Project Abstracts: 2008 to 2009
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.
Landfill Gas Management: A Roadmap for EREF Directed Research
M.A. Barlaz and D.R. Reinhart (University of Central Florida);
Environmental Research and Education Foundation (10/07 to 06/09)
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.
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 01/10)
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.
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 (12/04 to 08/09)
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.
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, 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.
Decision Support Tool and Guidance Document for Management of Debris from Incidents of National Significance
M.A. Barlaz, D.R.U. Knappe, andF. L. de los Reyes;
Eastern Research Group (09/08 to 12/09)
The objective of this research is to develop and confirm a model that describes the behavior of trace organic compounds in a simulated landfill.
North Carolina Landfill Capacity Study
M.A. Barlaz;
North Carolina Solid Waste Association of North America (08/08 to 6/09)
The objective of this research is to develop a methodology to project the remaining landfill capapcity in North Carolina and to apply the methodology to each of the state’s 40 permitted municipal solid waste landfills.
Microbial Community Profiling of Anaerobic Refuse Decomposition: Response to Acidic Conditions, Shock Loads and Moisture Addition
M.A. Barlaz (F. L. 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; will be extended to 2010 with an additional $100,000)
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?
Hydrogen Production at the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill: A Proposal to Explain Landfill Behavior
M.A. Barlaz and F. L. 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).
Study of Landfill Gas as a Pathway for Chemical and Biological Contaminants
M.A. Barlaz, D.R.U. Knappe, and F.L. de los Reyes; US Environmental Protection Agency (08/04 to 12/09)
The objective of this research is to develop information on the behavior of chemical and biological agents in landfills.
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.
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 12/10)
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.
Identifying and Quantifying Functionally Active Denitrifying Populations in Complex Environments Using Catabolic Gene Expression Analysis
F. L. de los Reyes III; National Science Foundation (06/09 to 05/12)
The research described in this proposal will develop and optimize a novel molecular technique to determine phylogenetic identity of functionally active nitrate-, nitrite-, nitric oxide-, and nitrous oxide-reducers in activated sludge and soil. The specific objectives are to: (1) optimize the Sequential mRNA FISH Flow Cytometry (SmRFF) method (developed previously in our lab) and investigate its potential for other microbial processes; (2) determine the effect of floc structure, DO and carbon and nitrogen levels on the active denitrifying community; (3) identify ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) that denitrify; and (4) examine the denitrifying ecology of a bioreactor that uses denitrifying AOB for treating high ammonia, low COD wastewater.
PERI: Performance Engineering Research Institute: Application Engagement
G. Mahinthakumar;
UT Battelle LLC (04/07 to 06/11; renewed annually)
This project is part of a larger scale effort funded by DOE through the SciDAC (Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing) program. The overall goal of the project is to develop and maintain an enabling technology center in the area of high-end computer performance called performance engineering research institute (PERI). NCSU component of this project will focus on performance analysis, performance modeling, and performance optimization of SciDAC groundwater application codes.
Factors Affecting the Formation of Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Deposits in Sewer Systems
F. L. de los Reyes III and J. Ducoste; NC Water Resources Research Institute (03/09 to 02/10)
This research will quantify FOG deposit formation rates in sewer collection systems using a pipe loop system that can be challenged with different wastewater characteristics, flow rates, and constituents. This project will (1) quantify impact of kitchen wastestream and food service establishment (FSE) effluent quality on FOG deposit formation rate utilizing a pilot scale pipe-loop system; (2) assess impact of FOG from food disposal units on FOG deposits formation rate; and (3) assess impact of pipe surface material on FOG deposit formation rate. This information will provide wastewater municipalities with strategies to maintain a sustainable sewer collection system in cities that are experiencing significant growth and alleviate potential environmental and public health harm from FOG related SSOs.
Evaluation of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for Modeling UV-Initiated Advanced Oxidation Processes
J. Ducoste and D. Knappe; AWWARF (01/06 to 12/09)
The goal of this research is to 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 including 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, evaluation of non-ideal reactor hydraulics on the degradation of contaminants using the UV/H2O2 AOP, and evaluation of design parameters, including the effects of lamp type, lamp age, lamp failure on the overall efficiency of the AOP system.
