A Global Assessment of Recycling Policy and Markets
Morton A. Barlaz and Dan H. Loughlin
Environmental Research and Education Foundation
1/01 to 9/02
The past decade has witnessed explosive growth in the public's interest in recycling.
In some countries, the government has encouraged local recycling programs through
the use of subsidies. To create new markets for recyclables and to strengthen
existing markets, governmental mandates have been used. The objectives
of the proposed research are to (1) develop an understanding of the policies
and markets that are controlling recycling activity in the United States and
abroad, and (2) use this understanding to make recommendations on how to strengthen
recycling markets and how to finance recycling programs under various regulatory
climates.
Closing the Gaps in the Regulation of Municipal Solid Waste Landfills:
Defining the End of the Post-Closure Monitoring Period and the Stability of
Leachate Reticulation Landfills
M. A. Barlaz and M. A. Gabr
US Environmental Protection Agency
9/99 to 9/01
The objective of this research is to develop a plan to establish the scientific
basis for definition of the end of the post-closure monitoring period at municipal
solid waste (MSW) landfills. Landfills are projected to remain the dominant
alternative for MSW management. Current regulations specify termination
of the post-closure monitoring period 30 years after closure. While emissions
are likely to continue well beyond 30 years, regulatory agencies and landfill
owners lack the scientific basis to define an appropriate endpoint for post-closure
monitoring. In addition, the increased use of leachate recycle to enhance
MSW decomposition will result in changes in the properties of decomposed refuse,
increased methane emissions, more precise water management, enhanced settlement,
and a need to reconsider cover stability and design.
Long Term Nitrogen Management in Bioreactor Landfills: Mechanisms for
Denitrification
M. A. Barlaz
Waste Management Inc.
12/99 to 12/01
Landfill leachate contains high ammonia concentrations after it is stable with
respect to organic and metal concentrations. This will likely influence
the time of the post-closure monitoring period. The objective of this
research is to develop an understanding of the chemistry and microbiology of
denitrification in landfills so that operating strategies can be designed for
leachate denitrification. Specific factors to be evaluated include (1)
the availability of decomposed refuse as an electron donor, (2) the suitability
of methanogenic leachate as an electron donor, and (3) the potential for nitrate
reduction to ammonia as a consequence of excess degradable organic carbon.
Production of Non-Methane Organic Compounds (NMOCs) and Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) During Refuse Decomposition
Morton A. Barlaz
Waste Management Inc.
3/01 to 4/02
The overall project objectives are to develop a better understanding of (1)
the production of NMOCs and VOCs during refuse decomposition and (2) the relationship
between NMOCs and VOCs. During this project an ultimate yield (Lo) for
NMOCs and selected VOCs in individual components of MSW will be measured during
anaerobic refuse decomposition. In addition, the significance of household
hazardous waste (HHW) as a contributor to VOCs and NMOCs during anaerobic refuse
decomposition will be evaluated. Finally, the effects of aerobic and nitrate-reducing
conditions on NMOC and VOC production will be tested.
The Effects of Aging and Sorbent Decomposition on the Bioavailability of Toluene
and Xylene in Solid Waste
M. A. Barlaz and D. R. U. Knappe
US Environmental Protection Agency
10/98 to 2/02
Priority pollutants are being released to groundwater from unlined landfills,
and strategies must be developed to manage these sites in a manner that is both
cost-effective and protective of the environment. The objective of this
research is to develop an understanding of factors controlling the bioavailability
and fate of organic contaminants sorbed to components of municipal solid waste
(MSW) in landfills. After characterization of the major organic components
of MSW, single-solute batch isotherms will be conducted for each material in
fresh and decomposed form. This will be followed by work on the effect
of leachate on contaminant partitioning and on the effects of aging on the bioavailability
of toluene and xylene to anaerobic consortia.
Collaborative Research for Developing an In Situ Permeable Reactor for Remediating
BTEX Contaminated Groundwater
R. C. Borden
US Department of Energy, Idaho National Laboratory
6/97 to 9/00
One approach for remediation of contaminated aquifers that is attracting increased
attention is the installation of permeable reactive zones or barriers.
