level and earthworms on phosphorus levels in leachwater.
Mine reclamation has left behind thousands of acres of land that are nutrient deficient and highly acidic. This study looked at a form of reclamation that uses sewage sludge and lime to add nutrients and raise the pH of the soil. The main goal was to determine how phosphorus levels in leachwater changed as a result of different variables. The variables were sludge, two pH levels, earthworms, two different species of grasses and time. There were 24 different treatments total.
Water samples were collected from 120 pots, that contained all of the different treatments with the above named variables. Samples were taken four different times over the entire experiment(70 days). They were analyzed for P on the spectrophotometer using the Murphy-Riley method. Absorbance values were converted to concentrations and then to µg/cm2 of P.
The results of this study showed that only sludge had a significant effect on P levels in leachwater. There was an increase in total P levels for all the sludge treatments. No other variables were significant. Soil without sludge also turned out to contain significant levels of P however. Further study needs be done in order to better assess other nutrient problems with sewage sludge and possible explanations for the presence of P in minespoil.
Name: Jenefer Bell
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Professor Bowden and Professor Palmer
Title: Effects of White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginiana) Densities on Soil Invertebrate Distribution, Abundance and Diversity in a Temperate Forest
This study examined the effects of white-tailed deer browsing on soil invertebrate distribution, abundance and diversity in a temperate forest. The study was conducted in the Fool's Creek area of the Allegheny National Forest. This study utilized deer enclosures where deer densities were maintained at 10 deer per 259 ha (low deer density) and 64 deer per 259 ha (high deer density) over a ten year period. Within these two densities, five sampling locations were chosen, low deer density - uncut (low/uncut) and clearcut (low/cut), high deer density - uncut (high/uncut) and clearcut (high/cut) as well as portions that were clearcut but failed to regenerate to trees in the high deer density (high/failed). At each sampling location, ten soil invertebrate samples were collected and then extracted over a ten to thirteen day period.
Comparing the five sampling locations, there was no significant difference in the total number of organisms at each site, nor was there a difference in the total number of organisms in individual taxas at each site. The arachnids are the dominant group at all sites. Dividing arachnids into separate taxa, mites are the most abundant at each site except low/cut, and range from 7933 to 33,137 per m2. The next largest group was the springtails (Collembola), ranging from 5,394 to 10,718 per m2. A significant difference (F = 3.317, α = 0.05) in the relative diversity of mites was found between high/uncut and low/cut sampling locations. The highest number o soil invertebrates was found in the high/cut site with an average of 20,535 per m2. Some possible explanations for the highest number in the high/cut site are: an excessive amount of organic matter in soils of the high/cut sampling location; or this increase in soil invertebrates may be attributed to moisture and temperature condition.
Name: Cynthia Brugger
Date: Spring 1994
Majors: Economics and Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Eric Pallant, Stephen Casler
Title: A Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Implementation of a Campus-wide Composting Program at Allegheny College
Municipal waste disposal is becoming an area of growing concern as existing landfills quickly approach their capacities, and the development of new landfill facilities is hindered both by lack of available space and by governmental regulation. One significant alternative to dumping all municipal waste into landfills is to compost organically based waste, producing a rich and fertile soil product, and thus reducing the amount of landfill space needed. An economic study of the feasibility of establishing a composting program at Allegheny College was performed by actually running such an operation for several weeks in two of Allegheny's dining halls, and completing a cost-benefit evaluation of the project at the end of each trial run. One run was completed at Skylight dining hall in November and December of 1993, and the second run took place at Brooks dining hall in March of 1994. The costs of the composting project were analyzed by estimating the number of daily labor hours, and thus the cost to the college in work-study wages. The reduction in necessary waste hauling by Lake to Lake Disposal, calculated by weighing the amount of compostable trash and multiplying it by the price per pound of commercial hauling, provided an estimate of the benefits of program implementation. The costs were subtracted from the benefits to calculate the net benefit of composting Allegheny's dining hall waste. Analysis of both experiments showed a positive yearly net benefit to the college due to the reduction of waste hauling required when composting all appropriate food wastes from the Allegheny College dining halls.
Name: Mike Dawley
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Mark Lord, Milt Ostrofsky
Title: Examination of Bacterial Sulfate Reduction's Effectiveness at Treating Simulated Acid Mine Drainage
The use of bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) for treating Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is a relatively new concept and it is poorly understood. A primary reason for the poor understanding of BSR is that the nature of the field setting makes individual processes too difficult to study independently. This study was conducted to gain preliminary information regarding the effectiveness of the pathway and ideal residence times. The experiment was carried out in 20 cm lengths of 4" PVC pipe, capped at one end. The effectiveness of three systems were studied: One which was entirely anoxic, another which had reduced soil and oxygenated AMD, and a third which had oxygen present both in the substrate and the AMD. These three systems were then tested with simulated AMD containing: 50 PPM Fe+2, 10 PPM Mn+2, 50 PPM SO4, and pH=5.17 at 6, 12 and 24 hour residence times.
