Project Abstracts: 2007 to 2008
Environmental, Water Resources and Coastal Engineering
Improved Water Resources Sustainability Through Multi-time Scale Forecasting and Adaptive Mulit-purpose Reservoir Management. S. Arumugam and S. Ranjithan. National Science Foundation. 03/05 to 02/11
This project has three major objectives. The first is to develop an integrated approach to promote sustainable water systems through combined application of both weather information-based near-term streamflow forecasts and climate-based short-term streamflow forecasts. The second objective is to apply and demonstrate the approach for two water supply systems, one experiencing rapid increase in water demand in NC, and another serving multiples uses in Virginia. The third objective is to develop an instructional tool for assessing various water management measures and streamflow forecasts in promoting sustainable water management and to incorporate the tool in undergraduate/graduate curricula at several Universities.
Microbial Community Profiling of Anaerobic Refuse Decomposition: Response to Acidic Conditions, Shock Loads and Moisture Addition. Morton A. Barlaz (Francis de los Reyes will functionally serve as a co-PI in terms of advising the student working on this project). Waste Management Inc. 04/04 to 3/09
This research will address the following questions related to landfill bioreactor operation: (1) How do landfills progress from the acid phase of decomposition to a stable methanogenic phase of decomposition and are acid-tolerant or acidophilic methanogens involved? (2) Is the methanogen community that is active during decomposition stable, and if not, is the variability important? (3) What is the effect of shock loads of rapidly degradable substrate on the methanogen community? (4) What is the effect of leachate recycle on a continuous or pulsed basis on the methanogen community?
Assessment Landfill Gas Pathway - Laboratory Simulation of Partitioning of Chemical and Biological Contaminants under Anaerobic Decomposition in a Landfill. M.A. Barlaz, D.R.U. Knappe, D.R.U. and F.L. de los Reyes. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 09/04 to 12/09
The overall objectives of this research are to (1) develop and validate a model to predict the behavior of chemical contaminants in refuse and (2) measure the survival and transport of biological agents in landfills. Experimental work will be conducted with surrogates for selected chemical warfare agents to quantify physical, chemical and biological processes affecting their behavior in landfills. Concurrently, a model describing contaminant fate and transport in landfills will be developed. Molecular probes will be developed for suitable surrogates of biological warfare agents and the probes will be used to measured survival and transport in batch and reactor systems.
Application of Municipal Solid Waste Decision Support Tool to Wake County, North Carolina. M.A. Barlaz and S.R. Ranjithan. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 01/05 to 06/08
Abstract: The objective of this project is to develop alternatives for the management of municipal solid waste for Wake County, NC. Alternatives will be developed to examine tradeoffs among cost, environmental burdens, resource consumption and landfill diversion using a solid waste management life-cycle inventory model developed by the investigators.
Predictive Tools for Sustainable Solid Waste Management Using Bioreactor Landfills. M.A. Barlaz and C. H. Benson (Univ. Wisconsin). National Science Foundation. 02/06 to 01/09
The objective of this proposal is to develop quantitative, field-validated, engineering methods to improve the design and operation of bioreactor landfills. Three thrust areas have been identified where research can directly contribute to improvements in bioreactor technology by reducing cost and increasing predictability: (1) landfill hydrology, (2) solids decomposition, and (3) settlement prediction. A predictive model will be developed that relates moisture, solids decomposition, and waste settlement that will improve the predictability of airspace utilization, the industry's ultimate metric. In all areas, fundamental laboratory-scale studies are tightly coupled to models and field-scale work at bioreactor landfills operated by industrial partners.
Assessment of Environmental Emissions associated with the Beneficial Reuse of Industrial, Commercial and Agricultural Wastes. M. A. Barlaz and S. Ranjithan. Delaware Solid Waste Authority. 06/06 to 08/08
The objective of this research is to estimate the environmental benefits of the recycling and reuse of commercial, industrial and agricultural wastes generated in the State of Delaware.