Alternative Water & Waste Management Processes for Local Governments Study
C. M. Williams, S. Liehr, K. Zering, and F. L. de los Reyes III
(12/08 to 06/09)
The ultimate goal of this study is to identify cost-effective wastewater treatment and disposal technologies available to small municipalities in NC with populations ranging in size from 500 to 5,000. The immediate objective is to conduct an assessment of the various swine technologies previously studied at NCSU, as well as various new and emerging treatment and disposal technologies and decentralized strategies, with a goal of identifying and ranking those systems with the highest potential of success for treating domestic wastewater from small rural communities. Since different communities have different treatment goals and different permit requirements, efforts will be made to identify systems that meet these different objectives.
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.
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.
NSF IREE: International Research and Education in Engineering
F. L. de los Reyes III;
(Supplement to NSF MIP funding with Dr. Joel Ducoste and Dr. Michael Hyman) (08/06 to 07/09)
This project establishes a collaborative arrangement with the University of the Philippines, 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 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 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 undergraduate researcher in a GK community build with beneficiary families.
Ecophysiology of Nitrifying and Denitrifying Communities and their Interactions in Microbial Flocs
F. L. de los Reyes III, J. Ducoste, and M. Hyman; National Science Foundation, Microbial Observatories-Microbial Interactions and Processes
(07/04 to 06/09)
This project will apply a multidisciplinary approach to characterize the factors that control community structure and function in nitrogen-transforming microbial flocs. The specific objectives of the project are to: (1) Determine the effect of microscopic floc structure on rates and diversity of microbial activities involved in nitrogen removal; (2) Determine the impact of bioreactor macro conditions on floc size, shape, and function; (3) Characterize the carbon- and nitrogen-based metabolic interactions among ammonia-oxidizing, nitrite-oxidizing, and denitrifying bacteria within a floc; and (4) Develop a macroscale model of nitrogen and carbon removal in activated sludge that incorporates microscale processes in flocs.
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 to predict 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 development of a CFD disinfectant training module. This 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 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.
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 08/08)
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 11/08)
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.
EPA 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;
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) renewable for up to three years.
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.
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 and N.M. Rouphail;
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.
Development of Undercut Criteria and Alternatives for Subgrade Stabilization
M. Gabr and R.H. Borden;
NC Department of Transportation (08/07 to 06/09 )
The main objective of the proposed project is to develop undercut criteria for different site conditions and provide tools for identifying depth of undercut, as well as alternative or supplemental approaches to improving soil bearing properties and workability. The approach to be developed will be supplemented with the use of expedient in situ probing technique, such as shear vane or Dynamic Cone Penetromenter (DCP), which are currently used by NCDOT but not necessarily to define undercut criteria. The research work will encompass laboratory and field work as well as modeling and analysis of data.
Treatment Options for the Removal of Emerging Pollutants of Concern
D.R.U. Knappe; Urban Water Consortium (01/09 to 01/10)
Objectives of the proposed research are to (1) identify, through a review of the literature, potential human health and ecotoxicological effects associated with the presence of biochemically active compounds (BACs) in water and (2) assess, at the bench scale, the BAC removal effectiveness of drinking water treatment processes that are currently employed by North Carolina Urban Water Consortium (UWC) members. The goals of the proposed research include (1) setting BAC concentration targets for finished drinking water and (2) identifying opportunities for enhancing BAC removal with drinking water treatment processes currently employed at UWC
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 12/09)
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 ofatalytic 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).
Protecting Receiving Waters: Removal of Biochemically Active Compounds from Wastewater by Ozonation and Activated Carbon Adsorption Processes
D.R.U. Knappe;
NC Water Resources Research Institute (03/09 to 02/10)
The objectives of this research are to (1) measure oxidation kinetics of six model BACs during ozonation of NC wastewater matrices and, with the aid of a mathematical model, predict ozone doses required to achieve BAC oxidation levels of 90 and 99% for wide range of BACs, and (2) identify suitable powdered activated carbon (PAC) types and effective PAC addition points in wastewater treatment plants and determine PAC doses that yield BAC removals of 90 and 99%.