The entirely anoxic system was the most effective in removing ferrous iron and increasing the pH, removing 96% of the iron and increasing pH to 6.19. The system with only reduced substrate was less effective in removing iron and increasing pH, removing 60% if the iron and increasing pH to 5.86. The fully oxygenated svstens was only effective in removing ferrous iron during the first 6 hours, and removed only 28 % of the iron by the end of the experiment. Increasing the time for this system did not substantially increase ferrous iron removal. The use of bacterial sulfate reduction does seem to be an effective removal technique for removing ferrous iron and increasing pH in AMD but was ineffective in removing manganese. Continued refinement of this experimental design, as well as other research, is necessary so determine the long term effectiveness and feasibility of BSR at treating AMD.
Name: Ryan Dickson
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Jim Palmer, Ron Mumme, Milt Ostrofsky
Title: The Effects of Human Development on the Macrointvertebrate Population of French Creek
In this study, the macroinvertebrate populations along French Creek were analyzed at different sites. The populations were evaluated by number of individuals and species diversity. These variables were compared for regions of low and high development. It was found that regions of low development had more macroinvertebrates than regions of high development. It was also seen that regions of low development had a lower diversity of macroinvertebrates than regions of high development. However, only insignificant differences in these variables were seen between sites of varying human population size. These relationships show that human development is having a significant effect on its surroundings. Such information about how society is relating to its environment provides a greater understanding of the need to examine our expectations for the future.
Name: Adam M. Gee
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Pallant, Dr. Palmer, and Dr. Goliber
Title: An In Depth Study of Tall Fescue and Timothy Grass, Earthworms, pH, and Sludge Amendment: Determining the Optimal Conditions for Acid Mine Spoil Reclamation
Surface mining operations in the United States have left a legacy of nearly one million hectares of barren land in need of reclamation. This experiment is an attempt to find the optimal soil conditions for below ground root growth in acid mine spoil reclamation.
Mine spoil from an abandoned coal mine in Clarion County, PA was amended with sludge and earthworms, and treated with dolomitic lime to raise pH to 5.3 and 6.5. These soil treatments were planted with Timothy alone, K-31 Tall Fescue alone, and the two species planted together. The treatments were grown in pots placed in a glass house in a complete random block design, and tended for 9 weeks.
Cumulative root length, mean root diameter, dry root mass, and root:shoot ratio were analyzed to determine the effects of the soil and species variables.
It was determined that pH 6.5 resulted in a higher root:shoot ratio and greater cumulative root length. Sludge yielded a lower root:shoot ratio and increased dry root mass. Worms increased cumulative root length. Competition resulted in greater above ground biomass without sacrificing dry root mass.
It was concluded that higher pH, earthworms, sludge, and competition between species planted all yielded increased plant growth, and should be utilized when reclaiming acid mine spoils.
Name: James N. Gulisano
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Jim Palmer and Elizabeth Weiss Ozorak
Title: ATTITUDES TOWARD GLOBAL WARMING: Can Literary Style Influence Our Motivation?
The purpose of this study was to assess how differences in the presentation of information could influence attitudes toward global warming. Specifically, the investigation measured the level of motivation produced by three different styles of writing: technical argumentation, popular science literature, and fiction. The independent variables whose effects were examined were article type, student major (natural science/non-science) and education level (freshmen/upperclassmen).
84 subjects were recruited to participate in the experiment; each attended one survey session. Subjects were first given a 3-item pre-survey questionnaire. When they had completed this, subjects read a copy of one of the three articles, which had been randomly assigned to them. After reading the assigned article, subjects filled out a 12-item post-survey questionnaire. Each item on the questionnaire asked the responder to rank on a 5-point scale his or her level of motivation concerning various aspects of global warming or willingness to change his or her behaviors.
Seven items on the post-survey questionnaire (roughly 64% of the items) were not significantly correlated with any of the independent variables. This suggests that, as a whole, motivation is not greatly dependent upon style of presentation, student major, or student class year. In four instances, however, one of these factors was significantly correlated with motivation. This lends preliminary support to the idea that manner of presentation or student background can influence attitudes.
Measures of the perceived seriousness of global warming were found to differ significantly (.05 level) as a function of article type. Readers of the popular science article were most convinced that global warming was a serious problem (avg. score = 4.1431), while readers of the fiction piece were least convinced, giving it an average score of 3.607.
The amount that was learned about global warming after exposure to a given article was found to be very highly significant (.001 level) for article type. Ostensibly, readers of the technical article learned the most about global warming (avg. = 3.714); readers of the fiction piece learned the least, giving an average score of 2.607.
