Environmental Science Senior Projects -1996
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Name: J. Scott Alexander
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Mark Lord, Scott Wissinger
Title: Effects of Agricultural Land Use on Water Quality in Small Streams of the French Creek Watershed, Northwestern, Pennsylvania
Many studies have shown degradation of water quality as a result of agricultural land use, however, few studies have examined specific land use-water quality linkages in small, homogeneous basins. Such studies may be used to establish well defined relationships between land use and water quality at the local level, which may be used to develop informed land use planning.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between small scale agriculture and water quality in eight small basins (average area=6.25 kin2) within the French Creek watershed. Land use was isolated as the primary variable between two groups of four basins: 1) the low forested group (four basins averaging 35% forested area, and 65% non-forested area and 2) the high forested group (four basins with approximately 65% forested area and 35% non-forested area). Basins were sampled for six water quality parameters during flow conditions ranging from baseflow to stormflow: suspended solids, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, temperature, pH, and conductivity.
The low forested basins exhibited lower water quality at stormflow and at baseflow. Effects of land use under stormflow conditions were marked by significantly higher concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus and suspended solids; and at baseflow by significantly higher levels of nitrogen and conductivity. Basins of the low forested group also exhibited less balanced regimes of flow, marked by increased discharge per unit area during a storm event and lower average discharge during a period of baseflow.
The rate of export of phosphorus, nitrogen and suspended solids were estimated for each group of basins under different flow conditions. Rough estimates found that, during a stormflow event, the additional 30% of cleared land in low forested basins was responsible for 93% of the suspended solids, 91% of the phosphorus and 87% of the nitrogen export. By the same method, at baseflow, the additional 30% of cleared land in low forested basins resulted in a 27% increase in the rate of nitrogen export. These differences are attributed to physical alteration of the system, resulting in less stable soils and less balanced regimes of flow, and increased nutrient input due to over application of commercial fertilizer and manure.
Name: Sherry Baker
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Richard Bowden, Jim Palmer
Title: Designing A Kitchen Composter Even My Own Mother Would Use
The goal of this project was to design, build and test an indoor composter. A need and a niche in the composting industry exists for a 'Kitchen Composter', particularly in urban areas and among individuals who do not have the physical capacity or desire to maintain traditional outdoor bins. Food wastes comprise seven to twenty percent of the municipal waste stream, and are a major component which could easily be diverted from landfills. Ten features and design criteria were chosen as the standards by which the composter was evaluated. These indoor composter criteria were: ability to handle wastes of 2-4 people, no odors or pests, good aeration, moisture level around 60%, thermophilic temperatures, multiple bin system, material particles < 1 cubic inch, easy maintenance, low-cost, and finally the use of reusable or recyclable construction materials to build the unit.
An insulated, dual-bin composter was constructed using materials purchased from local discount and hardware stores. Once built, food scraps were collected from a campus dining ball, chopped and stored until test batches were made. The moisture content and C/N ratio of each batch was determined, and after each one was fed into the composter temperature was monitored, and the consistency and odor were observed. Between each batch modifications were made to the model and batch recipe in order to reduce anaerobic conditions. Total mass reduction of Batch #1 was 32.6% over seven days, or 4.66% loss per day. This batch became anaerobic and unsalvageable.
Batch #2 experienced a 57.5% total mass reduction over eleven days, or 5.2% loss per day. Finally, Batch #3, which was added to the products of Batch #2, had a 74% reduction over sixteen days, or a daily loss of 4.6%. The final weight and moisture content of the last batch were used to calculate a decomposition rate of 69% and total water loss of 85%. During the three batches the highest temperature observed was 39°C.
After the three batches became anaerobic, the experiment was discontinued. Later the project was informally carried out in the home of the investigator. Materials were added in small quantities on a daily basis, rather than in large batches, allowing for greater evaporative water losses. Using these methods anaerobic conditions, and thus odors, were greatly reduced, and thermophilic temperatures up to 46°C were attained. An odorless, easily maintained kitchen composter that my mother would use was not achieved, but the unit was successful in reducing significant amounts of food waste and reaching thermophilic temperatures levels.
Name: Jacquelyne Beckwith
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies/Political Science
Thesis Committee: Michael Maniates, Robert Seddig
Title: The Interstate Transportation Of Solid Waste
In recent years, states that have produced large amounts of garbage have sought new dumping grounds by turning to other states with extra landfill capacity and rural land to locate new disposal facilities for their unwanted refuse. This thesis explores whether or not states should be allowed to prohibit the importation of solid waste from other states. A background on the interstate transportation of solid waste across the United States is provided, as is a review of the issues facing states that export and import solid waste. The study looks closely at the transportation of solid waste across state lines for three states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York. On the basis of these case studies and supporting analyses, the study concludes that states should have the power to stop solid waste importation. There are solutions for all states to provide for their own solid waste needs. The thesis ends by discussing solutions for how each state can accomplish its own disposal of solid waste to minimize waste exportation.
Name: Lisa Kay Beggs
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terrence Bensel, Sonya Jones, Lynda Veshecco
Title: Earth Walk
Many people, especially in the West, have lost their connection to the Earth. Our everyday decisions affect the natural world, but because we have created an artificial distance between ourselves and the land, we are blind to the consequences. American consumption has reached gluttonous proportions and we rape our natural resources every moment of the day. Environmental regulation and other "end-of-the-pipe" solutions are not enough to end the devastation of the environment; thus, a deeper environmentalism is needed. This Senior Thesis focuses on a more holistic and integrated view of the Earth by exploring the interconnections of environmentalism and spirituality. Earth Wisdom from Native American heritage, as well as certain philosophies of Hinduism and Buddhism, dates back thousands of years, and so makes the perfect forum in which to discuss these topics. The evolution of "superficial" environmentalism into a more deeper Earth ethic is accomplished in the Thesis through the use of fiction. Within the story, "Earth Walk,' the main character, Jamie Duran, experiences first-hand the transformational experiences of the Earth's spiritual energy. Through twists of fate, she encounters two Native American women, one of whom is a tribal Medicine Woman. Her lessons begin in the garden where she learns respect for the life-giving sacrifice of the land. Transformed by her journey into the woods and finally the Sweatlodge, Jamie becomes Keeper of the Sacred Stone, a woman with a very important future.
From there, the question becomes, "Can this story, and what it stands for, actually make a difference?" The answer is found among current environmental movements including bioregionalism and green politics. Both of these movements incorporate ideas of spirituality, connection, community, and sustainability in their attempts to make peace between Man and Earth. The interconnectedness of life has begun to circulate through our culture, and as more and more people are transformed, we will begin to see significant change. Perhaps, if we follow the Good Red Way, we will find ourselves in harmony with the universe: As the Zen Buddhist said to the hotdog vendor, "Make me One—With Everything."
Name: Paul A. Bunn
Date: April 7, 1996
Major: Enviromnental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Milton Ostrofsky, Dr. James Palmer
Title: A Study of Seasonal Nitrogen and Phosphorus In Surface Waters of 52 Perennial Tributaries of French Creek.
This study examined the export of total nitrogen and total phosphorus from 52 perennial tributaries of French Creek. Discrete water sampling was conducted four times and each sampling period corresponded with a seasonal variation in stream surface water discharge. The samples were analyzed to determine present concentrations of total phosphorus and total nitrogen. For each watershed eleven physical characteristics were compiled relating to land use and topography. A multiple linear regression analysis and a correlation matrix were utilized to determine the relationships between the eleven physical characteristics and the concentrations of total phosphorus and total nitrogen.
This study found that the eleven variables observed only accounted for a small percent of the variance in concentrations of total phosphorus and total nitrogen. Future studies could focus on a few multiple or single land-use watersheds or different characteristics of the watersheds. This study provided useful relationships between some land uses and watershed characteristics that can be developed in future studies of French Creek.