As contaminated groundwater moves under natural or induced hydraulic gradients
through a permeable reactive zone, the contaminants are scavenged or degraded,
and uncontaminated groundwater emerges downgradient of the reactive zone.
The objective of this project is to develop and field test a pilot-scale biologically
active permeable barrier for the remediation of gasoline-contaminated groundwater
containing benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene isomers (BTEX).
Development of Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs) using Edible Oils
R. C. Borden
Department of Defense, Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program
1/01 to 1/04
Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) are being considered at many sites because
they are expected to have much lower costs than active pumping systems.
As solvents or other contaminants migrate through the barrier, the contaminants
are removed or degraded, leaving uncontaminated water to emerge from the downstream
side. In this project, we propose to develop and evaluate an alternative
barrier system for controlling the migration of chlorinated solvents.
An oil-in-water emulsion will be prepared using food-grade edible oils and then
injected into the contaminated aquifer in a barrier configuration using either
conventional wells or Geoprobe points. As the emulsion passes through
the aquifer, a portion of the oil will become entrapped within the pores leaving
a residual oil phase to support long-term reductive dehalogenation of chlorinated
solvents that enter the barrier.
Advancement of Environmental Decision Support Systems Through HPCC
E. D. Brill, J. W. Baugh, and S. R. Ranjithan
US Environmental Protection Agency
8/96 to 8/00
Decision making for single- and cross-media environmental problems is a complex
and tedious process. Competing design objectives and constraints, coupled
with large quantities of data and complex simulation models, cause policymakers
to spend enormous amounts of time and effort just to find feasible management
strategies. The goal of this research is to overcome the current computational
resource limitations by developing tools for use within a high-performance computing
and communications (HPCC) environment, bringing DSSs closer to realizing the
decision-making power of a true joint-cognitive system.
Development and Characterization of an rRNA-Targeted Oligonucleotide Hybridization
Probe for Bacillus licheniformis
F. L. de los Reyes III
Sybron Chemicals Inc.
3/01 to 8/01
The main objective of this project is to develop rRNA-targeted probes that will
track the fate of an environmentally versatile strain of Bacillus licheniformis.
The specific objectives of the project are: (1) to design one or two strain-specific
oligonucleotide probes targeting the 16S rRNA of B. licheniformis, (2) to thoroughly
characterize the specificity and sensitivity of the designed probes for membrane
hybridization, and (3) to perform initial quantification of B. licheniformis
in select environmental samples.
Molecular and Engineering Approaches for Analyzing Microbial Selection in Activated
Sludge: Competition between Filaments and Floc-formers
F. L. de los Reyes III
National Science Foundation CAREER
7/01 to 6/06
Efforts will be directed towards examining fundamental activated sludge microbiology
using novel molecular techniques. Specifically, the research will focus
on the separation of solids from effluent in the activated sludge process.
The research component of this project will combine molecular, modeling, and
reactor studies to integrate theories of microbial selection of floc-formers
over filaments and develop design guidelines for reactor design and operation.
The education component involves the training of undergraduate and graduate
students in the principles and practices of molecular techniques, the integration
of treatment process modeling and full-scale treatment plant exposure experiences
in courses, the development of a teaching module on applications of molecular
methods in environmental engineering, and participation in the Video-Based Engineering
Education program.
Needs Assessment and Troubleshooting of Municipal Wastewater Treatment Systems
in North Carolina
F. L. de los Reyes III
University Extension Grants Program
7/00 to 6/01
This project aims to address the needs of municipal wastewater treatment facilities
in North Carolina by (1) establishing collaborative linkages with treatment
plants, assessing their technological needs, and identifying common problem
areas and successful solutions, and (2) establishing a database of microbial
communities in treatment plant bioreactors. The assessment of needs, problem
areas, and solutions will be conducted using surveys of over 200 full-scale
facilities across the state. The second component involves the sampling
of biological reactors in treatment facilities to establish a database of microbial
community structures that will aid in reactor troubleshooting.
Use of Molecular Techniques to Optimize the Performance of Biological Treatment
Systems
F. L. de los Reyes III
2000 to 2001
The overall goal of this research is to improve the design and operation of
biological treatment systems such as activated sludge and anaerobic reactors
by relating the microbial community structure to reactor function and operation.