The degree of personal commitment toward the prevention of global warming was found to be significant (.05 level) for student major. Science majors were more likely to commit themselves to the issue (avg. 3.718) than were non-science majors (avg. = 3.222). Also, the degree of support for a tax on fossil fuel use was found to be significant (.05 level) as a three-way interaction among article type, student major, and class year.
When the pre-reading survey responses were compared with their post-survey counterparts, time was found to be a very highly significant variable (.001 level). In all cases, post-survey results represented significantly higher scores than those of the pre-reading surveys; for some articles, the effects were very highly significant.
Name: Ajay Gupta
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Rich Bowden, Dr. Ron Mumme
Title: Design for Interactive Nature Trail at Bousson Research Forest
This senior thesis is a design for an approximately 1 kilometer long interactive self-guided trail which can be built at Bousson Research Forest owned by Allegheny College. The trail, which is site specific, includes a brochure that is designed to give information about the environment. The information in the brochure is reinforced by specific places at which the entries are read. The reader's interest will be provoked by hard hitting questions which make them think about their role in the environment and effect on it. The questions are intended to make the reader search oneself for solutions to ecological problems which can be implemented in the visitors' lifestyles. Information about the local environment is presented and issues such as ground water pollution, wetlands loss, overconsumption and ethics are covered.The trail is designed to acquaint the reader with the severity of ecological problems and the threat posed to future generations, leading to the realization that we all have to start making changes in our lifestyles, now.
Name: Lisa Marie Hilster
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Professor Pallant and Professor Palmer
Title: Improving Conditions for Earthworm Growth on Acidic Mine Spoil Treated with Sewage Sludge and Lime
Introduction of Lumbricus terrestris, a common earthworm, to acidic mine spoils may enhance reclamation efforts of abandoned acid mine spoils. All earthworm species have certain conditions which must be met for their survival. Two different levels of lime, pH 5.3 and pH 6.5, and sludge or no sludge were used on pots containing grasses growing in acidic mine spoil to determine what conditions L. terrestris find more suitable and if worms enhance root growth. Changes in pot specific and worm specific weight, worm longitudinal-sectional area, and survival of worms were measured to assess response of worms to the treatments. Root length and root area were measured to determine if worms enhanced root growth.
After 9 weeks, the results show that sludge increased worm specific weight by 29.6 % while worm weights in pots containing no sludge decreased by 39.6 %. Pot specific weights of the worms decreased in both sludge and no sludge because of mortality. Worm biomass was higher in pH 5.3 but survival was observed to be slightly lower, suggesting that in less populated areas worm growth is greater. The results suggest that pH 5.3 and sludge would be the best conditions for L. terrestris growth. Furthermore, worms were found to significantly enhance root length. The best conditions for root growth suggested by this study are worms, sludge, and pH 6.5.
In conclusion, optimal treatments for mine reclamation would include worms and sludge, however, an optimal pH cannot be suggested because worms grow better in pH 5.3 and roots grow better in pH 6.5.
Name: Tierney Hunt
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Michael Maniates, Michael Stevens
Title: The Selection of the Low-Level Radioactive waste Site within the Appalachian Compact: Do Non-natural science factors pre-determine site location?
Chem-Nuclear Systems Inc. (CNSI) is responsible for siting the Low-Level Radioactive waste site in Pennsylvania. There are many technical and scientific criteria that are prevalent in this siting process. In addition there are also non-scientific factors that have been noted has playing a significant role in the siting process. The purpose of this paper is to examine both scientific and non-scientific factors, and determine whether there is a significant difference between the two.
The results of my thesis indicate that I am unable to make any clear conclusions at this stage of the siting process. CNSI does not currently have a problem with the non-scientific criteria being used. They are halfway through their siting process, but the plans that they currently have are detailed enough to provide explicit instructions for the public involvement process. Ultimately it is impossible to predict the outcome of a siting of this kind. Past information indicates that not all public involvement plans guarantee good siting practices. To accurately determine the final outcome of this siting process, further analysis will have to occur after the facility is in operation.
Initially my purpose in researching this topic was to determine whether Crawford County was at high risk of receiving the Low-Level Radioactive Waste site. After further investigation I realized that the siting process was far more complicated. CNSI provides explicit information on the siting process that enables the public to examine specific siting procedures. I would hope that future siting facilities follow CNSI's direction and maintain siniilar siting practices with public involvement programs.
