Poster Presentations

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(1) Charles Aquilina – Assessing Spatial Complexity of Riverscapes Using Drone Based Lidar

(2) Juan Camilo Berrio – Conservation, Strategy for the Improvement of Water Regulation, Case of the Otún River Basin, Pereira (Colombia)

(3) David M. Blersch – Uptake and Adsorption of Perfluoroalkyl Substances by a Mixed Periphytic Algal Community Using an Algal Turf Scrubber Approach

(4) Daniel Buhr – Riparian Nitrogen Modeling: Assessment of Existing Approaches and Considerations of Channel Evolution

(5) Julia Burmistrova – Assessment of Manganese/Iron Oxide-Modified Activated Carbon to Repress MeHg Production in Hg-Contaminated Sediments

(6) Norma Castro – Climate Change Analysis in a Small Watershed in the Central Andes of Colombia

(7) Kat Close – The Green Wall’s Potential for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Cooperation

(8) Emine Fidan – Using Machine Learning and Remotely Sensed Data to Develop Spatiotemporal Maps of Flood Surge and Retreat

(9) Dennis Gregg – Working with Water: Getting the Landscape Contractor Community Engaged

(10) Leslie Hopkinson – Short Paper Fiber as a Soil Amendment for Mine Reclamation in Central Appalachia

(11) Leslie Hopkinson – A Comprehensive Study of Seeding and Mulching Practices in West Virginia

(12) Ana Gabriela Itokazu – Removal of Suspended Sediments by An Algal Turf Scrubber

(13) Yang Ju – Distribution of Plant Communities in Relation to Water Level Fluctuations at an Estuarine Marsh

(14) Patrick Kangas – Planning for a Medium-Scale Algal Floway for Water Treatment in Central Maryland

(15) Lee-Hyung Kim – Understanding Ecological Characteristics of Urban Stormwater Low Impact Strategies for Optimized Treatment Benefits

(16) Christina Kranz – Level of Soil Compaction is More Important than Compost Volume for Determining Soil Hydraulic Properties in a Sandy Loam Soil

(17) Roderick Lammers – Between the Sea and a Hard Place: Quantifying the Effects of Coastal Squeeze on Salt Marsh Persistence Under Rising Sea Levels

(18) Eugene Law – An Emergy Comparison of Annual and Perennial Small Grain Cropping Systems

(19) Ben Leonard – Quantifying Stormwater Benefits of Individual Native Trees in Western Washington

(20) Meizhu Liu – Effects of Toxicity and Structural Alterations Caused by Perfluorinated Alkyl Acid on the Microalgae Scenedesmus Obliquus UTEX 393

(21) Lane Maguire – Longevity of Bioretention Depths for Preventing Acute Toxicity from Urban Stormwater Runoff

(22) Tiffany Messer – Mapping Lake Chemical and Physical Characteristics for Optimal BMP Placement

(23) Chelsea Mitchell – Testing Potential Bioretention Soil Media Amendments for Removal Potential of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Escherichia coli

(24) Brady Nahkala – Characterization and Management of Depressional Wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region

(25) Elizabeth M. Prior – Investigating UAV Near Infrared Imagery for Turbidity Monitoring in Small Streams

(26) Diana Rashash – An Investigation into Salt Intrusion to Coastal Agricultural Fields

(27) Anthony Roux – A Closer Look at The Impact Of Alterations of The Natural Flow Regime Due to Urbanization on Benthic Macroinvertebrate Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function

(28) Ian Simpson – Urban Stormwater Pollution Generation: a Review

(29) Stephania Suarez – Environmental Education for Scout Leaders in the State of Risaralda – Colombia

(30) Sophia Toler-Smith – Mobile Aquaponics Teaching Assistant (MATA)

(31) Jarrod Underwood – Assessment of a Natural Wetland’s Pollutant Removal Efficiency in an Urbanizing Watershed: Ecosystem Service or Disservice?

(32) Jorge A. Villa – Towards Wetland Creation and Restoration in the Lake Erie Basin with Reduced Feedbacks from Methane Emissions

(33) Chante Vines – Evaluating Fugitive Methane Emissions from Hydraulic Fracturing Using Eddy Covariance Methods

(34) Jenna Williams – Soil Fracking to Alleviate Compacted Rain Gardens

(35) Holly Yaryan Hall – Functional Assessment of Stream Restoration for Water Quality Benefits in Urban Watersheds

(1) Assessing Spatial Complexity of Riverscapes Using Drone Based Lidar

Presenter: Charles Aquilina, Virginia Tech Biological Systems Engineering, aqua@vt.edu

Abstract: Light detection and ranging, or lidar is a form of remote sensing using laser pulses to measure distances. Recent advancement in lidar technology has made units small enough to mount on drones, which has opened the door high quality data to be more easily accessible. Recent studies have utilized aerial lidar, or drone based photogrammetry to measure characteristics of streams and rivers, as well as their associated riparian areas. These areas have been referred to as riverscapes. Riverscape’s physical characteristics are traditionally difficult to measure, due to ever changing characteristics in space and time. Drone based lidar, or DBL, is uniquely positioned to provide high quality data on physical characteristics as it allows for increased temporal (daily, monthly, seasonal flights) and spatial (more than 400 pts/m 2 at 30 m elevation flight) resolutions. One use of this data is to analyze small changes of the topography of these areas.

Roughness is an important metric in biological studies and flood modeling. In previous studies, estimating roughness was limited to visual observations, back calculating from flow measurements, and other rudimentary methods. Using high resolution DBL derived ground and vegetation rater data, we will monitor small changes in vegetation and topography over the course of the stream. We will test various methods to use lidar data to determine roughness, such as using various software such as CloudCompare, a computer software for visualizing and analyzing lidar, as well as methods developed in previous studies, such as finding the standard deviation of the elevation change, the variation between maximum and minimum elevations in a pixel, and others. Roughness is one of many biological indicators determined by measuring physical parameters of streams and rivers. DBL is a game changing way that we can understand the spatial complexity, and habitat characteristics of riverscapes.

Biography: Charles Aquilina is a masters student in Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech. His research focuses on using drone based lidar to find biological indicators in streams and riparian areas. His goal is to understand the spatial and temporal processes that determine long-term health of streams and rivers.

(2) Conservation, Strategy for the Improvement of Water Regulation, Case of the Otún River Basin, Pereira (Colombia)

Presenter: Juan Camilo Berrio, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, jcberrio@utp.edu.co

Abstract: The Otún river, located in the central Andes Colombia and a basin area of 480 km2, is the only source of water of around 450,000 inhabitants of the cities of Pereira, Santa Rosa de Cabal, Dosquebradas and Marsella. By 1940s the agriculture and cattle raising generated strong pressure in the upper basin affecting the water supply. Since then, local and national institutions have implemented conservation measures, including buying lands, and creation of national, state and municipal natural parks.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the impacts of these conservation measures on the Upper and Middle Basin of the Otún River after 70 years of conservation. The study focus on three aspects: the socio-economic impact generated by the creation of natural parks; the effects of forestation on water regulation and supply, and biodiversity; the current degree of vulnerability that the city of Pereira may have by the effects of climate change.

Preliminary results showed that, in the last 70 years, the land cover changed from 30 to 60% of conservated areas. Along with this change, the population living in the upper basin decreasing from 60 to 14 families (300 to 45 inhabitants). However, this depopulation was originated by a plage on the potato crops rather than by the new natural parks created.

The following steps we are working on are the comparison of water supply, before and after the conservation measurements, using a rainfall-runoff model using the software WEAP; The impact of Climate Change on the future water supply; and the assessment of the gains in biodiversity due to conservations measurements.

Biography: BS in environmental management; Esp in hydraulic and environmental engineering; MSc in physical instrumentation. Profesor at Universidad Tecnologica de Pereria in Pereira Colombia.

(3) Uptake and Adsorption of Perfluoroalkyl Substances by a Mixed Periphytic Algal Community Using an Algal Turf Scrubber Approach

Presenter: David M. Blersch, Auburn University, dmb0040@auburn.edu

Co-Authors: Roger Lopes Viticoski, Auburn University, rzl0027@auburn.eduAna Gabriela Itokazu, Auburn Uiversity, azi0011@auburn.edu; Vanisree Mulabagal, Auburn University, vzm0005@auburn.edu; Joel Hayworth, Auburn University, jsh0024@auburn.edu

Abstract: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic organic chemicals that are persistent in the environment due to their fluorinated alkyl chains, and are reported to have adverse effects in humans and wildlife. Few technologies are known or available to economically remove them from environmental aquatic systems. The Algal Turf Scrubber ™ (ATS), a simulated stream system that treats water using periphytic algae, has been reported to remove pollutants from wastewater, but has not yet been tested for PFAS. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the suitability of an ATS approach for the remediation of a mixture of PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PDHA, and HFPO-DA). The experimental design consisted of four treatment channels and four controls (two positive and two negative), in which algal turf cultures where exposed to the contaminant mixture at 2µg/L for a period of 72h. Water and biomass were repeatedly sampled from each channel and analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS). The substances were found in the biomass at 1.24 ± 0.40%, 1.21 ± 0.41%, 0.26 ± 0.16%, and 0.76 ± 0.27% of the initial concentration for PFOA, PFOS, HFPO-DA, PDHA, respectively. Bioaccumulation factors were also calculated and were found to be equal to 14.25 ± 10.41, 43.63 ± 17.04, 3.13 ± 1.86, 2.15 ± 0.39 L(kgww)-1, respectively, based on absorbed concentrations. Periphytic algae are in the bottom of several food chains and can potentially biomagnify PFAS into upper levels. Furthermore, findings in this study are in agreement with reports that suggests shorter chain compounds are less bioaccumulative than legacy substances. Even though the low elimination rates suggest unsuitability for remediation, results from this analysis contribute to the growing understanding on the bioaccumulation potential of these compounds.