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 08/09)
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.
Protecting Receiving Waters: Removal of Biochemically Active Compounds from Wastewater by Sequential Photochemical and Biological Oxidation Processes
D.R.U. Knappe;
NC Water Resources Research Institute (03/07 to 08/08)
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 endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol-A and 17-α ethinyl estradiol, and the analgesic diclofenac) that commonly occur in conventionally treated wastewater.
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.
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 12/09)
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 08/09)
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.
Engineering to Enhance the Resilience of the Built and Natural Environments
R. Leuttich (UNC-CH), M. Overton, G.F. List, R. Seracino, M. Gabr, R. Ranjithan, D. Brill, and J. Baugh;
Department of Homeland Security, Center of Excellence (08/08 to 07/14)
The objective is to investigate innovative and proactive approaches to plan, design and construct CCI components to provide services needed to increase disaster preparedness and resilience of the integrated CCI system, as well as to protect the natural environment. To achieve this goal, five highly interrelated research projects are being proposed. Each project has a project leader and anticipated partners; however, the projects are proposed as complementary pieces contributing products to be used to meet the overarching objective to enhance the resilience of the built and natural environment, a single objective. As such, project leaders will work together to coordinate efforts, align case studies, transfer outcomes, develop scenarios, etc. toward a highly integrated product.
Integration of Sensor Technologies Into the Civil Engineering Curriculum
T.M. Evans and M.A. Gabr;
National Science Foundation (01/09 to 01/11)
The use of sensors and instrumentation for monitoring civil engineering infrastructure has been of paramount importance since ancient times. The specific goals of the proposed project are to: a) Identify the sensors most relevant to earth structures and foundations and categorize the extent of instrumentation necessary to provide quality data for monitoring, diagnostics, and prognostic Analyses; b) Identify structures and building foundations on campus that are most suitable for instrumentation and install a comprehensive network of automated sensors; c) Develop undergraduate hands-on educational modules, emphasizing sensor operation; experimental data collection, processing and visualization; and statistical analysis.
Field Verification of Undercut Criteria and Alternatives for Subgrade Stabilization
M.A. Gabr and R.H. Borden;
NCDOT (04/09 to 04/10)
The proposed plan encompasses field instrumentation of three test pads; one with the implementation of undercutting and replacement with quality fill, a second includes undercutting in conjunction with the use of geosynthetics, and a third includes chemical stabilization. Each test location will include a control section in addition to the test pad with the specified stabilization measure. The field data will be used to perform a comparative cost analysis to illustrate the relative cost of each measure such that an informed decision on cost-effective subgrade stabilization can be made.
Procedures for Multi Hazard Risk Assessment in Civil Infrastructure Systems
R. Ranjithan, D. Brill, J. Baugh, Mo Gabr, M. Overton, and R. Seracino (05/08 to 12/10)
The pilot project will develop an outline of a multihazard risk assessment methodology associated with floods and levees. It will also identify model requirements and data needs. This work will serve as a prototype for future work to develop a more comprehensive methodology for considering a broader range of natural hazards and civil infrastructure
Understanding Rip Currents: The Multi-scale Interaction of Waves, Currents and Morphology
J. Yu;
National Science Foundation (09/08 to 08/09)
Surf zone currents, driven by breaking waves, strongly influence coastal erosion, hence coastal overtopping and flooding, and water quality. Understanding these currents is important to the development and protection of coastal environment, economy and ecosystem. This research will involve a comprehensive investigation of linear instability mechanisms leading to rip currents on beaches initially lacking of alongshore variability, setting the stage for further studies on nonlinear dynamics of circulations and multi-scale dynamics of the interactions of wave, current and sediment morphology. Improved understanding of the complex dynamics of nearshore hydro-morphodynamics system is needed for development of reliable predictive tools essential to science-based planning, decision-making and mitigation strategies.
A Generation Mechanism for Rip Currents
J. Yu;
North Carolina Sea Grant (01//08 to 12/08)
This project 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.
©Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