Name: Justin P. Kingerski
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Professor Pallant, Professor Lord, and Professor
Bowden
Title: Sewage Sludge and Acidic Mine Spoils: Procedures for Increasing Revegetation Success
The mining industry in this country has used millions of hectares of land for extracting resources, but has left behind degraded and infertile soils. This experiment was designed using municipal sewage sludge added to acidic mine spoils as well as adding worms and adjusting the pH level using lime to evaluate the best conditions for growth. The experiment consisted of two species of grasses, Festuca arundinaca Schreb (Tall Fescue) and Phioum pratense L. (Timothy), grown in polycultures and monocultures. The different combinations of variables were analyzed for Above Ground Biomass Weights, Percent Nitrogen, Root to Shoot Ratios, and Land Equivalent Ratios.
There were 24 different treatments in the experiment and each was replicated 5 times and grown in a greenhouse in a randomized complete block design. The growth period was 2 1/3 months. During this time watering took place in which all treatments received the same amount of water.
The results indicate treatments with sludge were much more productive than treatments without sludge for above ground biomass production, for percent nitrogen, for root to shoot ratio, and land equivalent ratios. The different levels of pH aided the grasses ability to uptake nitrogen. The treatments observed by species show a tendency in which Tall Fescue is the better producer than Timothy under the conditions presented in this experiment. In conclusion, the results provided interesting ideas for better methods of reclaiming acidic mine spoils. Planting grasses in a lab setting on highly acidic mine spoils addresses the difficulties of reclaiming very poor soils and allows for inspection of the variables under controlled conditions. Based upon this study, using municipal sewage sludge and lime will increase biomass productivity of acidic mine spoils.
Name: Michael J. Nawrath
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. James O. Palmer, Dr. Mark Lord, Dr. Milt
Ostrofsky
Title: The Impact of Golf Course Fertilization on the Total Phosphorus Budget of a Tributary of Conneaut Lake
The overall input of phosphorus from golf course fertilization during July 1993 to October 1993 where established. Phosphorus concentrations were measured in a tributary of Conneaut Lake after three different fertilizing events throughout the summer of 1993. The tributary runs through the Park Golf Course, Conneaut Lake, PA, and is approximately 700 yards from Conneaut Lake. A correlation between additional levels of phosphorus in the tributary and golf course fertilization was evident during two of the three fertilization events. During two fertilization events levels of phosphorus increased in the tributary three to four days after fertilization. During the other study period no increases of phosphorus occurred in the tributary. Although increases in phosphorus concentrations occurred in the tributary during two tests there were only significant increases at one of the two test site. The downstream test sites did not show the significant increases that the upstream test site showed. During one test day, levels of total phosphorus recorded at the upstream test site was 2.05 mg/L while the recorded level downstream was .113 mg/L. Phosphorus levels were decreasing as the water in the tributary moved downstream. The movement of phosphorus from fertilizers to the tributary were studied in order to understand how phosphorus from fertilizers moves into aquatic systems. The Park Golf course has no short run impact on the phosphorus concentration in Conneaut Lake. Therefore it should not be keyed as a major influencing component to the nutrient budget for plants in Conneaut Lake.
Name: Joseph E. Nordstrom
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Mark Lord, Bob Schwartz
Title: Affects of Temperate, Deciduous Forest Reclamation Upon Sedimentation of a Third Order Stream In Northwestern Pennsylvania
This study examined the affects of drainage basin landuse, specifically reclamation, upon sedimentation of Lake Siple in the Sandy Creek drainage; a third order stream in northwestern Pennsylvania. Cores were taken to bedrock of the lake sediments using a technique similar to a spoon sampler producing a sedimentological record of landuse in the basin between 1866 and 1981. If the sediments follow the expected differential depositional pattern the sediments should have larger grain sizes as they become younger towards the top of the sediment record. Precipitation and temperature records were ascertained to provide any climatic variations or precipitation trends.
In sections averaging 3 centimeters in length the cores were analyzed for any visual stratification and then analyzed under a dissecting, binocular microscope as to organic content, type of organic material and average grain size. These data were then plotted and used to reconstruct sediment stratification in Lake Siple as well as producing plots which provided grain size reduction trends. In all sites a general decrease in grain size over time was found correlating with reclamation of the drainage basin by temperate, deciduous forest. The basin was completely clear cut some time prior to reservoir construction represented by a lack of second growth forest. Natural reclamation between 1950 and 1981 presented a doubling in forested area producing a reduction in grain size as the sediments become younger. Precipitation records do not show a decrease in average annual quantities correlating to the decreased grain size, instead an average increase was discovered contradicting the grain size trend which further strengthens the link between landuse and the fluvial system.
Thick, organic rich layers deposited between 1933 and 1953 represent a drastic landuse change in the basin via fine grain, forest soil sediment contained in the layer and the organic material type, wood chips and sticks. Coarsening of the sediments above the organic layer represents the erosion of B - horizon soil from the cleared area, as the area is reclaimed the average grain size is decreased due to reduced erosion. The overall sedimentation rate of Lake Siple was calculated to be 0.018 meters per year, specific yearly rates could not be found due to a lack of datable material in the sediments.