Biographies: Roger Viticoski is a Civil Engineering Master’s student at Auburn Univeristy, where he works as a Graduate Research Student. For his thesis studies, he is studying the possibility of an Algal Turf Scrubber to be used in the remediation of perfluorinated compounds, as well as toxic effects of such compounds in algae. He has a Bachelor in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Rio Grande, in Brazil.

David M. Blersch, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor in the Biosystems Engineering Department at Auburn University, where he teaches courses in Ecological Engineering, Aquaculture and Aquaponics, and Algae Systems Engineering. Dr. Blersch has research interests in algae cultivation for pollutant recovery and biomass production; aquaculture and aquaponics food production systems; and ecological systems modeling. Dr. Blersch is principal investigator for the Auburn University Algal Systems and Ecological Engineering Laboratory, and is PI for the Auburn University 3D-Printed Bio-Surfaces (3D-PBS) Laboratory. Dr. Blersch has environmental and ecological engineering research supported by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture; US National Science Foundation; US Environmental Protection Agency; and Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, and is the author or co-author of 20 publications and over 100 presentations on ecological engineering for resource utilization in agricultural systems. Dr. Blersch holds a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, Indiana), and a M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in Biological Resources Engineering from the University of Maryland (College Park, Maryland).

(4) Riparian Nitrogen Modeling: Assessment of Existing Approaches and Considerations of Channel Evolution

Presenter: Daniel Buhr, University of Georgia, db70846@uga.edu

Co-Authors: Roderick Lammers, University of Georgia, rod.lammers@uga.edu; Brian Bledsoe, University of Georgia, bbledsoe@uga.edu

Abstract: Eutrophication resulting from excessive loading of nutrients such as nitrogen is a leading cause of water quality impairment of freshwater and coastal ecosystems. The importance of streams and riparian zones as nitrogen transformers and sinks is well-known; however, the dynamic role of these coupled systems in landscape level nitrogen cycling remains poorly understood. Several models have been developed to simulate nitrogen transport through riparian zones, including the Riparian Ecosystem Management Model (REMM), the Riparian Nitrogen Model (RNM), and variations of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). These models vary in complexity and operate across many spatial and temporal scales. The purposes of this research are to: 1) assess the approaches of these existing models (e.g., structure, input requirements, mechanistic detail, scale, etc.) for estimating nitrogen loading, and 2) use sensitivity analysis and model testing to identify the most important processes and parameters for inclusion in a parsimonious riparian denitrification model that is applicable at watershed scales up to approximately 100 km2. We summarize algorithms for hydrology, nutrient transport, and other relevant processes for each of the major models, and outline global sensitivity analysis approaches, where feasible, to identify the most sensitive parameters for estimating nitrogen loading through riparian zones into streams. These parameters, along with channel evolution processes currently omitted from existing models but hypothesized to be an important influence on riparian nitrogen cycling, will be incorporated into the River Erosion Model (REM). This research will improve understanding of the role that riparian zone-channel change interactions play in eutrophication, thereby helping to identify locations that may contribute a disproportionately large amount of nitrogen to aquatic systems.

Biography: Daniel is a second-year engineering Ph.D. student at the University of Georgia. He earned a B.S. in Biosystems Engineering from Michigan State University in 2017. His research interests include stream-riparian water quality, hydrologic modeling, and stream restoration.

(5) Assessment of Manganese/Iron Oxide-Modified Activated Carbon to Repress MeHg Production in Hg-Contaminated Sediments

Presenter: Julia Burmistrova, University of California, Merced, jburmistrova@ucmerced.edu

Co-Presenters: Marc Beutel, University of California, Merced

Co-Authors: Mark Seelos, Marc Beutel, Samuel Traina, Peggy O’Day, University of California, Merced

Abstract: Mercury (Hg) contamination of the environment poses a significant health threat to humans and wildlife. Human and wildlife exposure to Hg is primarily through fish consumption and mostly in the form of toxic methylmercury (MeHg), which bioaccumulates in higher organisms. The primary pathway for methylation of inorganic Hg to MeHg is by bacteria during sulfate reduction under anaerobic conditions. Therefore, the reduction-oxidation (redox) potential of the sediment-water system is a key control on processes associated with Hg methylation. This poster presents preliminary results from a study to assess the capacity of manganese/iron oxide-modified activated carbon (MOMAC) to repress MeHg production in Hg-contaminated sediments. The novel solid-phase amendment thermodynamically “buffers” the redox state of the sediment-water interface to create conditions unfavorable for sulfate reduction, while also providing sorption capacity to limit Hg and MeHg bioavailability. The study includes evaluation of sediment from two contrasting sites impacted by historical Hg mining in California and its use in gold extraction: profundal lake sediment in Guadalupe Reservoir, a water storage reservoir polluted by the historic New Almaden mercury mine south of San Jose, and wetland sediment from the Cache Creek Settling Basin which traps sediment from the upstream Sulfur Bank Mercury Mine superfund site. The project, which is funded via the Department of Energy’s Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program, includes a substantial undergraduate research component aimed at enhancing the diversity of the STEM talent pool interested in research careers in environmental science and engineering. The long-term aim of the study is to develop and test innovative, cost-effective sediment amendment technology to lower Hg bioaccumulation in contaminated sediments.

Biographies: Julia Burmistrova is a MS student in the Environmental Systems graduate program at University of California, Merced. She has a BS in Bioenvironmental Engineering with a minor in Environmental Policy, Institutions and Behaviors from Rutgers University, NJ. In addition to this post-MS research effort related to use of manganese-based sediment amendments, her MS research focused on the use of anaerobic co-digestion of wastewater solids and organic solid waste in coordination with with Yosemite National Park and their Zero Landfill Initiative. She hopes to continue her focus on environmental engineering by working for a sustainability consulting firm as the next step of her career.

Marc Beutel is an Associate Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department and the chair of the Environmental Systems Graduate Group at UC Merced. Beutel’s research focuses on the sustainable control of dilute pollutants in managed surface waters including nutrients, pesticides, pathogens, and mercury, with a focus on redox mediated transformations in the environment, reservoir oxygen addition, and constructed treatment wetlands. He is currently working with several large California water utilities assessing how water storage reservoirs can be managed or treated in situ to reduce bioaccumulation of mercury in aquatic biota.

(6) Climate Change Analysis in a Small Watershed in the Central Andes of Colombia

Presenter: Norma Castro, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, nlcastro@utp.edu.co

Abstract: Modeling is a widely oriented tool to assist decision-making focused on the management of water resources; hence, various software applications support the development of rainfall-runoff models. This study aimed to calculate the impact of six different future climate scenarios on the discharge of a small watershed in the central Andes of Colombia South America. The Dali Creek watershed has an area of aproximately 3 km2. The land cover for most of the basin is secondary forest, cryptic wetlands, and small areas of grass. Two streamflow gages and 5 rainfall meters were deployed in the basin since 2014. The water evaluation and planning system software (WEAP) was used to develop and calibrate a rainfall-runoff model based on a soil moisture method. Six GCM models were downscaled to create future climatic scenarios. The preliminary results show that by the period 2018 – 2050, the stream flow ranges from – 9% to +9% approximately compared with the 5 years historical streamflow. The worst scenario upscaled for the Otun River basin, within which the Dali Creek is located, may imply a drinking water supply shortfall for the city of Pereira which holds half million inhabitants.

(7) The Green Wall’s Potential for Multi-Disciplinary Research and Cooperation

Presenter: Kat Close, University of Maryland, College Park, kclose1@terpmail.umd.edu

Abstract: Humanity’s relationship with the environment is growing more strained with each year, and it is increasingly urgent that a stable method of sustainable living is developed in order to prevent potential environmental catastrophes from occurring in the future. This change should not be lead by a single group of individuals, but driven by multi-disciplinary teams who utilize their range of skills in cooperation to create holistic solutions to this problem. Green walls are great examples of systems in which this interdisciplinary cooperation can be seen. As they are decorative, self-functioning structures comprised of plant, irrigation, and electrical systems, they incorporate components and knowledge from numerous different subjects ranging from ecology to engineering to design. While knowing which perspectives to include and how best to apply them is integral to the efficiency of the project, developing interdisciplinary communication strategies is also key to preventing misunderstandings and the proper transfer and use of ideas in a project setting. As such, this green wall is just as much an experiment of construction as it is an experiment of team building, which is exemplified in the process of its production from concept to design to proposal to blueprint to building.