Microbial population dynamics will be evaluated using molecular (DNA- and RNA-based)
techniques such as 16S rRNA-targeted probing. Fluorescent in situ hybridization,
hybridization after extraction, and other methods will be used in combination
with lab- and full-scale reactor studies allowing the delineation of the specific
roles of microbial groups in waste treatment. A variety of reactor conditions
will be tested to determine if the microbial population structure can be influenced
to optimize reactor performance.
CAREER: A Unified Approach to Understanding, Education, and Design of Disinfection
Processes using Computational Fluid Dynamics
J.J. Ducoste
National Science Foundation
9/01 to 8/06
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) will be used to I) develop and evaluate alternative
disinfection models for the prediction of effluent microbial inactivation through
continuous flow systems and II) assess the impact of disinfectant injection
methods and multiple disinfectant injection points on microbial inactivation
and DBP formation. The educational plan involves the development of a
CFD disinfectant training module. The CFD disinfection-training module
will be designed around a graphical user interface (GUI) that will be the primary
mode of communication between the user and the CFD model. The training
module will be composed of three sections: I) power point/video-based
disinfection process-lecture series, II) solved disinfection problems and simulated
tracer tests, and III) team-based disinfection design problems.
CFD Modeling of Disinfection Contactor Hydraulics Under Uncertainty of Model
Input Parameters
J. J. Ducoste
9/99 to 9/01
The principle objective of this project is to evaluate the predictive capabilities
of CFD models of disinfection contactor hydraulics under uncertainty of model
input parameters. The project consists of modeling the transport of a
chemical tracer in a full-scale contactor and predicting the effluent-residence
time distribution curve. An uncertainty analysis using Monte Carlo statistical
techniques will then determine the model’s sensitivity to uncertainty in the
input parameters. Input parameters that will be tested include the influent
turbulence intensity, the turbulent Schmidt number, the wall roughness height,
the influent turbulent length scale, and the turbulence model selection.
Hydraulic Characterization of UV Reactors
J.J. Ducoste and Karl Linden at Duke University
American Water Works Research Foundation
8/01 to 7/03
The overall goal is to enhance the ultraviolet (UV) disinfection design process,
including prediction of performance and scale-up, through innovative experimental
and numerical techniques that assess dose distribution, hydraulic characterization,
and microbial inactivation levels. The results of this research will be
used for the development of a UV disinfection design framework (UVDDF) protocol.
The focus of the experimental work will involve pilot- and full-scale closed-conduit
reactors. Novel numerical models developed during this study will be tested
with both closed-conduit and open-channel reactors to bridge previous open-channel
numerical modeling research.
Improved Chemical Mixing through Computational Fluid Dynamics
J. J. Ducoste
9/00 to 12/02
The principal objective of this research is to develop an enhanced chemical
mixing design protocol for low energy in-line mixers that better predicts downstream
mixture uniformity using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Specific
objectives are to (1) evaluate the predictive capabilities of CFD models for
different in-line mixing configurations; (2) establish relationships between
in-line mixer configurations and downstream chemical mixture uniformity; (3)
determine the impacts of process flow, conduit size, and conduit shape on mixer
design selection; (4) apply the enhanced mixing protocol at a full scale facility;
and (5) compare cost savings and mixing performance for designs produced by
enhanced mixing protocol and traditional mixing protocol.
Modeling Disinfectant Demand/Decay and Microbial Inactivation in Clearwells
J. J. Ducoste
1/99 to 12/00
The goal of this study is to develop a CFD model that determines the overall
inactivation of a target microorganism. The model will incorporate the
demand/decay-reaction kinetics for a desired disinfectant and inactivation kinetics
for the target microorganism into the turbulent transport equation. The
new demand/decay-inactivation (DDI) CFD model will determine the level of inactivation
throughout the contact basin and in the effluent stream. This DDI-CFD
model will not only give engineers the ability to pinpoint contactor design
flaws but also will provide insights to disinfection operation strategy. The
model will be designed to include data from disinfectant demand/decay bench
tests and batch inactivation studies in order to incorporate site-specific conditions.