Name: Stacy Carr
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. James Palmer, Dr. Michael Maniates
Title: The New Environmental Paradigm: A Case Study of Allegheny College Students
This study examines the question of whether or not a shift to a New Environmental Paradigm is taking place in our society. Certain individuals and groups' values and beliefs would seem to dispute that a shift in society's paradigm is occurring at this time. However, there is empirical evidence that would seem to disagree and even suggest that society's acceptance of this New Environmental Paradigm is high. Included in this quantitative evidence is a case study of Allegheny students' views on the New Environmental Paradigm, this case study sought to determine the distribution of Allegheny students on the continuum from the Dominant Social Paradigm to the New Environmental Paradigm. From this study it would seem that there is a shift taking place towards the New Environmental Paradigm and away from society's Dominant Social Paradigm. Research has also indicated that there are barriers that must be overcome for the complete acceptance of the New Environmental Paradigm.
Name: Michael Commendatore
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Terrence Bensel, Dr. Michael Maniates
Title: Opportunities for Energy-Efficiency in the United States' Residential Sector
The average American household is directly responsible for emitting more than 12.5 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere per year. Much of these emissions are caused by the consumption of electricity. Energy-efficient appliances and other electrical products enable residents to achieve the same quality of service while using less electricity. In fact, these products save the consumer enough money on their monthly electric bill to pay for themselves within two years. Unfortunately, there are barriers that have prevented these technologies from being more widely used, such as lack of information, misplaced incentives, underpriced electricity, high initial costs, and skepticism. Fortunately, there are also many different ways to break down these barriers. Some of the possible solutions include restructuring utility pricing mechanisms, educating consumers about the benefits of these technologies, and implementing the use of utility sponsored demand-side management programs. This study investigates the potential for residential energy-efficiency improvements in the United States, focusing on the technologies available to the residential sector, current barriers to their more widespread use, and methods for overcoming these barriers.
Name: Barbara Cunningham
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Terrence Bensel and Dr. Bruce Smith
Title: A Search for Environmental Justice: An Analysis of the Environmental Movement from the Elite Mainstream to the Grassroots.
As the mainstream environmental movement concentrated their efforts in Washington, D.C., the grassroots movement began organizing on the local levels in an effort to keep hazardous wastes out of their communities. For the first time, minorities, women and the working class citizens of America engaged in the environmental movement with their own agendas. The grassroots movement grew into an inclusive movement fighting for environmental justice. Grassroots advocates are engaging in face-to-face democracy in an effort to keep hazardous wastes from being targeted toward any member of society.
Three case studies explore how grassroots communities applied bottom-up pressure on government officials and industries, successfully reducing their exposure to hazardous waste. I conclude that there are two significant factors which enable communities to organize successfully. The two elements consist of the media's involvement as well as continual pressure on government officials.
The grassroots movement has enabled communities across America to return to a democratic society by the implementation of Right-to-Know laws and public participation in the permitting process. Finally, the grassroots movement is applying pressure on industries to reduce the production of hazardous waste instead of simply finding technological fixes to retard the release of hazards into the environment. The grassroots movement represents an essential path to truly eradicating America's hazardous waste dilemma.
Name: Cecilia M. DeLoach
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Jim Palmer, Terrence Bensel
Title: Positive Sustainable Development Planning at a Community Level with an Emphasis on Brownfield Redevelopment
This project establishes the rationale for sustainable development efforts at a community level. It examines brownfield redevelopment as a positive method by which communities can implement sustainable development concepts.The complexities of initiating this type of development agenda are numerous. Prominent barriers to brownfleld redevelopment are liability under CERCLA, prohibitive cleanup costs, lack of public funding, negative public perception and lender liability. Due to the difficulty of pursuing brownfield redevelopment, financial incentives have been made available that help fund brownfield projects.The potential funding methods include: tax-increment financing, industrial revenue bonds, CERCLA/SARA, prospective purchaser agreements, and indemnity agreements. The City of Meadville is employing a number of innovative mechanisms to further their brownfield redevelopment agenda. The Meadville Redevelopment Authority (MRDA), as the agency responsible for brownfleld development, is evaluated on its utilization of resources available for this type of development. Through a constructive alliance with a prominent academic institution, the MRDA has expanded its networking opportunities and gained access to invaluable information sources and contacts. They utilize creative funding methods and initiate limited community participation. Meadville is viewed as an emerging successful example of a community adopting brownfield redevelopment projects. The City receives benefits in the form of increased employment opportunities and economic growth in addition to the environmental benefits inherent in using remediated industrial sites. Meadville can potentially serve as a model for other communities that wish to further a sustainable development agenda. Vision, innovative funding, community involvement, coalition building , networking and brownflelds experts are advocated as the six primary ways in which communities can tackle the sustainable development movement. It is important to note, however, that the recipe for success will be community-specific. Each community needs to match development methods to best suit their own geographic, social and economic needs.
Name: Gregory Dorn
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Terrence Bensel, James Palmer
Title: Assessing the Feasibility of a Sewage Sludge and Leaf Composting Facility for Meadville, Pennsylvania
This senior thesis assesses the feasibility for Meadville to construct and operate a composting facility capable of using sewage sludge and leaves as inputs. Waste management studies similar to this one are being undertaken across the United States to assess the feasibility of alternatives to landfilling and incineration. Landfilling and incineration have the potential to cause a number of environmental and human health problems, creating an outcry by the public for safer alternatives. Municipal composting is presented as an alternative to these disposal methods. In order to plan and understand the operations of a composting facility in Meadville, the composting processes and the multitude of variables specific to Meadville are investigated. Case studies of composting facilities, as well as positives and negatives associated with different methods of composting, are used as a basis for choosing a plan for Meadville. An aerated static pile method of composting was chosen as the most reasonable design, and is examined the closest. A comparable facility in Butler, Pennsylvania, provided the financial information used to assess the feasibility using a cost-benefit analysis approach. By comparing the total costs a composting facility in Meadville would incur on a yearly basis, compared to the total costs of landfilling, net cost/revenue values were calculated. This project found it unfeasible, from a financial perspective, for Meadville to construct and operate a sludge/leaf composting facility. Meadville is financially 'better-off' disposing of sludge at the landfill now, and well into the future. It is important to note that such a facility should not be ruled out, for this project assumed a 'worst-case' scenario based on a high capital approach, where lower capital approaches have a greater potential to be feasible.
Name: Leslie J. Gallagher
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Scott Wissinger, Dr. Jim Palmer
Title: Macroinvertebrate Colonization of Ephemeral Wetlands
Wetlands have recently become a source of much controversy due to federal regulations for their protection. Mitigation strategies are being utilized to ease the burden of these regulations on private land owners. Unfortunately, these strategies are being put into practice previous to a complete study of the ecology of natural wetlands and how the alternatives compare. The hydroperiod is the most important determinant of the type and function of a specific wetland. The macroinvertebrates that exploit wetlands utilize specific strategies for surviving the dry period of the hydrologic cycle and for recolonizing when the wetland refills. The purpose of this study was to add to our understanding of the relative importance of these different adaptations and routes of colonization in three ephemeral wetlands of the Bousson Environmental Research Reserve.
In order to determine the relative importance of desiccation resistance, samples were taken of the dry sediments in two seasonal and one semi-permanent wetland. These samples were rehydrated in the lab and emerging macroinvertebrates were collected and identified. Benthos samples were also collected from the three sites as they refilled in the fall to determine the relative importance of aerial colonization and to identify the macroinvertebrate community of each basin. The effect of microhabitat, photoperiod and temperature on the colonization of macroinvertebrates was also examined. The three wetlands were dominated by the orders Odonata, Hemiptera, Trichoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Crustacea, and Mollusca. Although each wetland supported aquatic macroinvertebrates typical of communties collected in other wetland studies, their species compositons were surprisingly diverse. Colonization as a result of desiccation resistance was more important for the seasonal wetlands than for the semi-permanent wetland. This data suggests that wetlands with longer periods of inundation rely more heavily on aerial colonization than on desiccation resistance as a method of recolonization. Future studies could explore possible sources of aerial colonizers and examine the community composition of these three wetlands during spring colonization.