Biography: Kat Close is a current freshman at the University of Maryland, College Park where she is pursuing a double major in Environmental Science and Policy and Graphic Design. She has always been interested in the environment and sustainable development, and just recently became actively involved in that field through her membership with the American Ecological Engineering Society chapter at her college this past year. Since she has joined, she has become the unofficial graphic designer for the club in addition to becoming co-leader of the construction of two green walls on campus. Her role has taught her much about the process of designing and constructing eco-friendly structures along with managing a team and communicating with outside parties. She looks forward to continuing to learn throughout the duration of the project, and hopes to apply the knowledge she gains to a much more ambitious project in the future.

(8) Using Machine Learning and Remotely Sensed Data to Develop Spatiotemporal Maps of Flood Surge and Retreat

Presenter: Emine Fidan, North Carolina State University, eneminef@ncsu.edu

Co-Authors: Natalie Nelson, North Carolina State University, nnelson4@ncsu.edu

Abstract: Analysis of satellite imagery for flood monitoring is a rapidly developing area of research due to recent advances in the spatial and temporal resolution of satellite products. Although static flood maps are readily constructed through composites of satellite images and normalized difference indices, few approaches for generating time series of flood dynamics exist due to challenges associated with missing data, temporal mismatch between satellite image capture dates and flood events, and lack of in situ measurements. Time series visualization allows for the illustration of changes in flooded area over time and tracks the rapidly retreating flood process compared to static maps which represent flood extent when peak inundation was reached. Machine learning (ML) approaches offer novel opportunities to address these issues by synthesizing disparate data sources (i.e. stream gauge, satellite imagery) to generate spatiotemporal flood maps, but additional research is needed to develop such ML workflows. This study explores the use of ML to create flood time series, specifically as applied to an assessment of the surge and retreat of flood waters in eastern North Carolina following Hurricane Florence (2018). Using the Random Forest algorithm, geospatial data sources including land use, soil type, hydrography, elevation, road networks, social vulnerability, as well as MODIS satellite imagery, were used to produce spatiotemporal post-hurricane flood maps. With the effects of global climate change expected to drive increases in the frequency and magnitude of flood events, improved methods for mapping and analyzing floods will continue to increase in the future to guide management.

Biography: Emine is a PhD student in Biological and Agricultural Engineering at North Carolina State University. She received her undergraduate degree in Biosystems Engineering from the University of Tennessee in May 2018. Her previous research at the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory has focused on studying at-risk and endangered species in riverine systems. Currently, her doctoral research focuses on applying geospatial analyses toward understanding flood processes.

(9) Working with Water: Getting the Landscape Contractor Community Engaged

Presenter: Dennis Gregg, University of Tennessee – Knoxville, dennisgregg@gmail.com

Co-Authors: Andrea Ludwig, University of Tennessee – Knoxville, aludwig@utk.edu

Abstract: The landscaping and design community is playing a larger role in the management of land as urban and suburban areas grow in developing watersheds. Therefore, this is a critical stakeholder group in the mission of minimizing the effects of this land use change on downstream receiving water quality and aquatic ecosystems. As green infrastructure and natural drainage systems are being favored in new development projects and becoming more popular endeavors in retrofit scenarios, there is space for the landscaping and landscape design community to embrace working with water in the landscape as a specialized service. The University of Tennessee has partnered with local governments and the Tennessee Nursery & Landscapers Association to secure funding from the 319 Program (TN Dept. of Agriculture) to support workshops that would share these specialized tools among the landscaping community and deepen the experience and understanding of landscaping contractors in green infrastructure and natural drainage system design, build, and management. The workshop series focuses on three types of practices: rain gardens, micro wetlands, and streambank stabilization. The series will include design/build workshops and separate maintenance/management workshops. This poster presentation will share the approach being developed for delivery of this material as well as showcase some resources and information collected to date.

Biography: Dennis Gregg, MS Ecology, is a UT Extension Associate in the Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science Department and works with Dr. Andrea Ludwig on stormwater demonstration projects and educational opportunities for various targeted audiences. He was formerly the Executive Director of the Obed Watershed Community Association (OWCA) where he completed over 25 stream and wetland restoration and enhancement projects. He continues to manage projects for OWCA on an as needed basis. In addition, he has designed and built numerous stormwater BMP projects from rain gardens, water capture and irrigation systems, to pervious pavers and infiltration ditches. As part of his restoration activities, Dennis has become knowledgeable about both controlling invasives and appropriate native plants for stream banks, wetlands, and rain gardens.

(10) Short Paper Fiber as a Soil Amendment for Mine Reclamation in Central Appalachia

Presenter: Leslie Hopkinson, West Virginia University, leslie.hopkinson@mail.wvu.edu

Co-Authors: Levi Cyphers, West Virginia University, ljcyphers@mix.wvu.edu; Iuri Lira Santos, West Virginia University, iulirasantos@mix.wvu.edu; John Quaranta, West Virginia University, JDQuaranta@mail.wvu.edu

Abstract: Innovative reclamation strategies are needed in the coal producing region of Central Appalachia to reduce sediment yield and manage water quality concerns. This study tested the effect of adding short paper fiber as a soil amendment to help establish vegetative cover in coarse coal refuse. Two blends of short paper fiber and refuse were tested (i.e., 80% refuse with 20% short paper fiber and 60% refuse with 40% paper fiber) as well as a control sample containing only coal refuse. All samples were tested using the same seeding mixture in identical growing conditions for 16 weeks. Ground cover, stem height and biomass were monitored. Maximum ground cover was observed in the 80/20 blend (=77.1%). Ground cover in the refuse samples did not exceed 0.5%. Similar results were observed with biomass measurements. Therefore, the addition of short paper fiber shows potential to support vegetation establishment in coarse coal refuse. This potential is currently being tested a at large-scale field site (~ 0.3 acre plots) on a coarse coal refuse pile in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. The large-scale testing also introduced the use of compacted low permeability barrier. Monitoring for vegetation ground cover, water quality, stability, and infiltration continues.

Biography: Dr. Hopkinson joined the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at West Virginia University in August of 2010 after completing her Ph.D. in Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech. Her recent research interests include environmental fluid mechanics, mining reclamation, right-of-way reclamation, and watershed monitoring. Dr. Hopkinson regularly teaches courses in fluid mechanics, hydrology, and water resources engineering.

(11) A Comprehensive Study of Seeding and Mulching Practices in West Virginia

Presenter: Leslie Hopkinson, West Virginia University, leslie.hopkinson@mail.wvu.edu

Abstract: Continued persistence in ground cover is desired in right-of-way locations for the erosion benefits. We have been working on a comprehensive, long-term study at West Virginia University to develop a process for selecting seed mixture, additives, and mulch for construction sites in West Virginia. The work, sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Highways, began by examining existing conditions of roadside locations throughout the state. From the knowledge gained, we developed experimental seed mixtures that are being tested in a series of field studies.

Biography: Dr. Leslie Hopkinson is an Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at West Virginia University. She earned a Ph.D. degree in Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech, specializing in natural resources management and ecological restoration. Her recent research interests include environmental fluid mechanics, mining reclamation, right-of-way reclamation, and watershed monitoring.

(12) Removal of Suspended Sediments by An Algal Turf Scrubber

Presenters: Ana Gabriela Itokazu, Auburn University, azi0011@auburn.edu; David M. Blersch, Auburn University, dmb0040@auburn.edu

Abstract: Created originally for aquarium depuration, Algal Turf Scrubbers (ATS) have been explored as an alternative for nutrient recovery from many aquatic systems. A common critique of ATS use is the low quality of the biomass, compared to other algae cultivation, as it often has high percentages of ash material. Past environmental installations have shown biomass ash concentrations of 70% or higher, and sources of ash are thought to be either terrigenic (from the landscape) or biogenic (from in-community diatomaceous productivity). As such, the effective rates of suspended sediment recovery by an ATS system have not been adequately measured or modeled. The objective of this research was to measure recovery of suspended sediment in an ATS system with a full mature algal turf. The experimental design was split between indoor, lab-scale ATS and pilot-scale, outdoor ATS floways. For both, the system ran in batches with 4 different concentrations of 60-micron silica as treatments, with background removal measured for the floway system, as the control. The experiments ran for 5 hours, with repeated frequent sampling of water and before-after sampling of biomass. Water sediment concentration was analyzed by optical density, and biomass was analyzed for ash content. The results demonstrate an exponential decay in water sediment concentration in all cases, with up to 90% removal in the first hour, on both indoor and outdoor systems. Ash percentage of algae increased in the indoor system in all cases, and mass balance on sediment shows that a majority of suspended sediment is removed by biomass adhesion. Ash percentage of the algae decreased in the outdoor system, suggesting that sediment load caused removal of biogenic ash through scour. The results demonstrate the conflicting role of the algal turf in sediment removal, and provide first estimates for removal rates for aquatic suspended sediments.