Modeling Heterogeneous Turbulent Induced Flocculation in Water Treatment Processes
J. J. Ducoste
9/00 to 12/03
The proposed research project seeks to develop a numerical tool that will assist
environmental engineers to better optimize the full-scale flocculation process
in preparation for meeting future stringent water quality goals. The project
will combine powerful population balance models (PBM) that simulate flocculation
kinetics for a broad range of particle sizes with Computational Fluid Dynamics
(CFD) models that will simulate the complex fluid mechanics and particle transport
within any reactor system.
Numerical Modeling of Sedimentation Clarifiers
J. J. Ducoste
9/99 to 12/01
The objective of this study is to model several basin designs that include the
use of perforated baffles to reduce the impact of temperature driven density
current effects on basin hydraulics. Model results will be compared to
published experimental results on a pilot scale sedimentation basin. The
overall goal of this study consists of demonstrating the predictive capabilities
of CFD to simulate the impact of density current effects on sedimentation basin
designs.
RARE: Reconfigurable Computing VIA the Internet
J.J. Ducoste and Clay Gloster at Howard University
Foundation
7/01 to 6/02
Remote Adaptive computing Resource (RARE) comprises a comprehensive set of routines
that have been optimized for high performance on a reconfigurable computer.
This research will demonstrate how processing some or all of the code on hardware
that has been optimized to perform a particular task can reduce a computationally
intensive simulation of the growth and breakup of colloidal aggregates in a
drinking water flocculation process. Recent experiments conducted by the
principal investigator verify that remote hardware versions of several algorithms
(implemented on a reconfigurable computer) can complete execution significantly
faster than local software versions of the same algorithm (implemented on a
typical desktop computer). This research will promote a dramatic increase
in available computing resources for solving compute-intensive engineering problems
at a fraction of the cost of supercomputers.
Development of Management Guidelines for North Carolina Coastal Dunes
J. S. Fisher and M. F. Overton
NC Division of Emergency Management
1/99 to 5/01
This project proposes to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the oceanfront
dune damage caused by Hurricane Fran. The data obtained from this analysis
will be used to develop dune restoration guidelines. The damage analysis
will provide baseline information on the relationship between dune dimensions
and expected viability during future extreme events of magnitude similar to
Fran.
Analysis of Variability and Uncertainty in Emission Estimation
H. C. Frey
US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Office of Air Quality Planning
and Standards
1998 to 2001
The objective of the emission inventory community is to collect and report data
of known quality, in terms of the variability and uncertainty of the data.
Currently, there are no generally accepted approaches to developing these quality
estimators. Those responsible for compiling emission information, such
as at the US EPA, need new tools to calculate these descriptors of inventory
data. Variability and uncertainty may also be associated with an individual
inventory (for example, a state or local inventory submitted to US EPA) or with
an emission estimate for a particular source category. The goal is to
develop algorithms that can calculate the variability and uncertainty of emission
estimates. A methodology for quantification of variability and uncertainty
will be developed and applied to selected emission sources and pollutants.
Development and Application of Optimal Design Capability for Coal Gasification
Systems
H. C. Frey
US Department of Energy, Federal Energy Technology Center, via Carnegie Mellon
University
1997 to 2001 (expected to be extended into 2002)
The objective of this project is to develop system analysis tools useful in
evaluating energy systems and in addressing the complex problems of environmental
management. This project includes the development of a guideline document
describing methods for identifying and characterizing key technical and economic
uncertainties that are required as inputs for stochastic modeling of energy
technologies. This project will include development of new computer simulation
models that shall predict the performance, emissions, and cost of advanced fossil
fuel power generation and pollution control technologies specified by the US
Department of Energy.
Development and Demonstration of a Methodology for Characterizing and Managing
Uncertainties in Emission Inventories
H. C. Frey, D. Loughlin, M. Houyoux (MCNC), S. Fine (MCNC)
US Environmental Protection Agency - STAR Grants Program
1/99 to 1/02
The objectives of this work are: (1) to develop and refine methods for quantitative
analysis of variability and uncertainty in Emission Inventories (EIs); (2) to
demonstrate the methods via application to a detailed case study of an EI; and
(3) to characterize the benefits of the techniques for environmental and research
management. The key aspects of our work are methods and case studies for
quantification of uncertainty in the inputs to an EI, propagation of uncertainty
in EI inputs to predict uncertainties in air quality model (AQM)-ready emissions,
and identification of key sources of uncertainty in the model-ready emissions
estimates. Furthermore, we will use an actual State Implementation Plan
EI to demonstrate the practical applications of the new methods and the new
insights obtained from them.