Non-Residential Solid Waste Management Life-Cycle Inventory Model. M.A. Barlaz and S.R. Ranjithan. Delaware Solid Waste Authority. 07/06 to 06/08
The objective of this project is to assess the environmental performance of alternatives for the management of commercial and industrial waste generated in the State of Delaware. The initial focus is on the recycling of asphalt pavement, construction and demolition waste, and food waste generated in commercial sources. Process flow diagrams for recycling alternatives for each waste serve as a starting point for life-cycle analysis.
Hydrogen Production at the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill: A Proposal to Explain Landfill Behavior. Morton A. Barlaz and Francis de los Reyes. Waste Management of Hawaii. 03/07 to 09/08
The objectives of the research are to (1) develop an understanding of the conditions that are responsible for H2 production at the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill, (2) characterize microbial populations in samples of refuse excavated from areas that are producing H2 as well as samples from laboratory-scale reactors to reproduce the H2 production observed in the field and (3) use the information on microbial populations and reactor performance to propose strategies for the control of H2 production and excessive temperatures at the landfill. The microbial ecology of the refuse will be characterized by using molecular techniques (TRFLP and 16S rRNA gene sequences).
Landfill Gas Management: A Roadmap for EREF Directed Research. M.A. Barlaz and D.R. Reinhart. Environmental Research and Education Foundation. 10/07 to 12/08
The study will develop a roadmap for EREF-directed research to quantify all aspects of landfill gas generation, collection, attenuation, and emissions. Attainment of this objective will require a multi-year, multi-investigator and multi-agency effort. To insure that implementation of this program meets the industry's goals, a plan is essential. In this study we will present a research plan to (1) improve gas generation modeling, (2) optimize gas collection system design, (3) quantify fugitive gas emissions, (4) facilitate landfill odor management, and (5) improve the data available to calculate the carbon footprint of landfills at both the site-specific and national levels.
Evaluating Monitored Natural Attenuation of Perchlorate in Groundwater. R.C. Borden and M.A. Barlaz. Solutions-IES. 02/04 to 12/07
With support from the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, Solutions-IES is evaluating the potential for use of Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) in managing groundwater contamination by perchlorate. North Carolina State University (NCSU) will support this project by providing laboratory studies to help identify sites where MNA is occurring and to demonstrate its effectiveness. The overall objective of this project is develop tools to (1) identify sites where MNA may be appropriate for management of perchlorate releases, and (2) demonstrate to regulatory agencies that perchlorate MNA is effective for controlling adverse impacts to the environment.
Anaerobic Biotreatment of Acid Mine Drainage at Ore Knob Mine. R.C. Borden. NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 08/05 to 07/08
Ore Knob Branch and Peak Creek are impaired due to discharge of acid mine drainage (AMD) from an abandoned copper/zinc mine. AMD production from the large tailings impoundment will be controlled by injecting emulsified soybean oil into the sediments to stimulate growth of naturally occurring bacteria. These bacteria will then use the soybean oil as a food source, consuming any dissolved oxygen and stopping further AMD production. Once oxygen is depleted, the sulfate reducing bacteria will reduce sulfuric acid to sulfide and precipitating heavy metals.
Development of a Design Tool for Planning Aqueous Amendment Injection Systems. R.C. Borden, G. Mahinthakumar, T.J. Simpkin (CH2M HILL) and C. Zawtocki (Solutions-IES). DOE, Environmental Security Technology Certification Program. 03/06 to 12/08
The overall objective of this project is to develop a set of tools to assist design engineers in developing effective, reasonably efficient systems for distributing aqueous amendments for in situ treatment of groundwater contaminants. At this time, the primary applications for the tools will be for design of in situ chemical oxidation systems using permanganate and in situ anaerobic bioremediation systems using soluble substrates and emulsified oil. However, as technology evolves, this general approach should be applicable to distribution of other aqueous amendments.
Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage Using Crude Glycerol, United Soybean Board. R. C. Borden. United Soybean Board (through Smith, Bucklin & Associates, LLC). 07/07 to 06/08
Acid mine drainage (AMD) results when sulfide minerals are exposed to oxygen and water, resulting in sulfuric acid formation and dissolution of toxic heavy metals. Vadose zone contamination at mine sites can be treated by spraying crude caustic glycerol on the surface of the tailings pile. As the glycerol infiltrates down through the pile, the AMD is treated by residual NaOH present in the glycerol and anaerobic biodegradation of the sulfate producing sulfide. Field column experiments will be conducted to better understand this process and develop a simple design procedure for this process.
NSF IREE: International Research and Education in Engineering. F. L. de los Reyes III (PI) (supplement to NSF MIP funding with J. Ducoste and M. Hyman). National Science Foundation. 08/06 to 07/08
The international component of the project aims to establish collaborative arrangements with the University of the Philippines, the Manila Water Company, and Gawad Kalinga, a non-profit organization involved in improving the environment and lives of poor families in the Philippines. The international research involves: (1) analysis of the nitrogen-removal performance of 31 full-scale wastewater treatment plants in Metro Manila, Philippines; (2) sampling and molecular analysis of the microbial flocs in the mixed liquor of these treatment bioreactors; (3) analysis of the domestic and community wastewater treatment systems in rural and urban Gawad Kalinga (GK) villages designed and built for former squatter and poor families; and (4) participation of the undergraduate researcher in a GK community build with beneficiary families.
Impacts of Sampling and Handling Procedures on DNA- and RNA-based Microbial Characterization and Quantification of Groundwater and Saturated Soil. F. L. de los Reyes III and R.C. Borden. Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program. 03/07 to 06/09
The overall objective of this project is to determine the relationships of sample processing procedures to the effectiveness and efficiency of three molecular techniques used in qualitative and quantitative analysis of microbial populations in groundwater and associated saturated soil samples.
Molecular Analysis of an Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant. F. L. de los Reyes III (PI). CH2M-Hill. 04/07 to 09/07
The objectives of this project are: (1) to determine which microbial populations are present in selected wastestreams at the industrial plant using Terminal- Restriction Length Fragment Polymorphism (T-RFLP); and (2) To determine the levels of E. coli in these samples using quantitative PCR (QPCR) and compare the results with traditional E. coli/coliform counts
Effects of Biological Drain Products on Grease Interceptors: Microbiological and Chemical Characterization. F. L. de los Reyes III. Consumer Specialty Products Association. 08/07 to 01/09
The overall objective of the project is to determine the chemical and microbiological effects of biological drain products on grease interceptor (GI) characteristics and performance. The specific objectives are: (1) to identify the effects of bioaugmentation on the microbial community structure and function in grease interceptors; (2) to determine if there is a negative effect to downstream effluent from use of biological additives (i.e., determine if biaougmentation results in passing grease downstream); and (3) to start to address regulatory ordinances concerning biological drain products.
A Unified Approach to Understanding, Education, and Design of Disinfection Processes using Computational Fluid Dynamics (NSF Career). J.J. Ducoste. National Science Foundation. 09/01 to 08/08
This research uses CFD to (1) develop and evaluate alternative disinfection models for the prediction of effluent microbial inactivation through continuous flow systems, and (2) 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. This 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: (1) PowerPoint/video-based disinfection process-lecture series, (2) solved disinfection problems and simulated tracer tests, and (3) team-based disinfection design problems.
Ecophysiology of Nitrifying and Denitrifying Microbial Communities and their Interactions in Microbial Flocs. J.J. Ducoste (Co-PI) (PI: Francis de los Reyes: CCEE, Co-PI: M. Hyman: Microbiology). National Science Foundation. 07/04 to 07/09
The specific objectives of the project are: (1) To determine the effect of floc structure (floc size and shape) on microbial activity rates, activity diversity, species diversity, relative numbers, and spatial arrangement of microorganisms involved in nitrogen removal; (2) To determine the impact of bioreactor macro conditions (DO, substrate type and loading) on floc size, shape, and function; (3) To characterize the carbon and nitrogen interactions of ammonia-oxidizing, nitrite oxidizing, and denitrifying bacteria within a floc; and (4) To develop a macroscale model of nitrogen and carbon removal in activated sludge that incorporates microscale processes in flocs.