Biographies: Ana Gabriela Itokazu, Ms.C., is pursuing her Doctorate’s degree in Biosystems Engineering at Auburn University, where she works as a Graduate Research Assistant. Ana Gabriela holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and a Master’s degree in Biotechnology, both from Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Currently she works in several research lines, assessing experimental design and providing technical support for ongoing research at Dr. Blersch’s Laboratories. Previous work included environmental toxicology, environment restoration, extremophile physiology, and biological water treatment.

(13) Distribution of Plant Communities in Relation to Water Level Fluctuations at an Estuarine Marsh

Presenter: Yang Ju, The Ohio State University, ju.116@osu.edu

Co-Authors: Jorge Villa, The Ohio State University, villa-betancur.1@osu.edu; Gil Bohrer, The Ohio State University, bohrer.17@osu.edu

Abstract: Wetlands provide a wide range of vital ecosystem services, most of which are directly or indirectly regulated by wetland vegetation. Typically, wetlands are composed of different ecological patch types characterized by distinct plant communities whose distribution is largely affected by water level fluctuations. Hydrological regime is also the major factor affecting many physical and biotic processes that determine wetland ecosystem services. In this study, we explored the distribution of different land-cover patches and its relationship with water level fluctuations over time at a freshwater estuarine marsh, the Old Woman Creek (OWC) National Estuarine Research Reserve. OWC is located at the southwest shore of Lake Erie and is characterized by four major land-cover types: open water, mud flat, emergent vegetation (Typha spp.) and floating vegetation (Nelumbo spp & Nymphaea spp.). We used satellite images at 1 m resolution to conduct unsupervised classification and examine the distribution of different land-cover patches from year 2004 to 2017. Water level of the corresponding years over the whole wetland was calculated using data collected from a monitoring site and a bathymetry map on a pixel base. We then correlated the water level with land-cover types over the study period. The areal distribution of the different land-covers changed over years. In general we found that area of Typha spp. decreased while that of Nelumbo spp. increased. Our future study will be focused on establishing criteria to predict distribution of plant communities based on the water level prior to growing season.

Biographies: Yang is a Ph.D. student in the Environmental Science Graduate Program at the Ohio State University. She is working with Dr. Gil Bohrer on modeling the methane emission from wetland. Before joining OSU, she received her master’s degree in geography from Texas A&M University, and bachelor’s degree in remote sensing science from Wuhan University in China.

Dr. Villa’s involvement in wetlands began with undergraduate research while pursuing a Bachelor in Environmental Engineering in Colombia. He continued to study these ecosystems during his Masters in Forest and Environmental Conservation. Then he went on to pursue his PhD in Environmental Sciences, once again focused on Wetlands, at The Ohio State University. After returning to Colombia, he conducted research in tropical Andean peatlands and lowland mineral-soil freshwater wetlands. Dr. Villa has since rejoined OSU, now as a visiting Professor, in the department of CEGE.

(14) Planning for a Medium-Scale Algal Floway for Water Treatment in Central Maryland

Presenter: Patrick Kangas, University of Maryland, pkangas@umd.edu

Co-Authors: Patrick Hirsch, Haleigh Jowett, Gannon Kese, Garret Krug, Sarah Larkin, Alec Parsons, Peter May, University of Maryland at College Park

Abstract: A plan is presented for a 0.1 ha (1/4 acre) algal floway to be constructed on the Anacostia River near Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Prince Georges County, Maryland. The proposed site is on a small peninsula of land, separated from the main park by fencing and a tributary stream. In addition to the algal floway itself, the site plan includes a pit for air-drying the harvested algae, storage buildings and an interpretative walkway for visitors. Based on productivity of a small-scale algal floway that was operated at the site in the summer of 2018, the proposed medium-scale algal floway could remove 122 kg N/year (268 lbs/year) and 15 kg/year (33 lbs/year). When the State of Maryland’s stormwater treatment credit algorithm is applied to the proposed algal florway, the 0.1 ha facility would remove pollutants from the equivalent of nearly 8 ha (20 acres) of impervious surface. The plan also proposes to mix dried algae with concrete to produce non-load bearing construction materials at a nearby concrete plant. A financial plan for the site is discussed based on stormwater treatment credits, by-product values of the harvested algae and the educational use of the complex.

Biography: Patrick Kangas is an associate professor at the University of Maryland in the Environmental Science and Technology Department. He has been studying ecological engineering since the 1970s and has served as President of the American Ecological Engineering Society.

(15) Understanding Ecological Characteristics of Urban Stormwater Low Impact Strategies for Optimized Treatment Benefits

Presenter: Lee-Hyung Kim, Kongju National University, leehyung@kongju.ac.kr

Co-Authors: Franz Kevin Geronimo, Kongju National University

Abstract: Nature-based solutions (NBS) including low impact development (LID) techniques and green infrastructures (GI) has become the focus of many countries nowadays since it is inspired and supported by nature and use, or mimic, natural processes to contribute to the improved management of water. Since stormwater runoff has high uncertainties due to environmental factors, appropriate design approach requires identifying the treatment mechanisms occurring inside each system. As such, the ecological mechanisms and environmental design through the comparison of influent water characteristics, pollutant reduction efficiency and growth of microorganisms in filter media of ten LID technologies were investigated and derived. The LID technologies include an infiltration trench, a rain garden, two constructed wetlands, two tree box filters, two bioretention systems, a permeable pavement and an infiltration garden which have long-term monitoring data since 2008 inside Kongju National University in Cheonan city, South Korea were utilized for this study. These LID technologies were developed to manage urban stormwater runoff from transportation land uses such as roads and parking lots, and roof. High influent concentrations of pollutants were found in the road compared to parking lots and roof. This finding may be used for proper selection of LID technology type and its corresponding components including filter media and plants. Microorganisms commonly found in soils collected from LID technologies include Proteobacteria (PTB), Acidobacteria (ACB), Actinobacteria (ATB), Chloroflexi (CF), Planctomycetes (PTM), Bacteroidetes (BTD), Verrucomicrobia (VCM). The nitrifying bacteria, PTB was found to be the most dominant species among the microorganism phyla at above 36%. This finding implied that selecting filter media suitable for microorganism growth can enhance the treatment capacity of LID technologies. These findings were useful in selecting and designing LID technologies applicable to various land uses.

Biography: Prof. Kim’s primary research interests are in environmental sciences and engineering, with emphases on nonpoint source control, water quality, decentralized urban stormwater management, total daily maximum load (TMDL), sediment control, ecological restoration technology, low impact development(LID), Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI), etc. Since 2003, Prof. Kim have performed many government research projects concerned with stormwater management. Recently LID and GSI are the important research fields on my team. Several Filipino, Nepali, Pakitani and Korean students are studying in my research team with Ph.D and master’s program. Also, since 2009, I am a board member of “IWA diffuse pollution specialist group” and doing various international activities by organizing workshop, providing lectures and involving international cooperation works.

(16) Level of Soil Compaction is More Important than Compost Volume for Determining Soil Hydraulic Properties in a Sandy Loam Soil

Presenter: Christina Kranz, North Carolina State University, cnkranz@ncsu.edu

Co-Authors: Joshua L. Heitman, North Carolina State University, jlheitma@ncsu.edu; Richard A. McLaughlin, North Carolina State University, rich_mclaughlin@ncsu.edu

Abstract: Land development compacts soils through excavation and heavy equipment traffic. Compacted soils have limited infiltration and are susceptible to erosion. Infiltration can be improved through compost incorporation but recommended rates of amendment vary widely among sources. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of compost amendment rate on saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and water retention in order to identify target compost rates for enhanced soil infiltration. Soil cores were prepared in the laboratory using a sandy loam soil amended with certified yard waste compost at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% by volume. Each compost rate was further divided into high (0.55 m3 m-3) and low (0.4 m3 m-3) porosity sets. Saturated hydraulic conductivity was measured using a combination of constant and falling head methods. Water retention was measured by pressure plate extraction at 2.5, 4.9, 9.8, 19.6, and 32.7 kPa. Preliminary results indicated that porosity level was a more important determinant of Ks than was rate of compost addition. The results suggest if a soil is amended with compost but becomes compacted, benefits of the compost for infiltration may be limited even at a high rate of the amendment.

Biography: Christina N. Kranz is a PhD student at North Carolina State University studying soil physics. Her research focuses on optimizing compost application rates for vegetation health, maximal stormwater infiltration, and runoff quality. She is working with the North Carolina Department of Transpiration to improve best management practices in stormwater management along roadsides.