Emissions Reduction Through Better Traffic Management
H. C. Frey and N. M. Rouphail
NC Department of Transportation
4/99 to 6/01
The objectives of this research are: (1) assemble, evaluate, and validate
a new low-cost on-board emissions measurement (OBEM) system; (2) investigate
factors that affect the level and variability of on-road emissions using rigorous
statistical methods; and (3) devise methods for designing and conducting experiments
that realistically evaluate vehicle-based pollution prevention strategies.
The relationship between traffic signalization and vehicle emissions for selected
traffic corridors will be evaluated as an illustrative testbed for our general
approach. The key expected results are demonstration of: (a) a new
low-cost approach for OBEM and (b) a new method for evaluation of the pollution
prevention impacts of traffic management strategies using the OBEM approach.
Identification and Application of Methods for Sensitivity Analysis of Complex
Food Safety Process Risk Models
H. C. Frey
US Department of Agriculture
10/00 to 9/01
Sensitivity analyses of risk models can help identify the most significant exposure
or risk factors, aid in developing priorities for risk mitigation, aid in identifying
the importance of uncertainties in the model for the purpose of prioritizing
additional data collection or research, play an important role in verification
and validation of a model, and enable insight into the robustness of model results
when making decisions. Sensitivity analysis can also aid in identifying
the most sensitive or important decision variables, which some may refer to
as "control points." This project focuses on identification and application
of methods for sensitivity analysis of complex food safety risk models.
New Methods for Assessment of Pollution Prevention Technologies: Integration
of Probabilistic Process Modeling and Design; Life-Cycle Analysis; and Regional
Environmental Benefits Assessment
H. C. Frey and M. A. Barlaz
US Environmental Protection Agency and National Science Foundation: Technology
for a Sustainable Environment (TSE)
10/98 to 9/01
The inability of existing process design and life-cycle analysis (LCA) methods
to account for variability and uncertainty may contribute to misleading estimates
of pollution prevention, performance, and cost. The objectives of this
research are to develop novel methodologies for evaluation of the risks and
potential benefits of new technologies that avoid pollutant production and to
demonstrate the methodology via a detailed case study involving the recovery
of energy and other products from municipal solid waste using gasification technology.
At the completion of this project, we will present a new methodology for the
assessment of nascent environmental technologies with respect to cost, performance,
energy savings, pollution prevention, and health risk reduction.
NSF CAREER Award: New Methods for Systems Analysis of Environmental Technologies
H. C. Frey
National Science Foundation
6/97 to 5/02
The research program features several major activities: (1) the development
of detailed engineering-economic models of clean technologies for the purpose
of understanding trade-offs among process performance, emissions, and cost;
(2) the development of new methods for quantitative analysis of uncertainty
and variability in environmental technologies; (3) the combination of probabilistic
analysis with optimization capabilities to yield approaches for optimizing technologies
in the face of uncertainties; and (4) detailed case studies to illustrate the
use of systems models and the benefits of the probabilistic and optimization
methodologies. The educational program will include the development of
modular instructional materials in air pollution control, air quality engineering,
systems engineering, and related topics.
Probabilistic Modeling of Variability and Uncertainty in Urban Air Toxics Emissions
H. C. Frey
US Environmental Protection Agency - STAR Grants Program
10/98 to 9/01
Our objectives are: (1) to develop methods for quantifying variability and uncertainty
in urban air toxics emissions; (2) to develop methods for identifying key sources
of variability and uncertainty in assessments of urban air toxic emissions and
exposures; (3) to develop probabilistic process engineering models for making
realistic estimates of emissions of, and the effects of control measures for,
urban air toxics; (4) to demonstrate the methods via a detailed case study of
urban air toxics emissions and exposures; and (5) to characterize the benefits
of the methods with respect to environmental and research management.
Services for Risk Assessment Development
H. C. Frey
US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Office of Risk Assessment and Cost Benefit
Analysis (ORACBA)
10/99 to 9/00
The purpose of this project is to provide appropriate expert support for US
Department of Agriculture risk assessments associated with rule making.
The specific objectives are: (a) to provide expertise in evaluating
various parts of risk assessments, including the scientific data, the model,
the systems design of the model, and other scientific and technological input;
(b) to assist in the development of risk assessment methodology for selected
USDA programs; and (c) to provide research support for USDA staff to further
the professional development of scientists who must perform risk assessments.
The activities in this work will include review of up to four risk assessments,
communication of research findings regarding risk assessment methodology via
a seminar and workshop, and communication with USDA staff regarding key issues
in risk assessment.
Adsorption of Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether on High-Silica Zeolites
D. R. U. Knappe
ongoing
High-silica zeolites represent an emerging adsorbent for the drinking water
industry. The hypothesis tested in this study is that natural organic
matter (NOM) does not compete with target adsorbates because size exclusion
prevents NOM from entering zeolite pores. As a result, lower adsorbent
usage rates result and the adsorbent can be regenerated more easily.
Effects of Activated Carbon Surface Chemistry and Pore Structure on the Adsorption
of Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether and Trichloroethene from Natural Waters
D. R. U. Knappe
American Water Works Association Research Foundation
1/99 to 6/01
The objective of this research is to evaluate the effects of activated carbon
surface chemistry and pore structure on (1) the adsorption of methyl tertiary-butyl
ether (MTBE), trichloroethene and natural organic matter (NOM), (2) the simultaneous
adsorption of organic micropollutants and NOM, and (3) the sequential adsorption
of NOM and micropollutants. The approach will involve the preparation
of a matrix of activated carbon fibers with 3 pore structures and 6 surface
chemistries. The expected results of this research will provide a rational
framework for the selection of adsorbents for the drinking water industry.
Employing Artificial Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithms to Optimize Turbidity
and Natural Organic Matter Removal In Drinking Water Treatment
D. R. U. Knappe, S. Ranjithan, and J. Ducoste
ongoing
Many drinking water treatment plants conduct pilot studies to optimize treatment.
These pilot studies typically result in a wealth of data that is difficult to
interpret. This study showed that artificial neural network models can
describe pilot study results that were obtained over a wide range of treatment
conditions and raw water qualities. Pilot studies were conducted by the
City of Philadelphia, PA. Artificial neural network models are currently
used to determine optimal treatment strategies that consistently produce desired
water quality criteria at minimum cost.
Sequestration Mechanisms and Bioavailability of Tetrachloroethene and Toluene
in Solid Waste
D. R. U. Knappe, M. A. Barlaz and M. A. Nanny (University of Oklahoma)
National Science Foundation
7/01 to 6/04
The overall objective of the proposed research is to study factors that control
the fate and bioavailability of tetrachloroethene (PCE) and toluene in landfills
with a specific focus on contaminant sequestration and biodegradation as influenced
by the presence of (1) humic substances in solid matrices and (2) acidogenic
and methanogenic leachate. A series of tests will be conducted to characterize
the composition of sorbent organic matter and its effects on PCE and toluene
sorption and sequestration. Using 13C-labeled compounds, spectroscopic techniques
(13C-CP/MAS NMR and pyrolysis GC/MS) will be employed to determine whether covalent
binding or noncovalent interactions control contaminant sequestration.
Enhancements to the Strategy Development Tool to Support Regulatory Analysis
D. H. Loughlin, J. W. Baugh, E. D. Brill, and S. R. Ranjithan
NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Division of Air Quality
9/98 to 8/01
The Strategy Development Tool (SDT) is a prototype decision support system for
air quality management. Components of the SDT include tools for: 1) visualizing
emissions inventories, 2) designing and testing control strategies, 3) modeling
the costs and impacts of incentive-based control approaches such as emissions
trading programs, and 4)identifying low-cost management alternatives through
optimization. The goal of this project is to upgrade the features of the
SDT so that it can be used by the State of North Carolina in developing state
implementation plans towards meeting the Federal air quality standards.