Fats, Roots, Oils, and Grease (FROG) in Centralized and Decentralized Systems. J.J. Ducoste and K. Keener (Food Science). WERF. 03/05 to 02/08.
The proposed research project will investigate ways to improve grease interceptor performance through novel experimental and numerical techniques. The experimental work includes field measurements of FOG from active grease interceptors located at different food service establishments (FSE). Tests will be conducted during peak FSE operation as well as under varying conditions. Data from these field tests will be used to develop a synthetic FSE wastewater that will be used to perform pilot scale grease interceptor tests. The pilot scale tests will be performed using a 300-gallon grease interceptor. A numerical simulation of the pilot reactor will be performed.
Evaluation of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for Modeling UV-Initiated Advanced Oxidation Processes. J.J. Ducoste and D. Knappe. American Water Works Association Research Foundation. 01/06 to 12/08
This research will evaluate Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for modeling UV-initiated AOPs that will ultimately help professionals in research, regulatory, consulting, and treatment facilities better analyze, design, and operate UV/AOP systems. Several steps will be taken that include the development of a dynamic UV/H2O2 advanced oxidation CFD model that can be combined with complex kinetic pathways for characterizing the degradation of various water supply contaminants, the evaluation of non-ideal reactor hydraulics on the degradation of contaminants using the UV/H2O2 AOP, and the evaluation of design parameters, including the effects of lamp type, lamp age, and lamp failure on the overall efficiency of the AOP system.
In-Vehicle Energy and Emissions Information System (IVEEIS). H.C. Frey and N.M. Rouphail. National Science Foundation. 01/03 to 12/08
The key objectives of this research project are to (1) develop a micro-scale predictor of energy use and emissions that is deployable at the individual vehicle level in real-time; (2) identify, compare, and evaluate alternate energy use and emissions sampling/reporting schemes that are appropriate at the vehicle and network levels; (3) develop and test a prototype In-Vehicle Energy and Emissions Information System (IVEEIS); and (4) formulate and assess the utility of IVEEIS in developing transportation design and control measures aimed at energy and emission management policies.
Life Cycle Inventory and Impact Analysis Framework for Nonroad Construction Vehicles and Equipment Based. H.C. Frey and W.J. Rasdorf. National Science Foundation. 08/03 to 08/07
The objectives of this work are to: (1) Characterize the second-by-second in-use emissions and energy use of nonroad construction vehicles and equipment, including emissions of nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter, including real time sensing and monitoring where needed to fill data gaps; (2) Develop a life cycle inventory of conventional nonroad construction vehicles and equipment; and (3) Identify and recommend methods for reducing energy use, emissions, and impact.
Regional Development, Population Trend and Technology Change Impacts on Future Air Pollution Emissions. N.M. Rouphail and H.C. Frey. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency STAR grant via University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Center for Transportation and the Environment. 11/04 to 11/07
The research tests the hypothesis that smart-growth development patterns can significantly influence the quantity and location of direct and indirect emissions from mobile sources. The patterns of interest include the type of development and its location. We will develop a general method for exploring the leverage that smart-growth development patterns have on the spatial pattern and quantity of emissions from mobile sources. We will explore scenarios and chart the envelope of the effectiveness of smart growth as a means for reducing emissions. We will determine whether substantial emissions reductions are feasible with forecasts of the market penetration of smart growth.
Best Practices Guidebook for Greenhouse Gas Reductions in Freight Transportation. B. Williams and H.C. Frey. US Department of Transportation via Center for Transportation and the Environment. 08/05 to 08/07
This research project involves a comprehensive scan of the freight sector, including public and private sector players, to catalog the practices and programs that are being used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the goods movement. All transportation modes will be included. The final research product will be a best practices guidebook to be published and disseminated by the US Department of Transportation
PA Truck Anti-Idling Demonstration Project. A. Tazewell (NC Solar Center), H.C. Frey, and J.R. Stone. US Environmental Protection Agency. 02/06 to 08/08
The objective is to assess potential environmental benefits of heavy-duty diesel freight truck idle reduction technologies installed on trucks in NC. A key goal is to quantify actual grams per gallons emissions with a portable gas analyzer and compare this data with data extrapolated from an on-board data logger and fuel use with and without idle reduction technologies.