(17) Between the Sea and a Hard Place: Quantifying the Effects of Coastal Squeeze on Salt Marsh Persistence Under Rising Sea Levels

Presenter: Roderick Lammers, University of Georgia, rodlammers@gmail.com

Co-Authors: Brian P. Bledsoe, University of Georgia, bbledsoe@uga.edu

Abstract: Coastal salt marshes are important ecological features that also provide substantial services to human populations, including mitigation and attenuation of wave induced erosion and storm surge. As sea levels rise, salt marshes can migrate inland; however, this inland migration can be halted by hard barriers such as sea walls and bulkheads. This “coastal squeeze” shrinks salt marsh habitat as rising seas inundate the seaward side and barriers prevent inland migration. Previous work has optimistically suggested that salt marshes would persist under sea level rise because of their ability to migrate landward; however, these analyses failed to account for this coastal squeeze phenomenon. We present preliminary results of coupled numerical modeling to assess the effects of coastal squeeze on future salt marsh prevalence on the Georgia coast. We use the Sea Levels Affecting Marsh Migration (SLAMM) model to simulate salt marsh habitat changes from 2010 – 2100. We couple SLAMM with a land use projection model (SLEUTH) and a logistic regression model that predicts the probability that individual coastal parcels have hard armoring such as bulkheads and sea walls. This enables us to incorporate the effects of existing and future development, and individuals’ decisions about coastal armoring to provide more realistic projections of the viability of salt marsh habitat. These results will be vital for coastal managers; for example, to determine what areas should be protected from development to sustain salt marsh habitat.

Biography: Roderick Lammers is a post-doctoral researcher and instructor at the University of Georgia. His research focuses on understanding anthropogenic impacts on water resources and aquatic habitat and providing guidance on mitigating these effects.

(18) An Emergy Comparison of Annual and Perennial Small Grain Cropping Systems

Presenter: Eugene Law, Cornell University, EPL49@cornell.edu

Co-Authors: Christopher Pelzer, Cornell University, CJP254@cornell.edu; Sandra Wayman, Cornell University, SW783@cornell.edu; Antonio DiTommaso, Cornell University, AD97@cornell.edu; Matthew Ryan, Cornell University, MRR232@cornell.edu

Abstract: Perennial grain crops have the potential to transform agricultural systems by supplying food and forage while simultaneously regenerating soil health, protecting water quality, and requiring fewer energy and labor inputs. ‘Kernza’ intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) and ‘ACE-1’ perennial cereal rye (Secale cereale) are two promising varieties that are being studied in field trials at Cornell University. Here we report on an emergy evaluation of the environmental sustainability of these two crops in comparison to annual winter wheat and malting barley grown using organic management. To calculate emergy transformities and sustainability indices renewable inputs (solar insolation, precipitation, wind energy, and nitrogen fixation), nonrenewable local inputs (soil loss), and nonrenewable imported inputs (fuel, fertilizer, crop seed, machinery, and labor) and crop products (grain yield and forage biomass) were tracked over a two-year period in a cropping systems field experiment at the Cornell Musgrave Research Farm in Aurora, New York. The largest difference in emergy inputs between the two types of systems were due to fewer required field operations (e.g. tillage and planting in the second and third years) in perennial grain cropping systems that decreased the total fuel, machinery, and labor inputs to those systems compared to annual systems. Significantly higher soil loss in annual systems also contributed to higher emergy input to those systems. Lower grain yields from the perennial crops, however, did decrease the emergy efficiency of those systems. Intercropping medium red clover (Trifolium pratense) increased the emergy efficiency of all cropping systems due to crop complementarity that led to increased grain yields and more forage production. Overall, the Emergy Sustainability Indices calculated indicate that perennial small grain cropping systems are more sustainable due to the higher proportion of renewable resources they utilize for food and forage production.

Biography: Eugene Law is a PhD candidate in the Sustainable Cropping Systems and Weed Ecology and Management Labs at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He is currently working to develop perennial small grain cropping systems by exploring aspects of agronomy, pest management, soil health, economics, and energy.

(19) Quantifying Stormwater Benefits of Individual Native Trees in Western Washington

Presenter: Ben Leonard, Washington State University, bleonard314@gmail.com

Co-Authors: Dr. Anand Jayakaran, Washington State University, anand.jayakarn@wsu.edu; Dr. Jamie Duberstein, Clemson University, jamieduberstein@gmail.com; Dr. Dylan Fischer, The Evergreen State College, fischerd@evergreen.edu; Carly Thompson, Washington State University

Abstract: Managing stormwater is a serious challenge in urban areas, particularly for rapidly growing urban communities in Western Washington State. Native trees, which are often removed during development, may be especially well suited for mitigating the effects of stormwater runoff. Not only does their below ground biomass facilitate soil permeability, but trees provide the ability to directly offset runoff burdens through the processes of transpiration and interception. While the stormwater benefits provided by large stands of trees is well known, few studies have attempted to quantify the benefits provided by individual trees in the region. The purpose of this study is to develop a rigorously derived hydrologic dataset that shows how stormwater is captured by existing common native evergreen and deciduous trees, based on the physio-climatic conditions of the Pacific Northwest. Information from this study will then allow local managers to ascribe stormwater credits and/or BMPs to native trees in a quantitative manner.

Two evergreen species, Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Western red cedar (Thuja plicata), and two deciduous species, bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) and red alder (Alnus rubra) are currently being evaluated at two climatically diverse study areas near Olympia, WA. Each tree is instrumented with sensors that measure transpiration and interception in addition to localized air and soil parameters. When combined, data from these sensors will provide a complete view of how much rainfall is managed by an individual tree. Data are being collected over two years to include seasonal variability that is typical of the region.

Biography: I am a 3rd year PhD student studying how green infrastructure can be used to help solve many of the stormwater problems we face in the Pacific Northwest. I currently study at the Washington State University Puyallup Research and Extension Center with my advisers Drs. John Stark and Jen McIntyre. I am currently evaluating the effectiveness of bioswales and permeable pavement to manage stormwater runoff. Recently, I have started a project with Dr. Anand Jayakaran looking at the use of trees as BMPs.

(20) Effects of Toxicity and Structural Alterations Caused by Perfluorinated Alkyl Acid on the Microalgae Scenedesmus Obliquus UTEX 393

Presenters: Meizhu Liu, Auburn University, mzl0093@auburn.edu; David M. Blersch, Auburn University, dmb0040@auburn.edu

Co-Authors: Ana Gabriela Itokazu, Auburn University, azi0011@tigermail.auburn.edu

Abstract: Recently, it has been found that Perfluorinated Alkyl Acids (PFAAs) are toxic substances and potentially harmful to humans and the environment. Used in some industrial applications for many years, these compounds are very persistent and do not easily degrade in the environment. In addition, there is some evidence that they are carcinogenic and endocrine disruptors in higher animals. Further evidence has shown the potential for bioaccumulation in food chains and for transmission through food webs in aquatic systems. Little is known, however, on the effect of these substances on specific species of algae found in the environment. The purpose of this study is to test the toxicity of two PFAAs substances on algae using a standard test on the green algae Scenedesmus obliquus. The growth curve of Scenedesmus obliquus will be a parameter for the toxicity of that green algae, and the concentration of pigment will gauge the cellular health. Biomass and water samples will be analyzed, and a mass balance of PFOA and PFOS in the overall samples will be performed. The results will use Scenedesmus obliquus Half Maximal Effect Concentration (EC50) for PFOS and PFOA providing the information about the fate of these two compounds in the water system and algal cell system. This study can show how the toxicities of PFOS and PFOA present in cell structure level. The data from this test will provide some basic knowledge about PFOA and PFOS, and inform further studies on ecological transfer in food webs of these and other PFAAs compounds.

Biographies: Meizhu Liu, a master student in the Biosystems Engineering Department at Auburn University. Meizhu Liu is one of the students of Dr. Blersch, who also interested in algae cultivation for wastewater treatment. Meizhu Liu is also a member of Alabama’s Water Environment Association (AWEA/WEF Auburn Chapter). Meizhu Liu has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Science from Hengshui University in China.

(21) Longevity of Bioretention Depths for Preventing Acute Toxicity from Urban Stormwater Runoff

Presenter: Lane Maguire, Washington State University, lane.maguire@wsu.edu

Co-Authors: Jay W. Davis, US Fish and Wildlife Service, jay_davis@fws.gov; Jennifer K. McIntyre, Washington State University/ Puyallup Research and Extension Center, jen.mcintyre@wsu.edu

Abstract: The migration of coho salmon every fall from the ocean to freshwater streams coincides with increasing rainfall in the Pacific Northwest. Much of this rainfall runs off of asphalt and other impervious surfaces found in urban areas, such as the Puget Sound Basin, and into the very streams where salmon spawn. Exposure to urban stormwater runoff, which contains a complex mixture of contaminants, can be acutely toxic to coho salmon. Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of bioretention treatment systems in treating urban runoff and preventing acutely lethal and sublethal effects to aquatic organisms. Municipalities are especially motivated to incorporate bioretention treatment systems into existing infrastructure in order to comply with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. NPDES permits are administered by the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) and require local governments to manage polluted stormwater in order to mitigate the effects of pollution and contamination on downstream waters. The current study aims to determine the effectiveness and longevity of bioretention soil media over time at various infiltration depths, including those shallower than 18 inches, the depth currently required by Ecology. Stormwater runoff is being collected from a busy, urban road site and applied to experimental columns, containing five different depths of bioretention soil media. Runoff is applied at an accelerated rate in order to simulate 10 water years over two calendar years. The chemical and biological effectiveness of the columns in treating urban stormwater runoff will be assessed using analytical chemistry and the health of two fish species: juvenile coho salmon and zebrafish embryos. The study outcomes are expected to help inform stormwater managers, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit coordinators, and others involved in stormwater management.