Reclamation of the Sandy Creek drainage basin has a direct affect upon average grain size of sediments as well as the sedimentation rates, both of which experienced reductions during increases in annual precipitation averages. The grain size trend contradicting the expected differential depostional pattern strongly links landuse to fluvial response. Thus the natural reclaimation of the basin from fields to forest has left evidence of its effects in the sediment record of Lake Siple.
Name: Scott D. Paschke
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Mark Lord and Tom Dougan
Title: A geochemical study of pH variation in soil water of three glaciated northwest Pennsylvania soils
In northwestern Pennsylvania, where acid precipitation is a major concern, the majority of the soils are derived from glacial till and outwash. These soils can be 150 m deep and have a relatively high clay content. The average pH of rain water in this region about 4, yet the pH of surface water averages about 7. This study was conducted to determine soil water pH trends and geochemical processes in three different soils: a gravely loam and two silt loams. The gravelly loam was developed on glacial outwash (Braceville series), one silt loam was also on glacial outwash (Chenango series), and the other silt loam was developed on glacial till (Frenchtown series).
This study was conducted in the field and the laboratory, where soil water was sampled at 10- 15 cm intervals during natural and artificial recharge (precipitation) event. In experimental trails pH and total dissolved solids showed similar trends. The pH initially decreased, then increased, while the TDS also increased. The TDS and pH both stabilized at approximately 100 cm.
The percent clay in the soil, which ranges from 5-22%, also shows a similar trend to the soil-water pH. Cation exchange with clays is interpreted to be the dominate process responsible for increasing the soil-water pH. Other processes thought to be active are water reactions with carbonates, which increase or stabilize pH, and organic matter, which decreases pH. The silt loam (Frenchtown series), developed from glacial till, showed to be more effective at buffering acid precipitation than the gravelly loam (Braceville series).
Name: Kristen B. Pore
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. James Palmer, Dr. Eric Pallant
Title: The Uptake and Accumulation of Lead in the Tissues of the Earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris
Concern for problems surrounding soil contamination due to heavy metals, such as lead, have initiated the study of the relationship of soil invertebrates to these contaminated soils. Earthworms in particular, have been recognized for their value as a biological indicator of the heavy metal contamination of soil. In the case of lead, concentrations identified within earthworms are often linearly correlated with concentration in the soil, with soil factors such as pH, calcium concentration, and organic matter content all potentially influencing this relationship. The purpose of this study was to examine the uptake and accumulation of lead by the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris, in soil contaminated with known concentrations of lead and supplemented with organic compost material. A linear relationship of earthworm lead concentrations was expected to occur within treatments over time. The addition of organics was predicted to negatively affect lead accumulation by the earthworms during the experiment.
The experiment consisted of four different lead concentrations added to the soil: control, 25 ppm, 100 ppm, and 500 ppm. Earthworms were placed in each of these treatments and analyzed for lead concentrations after one week, two weeks and four weeks. The lead concentrations of earthworms were compared, and significant differences were found between treatments. A positive relationship of earthworm lead concentrations was also shown over time. It is uncertain as to whether organic matter content influenced earthworm lead concentrations, or if other soil factors played a significant role.
Name: Ken Postal
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Eric Pallant. Dr. Karen Skuldt
Title: UNIT PLAN : THE ATMOSPHERE EMPHASIZING HANDS-ON AND CROSS-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES - 8TH GRADE
The key to preserving our environment is through awareness that can be fostered by environmental education for all. This subject matter needs to be taught to all students of every learning style and interest if any change in the abuse of the environment is to occur. Students with learning proficencies through the auditory, visual, and kinesthetic modes as well as students with interests ranging from literature to drama to sports need to be included in this educational system.
This unit uses the core curriculum requirements taken from the Crawford County School system along with the Earth Science book used in the 8th grade classrooms of Meadville and augments them with hands-on activities spanning the disciplines on the processes and problems with our atmosphere. Everyday, this unit has some sort of demonstration, activity, or lab for the kinesthetic learner, as well as visual aids for the visual learner and lecture material for the auditory learner to incorporate students of these different learning styles into the flow of the class. Topics such as smog, the Greenhouse Effect, the depletion of the ozone layer, and acid rain will all be discussed from these different perspectives.
In order to make a positive impact on the environment, we need to do so as an entire society, which has its foundation in environmental awareness. This awareness needs to reach many people from varying cultures, learning styles, and interests, so that as an entire society, we can make a difference. This awareness starts in the classroom.