Exposure Assessment Advising to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. H. C. Frey. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 08/06 to 08/07
Dr. Frey served as Exposure Modeling Advisor to the National Exposure Research Laboratory of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Major activities included co-lead of Working Group 1 of the Probabilistic Risk Analysis task force, development of a conceptual framework for dealing with uncertainty in environmental models, analysis of field data pertaining to near roadside air quality, and advising of NERL's senior scientist and laboratory director on matters of quantitative approaches to dealing with uncertainty.
Training and Instruction Regarding the Integrated Environmental Control Model (IECM). H. Christopher Frey. Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. 06/07 to 08/07
This project focuses on development and delivery of training materials regarding the use of the IECM, with a specific focus on information relevant to the power plant population in the state of Virginia, including fuel and base plant options, emission control options, how to configure the IECM to represent such power plants.
Measurement and Evaluation of Real World Fuel Economy Impacts of a Fuel Additive for Three B20 Biodiesel-Fueled Combination (Tractor-Trailer) Trucks. H. Christopher Frey. N.C. Department of Transportation. 08/07 to 11/07
The objective of this study is to conduct field measurements of three combination (tractor-trailer) trucks on B20 biodiesel and on B20 biodiesel with a fuel additive to quantify the effect of the fuel additive on fuel economy and emissions. Measurements will be made using a portable emission measurement system.
Comparison of Biodiesel versus Petroleum Diesel Based On In-Use Measurement of Emissions for Heavy Duty Vehicles: Atlanta Case Study. H. Christopher Frey. Lafarge North America. 08/07 to 12/07
This project focuses on field data collection, using portable emission measurement systems (PEMS), for a selection of four Lafarge North America cement mixer vehicles that will be tested on both petroleum diesel and B20 biodiesel. The results will be used to characterize the effect of B20 fuel on fuel economy and emissions.
Comparison of Biodiesel versus Petroleum Diesel Based On In-Use Measurement of Emissions for Heavy Duty Vehicles: Vancouver Case Study. H. Christopher Frey. Lafarge North America. 08/07 to 12/07
This project focuses on field data collection, using portable emission measurement systems (PEMS), for a selection of four Lafarge North America cement mixer vehicles that will be tested on both petroleum diesel and B20 biodiesel. The results will be used to characterize the effect of B20 fuel on fuel economy and emissions.
Baseline Emissions Characterization of Two Diesel Locomotives. H. C. Frey. North Carolina Department of Transportation. 01/08 to 03/08.
This project focuses on field data collection, using portable emission measurement systems (PEMS), for two line-haul passenger service locomotives, including one GP40 and one F59. Emission rates of CO2, CO, NO, hydrocarbons, and PM are characterized for each locomotive for each throttle notch setting as part of yard tests. The results will be used to characterize the baseline emission rates of these locomotives for comparison to existing and proposed new locomotive emissions standards and as a basis for future comparisons using B20 biodiesel.
A Spatial-Temporal Modeling Approach for Evaluating the Impact of Environmental Stressors, in Conjunction with Human Activity, on Human Health. M. Fuentes (Statistics), H. C. Frey, S. Ghosh (Statistics). National Institutes of Health. 01/08 to 12/10
The focus of this research is on development of new statistical methods for investigating the spatial and temporal associations between airborne fine particulate matter (PM) less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5). Human exposure to PM2.5 will be quantified using an exposure simulation model for selected regional case studies taking into account ambient concentration, indoor concentrations in microenvironments, and human activity patterns. The use of exposure rather than ambient concentration is hypothesized to better explain differences in the rate of mortality and morbidity associated with PM2.5.
Comparison of Propane Mixed Diesel versus Petroleum Diesel Based On In-Use Measurement of Emissions for a Medium-Heavy Duty Diesel Utility Vehicle: Pilot Study. H. C. Frey. Blossman Gas and Appliance, Inc. 02/08 to 03/08
This project focuses on field data collection, using portable emission measurement systems (PEMS), for a medium heavy duty utility vehicles that was tested on both petroleum diesel and petroleum diesel blended with propane. The results will be used to characterize the effect of the propane/diesel mixture on fuel economy and emissions.
Spatial Temporal Analysis of Health Effects Associated with Sources and Speciation of Fine Particulate Matter. M. Fuentes (Statistics), H. C. Frey, Y. Zhang (MEAS), M. Bell (Yale U.), F. Dominici (Johns Hopkins). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency STAR Grants Program. 05/08 to 05/11
This project will investigate adverse health outcomes associated with population exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5), and speciation of the fine PM to characterization geographic differences, sources, and population heterogeneity in putatively PM2.5 mediated health effects. We will answer the following questions: What is the recommended framework to integrate atmospheric models with monitoring data and other sources of information (i.e. source apportionment) to obtain a better spatial and temporal characterization of fine PM components and sources? How to use source apportionment and exposure assessment approaches in national epidemiological studies, while characterizing different sources of uncertainty in the models and the data?
Development and Evaluation of Methodological Framework for Real-World Vehicle Energy Use and Emissions Estimation at Multiple Temporal and Vehicular Scales. H.C. Frey (PI) and N.M. Rouphail (Co-PI). National Science Foundation. 05/08 to 05/11
Vehicle Fuel Use and Emissions (FU&E) have substantial national energy and environmental implications, but are confounded by intra/inter-vehicle variability and, therefore, require scientific inquiry to develop an improved basis for their characterization and management. The main objectives of this research are to: (1) quantify intra-vehicle variability in FU&E due to inter-driver variability, cold start, ambient conditions, and road grades; (2) develop FU&E models based on multiple levels of vehicle aggregation and multiple temporal scales; and (3) evaluate the interface of these models with transportation models and for use with real-time vehicle detection.
Removal of 2-Methylisoborneol and Geosmin with High-Silica Zeolites and Zeolite-Enhanced Ozonation. D.R.U. Knappe. American Water Works Association Research Foundation. 02/06 to 08/08
The principal objective of this research is to assess the effectiveness of two innovative treatment methods for the control of earthy/musty odors associated with the presence of 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin in drinking water. Treatment method 1 is an adsorption/reaction process based on the use of high-silica zeolites, a class of catalytic adsorbents that has not been studied extensively for water treatment applications. Treatment method 2 is an adsorption/oxidation process based on the combined use of high-silica zeolites and ozone (zeolite-enhanced ozonation).
Evaluation of Activated Carbons and High-Silica Zeolites for MTBE Removal. D.R.U. Knappe. University of Colorado, Boulder. 04/06 to 08/07
The principal objective of this research is to assess the effectiveness of a high-silica zeolite for MTBE removal from Santa Monica groundwater. Rapid small-scale column tests will be conducted to compare the useful life of an adsorption system containing high silica-zeolite to adsorption systems containing activated carbons with a range of physicochemical properties.
Protecting Receiving Waters: Removal of Biochemically Active Compounds from Wastewater by Sequential Photochemical and Biological Oxidation Processes. NC Water Resources Research Institute. D.R.U. Knappe. 03/07 to 02/08
The principal objective of the proposed research is to quantify the effectiveness of combining UV/H2O2 and biological oxidation processes for the mineralization of six biochemically active compounds (BACs) (the antimicrobial compounds sulfamethazine, sulfadiazine, trimethoprim, the endodrine disrupting chemicals bisphenol-A and 17-? ethinyl estradiol, and the analgesic diclofenac) that commonly occur in conventionally treated wastewater.
Impact of UV Location and Sequence on By-Product Formation. D.R.U. Knappe. NC Water Resources Research Institute Subcontract - primary sponsor is AWWARF. 01/08 to 12/08.
The purpose of this research is to measure the formation of assimilable organic carbon (AOC) when water is irradiated with UV light at doses that are typically used in disinfection or advanced oxidation processes. AOC concentrations will be measured by a new flow-cytometric method that utilizes a natural consortium of bacteria harvested from a local lake water.
Development of an Analytical Method for Taste and Odor Compounds and Application to NC Drinking Water Sources and Finished Waters. D.R.U. Knappe. NC Water Resources Research Institute. 03/08 to 02/09
A highly sensitive analytical method will be developed that will permit the identification and quantification of many common T&O compounds in NC drinking water sources and finished waters. To date, little is known about which compounds cause T&O problems in NC drinking waters, and water treatment professionals typically have to adjust treatment processes on a trial and error basis to improve the T&O quality of the water. Knowledge about which compounds are responsible for T&O problems would allow utilities to tailor their treatment approaches to the compound(s) involved in a particular T&O episode such that the desired finished water quality is obtained in an effective and economical manner.
High-end Computing in Environmental Engineering with Application to Subsurface Characterization. G. Mahinthakumar. National Science Foundation (Career). 07/03 to 06/09
Accurate characterization of the subsurface is an important element in the development of reliable and efficient groundwater management practices. Accurate and reliable estimation of hydraulic conductivity distribution, contaminant distribution, and/or contaminant source release history is necessary for problems such as estimating groundwater yields, design of efficient cleanup strategies, and identifying responsible parties in a contamination incident. This requires solution of an inverse problem because direct measurement of detailed subsurface properties is not feasible. Inverse problems are difficult to solve and are computationally demanding. This multidisciplinary NSF Career project will investigate novel computational strategies for the efficient solution of large-scale inverse problems in subsurface characterization.
ITR: A Prototype to Support Near Real-Time Environmental Characterization. G. Mahinthakumar, R. Ranjithan, and N. Karonis (Northern Illinois University). National Science Foundation. 09/03 to 08/07
The overall goal of this project is to investigate formal computational approaches that can readily harness grid computing for the efficient solution of environmental characterization problems. To this end, we will develop a grid-enabled software framework. Two alternative paradigms, one based on the grid-enabled version of MPI (Message Passing Interface), and the other based on Java will be explored. The framework will be applied to groundwater and surface water problems, both of which are of prime societal importance.
GRS Supplement to ITR to Increase Minority Participation. G. Mahinthakumar and R. Ranjithan. National Science Foundation (Graduate Research Supplement program). 09/05 to 08/07
This graduate research supplement supports an African American environmental engineering PhD student to conduct research in parallel simulation-optimization techniques and to carry out teaching activities leading to an academic career..
DDDAS-TMRP (Collaborative Research): An Adaptive Cyberinfrastructure for Threat Management in Urban Water Distribution Systems. G. Mahinthakumar, E.D. Brill, R. Ranjithan (Co-PI's, NCSU), J. Uber (Univ. of Cincinnati); Gregor Von Laszewski (Univ. of Chicago); and K. Harrison, (Univ. of South Carolina). National Science Foundation (Dynamic Data Driven Application Systems Program). 01/06 to 12/08
The goal of this multidisciplinary research is to develop a cyberinfrastructure system for water distribution system threat management that will both adapt to and control changing needs in data, models, computer resources and management choices facilitated by a dynamic workflow design. Using virtual simulation and a field study, this cyberinfrastructure will be tested on illustrative scenarios for adaptive management of contamination events in water distribution systems.
Shoreline Monitoring at Oregon Inlet. M.F. Overton and J. S. Fisher. NC Department of Transportation. 07/07 to 6/08
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 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.
A Generation Mechanism for Rip Currents. J. Yu. North Carolina Sea Grant. 01//08 to 12//08
In this project, we will investigate an instability leading to rip current formation. The initial instability is due to the two-way wave-current interaction. However, the sediment dynamics, once coming into play, may well accelerate the process. Thus, the work is potentially important to the understanding of sudden occurrences of dangerous rip currents on natural beaches. Collaborations with the National Weather Service Wilmington, who issues surf zone forecasts, including daily rip current outlook for North and South Carolina beaches, is proposed and will be pursued.
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