Biography: Lane Maguire is a graduate research assistant at Washington State University (WSU) – Puyallup Research and Extension Center. She received her B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Oklahoma in 2017. At WSU, she is currently evaluating the longevity of varying bioretention depths for preventing acute toxicity from urban stormwater runoff in the hopes of optimizing biorentention design guidelines.

(22) Mapping Lake Chemical and Physical Characteristics for Optimal BMP Placement

Presenter: Tiffany Messer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, tiffany.messer@unl.edu

Co-Authors: Mary Keilhauer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, mkeilhauer2@unl.edu; Aaron Mittelstet, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, amittelstet2@unl.edu; Matthew Russell, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, matthew.russell@unl.edu

Abstract: Best Management Practices (BMPs) for lake management have traditionally been regarded as black box systems. Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs), which consist of emergent macrophytes growing on a floating mat at the air/water interface, are becoming a common practice to reduce nutrients in lakes. However, a research gap exists for identifying appropriate placement of these systems to maximizing removal potential for target contaminants (i.e., nitrogen, phosphorus). Therefore, the objective of this study was to utilize an EXO2 Sonde and a River Surveyor to create a method for mapping water chemistry and hydrologic characteristics in a recreational lake in Lincoln, Nebraska. Holmes Lake, predominantly urban, was chosen for its small lake (0.4 km2) and watershed (14 km2) area, which make it ideal for BMPs like FTWs. The method was tested during the growing season over a two year period from 2018-2019 to observe hydrologic and water chemistry dynamics. Results provided insight for optimal placement of FTWs to maximize contact with nitrate and identify potential hot spots for denitrification. Although this method was designed to determine optimal placement of FTWs, this method has the potential to be utilized for designating optimal fishery habitat, identifying BMP placement adjacent to lakes (i.e. buffer strips), and identifying initial harmful algal bloom locations. Further, the developed methodology provides practitioners an opportunity to understand lake water chemistry and hydrologic and processes more holistically.

Biography: Mary is originally from El Salvador, but grew up near Atlanta, Georgia. She received her B.S. in Environmental Engineering from North Carolina State University. During her time as an undergraduate Doris Duke Conservation Scholar, she found her passion while studying aquatic ecology and hydrology from the Caribbean to New England. She has a particular interest in water chemistry, groundwater, and fishery populations. These experiences led her to joining the Messer Research Team and pursuing her M.S. in Hydrological Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Fall of 2017. Outside of academics, she enjoys outdoor activities, especially backpacking and kayaking, and hanging out with her dog, Watson.

(23) Testing Potential Bioretention Soil Media Amendments for Removal Potential of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Escherichia coli

Presenter: Chelsea Mitchell, Washington State University, chelsea.mitchell@wsu.edu

Co-Authors: Anand D. Jayakaran, Washington State University, anand.jayakarn@wsu.edu; Jennifer K. McIntyre, Washington State University/ Puyallup Research and Extension Center, jen.mcintyre@wsu.edu

Abstract: Current stormwater permitting regulations per the Washington Department of Ecology’s Stormwater Manuals do not include performance measures for key pollutants like certain organic contaminants (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons – PAHs) and bacteria (total and fecal coliforms, enterococci, Escherichia coli). As a first step in determining Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the removal of these contaminants from stormwater runoff, a bench scale study will be conducted to assess the contaminant removal efficiencies of several emerging bioretention soil media (BSM) amendments. The following treatments will be compared in a bench scale stormwater filtration experiment: 1) sand (control), 2&3) sand amended with two different high temperature pyrolysis biochars, and 4) sand amended with alum (i.e., aluminum sulfate). These treatments have been chosen for their adsorptive properties and their ability to enhance desirable hydraulic properties in stormwater bioretention systems. In a series of three dosing experiments, mini bioretention columns will be dosed with 1) clean fish rearing water (to condition columns) 2) PAH spiked stormwater (used motor oil mechanically dispersed in water), and 3) Escherichia coli spiked synthetic stormwater. Influent and effluent from the columns will be analyzed for standard parent PAH compounds and E. coli concentrations. Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryo bioassays will be conducted on samples from the column conditioning experiment to test the potential for the tested medias to leach toxicants. Additional D. rerio bioassays will be conducted on the PAH spike experiment samples to estimate the ability of the medias to prevent PAH toxicity. The results from this study will help inform the experimental design of a larger bioretention experiment focused on understanding the mechanisms of bioremediation in stormwater bioretention systems.

Biography: Chelsea is a first year PhD student studying at Washington State University with research interests in stormwater, aquatic toxicology, and green infrastructure. Her current research focuses on removal of organic contaminants and bacterial pathogens from stormwater runoff using bioretention. When not conducting research Chelsea enjoys skiing, biking, and gardening.

(24) Characterization and Management of Depressional Wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region

Presenter: Brady Nahkala, Iowa State University, bnahkala@iastate.edu

Co-Authors: Amy L Kaleita, Iowa State University, kaleita@iastate.edu; Emily Heaton, Iowa State University, heaton@iastate.edu; Andrew Vanloocke, Iowa State University, andyvanl@iastate.edu; Alex R Martin, Iowa State University; Michelle L Soupir, Iowa State University, msoupir@iastate.edu; Pawan Upadhyay, Iowa State University; Patrick Edmo

Abstract: Prairie potholes are surface depressions left behind after deglaciation in regions of the Midwest, Montana and three Canadian provinces, known as the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR). These hydrologically isolated depressions are small, shallow, semi-permanent waterbodies fed mostly by surface runoff. In Iowa, the majority of these potholes have been artificially drained to improve farming conditions, altering their provision of ecosystem services such as flood mitigation, wildlife habitat, and nutrient filtering. Crop losses are observed regardless of drainage condition. Acknowledging the need for data-driven sustainable management, multiple inter-disciplinary studies have been conducted at Iowa State assessing hydrologic dynamics, nutrient dynamics and crop suitability within potholes.

Eight potholes in central Iowa were monitored for the 2016, 2017, and 2018 growing seasons. Depth of inundation, nutrient concentration, soil characteristics, plant biomass, soil moisture, and nitrate flux data were collected. Pothole hydrology was modeled using the Annualized Agricultural Non-Point Source Pollution (AnnAGNPS) software and calibrated to monitoring data. Alternative management strategies were modeled to assess hydrologic response. Crop suitability was modeled in AgroIBIS VSF to assess yield responses to varying climate conditions for corn and miscanthus, an alternative perennial crop. Gas chambers and lysimeters were deployed to monitor nutrient fluxes, and water quality samples were taken from standing water during inundation events.

Current conclusions from these studies include: 1) farmed potholes are an economic loss in most conditions, 2) potholes were less hydrologically connected than hypothesized despite physical proximity, 3) dissolved reactive phosphorus concentrations were higher than expected and increased over the course of an inundation event, and 4) potholes are hotspots for nitrous oxide gas emissions.

Ongoing work includes development of an easy to use tool for farmers and landowners to explore management options for and impacts of their potholes; and field trials on alternative crop survival in potholes.

Biography: Brady Nahkala is pursuing a Masters of Science in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University. He received his Bachelors of Science from Iowa State University in Biosystems Engineering with a bioenvironmental emphasis.

(25) Investigating UAV Near Infrared Imagery for Turbidity Monitoring in Small Streams

Presenter: Elizabeth M. Prior, Auburn University, emp0025@auburn.edu

Co-Authors: Frances O’Donnell, Auburn University, fco0002@auburn.edu; Christian Brodbeck, Auburn University, brodbcj@auburn.edu

Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are increasingly being used for field data collection and remote sensing purposes. Their ease of use, ability to carry sensors and cameras, low cost, precise maneuverability and navigation makes them a versatile tool. The goal of this research project is to investigate if near infrared imagery obtained from an UAV can be utilized to measure the turbidity and total suspended solids of small streams at various water depths. This has been demonstrated for large rivers ranging from the surface to almost two meters in depth, but not for small streams at various depths. Turbidity of a waterway is caused by agitated sediments flowing from construction sites, roads, or erosion from riparian zones due to anthropogenic or natural causes. Turbidity is an important measure of a creek’s health because it affects water quality.

In this study, UAV near infrared imagery and water samples at varying depths were collected before and after rain events from a recently restored reach of Moores Creek in Lanett, Alabama. The water samples were processed for levels of turbidity and total suspended solids. Data collection is still underway, but once the data has been received and analyzed, a regression model relating near infrared imagery of the stream to the samples will be developed. If successful, this method would allow an entire stream to be assessed as a whole rather than relying on single data points from turbidimeters or turbidity sensors.

Biography: Elizabeth M. Prior is a senior at Auburn University studying civil engineering with a focus in water resources. She will be presenting research that she conducted for her Auburn University Undergraduate Research Fellowship. She will be starting her PhD program in August at Virginia Tech within the Remote Sensing Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Program and in the Biological Systems Engineering Department.