Name: Dione Richter
Date: Fall 1993
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Karen Skuldt, Dr. Jim Palmer
Title: An Accelerated High School Environmental Science Curriculum
Today at the secondary level of education Environmental Science is rarely recognized as a separate discipline. It is normally incorporated into General and Life Science courses. However, in those systems where Environmental Science is acknowledged as a separate subject, it is offered as an entry level science course. Those students that have proven successful in the natural sciences are then directed towards biology courses, followed by chemistry and physics. These are the very students who will most likely pursue the sciences in college and in their careers. The availability of an Environmental Science course affords them an opportunity learn about environmental problems, their causes and effects, while posing possible solutions and alternatives. This analytical problem solving experience often is not gained in a high school biology or chemistry class due to the necessity to cover a number of basic concepts over a short period of time. These concepts then can be applied in an upper level Environmental Science course. Research for this project began in the Spring of 1993. Classroom observations were conducted along with library research. This research included the use of classroom texts, periodicals, books, videos and the ERIC data base. Once the curriculum was developed, several of the lessons were taught at the Meadvile Area Senior High School as part of the researcher's student teaching experience. A multi-disciplinary, skill building, hands-on science course was created. The curriculum was based on a 36 week school year. This class has been designed to meet one class period a day, five times a week. The design of the class resulted in seven units. The units are outlined with a unit description, an overview of the topics to be covered, and a discussion of possible activities to be carried out within the unit. The units are; 1) An Introduction 2) Ecosystems 3) Human Populations 4) Energy 5) Biospheric Components 6) Today's Society and 7) Preserving Threatened Resources. Units four and five were developed in full. These two units include daily lesson plans which provide daily objectives, procedures and the materials needed to carry out the class. Lab handouts, writing assignmets, role play guidelines, journal assignments, skeletal outlines, and writing assignments are included. The curriculum can be taught as is, or can be adjusted to meet the style of the teacher or the needs of the students. Although this class was designed to be an accelerated course, it was proven adaptable to other learning levels. When taught to other levels, it becomes necessary for the teacher to spend more time building a foundation on which the students can build their research, writing, and study skills. In order to teach this curriculum more time and energy is needed from the teacher in order to gather materials, prepare for labs and field trips and to read the numerous writing assignments. However, the students become more involved in the class and develop a sense of responsibility for their learning.
Name: Gretchen L. Rouse
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Scott Wissinger and Dr. Milt Ostrofsky
Title: The Effect of pH and Other Pollutants on Benthic Invertebrates in a Pristine Alpine Watershed in Central Colorado
The goals of this study were to (1) identify the composition and longitudinal concentrations of a white precipitate observed on the substrate of Paradise Creek in Gunnison County, Colorado; (2) determine the effect of the precipitate on periphyton biomass; (3) determine the effect of the precipitate on benthic invertebrates. The precipitate, identified to be aluminum bicarbonate, coats the substrate when acidic and alkaline water converge. At longitudinal sampling points along the contaminated reaches of Paradise Creek the precipitate concentrations decreased with increasing distance from the start of the precipitate (p<0.05). Richness and density of invertebrates increased as the precipitation concentration decreased (p-value <0.05) and the diversity of invertebrates did not show a significant correlation with precipitate concentrations. Over four sampling dates. invertebrate diversity, richness, and density were highest in the uncontaminated, moss-rich, Divide Creek (site 12) and lowest in the contaminated Paradise Creek (site 11). Site 12 contained 31 species that were predominately predators and shredders, and site 11 contained 8 species which were predominately predators and collectors.
Name: Gina M. Rullo
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Rich Bowden, Dr. Eric Pallant
Title: Trace Gas Flux between Soil and the Atmosphere in a Productive, Temperate Pennsylvania Forest
Terrestrial soils are known to be both sources and sinks of trace gases that influence global climate through the "greenhouse effect". Nitrogen cycling as well as soil moisture and temperature are known to influence trace gas fluxes, however knowledge of the degree of these controls is limited. In this study, fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) between the soil and the atmosphere were measured monthly from July through November at Bousson Experimental Forest, a productive, rapid nitrogen-cycling temperate deciduous forest in northwestern PA. These measurements were compared to two sites located at the Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA, a less productive temperate forest. Carbon dioxide emissions over the five-month sampling period were similar between all three sites. Mean monthly Bousson flux was 82.6 mgC/m2/hr with the comparison sites averaging 90.7 mgC/m2/hr and 87.7 mgC/m2/hr, respectively. Nitrous oxide fluxes, although not significantly different, were highest at Bousson (4.77 ugN/m2/hr) all soils were sinks of Ch4, with similar mean rates observed between Bousson (0.128 mgC/m2/hr) and one of the comparison sites which measured 0.132 mgC/m2/hr. Bousson uptake was significantly higher than uptake at the Harvard Forest Blowdown site (.086 mgC/m2/hr). Fluxes of N2O and uptake of CH4, showed strong relationships to soil temperature and moisture. Results of this study indicate forest productivity is a key factor in predicting CH4 uptake. In addition, N-fertilization experiments that predict CH4 uptake based on N-cycling may not accurately simulate natural N-cycling and thus are not valid predictors of CH4 uptake in forest soils.