In addition, we are using mathematical models and an approach called "modeling
to generate alternatives" to predict the results of emissions trading programs.
System-Wide Optimization of Wastewater Treatment Plants Using Genetic Algorithms
D. H. Loughlin, J. Ducoste, and F. de los Reyes
Hydromantis, Inc. and the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for
Undergraduates (REU) Program
10/00 to 12/01
In this project, we are using a genetic algorithm (GA) to perform system-wide
optimization of wastewater treatment unit processes. The GA simultaneously
selects efficient unit processes and optimizes their design parameters with
the goals of minimizing cost and ensuring that effluent standards will be met.
The GA-based optimization approach will be used for single and multi-objective
optimization, as well as for reliability-based design.
An Assessment of Modeling Tools for the Delineation of the NC Ocean Erodible
Area
M. F. Overton and J. S. Fisher
NC Division of Coastal Management (NC DCM)
3/01 to 6/02
The Ocean Erodible Area (OEA) was delineated more than 25 years ago. The
methods used to conduct these analyses were simplistic, and newer, more comprehensive
models have since that time been developed and applied to similar problems.
It is therefore important to investigate the utility of these models in the
assessment of the currently defined OEA. This update and potential re-definition
of the Ocean Hazard AEC would help ensure that coastal development occurs in
lower risk locations. The updated analysis would also assist NC DCM and
the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management, as well as local governments,
in identifying structures and infrastructure at risk to storm damage.
Highway Vulnerability Study for NC 12 at Buxton, NC
M. F. Overton and J. S. Fisher
NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
12/99 to 6/01
In September 1999, HW 12 was undermined by the action of the high waves and
tide during Hurricane Dennis along a half-mile section just north of Buxton,
NC. NCDOT’s emergency response was to relocate the road 250 ft landward
of the original road and to build a temporary dune field in front on the road.
The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology to determine the vulnerability
of the road as a function of storm history, geomorphology of the island, and
the offshore bathymetry. The methodology developed will assist NCDOT in
assessing short-term (10-year) solutions for maintaining HW 12 as the transportation
corridor for Hatteras Island.
Shoreline Monitoring at Oregon Inlet
M. F. Overton and J. S. Fisher
NC Department of Transportation
1989, ongoing
The purpose of this ongoing project (1989 to present) is to monitor and evaluate
the response of a six-mile stretch of shoreline just south of the terminal groin
constructed to protect the bridge at the north end of Pea Island. The
purpose of phase one was to establish the “historical erosion rates” for the
study area since the change in dredging operations in the inlet in 1984 and
before the March 1989 storm. The continuing phases of the project consist
of determining the position of the shoreline from air photography every two
months and evaluating the response of the shoreline in the context of the historical
erosion rates.
Development of an Integrated Systems Model to Explore Environmentally Beneficial
Alternatives for Product Manufacturing and Waste Management
S. R. Ranjithan and M. A. Barlaz
National Science Foundation
10/98 to 10/01
As societies become more focused on minimizing the impact of human activity
on the environment, many industries are trying to move towards environmentally
responsible manufacturing practices. The objective of this work is to
develop a model, integrating a product life-cycle inventory (LCI) with a newly
developed life-cycle model of waste management alternatives to examine how the
combined LCIs are important and can be influential in product decision making.
An integrated systems model will be developed to represent life cycle considerations
of products from manufacturing through waste management. The model will
then be illustrated through a series of case studies.
NSF CAREER Award: Development of a Computer-Based Methodology to Assist
in Environmental Systems Analysis and Decision Making and Its Applications in
Watershed Management
S. R. Ranjithan
National Science Foundation
5/98 to 5/02
This project will: 1) investigate ways to enhance the capabilities of genetic
algorithms (GAs) for complex environmental systems analysis, 2) develop and
integrate into existing courses an interactive training module to assist in
teaching the fundamentals of GAs and their uses in environmental systems analysis,
3) explore applications of the methodology in watershed management, and 4) integrate
the applications and their findings in courses related to environmental systems
analysis. The academic plans include the development of teaching modules
and interactive techniques for both students and practitioners. To demonstrate
the practical applicability, an array of realistic watershed management applications
will be investigated, including a case study of the Neuse River Basin in North
Carolina.
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