(26) An Investigation into Salt Intrusion to Coastal Agricultural Fields

Presenter: Diana Rashash, NC Cooperative Extension, diana_rashash@ncsu.edu

Co-Authors: Carl Crozier, North Carolina State University, carl_crozier@ncsu.edu; Alex Manda, East Carolina University, mandaa@ecu.edu; Mike O’Driscoll, East Carolina University, odriscollm@ecu.edu; Andrea Gibbs, NC Cooperative Extension, andrea_gibbs@ncsu.edu; Al Wood, NC Cooperative Extension, al_wood@ncsu.edu; Austin Brown, NC Cooperative Extension

Abstract: In early 2018, agents in several coastal North Carolina counties (Hyde, Pasquotank, and Camden) mentioned increased grower concerns about salt content in agricultural fields and concurrent declines in crop productivity. Members of a multidisciplinary team from North Carolina State University (with expertise in crops, soils, and water quality) and East Carolina University (with expertise in hydrogeology) began investigating impacted fields from each of the three counties.

The goals of the study were to (a) determine the means by which salts were transported into agricultural fields and (b) evaluate the extent of saltwater intrusion in the study region. Soil testing and monitoring (exchangeable sodium percent, soil moisture content, soil electrical conductivity, and soil temperature), shallow ground water monitoring (salinity, temperature, and water level), surface water monitoring (salinity, temperature, and water level) and geophysical techniques (direct current electrical resistivity, ground penetrating radar, capacitively coupled resistivity) were used in conjunction with weather data to meet the project goals. This poster presents information gathered to-date, and the current direction of the study.

Biography: Diana is an Area Specialized Agent – Water Quality & Waste Management for 18 counties in southeastern NC, plus other counties upon request. She has held this position for the past 23 years. As such, she deals with a wide variety of water issues. Her background is in Applied Biology (BS – Ga Tech) and Environmental Sci. & Engineering (MS & PhD – Va Tech).

(27) A Closer Look at The Impact Of Alterations of The Natural Flow Regime Due to Urbanization on Benthic Macroinvertebrate Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function

Presenter: Anthony Roux, Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services and University of North Carolina Charlotte, tony.roux@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Co-Authors: Sandra M. Clinton, PhD, University of North Carolina Charlotte, sclinto1@uncc.edu

Abstract: We investigated the relationship between alterations of the natural flow regime due to urbanization and benthic macroinvertebrate biodiversity and function by evaluating 4 streams in the Piedmont, North Carolina spanning a gradient of low to high % Impervious Cover. We used the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHA) metrics to assess changes in stream hydrology ranging from an 11- to a 24-year period using flow data from USGS Gage stations in each stream. We sampled the benthic macroinvertebrate community in these streams using the North Carolina Standard Bioassessment Sampling Method (NCDWR). All taxa were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. We found that EPT and Total Taxa Richness decline with increasing %IC. Shredders declined as herbivores increased in richness with increasing %IC. We expect that the IHA metrics will show that the 1-, 3- and 7-day maximum and minimum flow conditions increase with %IC. We also expect that the declines in biodiversity and changes in functional feeding group trait abundance will be correlated to the IHA metrics. We also expect that the IHA metrics may not show small changes in the flow regime when the watershed has greater than 50% impervious area at the beginning of the study period as the significant changes had already occurred. By correlating biodiversity and taxa traits with changes in hydrology associated with urbanization, we can better understand the role of managing storm water as one component in restoring stream function and stimulating benthic macroinvertebrate community recovery.

Biography: Anthony Roux is a Senior Environmental Specialist in the Water Quality Program of the Mecklenburg County Land Use and Environmental Services Agency and a Ph.D. student in the Infrastructure and Environmental Systems Program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He has worked at MCWQP for 34 years serving as the supervisor of the Mecklenburg County State Certified Biological Laboratory for the past 24 years coordinating the stream bioassessment program (fish, benthic macroinvertebrate and algae). Mr. Roux has worked with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services to evaluate the various stream restoration projects in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Mr. Roux is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at UNC Charlotte studying the impact of urbanization on stream biodiversity and ecosystem function. He has a B.S. in Biological Life Sciences, a B.S. in Zoology, and a M.S. in Zoology from North Carolina State University and a M.S. in Aquatic Ecology from the University of Notre Dame.

(28) Urban Stormwater Pollution Generation: a Review

Presenter: Ian Simpson, Ohio State University, simpson.725@osu.edu

Co-Authors: Ryan Winston, Ohio State University, winston.201@osu.edu

Abstract: Urban stormwater runoff quality is degraded by increases in imperviousness and anthropogenic pollutant sources, causing negative impacts to surface waters. As the rural to urban migration continues, we expect continued degradation of water resources without novel solutions to stormwater treatment. In order to optimize these solutions, an understanding of pollutant generation is needed, so that the best return-on-investment for stormwater treatment can be achieved. In watershed-scale models, urban runoff is often lumped as one component of non-point source pollution, however, differences in stormwater quality from various land uses may exist. This intensive review of literature will characterize distinct urban land uses across the world, including residential, commercial, industrial, downtown, institutional, and highway areas and utilize these data to predict event mean concentrations and loads of nutrients, sediment, and heavy metals. Beyond understanding land use differences, this study will explore how factors such as region, Kӧppen-Geiger climate zone, sampling technique, percent imperviousness, and temporal changes affect pollutant generation. Aggregated data from over 400 catchments across the globe will be used throughout this study. Outcomes of the study will include an improved understanding of how land use on a global scale affects stormwater quality, supporting decision makers implementing stormwater control measures.

Biography: Ian Simpson is nearing the end of his first year as a PhD student in the Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering at the Ohio State University, advised by Dr. Ryan Winston. Ian is a 2018 graduate of Ohio Northern University with degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Applied Mathematics. Much of Ian’s work will focus urban land uses and its affects on water quality and quantity in hopes to optimize the use and placement of stormwater control measures. Ian is also involved in various projects monitoring the effectiveness of green infrastructure throughout the Columbus area, gaining knowledge on how different stormwater control measures prosper in different areas of an urban environment. Ian has high aspirations with the research he is conducting and hopes to one day obtain a researching professor position at a prestigious university, where he can continue to learn and pass down his expertise to future engineers and scientists.

(29) Environmental Education for Scout Leaders in the State of Risaralda – Colombia

Presenter: Stephania Suarez Grajales, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, stsuarez@utp.edu.co

Co-Authors: Juan Mauricio Castaño Rojas, PhD, jmc@utp.edu.co

Abstract: The Scout Association of the State of Risaralda, with approximately 200 volunteers composed of children, youth and adults, performs environmental volunteer activities such as trash collection, tree planting, landscape ornament, among others. However, these activities do not create impacts in terms of knowledge because many of the leaders have no training in environment-related topics.

In this study, we initially evaluated, using 50 online surveys and 20 interviews, the demographic compositions of the scouts’ leaders and their knowledge background in environmental-related topics such as conservation, climate change, risk management, and solid waste management. Later we developed for them online modules on environmental issues such as conservation, climate change, risk management, and solid waste.

Preliminary results show that many leaders have no specific training in environmental issues because of their disciplinary origin (lawyers, accountants, housewives, or people with any professional degree). Hence, despite that one objective of the scout organization is the non-formal education, the scout leaders lead volunteering activities focused more on ludic and public service rather than education.

In order to overcome this lack of training, a total of four online training modules covering topics on conservation, risk management, climate change, and solid waste management are now available for the scouts’ leaders. We expect that this training helps the scouts’ leaders to plan and conduct better and comprehensive activities with their members.

Biography: BS in Environmental Administration,MSc Student in Environmental Sciences. Member of the research group Ecology, Engineering and Society- EIS of the Universidad Tecnológica Pereira- Colombia.

(30) Mobile Aquaponics Teaching Assistant (MATA)

Presenter: Sophia Toler-Smith, University of Maryland, stolersmith@gmail.com

Co-Presenters: Jacob Mast, Meghan Collins

Co-Authors: Jacob Mast, Alice Xie, Jake Hirata, Diego Santella

Abstract: The Mobile Aquaponic Teaching Assistant (MATA) is a small scale aquaponic system purposed as a teaching tool for primary education levels. Time and time again it has been proven that young students learn best by interacting with the material being taught. This is easily accomplished when learning about shapes, numbers, and graphs, but is much more difficult when learning about something as complex as the environment. Through MATA young students can be introduced to the co-dependent systems involved in aquaponics in a hands on way. Teachers would be better able to teach students about how many systems interact to make the environment around us. With a more robust understanding of the environment, we believe that the next generation of students, and subsequently adults, will better understand the world around them and be more able to tackle the problems of tomorrow.

Biography: Sophia Toler-Smith is a senior undergraduate student at the University of Maryland. She is majoring in Environmental Science and Technology with a concentration in ecological technology and design. She has a strong interest in sustainable urban planning and design with aspirations to get involved the field once she graduates. She has a vision of “greening cities” by increasing the amount of trees, green walls, green roofs and green space to cities.