Name: Jonathan Shruni
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Professor Bowden, Professor Pallant
Title: A Feasibility Study for the Building of a Glass Recycling Plant in Meadville, Pennsylvania
This study examines the feasibility of building a plant to recycle glass into cullet in Meadville, Pennsylvania. This paper shows all the initial expenses incorporated in the building of a plant. There were three different plant levels that I studied, these being a low cost, medium cost and a high cost plant. Each of these plants varied greatly from the other in cost, production capacity and technology. The low cost plant cost $390,000, the medium cost plant was $732,000 and the high cost plant was $1,465,000. The production of the plants increased from 10 tons per hour at the low cost to 30 tons per hour at the high cost plants. This paper shows the potential income from the production of cullet at different scenarios. The incomes ranged from $11,723 and more per year to losing $110,700 a year. The income per year depended on the amount of glass received, government grants and the mortgage period. I took six scenarios using different variables to determine whether or not it would be feasible to build a recycling plant at that time. Upon evaluation of these scenarios, I determined that a low cost plant receiving at least 25 percent of glass from the counties would be your best bet for building a plant and turning a profit. If you decide that you want to build a medium cost plant you need to almost obtain 50 percent of the available glass and some form of government grant. I also concluded you can not build a high cost plant given the variables that I have. I found the limiting variable of the study to be the amount of glass you can obtain. The reason that you need to obtain so much glass is because the demand for the cullet is low and you do not make much money from it. If we can increase the demand of glass cullet and availability of the scrap glass, it would be easier and more profitable to build a recycling plant.
Name: James T. Smith
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. James Palmer, Dr. Richard Bowden
Title: Acute and Subacute Effects of Atrazine on the Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas)
Acute and subacute effects of atrazine on the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) at .67,2,6, and 18 ppm were evaluated in a laboratory setting. The acute study assessed the LC-50 for a fourteen day period and the LC-50 was found to be between 2.37 and 2.46 ppm. The subacute study looked at changes in liver weight and changes in liver and carcass tissue alkaline phosphatase activity in fish exposed to the four concentrations of atrazine. There appeared to be a significant increase in liver weight at 6 ppm and 18 ppm. The liver tissue alkaline phosphatase activity results did not show a significant change in alkaline phosphatase activity. The carcass tissue alkaline phosphatase activity did show a significant increase at 6 ppm and 18 ppm atrazine. From these results it is suggested that longer exposure of fathead minnows to atrazine will decrease the LC-50 of atrazine considerably. Atrazine may also have an adverse effect on the liver because of the increase in liver weight at higher concentrations. Even though there was a significant increase in carcass tissue alkaline phosphatase activity, it seems that no sound conclusions can be made from this study in reference to changes in alkaline phosphatase activity in tissues of the fathead minnow as an indicator of liver and skeletal disease and as an indicator of atrazine toxicity.
Name: Jennifer A. Sorensen
Majors: English and Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Professors Goodman, Wissinger, and McCafferty
Title: Blending the Line Between the Arts and Sciences: A Journalistic Approach to Wetland Issues
The purpose of this senior project is three-fold. First, it is an exploration of one of the many ways the seemingly disparate realms of the arts and science interrelate. Integrating scientific and creative approaches can often allow a richer understanding of issues than either can alone. Secondly, it is an attempt to provide comprehensive information about wetland ecosystems through a balanced journalistic forum. Wetlands are often misunderstood components of the environment and are currently at the center of a heated debate between developers and ecologists. Finally, it is a process of examining and contemplating language in scientific writing, and evaluating, on a semniotic level, the ways in which different readers might respond to my work.
Name: Jeremy D. Trexel
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Professor Palmer and Professor Ostrofsky
Title: Direct Effects of the Herbicide Atrazine on two Species of Anuran Larvae, the Eastern American Toad (Bufo americanus americanus) and the Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor)
Most aquatic toxicological studies have been carried out with relatively few species chosen to represent certain taxa. Among vertebrates, only a few fish species are used to make inferences about all other aquatic vertebrates. By comparison, amphibians have received very little attention by toxicologists in all areas with the exception of low pH studies, despite the possibility that they may differ from other aquatic vertebrates in their susceptibility to various toxins. Furthermore, amphibians make attractive study organisms because of their potential as environmental indicator species and because the apparent global decline of many amphibian species is poorly understood. Many possible explanations have been proposed, including the widespread use of pesticides.
The present study sought to evaluate the effect of a widely used herbicide, atrazine, on the larvae of two common anuran species, the eastern American toad, Bufo americanus americanus, and the gray treefrog, Hyla versicolor. Both acute and chronic exposure were examined. Measurements of survival time, percent metamorphosis, and time to metamorphosis were made under chronic exposure. Both test species exhibited similar acute susceptibility to previously tested fish species (LC5O 12 ppm), but slightly greater tolerance than previously tested aquatic invertebrates. H. versicolor appears to be more sensitive to atrazine than B. a. americanus after prolonged exposure. A concentration of 0.03 ppm was found to significantly reduce survival after 30 days in H. versicolor, while only 1 ppm significantly reduced B. a. americanus survival after 60 days. Only B. a. americanus tadpoles metamorphosed during the experiment. The correlation between percent metamorphosizing and concentration (r=0.811) was significant. This was thought to be a result of decreasing survival with increasing atrazine concentration.
Given that measured atrazine concentrations in surface waters are generally less than 0.01 ppm, it is unlikely that atrazine directly effects the two test anurans in the environment except under rare circumstances where atrazine concentrations are higher. However, the potential for indirect effects at concentrations of 0.02 ppm seems worthy of investigation.
Name: Martin V. Vaughn II
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: James Palmer, Tom Goliber
Title: Genetic Variability for Glyphosate Tolerance in Brassica rapa
The occurrence of herbicide resistance in weeds has been on the increase over the past few decades. The question of whether or not a particular weed species will become totally tolerant is a major concern of weed scientists, farmers, the herbicide industry and environmentalists. The objective of this study is to see whether or not there is the possibility that Brassica rapa could evolve tolerance to glyphosate.
A range test was done to find an appropriate dilution of glyphosate that would result in approximately 50% mortality in the plants. This dilution was found to be 1 part (glyphosate ) to 50 parts (H2O). The plants that survived this initial range test were then reared until they could be harvested for seeds. These seeds were then planted as Generation 1 (first generation ) -A (replicate identification ) and B (replicate ID ). There were also control groups planted that were not treated with any herbicide. This process was repeated over two generations.
Data was taken on each group for mortality: dependent or independent of chemical additions and the sublethal effects on growth rate, size, number of flowers and number of seeds. A test with both wild-type seed and lab strain brassicas was done to see if there were any sublethal effects on germination rates. These traits were statistically analyzed to see if in fact the treated plants and seeds differ at all from the untreated group. Mortality of the herbicide treated groups declined about 35% by the second generation of selection. Plant growth rates, as evidenced by height 8 days after treatment, was suppressed in Generation 1 plants relative to the untreated controls. Eight-day plant heights were greater in Gen. 2 selected plants, but were still less than the controls. Statistically, the reproductive traits of the experimentals were significantly lower than those of the control. For the germination experiment, the untreated control brassicas had a significantly lower germination rate than did the treated experimental ones, the wild-type brassicas both treated and untreated had equal germination rates.
After analyzing all the data I feel that given an appropriate amount of time (greater than two generations), one could expect to see partial tolerance present in Brassica rapa.
Name: Dennis Walton
Date: Spring 1994
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Mike Maniates and Mike Stevens
Title: A LOOK AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AT EDISON LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL RICHMOND, OHIO: An analysis of current environmental education, attitudes, and activities.
This study examines current environmental education policy at Edison High School in Richmond, Ohio through the use of faculty interviews and student/faculty surveys. A relatively strong interest in environmental activities, education, and issues was discovered in the student/faculty surveys. An environmental education deficiency was acknowledged by the faculty, as well as a desire to remedy this shortcoming of Edison's education. The faculty express interest in the environment and realize its importance, yet have not expanded their environmental education efforts. The faculty give reasons in the interviews for this lack of environmental progress which this study addresses, and deals with them by providing possible ways to overcome these barriers.
Name: Lisa Whitman
Date: Spring 1994
Major(s): Environmental Science and Philosophy
Thesis Committee: William Bywater and Michael Maniates
Title: A Comparison Study of Deep Ecology to the Philosophies of Langdon Winner and Jacques Ellul
This paper begins with the assumption that human technologies contribute to the environmental problems we face today. The deep ecology movement believes that one way we can improve our treatment of the environment is by examining our most basic personal and cultural values. Deep ecology values richness and diversity of human and non-human life, and feels one way that the present excessive human impact on the nonhuman world can be decreased is by changing how we think about and approach technology. The ideas of deep ecology are used here to evaluate the theories of Jacques ElluI and Langdon Winner, two philosophers of technology. Ellul and Winner focus their studies on the ethical and social impacts technologies have on human societies. All three viewpoints are concerned with deeply questioning the impacts of technology on our lives in order to change the negative impacts they have on our human environment, but deep ecology is also concerned with the natural environment. By comparing Ellul and Winner to deep ecology, similarities are found despite this difference in central interest.
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