Name: Christina L. Gras
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Professor Maniates and Professor Bywater
Title: Radical Environmentalism and Its Effects on the Mainstream Environmental Movement
The environmental movement has been a social movement in the United States for over twenty five years. It has evolved into a large political movement that has given rise to large mainstream environmental organizations, such as the Sierra Club and the Wilderness Society. Radical Environmentalism is a splinter group off of this mainstream movement.
It was formed by people within the mainstream movement who were frustrated with the lack of accomplishment and fading concern for the environment. Based on many ideals, these groups vary from political organizations to environmental saboteurs.
Earth Fast! is a well know radical environmental group that formed in the early l980s. Formed for many of the same reasons as other radical groups, it stressed monkeywrenching as a way to stop environmental destruction at its source. The effects of radical environmentalists on the mainstream movement was questionable. Is radical environmentalism critical to the health of the mainstream movement or is it instead an impediment to the ongoing effectiveness of mainstream efforts?
Using Earth Fast! as an example I explored three variables of success 1) whether the group changes political policy; 2) whether they are accepted as a valid spokesperson with a legitimate set of interests; and 3) whether they change the social values of the society.
Radical environmentalism never fully fulfilled any of these measures of success because of many obstacles standing in their way. However, there is more to radical environmentalism that meets the eye. It has a valid set of interests, and some of its ideas and beliefs could be used to help the mainstream movement get back to its roots, where enthusiasm and dedication to the environment was more than just a high paying job.
Name: Jennifer R. Greenawalt
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Jonathan Helmreich, Terrence Bensel, and Robert
English
Title: An Investigation into the Future: Assessing the Nuclear Energy Program in Russia
The concept of a nuclear energy was first born in the early 1930s. At first, the atom was researched only for military purposes. However when World War II ended scientists began to consider alternative uses of the atom. At this time, the peaceful atom became a pursuit for industrialized countries over the world. The Soviet Union took on the pursuit for the peaceful atom with full speed. Soviet officials were determined to show up the world, by constructing the world's first nuclear power plant in the mid 1950s. Since then, the Soviet Union and today Russia have struggled with finding an energy program that was the best technologically and economically. Once leading producers of oil, coal, and gas, the Soviet Union began to look at nuclear energy as a serious supplement to declining natural resources and a dying economy. In the late l970s, the Soviet Union began constructing nuclear power plants in the Western portion of the country in order to free up oil and coal for export. Nuclear electric production began to increase steadily over the next few years, until the accident at Chernobyl. The devastating accident came as a surprise to the world and created mass fears about the safety of the Soviet nuclear energy program. In the aftermath of Chernobyl, many environmental and political concerns began to arise simultaneously. Through Gorbachev's policies of glasnost and perestroika many grassroots movements were able to succeed in protesting nuclear energy. And with the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, the environmental movement was able to enter the political arena in Russia. While many of the concerns about nuclear energy remain, Russia has begun to make plans for expanding its nuclear energy program. The plans for expansion coupled with the continued operation of its oldest reactors have sparked controversy among environmentalists in Russia and officials in the West. Both have protested against the plans, but Russian authorities have not released their desire to increase nuclear production into the future. The controversy will continue, but ultimately it will be the choice of Russia's Energy Program, which the Ministry of Fuel and Power has been working on for several years now. Many opponents to the program are calling for increased energy efficiency and alternative energy sources instead of an expansion of the nuclear program. The question concerning the future of Russia's energy program will continue to be asked for years, but nuclear energy will most likely have a future in Russia. And its future may actually be a sustainable form of energy if Russia is able to remove secrecy from the program, develop safer reactors, institute a waste disposal program, and establish policies and regulations to prevent major accidents.
Name: James K.Haefner
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden and Mark Lord
Title: Agricultural impacts of dairy cows on stream phosphorus and sediment load
This project analyzed the effects of dairy cow farms on the relationship between total suspended sediment, phosphorus concentration, and discharge in a small reach of Gravel Run. The strength of these relationships will determine whether nonpoint source pollutants are presently degrading water integrity. This portion of the stream illustrated excessive streambank erosion, unconfined deposition of manure, tile drains, channelization, and lack of sufficient riparian vegetation. Data illustrated both a positive and negative relationships between discharge and total phosphorus which was statistically insignificant. This relationship was positive upstream and partially through the channelized reach. Downstream from this farm, data illustrated a negative correlation between the same variables which could indicate a nonpoint source of phosphorus in the vicinity. The relationship between total suspended sediment and phosphorus demonstrated a tight correlation which was significant upstream and through the channelized reach, but insignificant downstream. As for the correlation between discharge and suspended sediment, the relationship was significant at all sites upstream and downstream from the channelization. These relationships portrayed a possible source of soluble phosphorus entering the stream because downstream streambank erosion and movement of suspended sediment had a looser connection to phosphorus concentration then upstream bed load and suspended sediment. Therefore, it was hypothesized that these results stemmed from the lack of riparian vegetation and buffering capacity that protect the stream from unwarranted agricultural wastes and nutrients in overland flow.
Name: Christopher R. Kennedy
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Jim Palmer and Terry Bensel
Title: A Comparison Between Liquid and Solid N Fertilizers on Dent Corn Yield, Nutritional Quality, Environmental Effects, and Production Costs With and Without Weed Invasion
The use of liquid fertilizers has increased in recent years. This increase has lead farms not already using it, to question whether or not the liquid fertilizer is actually more beneficial than the solid fertilizer that they currently were using. In this instance, the Getty Farm, located in Northwestern, PA, was told about a liquid fertilizer that would increase his crop yields. Because there are so many different fertilizers within each fertilizer type, locating studies for a more accurate comparison becomes nearly impossible. The two fertilizers tested were Na-Churs liquid fertilizer (9-18-9) and Anderson's Agri-Products Group solid fertilizer (10-20-20). During the study Phytolacca americana (pokeweed) invaded three out of the six plots and were accordingly included in the results. Corn plant yields were not significantly different in the no weed (NW) plots between fertilizer types but were significantly different in partial weed (PW) plots, 50 percent weed coverage, and full weed (FW) plots, 90 percent weed coverage. The PW and FW plots showed a much larger yield in the solid fertilizer plots than the liquid plot. The liquid fertilizer had reduced yields because of a soil microbe population crash was created by the only application of the liquid fertilizer and greatly reduced corn plants per hectare. Other comparisons demonstrated that the liquid fertilizer was more detrimental to the soil than the solid fertilizer in NW plots but the opposite result occurred in the FW and PW plots. The solid fertilizer performed better in producing a higher corn kernel quality than the liquid fertilizer in all plot types. The cost analysis did not show much difference between NW plots but the liquid fertilizer in the FW plot demonstrated a large difference mainly due to the low corn plant population. To conclude, the solid fertilizer fared better in these conditions according to these application methods. However, if different application methods are utilized for the liquid fertilizer, it may turn out to be the better product.
Name: Suzanne Kilby
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Scott A. Wissinger, Dr. James O. Palmer
Title: An Application of the Biotic Integrity Concept of Stream Assessment in Northwestern Pennsylvania
Chemical and physical water quality measurements, while highly successful at monitoring point source pollution, often fail to adequately detect human impacts caused by non-point source pollution. Indices of Biotic Integrity (IBI)s compare several attributes of the biotic communities to a reference condition, thereby providing a more accurate picture of relative stream health. French Creek is thought to have retained much of its original biotic integrity and might, therefore, serve as a reference stream for establishing an IBI for northwestern Pennsylvania. The specific goals of this study were to (1) determine if the aquatic community (benthic macroinvertebrates) of a 6th order site on French Creek differs from comparable sites on each of three other streams in the region, (2) compare the effectiveness of the attributes used by two IBIs: the Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (B-IBI) and the Invertebrate Community Index (ICI), and (3)establish an inventory of the invertebrate communities as a basis for future work toward establishing an IBI reference condition for northwestern PA. Replicate quantitative (Hess) and qualitative (kick-net) samples were taken in a single riffle at one site on each of four streams with similar order, discharge and drainage area (Oil Creek, Shenango River, Tionesta Creek, and French Creek). Macroinvertebrates were counted and identified to genus, and then used to calculate community attributes for the two IBIs. Chemical water quality tests were also performed at each site. Only three of the B-IBI attributes and five of the ICI attributes distinguished among sites. Both scores developed in this study as well as those taken directly from the B-IBI ranked all sites in the least impacted range while ICI scores rank sites from moderately to heavily impacted. French Creek was not significantly different from all other sites, but ranked slightly higher than sites on the Tionesta and Shenango Rivers. French Creek did not differ from the Oil Creek Site in terms of biotic integrity. Therefore, I concluded that Oil Creek is at least, if not more, likely than French Creek to serve as a reference stream for an IBI in this region. Due to the limited scope of this study (one set of samples taken from one site on four streams), I suggest that future investigations sample streams across seasons, sites, and areas of known human impact in order to develop a broader data set for establishing an IBI reference condition for northwestern Pennsylvania.
Nane: M. Jennison Kipp
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Professor Terrence Bensel, Professor Gordon
Whitney
Title: Alternative Agriculture in Crawford County: What motivates farmers to adopt more sustainable practices?
Americans are blessed with an abundance of food and fiber, the production of which often imposes major stresses upon the natural environment. Demands for food will only expand further as global populations continue to grow. Sustained food production will require that current "conventional" agricultural systems be modified to take more into account the value of "natural capital" such as soil and water. Advocates of this approach to food production systems have given it the label "Sustainable Agriculture", also commonly referred to as alternative, non-conventional or low-input. The ultimate success of a sustainable agriculture movement depends upon the motivation of farmers to adopt more sustainable practices. The purpose of this study is to use a site-specific approach, looking to dairy farmers in Crawford County, Pennsylvania as a source of information to answer the question: What motivates farmers to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices? Because there is no single definition of a "sustainable farm", it is critical that a site-specific survey method be used in order to prescribe appropriate approaches for nurturing more sustainable practices within individual agricultural communities.
Through a series of eighteen personal interviews with local dairy farmers, the concerns, attitudes and behaviors of these farmers are identified as measures of these farmers' role in the sustainable agriculture movement. By gaining a knowledge of these farmers' backgrounds, farm histories, goals for the future, sources they look to for new knowledge and information, challenges that they are facing, and attitudes that they hold with respect to the natural environment, a number of conclusions are reached regarding farmers' motivations to adopt more sustainable practices. An understanding of sustainable systems combined with a desire to maintain small family farms, rural communities, and the quality of the natural environment undoubtedly leads farmers to seek alternatives to conventional farming practices. Economic interests serve to discourage as well as encourage the adoption of more sustainable practices, depending upon the management freedoms of the farmer. Farmers in Crawford County are concerned about the health of the environment and are expressing this concern by adopting more sustainable practices in their approach to agriculture.
Education of both farming and non-farming communities regarding the state of agricultural systems and potential future systems is fundamental to the success of sustainable agriculture. Anyone interacting with agricultural producers; including educators, policymakers, middlemen and consumers, must first adopt a respect for these farmers if effective lines of communication between these parties are to be established and utilized. Nothing exists in a vacuum, therefore everyone plays a role and has a responsibility to the state of today's agriculture and its ultimate degree of sustainabiity. Making the transition to a more sustainable agriculture is an on-going, constantly changing process which requires an atmosphere of respect, understanding and compromise in order to be successful.
Name: Anne Lawrence
Date: April 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Rich Bowden and Dr. Milt Ostrofsky
Title: Potential net nitrogen mineralization and nitrification by soil depth in two northern temperate hardwood forests.
Net N mineralization and nitrification rates have commonly been determined using only the top layer of soil. This experiment was conducted to determine the rates of net nitrification and net nitrogen mineralization to 60-cm at the Bousson Experimental Research Reserve (BERR) in Pennsylvania and the Harvard Forest (HF) in Massachusetts. Net nitrification and net N mineralization of soil collected at 15cm depth intervals in each forest were measured using 32-day laboratory incubations. Nitrification and N mineralization rates both decreased with depth at each forest. On a mass basis, nitrification and N mineralization decreased with depth at Bousson Research Reserve. At Harvard Forest, nitrification increased to 15-30cm depth and then decreased. Nitrogen mineralization increased to the 1-15cm depth and then decreased. The total nitrogen mineralized was 2.6 times greater and the total nitrified nitrogen was 17 times greater at BERR then at Harvard Forest, corresponding with higher productivity, soil respiration and N2O emissions at BERR than at Harvard Forest. This study suggests that caution should be taken when nitrogen mineralization and nitrification rates are based only the top 15cm of soil.
Name: Tricia Litwiler
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Scott Wissinger and Dr. Gordon Whitney
Title: Human Interaction and Marine Mammal Strandings in North Carolina and Virginia, with Emphasis on the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops Truncatus)
Data collected from marine mammal strandings by the Marine Mammal Stranding Network are important sources of information for basic biology and natural and human related causes of death. Human related causes of death, termed human interactions, may be the cause of mortality when there is evidence of injury that is believed to be due to anthropogenic causes, particularly from commercial fisheries and boating traffic. This study examined human interaction and marine mammal strandings in North Carolina and Virginia from January 1992 to June 1995. Analysis focused on the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, because this species is the most common marine mammal to strand at both locations. Tursiops truncatus stranding data, containing evidence of human interaction divided into nine subcategories, was compiled from the stranding databases in NC and VA. For each state, data were analyzed for total number and monthly distribution of strandings. and the percentages of Tursiops showing evidence of human interaction and subcategories of human interaction were calculated. Total length (cm) was used to categorize specimens as sexually immature or mature. A two-way contingency (x2) test was used to compare the sex ratios for human interaction and non-human interaction and immature and mature Tursiops. The results of each of the calculations for NC and VA were compared to identify similarities and differences in the two data sets. Results indicated that Tursiops truncatus accounted for the largest percentage of marine mammal strandings, and the majority of these strandings consisted of immature Tursiops. Significant differences were found between NC and VA for the sex ratios for human interaction and sexual maturity. Although the results suggested that several fisheries could be playing a role in the occurrence of strandings, the majority of evidence pinpointed the gill-net fishery as a significant source of mortality among the bottlenose dolphin populations. A reexamination of the gill-net fisheries in NC and VA is needed to confirm these trends, and if further verified, appropriate regulations and restrictions of the gill-net fisheries in these two states will need to be developed and implemented.
Name: David Masciola
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Palmer and Dr. Ritke
Title: Mutagenesis by Combination of Commonly Occurring Household Products
Nearly all household products on the market today are tested individually for health effects, however these studies rarely test products in combinations. Yet simultaneous exposure to a number of these products is common around the household, and the potential for synergistic effects is great. This study examined the potential mutagenesis of three household products (Thiodane®, Spectracide® and Citrus Plus®) individually and in combination using the Ames mutagenicity bioassay. The products were tested on four of the Ames testar strains (TA97, 98,100 and 102) that detect different types of mutations. Thiodane® and Spectracid® were predicted to test positive for mutagenesis while Citrus Plus® was not. Thiodane® and Spectracide® were also predicted to act synergistically when combined with Citrus Plus®, but in an additive manner when combined with each other. Results generally supported the predictions. Thiodane® and Spectracide® generally showed positive dose-response relationships to all four test strains, while Citrus Plus® did not produce any mutations. Average numbers of colonies increased in every strain tested against Thiodane® and Spectracide® with dilute Citrus Plus®. In contrast, average numbers of colonies produced by Thiodane®/Spectracide® combinations were consistent with an additive model. These results suggest that a synergistic model between household mutagens is plausible and requires further examination.
Name: Patrick McMahon
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Gordon Whitney and Dr. Terrence Bensel
Title: Gray Wolf Reintroduction to Yellowstone National Park and Central Idaho: Recommendations for Present Recovery Plan
Despite the ongoing controversy over wolf recovery, twenty-nine gray wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho in January of 1995. This study analyzes the recovery plan the wolves were reintroduced under and its prospects for the future. In addition, I make recommendations for the present recovery plan which primarily addresses compensation for livestock losses. Currently, ranchers are reimbursed market value for each livestock depredation if evidence suggests wolves are responsible. They are reimbursed through a private fund provided by Defenders of Wildlife. While reimbursement has eased some of the tension surrounding wolf restoration, ranchers are still concerned that compensation will only be temporary until enough wolves are reintroduced.
I approached this issue by discussing the history of wolf recovery, the alternative recovery plans, and the arguments ranchers have against the present recovery plan. My study concludes with recommendations for legally-binding compensation commitments to see that wolf reintroduction is as fair as possible and provides for successful recovery. Because the debate over wolf recovery has little to do with science, the emphasis of my analysis and recommendations are related to the political, economic, and social implications of wolf recovery.
Name: Jason Merritt
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Milt Ostrofsky and Dr. Scott Wissinger
Title: Comparison of Zooplankton Egg Bank Morphology in Temporary and Permanent Pools
This study was designed to examine the differences in the zooplankton egg banks between temporary and permanent pools. Six sediment cores were extracted from 3 different sites that consisted of adjacent permanent and temporary wetlands. One site was at the Bousson Experimental Forest and two were at the Erie National Wildlife Refuge. I hypothesized that the diapausing zooplankton eggs of the permanent pools would be concentrated near the top of the sediment core, while the eggs in the temporary pool samples would be more evenly distributed along the length of the core. The differences between temporary and permanent wetlands are important when considering the removal or addition of wetland ecosystems. If one type of wetland is replaced with the other, the original species present may be exchanged for a completely different biota. Although the experiment did not produce any usable results, the methods given here can be a useful tool to others perusing research with aquatic invertebrates.
Name: Christina Miller
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Milton Ostrofsky, Dr. Jim Palmer
Title: Simultaneous enhancement of diesel fuel biodegradation and nitrogen fixation in freshwater and estuarine environments by the addition of particulate organic carbon and inorganic nutrients
This study attempted to determine the effects of corn slash (post-harvest corn stalk and leaf particles) and inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus additions on both N2 fixation and diesel fuel degradation. The effect of diesel fuel on nitrogenase activity was also examined. If nitrogenase activity could be appreciably stimulated (even if inorganic nutrients and diesel fuel were present), then hydrocarbon degraders would have an available source of endogenously-produced nitrogen. This would enhance their ability to mineralize diesel fuel. This could in turn potentially reduce the reliance on inorganic nitrogen additions or oleophilic fertilizers. Since corn slash is readily available and does not cause significant increases in BOD, using this agricultural waste product to stimulate diesel fuel degradation is both economically and environmentally feasible. Water samples were collected from 3 sites (1 freshwater, 2 estuarine) along the lower Neuse River, which runs through Eastern North Carolina and empties into Pamlico Sound. Mineralization of 14C labeled hexadecane to 14CO2 was used to assess diesel fuel degradation, while the acetylene reduction assay, as modified by Paerl and Kellar (1978), was used to determine N2 fixation rates. Results indicate that optimal N2 fixation rates were obtained only when treatments contained both diesel fuel and corn slash particles; the addition of corn slash particles or diesel fuel alone did not appreciably enhance N2 fixation. Treatments containing inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus elicited less N2 fixation than treatments without inorganic nutrient additions. Corn slash particles did not stimulate diesel fuel degradation either unless inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus were also present, while treatments containing only nitrogen and phosphorus elicited the greatest amount of diesel fuel degradation. Reasons for the inability of corn slash particles alone to stimulate N2 fixation and diesel fuel degradation were hypothesized but not completely determined.
Name: Holly Mock
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Michael Maniates and Dr. Terrence Bensel
Title: The Environmental Agenda: Not Just an Issue of Jobs vs. the Environment
The pursuit of a new environmental agenda, one that is exemplified by strict environmental regulations, has met many obstacles along its path. This project investigates why job retraining programs should be a major focus of the new environmental agenda and how job retraining programs should be structured to be effective.
The new environmental agenda must focus on job retraining for many reasons. The conflict between jobs and the environment has been exaggerated. The real issue is the redistribution ofjobs that environmental regulation causes. What do we do with the workers that are displaced because of plant closure or industry shutdown? The burden of environmental regulation falls unevenly on a small portion of our society, while the whole society benefits from these regulations. Support for the displaced workers would also enable us to protect the cohesion of our communities and to prevent a possible political backlash against environmental regulation by the displaced workers, slowing down the implementation process.
Some job retraining programs, such as the Lane Community College Dislocated Worker Program in Eugene, Oregon, have proved successful. A review of the Lane Program shows that although the intensive case management design causes it to be a slightly expensive model, it is found to be an effective program from many points-of-view and strongly suggests that job retraining programs can successfully reduce the burden of environmental regulations on displaced workers.
This study concludes that job retraining programs should be a major focus in developing a new environmental agenda to avoid political backlash and high social costs resulting from the displacement of workers. A plan for future job retraining and assistance for displaced workers combines elements already present in our society. It would provide a pre-notice of layoff in all industries, job search assistance to quickly return employable workers to jobs, and full time job retraining to displaced workers that are unable to locate work because of lack of skills to be considered employable.
Name: Tricia J. Moore
Date: April 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Mark Lord, Dr. James Palmer
Title: The effects of storm runoff on stream water chemistry in French Creek, Meadville, PA
Relationships between stream discharge and surface water chemistry were evaluated to determine the dominant processes controlling runoff chemistry in French Creek, Meadville, Pennsylvania. Emphasis was placed on detailed studies of episodic events, such as storm and snowfall events. Streamwater samples were collected from two sampling sites, Mead Bridge and Wilson Shute, during two storm events, October 20-24 and December 13-18, 1995. Flow path, soil contact time, and pre-storm soil moisture conditions were determined to be controlling factors of resultant stream water constituent concentrations. Groundwater input is most apparent during low flow, low soil moisture periods. This allows for a greater soil contact time and therefore, greater input of dissolved constituents through a "flushing effect' (Walling et al., 1975). Direct runoff input is most apparent during times of increased discharge and saturated soil moisture conditions. Such events often experience an immediate leaching of dissolved solutions and an eventual dilution effect due to the increased input of precipitation. The results of this study suggest strongly that implementation of proper water management practices could be better executed with a greater understanding of the hydrologic response of a watershed.
Name: Greg Parks
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Gordon Whitney, Dr. Terry Bensel
Title: A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Sewage Sludge Disposal Methods for Meadville, Pa.: Landfilling Versus Direct Land Application and Composting
The purpose of this senior project was to apply a cost-benefit analysis to two potential alternatives for disposing of Meadville's sewage sludge. The current method, landfilling, was first examined for both its environmental and economic advantages and disadvantages. Composting and Direct Land Application were then examined using the same method. The two alternatives, composting and direct land application were then considered in a cost/benefit fashion, focusing on start-up costs, annual costs, availability, and current markets for each method. Environmental costs/benefits included safety concerns, i.e. human and ecological risks, nutrient chain completions, as well as general environmental friendliness. The sudy concludes that gradual increases in direct land application in combination with landfilling was the best approach. Although composting was concluded to be the best environmentally it was eliminated due to the high economic costs. Land application was determined to be the best method due to low costs and the potential environmental advantages. Its gradual incorporation is due primarily to current regulations which limit its use. The goal should be to steadily reduce and eventually eliminate landfilling as an option due to increasing costs and lack of any environmental advantages.
Namc: Rebecca Ann Penwell
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden and Scott Wissinger
Title: Effects of Salinity, Light, Temperature, and Predator Chemical Cues on the Hatching of Artemia Cysts
Artemia, commonly known as brine shrimp, are indiscriminate filter feeders of phytoplankton that live in hypersaline lakes and ponds. They have been successfully used in aquaculture as food for many species of marine and freshwater larval organisms. Therefore, it is important to understand the many environmental problems such as salt water intrusion, eutrophication, and global warming that can affect the productivity of the aquaculture industry. The purpose of my study was to determine the optimal hatching conditions of Anemia for their use in aquaculture. Under steady state or highly variable conditions, female Artemia reproduce ovoviviparitously or oviparitously, respectively. It has been hypothesized that the cysts' regulation of diapause is dependent upon the level of hydration that the cysts can reach. Hydration levels vary with external salinity, and the cysts become susceptible to light triggering once they have reached complete hydration. In this study, the aforementioned hypothesis was tested by measuring hatching success under different salinity and lighting conditions. I found that 50 parts per thousand (ppt) is the optimal salinity for the hatching of Artemia cysts. Light affected the hatching of Artemia cysts (i.e. length of light exposure increased hatching). The optimal wavelength for the hatching of Artemia cysts was 520 nm, and maximum hatching was reached at the light intensity of sunlight 36.9 photons/cm2/second (this number is the natural log of the light intensity). The effects of temperature and predator chemical cues were also determined. The optimal temperature for hatchung is 30°C, and in the presence of predator chemical cues, Artemia hatching success decreased. I concluded that it is not the presence of the predator, but the presence of the predator's chemical cue that causes a decrease in hatching success.
Name: Andrew J. Pettit
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terrence Bensel, Richard Bowden
Title: An Assessment of Meadville's Household Hazardous Waste Situation: Is there a problem that needs to be addressed?
This senior project explored the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) condition throughout the United States, with a focus on the city of Meadville, PA. Both a telephone survey and an oral question/answer survey were conducted to assess the HHW situation in the city. HHW is anything found in the home that can easily catch fire, react violently or explode when mixed with other substances, is corrosive or is toxic. These wastes can be potentially dangerous to the health of the public, sanitation workers and the environment. According to the Meadville survey and other HHW surveys done across the country, nearly all households improperly dispose of their HHW down the drain, on the ground or in landfills, for lack of a better method. Currently, there aren't enough HHW collection programs to reduce this risk, due to most programs high operation and disposal costs. Presently in Meadville, due to fiscal constraints, most collection programs are too expensive to conduct and are of low priority compared to most municipal concerns. However, residents still need to be aware of the hazards of improper HHW disposal and the appropriate methods of dealing with their HHW to minimize the risks. Education is one of the most cost-effective means of increasing the public's understanding of HHW issues. Reducing the number of hazardous goods you purchase, reusing items such as paint and recycling waste products such as motor oil can substantially reduce the volume of HHW needing disposal. These three practices, found in effective public education campaigns, provide us with a necessary, partial solution to the HHW dilemma. The remaining components of a solution involve well planned HHW collection programs and active community
Name: Gregg Arthur Pfeffer
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden and Mark Lord
Title: Effectiveness of Five Grass Species on Water Infiltration and Soil Erosion Control
The erosion of soil from agricultural lands around the world continues to be a problem. Due to the stripping of vegetation from the land for agricultural purposes, soil continues to erode causing economic and ecological problems. When vegetation is taken off the soil surface, water is able to erode the soil without resistance. Two ways in which vegetation aid in combating erosion, is that it increases the infiltration rates of soils and acts as a soil binder. The objective of this study was to test the ability of five grass species to aid in the infiltration of water and to act as a soil binder to prevent erosion from the overland flow of water. Grass is a cheap and time efficient way to cover bare soil with vegetation, because of this, grass was the most parsimonious vegetation to use for a short term study. The results of this study conclude that these five grass species did not increase the infiltration rates of water, but the time limitations of this study may have hindered the results of this portion of the experiment. Vegetation is known to increase infiltration rates but variables not measured in this study, such as soil compaction, may have affected the experiment resulting in the lack of variance between infiltration rates. Although the grass species in this study did not seem to have an effect on the infiltration rates of water, they did serve very well as an erosion control measure. This study has shown increased above ground biomass, below ground biomass and degree of groundcover will reduce soil erosion due to overland flow.
Name: Kristi Pikiewicz
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr Gordon Whitney and Prof Karen Skuldt
Title: A Curriculum for an 11th or 12th Grade Environmental Science Course
This curriculum is designed to take global environmental problems and make them understandable to juniors and seniors in high school. It consists of five units. With each unit there is a focus country for which this environmental problem is of particular concern. The five units and the corresponding country, or geographic area, are as follows: overpopulation (Bangladesh), ozone and global warming (Antarctica), air pollution (Poland), water pollution (Africa) and endangered species (Australia).
Each unit is broken up into several sections. Each unit begins with an introduction. This tells of the unit's environmental significance. The next portion is the content outline. This outline is a good place to scan the information covered by the unit. Following the outline there is the conceptual map. This map shows how the information all fits together. Then there is the main body of information concerning the environmental issue. Following each unit there is a list of articles and addresses that can be helpful for additional information. Contained within each unit there is also a fact sheet covering the focus country (this fact sheet can be compared to the United States' fact sheet). In the conclusion there is an idea for a final project to tie all the issues together.
Name: Mary A. Pittek
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Scott Wissinger, Dr. Milt Ostrofsky
Title: The Effects of Urban Development on Water Quality in the French Creek Watershed
French Creek flows 117 miles through New York and Pennsylvania and enters the Allegheny River at Franklin. French Creek is thought to have maintained a biological diversity that makes it unique as well as an important stream. When comparing streams of similar size in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, French Creek has sustained less of an impact due to low population densities and less row-crop agriculture. Recently, a loss in biological diversity and decline in water quality has been recorded in the basin from urban and rural impacts. The study tested the hypothesis that urban developments along French Creek can be attributed to water pollution by water quality degradation in below-city sites. Water quality samples were taken above and below seven cities along French Creek and its tributaries from October 1995-January 1996. ANOVA results for the main effects of above/below sites and date were complicated by an interaction. The cities of Edinboro and Union City showed evidence of urban pollution to the French Creek Basin while Cochranton and Waterford showed no consistent evidence. Cambridge Springs, Franklin, and Meadville had inconsistent trends in nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations indicating that effects of urban development on water quality is a complex interaction of natural and anthropogenic inputs into the stream.
Name: Noreen P. Slevin
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Terrence Bensel and Michael Maniates
Title: Sustainable Urban Design in Latin America: Case Study of Curitiba, Brazil
The objective of this senior comprehensive project is to determine the options and constraints for Latin American cities in devising and implementing a more sustainable urban planning system than what is currently in place. Some of these constraints include mass migration to urban areas causing crowding, unemployment, transportation and trash problems and poverty. This situation occurs mainly because of urban bias, in which urban areas become more developed, while rural areas are left without any infrastructure or hope to become more developed. The poor flee to the cities hoping to find a better situation in urban areas. Usually they find themselves living in poor conditions in squatter towns. Solutions to transport and housing were explored. It was determined that buses are the most efficient source of transportation, aside from walking and biking. Housing problems may be alleviated by increasing density. A case study of Curitiba, Brazil was done to evaluate how this city has been able to accomplish so much in the sustainability field. Factors responsible for this success have been determined to be a combination of the leadership skills of the mayor of Curitiba, a unique political situation allowing for the planning process to take place (including the implementation of zoning incentives), the wealth of the area, community participation, privatization of transportation, and education. Most success is due to simple solutions to Latin America's common urban problems. For other Latin American cities to follow Curitiba's example it would be important for many of these factors to be in place. Furthermore, the federal and local government need to work together and involve the community as much as possible to ensure a plan can be carried out.
Name: Sandra L. Smeltzer
Date: Spring 1996
Majors: Environmental Studies and Studio Art
Thesis Committee: Amara Geffen, James Palmer, Sue Buck
Title: The Application of the Principles of Deep Ecology to Studio Art
This thesis begins by discussing the basic principles and concepts behind deep ecology. Deep ecology supports a biocentric worldview which believes that all species have intrinsic value and the right to exist independent of their usefulness to humans. Deep ecology stresses human noninterference with the natural world. Interference is only allowed in cases where a vital need is being fulfilled. Deep ecology requires changes in human perspective and relationship with the environment. The second part of the thesis analyzes the work produced by several environmental artists, judging how they measure up to the principles of deep ecology. Many of the environmental artists discussed address the issue of reestablishing a sense of identity and place. Through this renewed sense, one reestablishes a mutual relationship with the natural world. The third component consists of a discussion in the meaning and influences of the art generated by the author of this thesis. This artwork was done as a means of applying the principles of deep ecology to a specific discipline. The work focuses on the use of discarded material in creating environments where the viewer participates in a type of ritual. The experiences encourage a fresh perspective in improving the relationship between humans and nonhumans.
Name: Stephen Thomas Sowa
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Richard Bowden and Dr. James O. Palmer
Title: Co-Composting with Sewage Sludge and Waste Paper at Different Carbon to Nitrogen Ratios and Sewage Sludge to Paper Ratios: Measuring CO2 Emissions and Carbon to Nitrogen Percent Changes
Today, the United States is producing enormous quantities of municipal solid waste. Currently, much of the sewage sludge being produced is being directly deposited into landfills across the country. This current method of sewage sludge disposal along with other debris has landfills racing to capacity. This experiment was designed using municipal sewage sludge and waste paper to create a feasible co-composting program in order to lessen the impact on landfills. The experiment was based upon two different levels: sewage sludge to paper and carbon to nitrogen. A matrix design was constructed with the following ratios: sewage sludge to paper 24/1, 32/1, 48/1, 64/1) and carbon to nitrogen (12/1, 10.5/1, 9/1, 7.5/1, 6/1). Fertilizer was used as a nitrogen source in order to reach the desired carbon to nitrogen ratio.
The experiment lasted for 8 weeks and consisted of 20 different treatments with each treatment containing three replications. Carbon dioxide emissions and final carbon to nitrogen percent changes were measured to reach conclusions. It was apparent that treatments with higher initial carbon to nitrogen ratios proved to decompose at a faster rate and therefore had higher average CO2 emissions. The treatments having the higher initial carbon to nitrogen ratios also underwent the greatest percent decrease from beginning to ending carbon to nitrogen ratios. The experiment also revealed the lack of significant effects by the varying sewage sludge to paper ratios.
The results from this study conclude that in order for a successful co-composting project to occur, carbon to nitrogen levels must be high while a specific percent bulking agent is not necessary. The ratio which worked best in this particular experiment was 12C / 1N.
Name: James Sprouse
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Gordon Whitney, Dr. Jim Palmer, Prof.
Mike Keeley
Title: Attitudes Toward Wildlife Rehabilitation: Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: A Case Study
When we lose biodiversity in the natural and wild world we are then losing potential knowledge of this earth and the various wealth that it possesses. Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation Center serves the needs of sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals by providing medical and supportive care for them and is a major component to the preservation of threatened and endangered species.
To further my personal education and the education of others concerning wildlife rehabilitation and Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, I produced and directed a video on the subject. This twenty-five minute creative treatment of actuality was designed to motivate the audience to become involved in the practice of wildlife rehabilitation and educate them about a number of underlying questions. To measure the amount of information gained by the viewing of the video I gave a pretest to the members of my audience, who were 80 high school seniors, then I showed them the documentary and proceeded to give them a post-test upon the completion of the viewing . I used the Null hypothesis to determine the relevance of results and measured, by percentage, the amount of increase in correct answers between the pre and post tests. The questions were asked in a questionnaire format.
The outcome of the questionnaire proved that this particular documentary video serves as an effective tool for educating the public on basic wildlife rehabilitation knowledge and practices. In all of the questions asked there was a significant amount of increase in the correct response upon the conclusion of the video.
Name: Eric Christopher Strobel
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Rich Bowden, Milt Ostrofsky
Title: A Risk Evaluation of Electromagnetic Radiation: A Comprehensive Analysis of Current Literature
The field of electromagnetic research has developed over the last 15 years in response to the concern that society may be exposed to dangerous levels of EMF's, Past research has shown a possible link between EMF exposure and certain types of cancer. Residential epidemiological research has uncovered an association between childhood leukemia and EMF exposure. Occupational epidemiological research has associated EMF exposure with a variety of adult cancers, including brain cancer. Although research to date has uncovered an association, that association is weak and often non-significant. Data from different experiments is often contradictory. The methodology employed by epidemiologists to assess EMF exposure suffers from several biases. Several possibilities exist that could reduce the potential bias in both residential and occupational epidemiological studies. Biological evidence, both in vivo and in vitro, has high-lighted several possible mechanisms through which EMF's may induce cancer. However, more laboratory research in biological field is crucial before concrete conclusions may be drawn.
Name: Jennifer L. Szeliga
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Scott Wissinger, Dr. Milt Ostrofsky
Title: The Effectiveness of Constructed Wetland Technology for the Treatment of Agricultural Wastewater
This study was designed to examine the effects of a constructed wetland on the water quality of agricultural wastewater and runoff entering a headwater stream in Crawford County Pennsylvania. This project was in cooperation with the Crawford County Natural Resource Conservation Service, which designed and oversaw the construction of the wetland on a small dairy farm in July-August 1995. I collected water quality and macroinvertebrate samples before the wetland was constructed to assess the pre-construction conditions of the wastewater entering the stream. The same sampling techniques were used during the fall of 1995 to evaluate the conditions of the wastewater after the wetland had been constructed. Parameters tested included nitrogen, phosphorus, fecal coliform bacteria, total dissolved solids (TDS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), suspended solids (SS), temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and macroinvertebrates. Results of this study support existing information about the effectiveness of wetlands in affecting all variables passing through the wetland body. The wetland is functioning as a sink for TDS, fecal coliform bacteria, SS, BOD, P and as a source for N and DO. Because of seasonal differences in runoff, input levels were higher after construction of the wetland, but a greater percent reduction occurred between input and output than before the construction. Nitrogen was the only variable that did not follow this trend. Input of nitrogen was actually lower after construction but a higher amount was being released at the output. Overall, the wetland appears to be effective in removing a substantial amount of contaminants found in agricultural wastewater, therefore enhancing the water quality of the wastewater before it enters the stream body. Continued monitoring needs to be done to determine the continued effectiveness of the wetland through time.
Name: Brian Thompson
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Professor Terry Bensel; Professor Scott Wissinger
Title: The Effect of Non-Indigenous Species on Existing U.S. Ecosystems: A Case Study of Dreissena Polymorpha (Zebra Mussel) in Western Lake Erie
This paper examines the effect that non-indigenous species (NIS) can have on existing U.S. ecosystems. This study provides insight as to how problematic NIS can be on both an economical and ecological level by discussing examples of harmful NIS. The zebra mussel infestation is then inspected in a more detailed manner. This is done by reflecting on the effects the zebra mussel has had on the industry and ecology of western Lake Erie. The paper then moves on to discuss the different types of control technologies available for use on the zebra mussel and what the positive and negative drawbacks exist for each technology. Examples are also presented of how each control technology has successfully or unsuccessfully combated other NIS. The paper concludes by discussing the current Federal and State policy available for dealing with NIS and the zebra mussel and how this policy can be improved to more sufficiently combat future problems.
Name: Allyson A. Tinney
Date: May 1996
Majors: International Studies and Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: G. Wayland-Smith, T. Bensel, O. Ogbomo, M.
Wagner
Title: French Colonization, Changes in Land-Use, and Environmental Degradation in Senegal
This project examines the interdependent relationship that developed between France and Senegal, specifically looking at how French colonization in Senegal influenced an evolution inland-use from traditional to commercial techniques, and examining if and how this change has led to environmental degradation.
In order to address this topic, the project is divided in the following manner. Chapter 1 focusses on social and environmental conditions in precolonial Senegal, and the impact each had on the other. Chapter 2 looks at the changes in trade patterns and resource use that occurred in Senegal during European presence and the French colonial period. Chapter 3 delves into current environmental and social conditions in an independent Senegal and ponders whether there is, indeed, a correlation between French colonization and environmental degradation in Senegal. Chapter 4 discusses different traditional and commercial production systems and their environmental impacts. The Conclusion deals with the future and what lessons have or need to be learned and how they can be applied in a constructive manner to rectify the problem.
What was found was that the environmental degradation in Senegal and the changes inland-use that are responsible for this degradation occurred as a result of many forces that are related and unrelated, internal and external, direct and indirect, natural and human-induced. Specifically, prior to French colonization, there were three major empires that dominated the area: Ghana, Mali and Songhay. The succession of each empire occurred with battles and struggles which often had detrimental effects on the land. For example, wells were filled in with sand and crops were destroyed. However, the majority of the interaction with the environment occurred through herding and farming as practiced by such groups as the Fulani, Serer and Wolof. The traditional techniques of these groups were environmentally respectful as well as very interdependent on each other. Additionally, the small size of the precolonial populations helped limit the impacts on the environment.
With French colonization, however, and the introduction of cash crops, i.e. the groundnut (peanut), many traditional practices were lost and the interdependent relationships between the herders and the farmers became strained. In addition, the traditional production of foodstuffs declined rapidly and Senegal was forced to import large quantities of these products. Unfortunately, after independence in 1960, Senegal's dependence on cash crops did not decrease. Consequently, the combination of rapidly growing population, declines of world market prices, a religious fanaticism that drives cash crop production, drought, and debt have led to serious environmental and social problems.
Fortunately, current development projects are beginning to focus on the reimplementation of traditional land-use practices such as intercropping, alley cropping, silviculture, minimum tillage, the management and use of large and small animals, as well as a variety of soil and water conservation techniques. In addition, the focus on groundnut production is declining, at least in its role as an export crop, as seen in its decreased contribution to export earnings from 29% in 1982 to 13.4% in 1988, while the production of foodstuffs for domestic consumption is increasing. Thus, there is hope that Senegal will be able to reach, at least in part, its goals of stability and self-sufficiency by 2000.
Name: Beverly L. Twining
Date: May, 1996
Major: Environmental Science
Thesis Committee: Dr. Michael Maniates, Dr. William Bywater
Title: Is A New Environmental Ethic Emerging? An Examination of a Traditional Ethic That May Be Challenging the Dominant Social Paradigm
As the new millennium approaches we are plagued by many social problems. The question we must ask then, is what is the cause of these problems? One reason could be that our dominant social paradigm (DSP) encourages and justifies the actions that are creating these problems. This analysis examines the extent to which a new environmental paradigm (NEP) is emerging and challenging the claims of contemporary society. It begins by examining contemporary Native Americans environmental values that reflect the ideals of the NEP. This provides an ethical foundation and belief system that encompasses the ideas in the NEP. Indicators of social change are established for the purpose of providing the framework for locating evidence of social change. The study then utilizes the indicators to locate many areas in society that harbor emerging elements of the NEP.
The analysis concludes that society is challenging the DSP and considering environmental issues in a new way. Though society faces many barriers that are created by the dominant structures in our society, this analysis shows that we are recognizing these barriers and working towards eliminating them. In conclusion, this analysis suggests that society is on the verge of a paradigm shift.
Name: Angell Renee White
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Michael Maniates, Bruce Smith, Rodney Clark
Title: "We Shall Overcome," A New Interpretation: The Theme Song of the l990s Environmental Justice Movement.
This thesis is an analysis of the politically powerless citizens in our nation and their struggle for justice within the US environmental justice movement. I argue that this social movement that has emerged due to the massive environmental degradation of rapid industrialization and capitalism that plagues these communtities. This movement consists primarily of the people who bear the brunt of most of the nation's hazardous waste sites-poor and minority citizens. For historical reasons, these underclass citizens have not participated in the environmental policy and planning process due to the social barriers set by a dominant and social structure. However, these once "environmentally inactive" groups are now mobilizing and engaging in activities to promote justice as a pattern of unequal distribution of waste sites and toxic chemicals can be found within these communities. My project examines the ability of this movement to continue to sustain and mobilize politically disenfranchised communities against the threat from inequities surrounding the siting of hazardous waste sites. I demonstrate my affirmation of the movement by analyzing a series of case studies and reports that illustrate the difficulties of achieving a balance between ecology and equality.
Name: Robin Willison
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Michael Maniates, Ellen Gray
Title: The Environmental Justice Movement: An Evaluation of its Future Role in American Public Policy
The environmental justice movement is a new social movement that has emerged in the past twenty years with the primary goal of promoting social and environmental equity. This grass roots movement is separate from the older and more established mainstream environmental movement. This study assesses the future viability of the environmental justice movement by drawing from applied social movement theory, case studies, and historical analysis. The study addresses four primary issues: elitism fostered by mainstream environmental organizations, alleged disinterest of minorities in the state of environment, dynamics of local level community organization, and the disproportionate distribution of hazardous waste sites located in minority communities. The study concludes that the environmental justice movement will increase in social and political influence in the near future.
Name: Stephanie Zamorski
Date: Spring 1996
Major: Environmental Studies
Thesis Committee: Dr. Richard Bowden, Dr. Nancy Lowmaster
Title: Environmental Education Unit Plan: French Creek Watershed for Grades Four to Six
To maintain a healthy and safe environment for the future, it is essential that environmental education become incorporated in the day to day academics of the classroom. Children must be taught the importance of maintaining and preserving the environment in which they live. They must come to realize the effects their actions have on the cycles of nature. This awareness can be fostered, established and maintained in the classroom if it is started at a young age. The educational systems across the nation, and around the world, must begin to incorporate the study of the environment into their organized core curriculums.
This particular unit focuses on teaching the students that live in the French Creek region of Northwestern Pennsylvania more about the valuable and irreplaceable watershed area in which they call home. With each lesson, the students are introduced to different environmental concepts, and are asked to explore how those particular ideas apply specifically to the French Creek Watershed region. Many of the activities require group interaction and hands on experience, and also incorporate music, poetry, art and literary expression in attempting to convey the desired environmental concepts to the students.
Environmental management must be a collective effort throughout each local community and throughout society as a whole. Here in the French Creek Watershed, citizens must be particularly aware of preserving one of the most important natural resources that exists in the eastern United States, and what better way of instilling positive attitudes and practices about the environment than with children in the classroom.
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