(31) Assessment of a Natural Wetland’s Pollutant Removal Efficiency in an Urbanizing Watershed: Ecosystem Service or Disservice?

Presenter: Jarrod Underwood, East Carolina University, underwoodw08@students.ecu.edu

Co-Authors: Charles Humphrey, East Carolina University, humphreyc@ecu.edu; G. Iverson, East Carolina University; M. O’Driscoll, East Carolina University

Abstract: Wetlands have been shown to provide various ecosystem services including flood water retention, water quality improvement, and habitat for wildlife and aquatic organisms. Wetlands are commonly created and/or restored to accentuate these processes. Some wetlands though, may be exporters of carbon and other pollutants and thus could provide a disservice to the environment. The goal of this project was to determine if a natural wetland receiving drainage from an urbanizing catchment was a source or sink of nutrients and bacteria. Inflow and outflow samples from the wetland were collected monthly for one year and analyzed for dissolved nitrogen, phosphate, and E. coli concentrations. Physicochemical properties of the samples including pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, specific conductance, flow, and temperature were measured in the field during sample collection. The pollutant treatment efficiency of the wetland was evaluated by comparing differences in mass loading of nutrients and E. coli entering and exiting the wetland. Preliminary data show the wetland to be a sink for total dissolved nitrogen (90% reduction), phosphate (80%), and E. coli (76%). However, the wetland was experiencing erosion due to excess urban runoff, and water exiting the wetland was more turbid than the inflow. Reduction of urban runoff and stabilization of the wetland is suggested to allow the wetland to continue to provide ecosystem services with regards to nutrient and bacteria attenuation.

Biography: Jarrod Underwood is currently a graduate student (MS) in the Environmental Health Program at East Carolina University (ECU). Jarrod earned his BS in Biology from ECU, and his research interests include evaluating public health implications of various environmental exposures.

(32) Towards Wetland Creation and Restoration in the Lake Erie Basin with Reduced Feedbacks from Methane Emissions

Presenter: Jorge A. Villa, The Ohio State University, villa-betancur.1@osu.edu

Co-Authors: Yang Ju, The Ohio State University, ju.116@buckeyemail.osu.edu; Camilo Rey-Sanchez, The Ohio State University, reysanchez.1@osu.edu; Timothy H. Morin, State University of New York, thmorin@esf.edu; Gil Bohrer, The Ohio State University, bohrer.17@osu.edu

Abstract: Removal of nutrients of anthropogenic origin is crucial to control and prevent persistent episodes of algal blooms in Lake Erie, which drastically reduce habitat quality and threatens human health. Wetland creation and restoration is one of the current alternatives available to help control nutrient runoff. However, negative feedbacks from methane (CH4) emissions due its effects on the radiative balance of the atmosphere represent a real concern. In this study, we explore the conditions that enhance methane emissions from Old Woman Creek (OWC), an estuarine wetland of Lake Erie dominated by Typha angustifolia. We combined CH4 fluxes measured by the Eddy Covariance technique during two consecutive growing seasons with continuous measurements of water temperature and water temperature. Our results showed that there is up to a 2-fold increase in CH4 fluxes during sudden episodes when the barrier that separate the estuary and the Lake opens. When the barrier is closed, larger CH4 fluxes occurred at higher temperatures but were relatively smaller at lower water levels. Consequently, it is reasonable to assume that annual CH4 emissions can be reduced if water levels are maintained low during the warmest time of the year and abrupt changes in water levels caused by barrier openings are controlled. We suggest that wetland creation and restoration designs of wetlands similar to OWC must incorporate control systems that allows regulating water levels to ensure reductions of negative feedbacks from CH4 emissions.

Biography: I’m a wetland scientist with a keen interest in the study of wetland ecosystem services. My professional goal is to provide stakeholders with quantitative information useful in decision-making processes regarding wetland management aiming to increase ecosystem services. This includes ecological engineering-based approaches to wetland creation and restoration.

(33) Evaluating Fugitive Methane Emissions from Hydraulic Fracturing Using Eddy Covariance Methods

Presenter: Chante Vines, The Ohio State University, vines.24@osu.edu

Co-Authors: Andres Camilo Rey Sanchez,The Ohio State University, reysanchez.1@osu.edu; Derek Johnson, West Virginia University, Derek.Johnson@mail.wvu.edu; Jackie Hatala Matthes, Wellesley College, jmatthes@wellesley.edu; Sarah Russell, Wellesley College, srussell@wel

Abstract: Horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (HF) have increased natural gas exploration within the Marcellus Shale. In many sites, mobile monitoring has shown positive correlations between methane concentration and gas production due to released fugitive emissions. However, mobile monitoring does not provide temporally continuous observations. Furthermore, natural emissions around the site may add to the observed methane fluxes. We set up an eddy covariance tower in West Virginia near a hydraulic fracturing site. Continuous measurements 6 months prior to the start of any drilling activity allowed us to parameterize a model for the baseline methane concentration. Our observations continued during the stages of well development including construction of the well pad, vertical drilling, and horizontal drilling, and will continue through the hydraulic fracturing and production stages. An artificial neural network (ANN) model trained with emissions before HF was used to model methane concentrations throughout the drilling timeline. Methane isotopic data assists in determining between the sources of methane concentration – biological (microbes in streams or livestock) or hydraulic fracturing activity. Most of the observed values that exceed the 95-percentile confidence limit of the modeled baseline concentrations are during the horizontal and vertical drilling periods and show a typical geological isotopic ratio. This work aids in quantifying greenhouse gas emissions due to anthropogenic activity. Policymakers may employ research such as this to mitigate future leaks from shale development.

Biography: Chante’ Vines is a graduate student at The Ohio State University in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geodetic Engineering.

(34) Soil Fracking to Alleviate Compacted Rain Gardens

Presenter: Jenna Williams, University of Tennessee Knoxville

Co-Authors: Matt Johnsen, James Lewis, Christian Patterson, Ryan Watson, Andrew Sherfy, Dr. Andrea Ludwig, and Dr. John Tyner

Abstract: This poster analyzes the compaction of urban soils, particularly compaction in rain gardens. When this compaction occurs, rain gardens cannot function properly therefore eliminating their benefits. A device was built to remediate the compaction at a low cost, using a method similar to fracking in the oil industry. Initial testing of the device shows the ability to increase infiltration rates as high as a 60 fold increase.

(35) Functional Assessment of Stream Restoration for Water Quality Benefits in Urban Watersheds

Presenter: Holly Yaryan Hall, University of Georgia, Holly.YaryanHall@uga.edu; Devan Fitzpatrick, University of Georgia, Devan.Fitzpatrick@uga.edu

Co-Authors: Devan Fitzpatrick, University of Georgia, Devan.Fitzpatrick@uga.edu; Brian Bledsoe, University of Georgia, bbledsoe@uga.edu

Abstract: Nature-based infrastructure projects in riverine corridors are an essential component of efforts to transform and enhance urban infrastructure. Several states including North Carolina, Tennessee, Wyoming and Colorado are developing procedures for quantifying improvements in stream functioning (aka functional lift) resulting from stream restoration activities, as well as determining the location and viability of stream restoration projects and mitigation banks in both rural and urban settings. Most statewide protocols as currently designed and operationalized do not reflect the best available science on how hydrology and geomorphology influence stream functions, especially interactions between water quantity and water quality. By heavily downweighting the functional potential of any restoration project in a watershed with some urbanization, the tools have the potential to disincentivize or inhibit restoration of urban streams that still have significant capacity for functional lift and provisioning of co-benefits. This runs counter to recent efforts to advance urban stream restoration as a means of improving water quality. We are performing an evaluation of existing stream functional procedures as they relate to urban streams and water quality, and developing recommendations for a straightforward but rigorous approach to evaluating the functional capacity of urban streams and their potential for restoration. Specifically, the study addresses functional lift derived from a variety of practices: erosion control, bed and bank stabilization, floodplain reconnection, riparian buffers, in-stream enhancement, control of watershed processes, and channel reconfiguration.

Biography: Holly Yaryan Hall is a registered professional engineer. She is pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Georgia, where her research focuses on applied fluvial geomorphology: stream stability, sediment transport, and aquatic ecosystem restoration. Prior to UGA, Holly served 4 years as a senior member of the Water Resources Engineering team at EMH&T, where she consulted on a variety of stream restoration, floodplain, transportation, and stormwater projects. She also has 9 years of experience with the Ohio Department of Transportation, including district in-house design, statewide policy, and transportation research. Holly holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Princeton University and Colorado State University, respectively, and a master’s degree in teaching from the University of South Carolina.

Devan Fitzpatrick is pursuing a M.S. at the University of Georgia, where her research focuses on the interface between societal needs, ecology, and water resources engineering. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from Oregon State University. During her time at Oregon State she participated in two Research Experience for Undergraduates Programs that focused on using moss and lichens as environmental biomonitors. Devan worked as both a river restoration technician and as an Environmental Specialist for The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering