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An application of a computerized mathematical model for estimating the quantity and quality of nonpoint sources of pollution from small urban and nonurban watersheds
Title
An application of a computerized mathematical model for estimating the quantity and quality of nonpoint sources of pollution from small urban and nonurban watersheds.
Creator
Ingraham, Charles John, Wanielista, Martin P., Engineering
Abstract / Description
Florida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; The problem of "Total Water Management" is reviewed; particular emphasis is given to the magnitude and intensity of pollution from nonpoint sources. The relationship between land usage in south Florida and subsequent effects upon receiving water bodies is discussed. Basic factors effecting hydrological and ecological subsystems are illustrated. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Urban Storm Water Runoff Mathematical Model, "STORM,"...
Show moreFlorida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; The problem of "Total Water Management" is reviewed; particular emphasis is given to the magnitude and intensity of pollution from nonpoint sources. The relationship between land usage in south Florida and subsequent effects upon receiving water bodies is discussed. Basic factors effecting hydrological and ecological subsystems are illustrated. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Urban Storm Water Runoff Mathematical Model, "STORM," is introduced. Model parameters and methodology are discussed. The mathematical relationships and modeling processes are reviewed and the model is exercised using a "new generation" southeast Florida community (The City of Palm Beach Gardens) as the subject of study. It is concluded that the model can be beneficial in supporting estimates of pollutant loading to receiving waters from nonpoint sources. Iteration with the model, varying control facility cost and capacity, provides a cost effective tool for land and water resource planners. However, due to the particular nature of soils, atmospheric and urban conditions in south Florida, the model should be calibrated with input constants and default values derived to more accurately reflect the southeast Florida environment.
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Date Issued
1975
Identifier
CFR0003515, ucf:53006
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0003515
Survey of Instrumentation for Air Quality Surveillance
Title
Survey of Instrumentation for Air Quality Surveillance.
Creator
Bowling, John, Erickson, Ernest E., Engineering
Abstract / Description
Florida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis
Date Issued
1972
Identifier
CFR0012149, ucf:53128
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0012149
A STUDY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA NONROAD VOC AND NOX EMISSIONS AND POTENTIAL ACTIONS TO REDUCE EMISSIONS
Title
A STUDY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA NONROAD VOC AND NOX EMISSIONS AND POTENTIAL ACTIONS TO REDUCE EMISSIONS.
Creator
Radford, Michael, Cooper, C. David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Ground-level ozone is harmful to the human respiratory system, as well as the environment. The national EPA 8-hour ozone standard for ground-level ozone was reduced from 85 parts per billion (ppb) to 75 ppb in 2008, and trends from previous years show that some of the counties in Central Florida could be in danger of violation. Violation means "non attainment" status; in which the county is ordered by EPA to develop specific implementation plans to reduce its emissions. The objective of this...
Show moreGround-level ozone is harmful to the human respiratory system, as well as the environment. The national EPA 8-hour ozone standard for ground-level ozone was reduced from 85 parts per billion (ppb) to 75 ppb in 2008, and trends from previous years show that some of the counties in Central Florida could be in danger of violation. Violation means "non attainment" status; in which the county is ordered by EPA to develop specific implementation plans to reduce its emissions. The objective of this study was to compile an emissions inventory of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from nonroad equipment in Osceola, Seminole, and Orange Counties (OSO) in Central Florida, and to develop possible action steps to reduce those emissions. This is important because VOC and NOx emissions are precursors to ground-level ozone. Thus, compiling emissions inventories is important to identify high VOC and NOx emitters. Mobile and point sources have long been the highest emitters of VOC and NOx and have therefore been targeted and monitored since the Clean Air Act of 1970, but the nonroad sources (such as construction and lawn equipment) have only been regulated since the 1990s. Using the NONROAD and NMIM modeling programs, the highest nonroad emitters of VOC for Central Florida were found to be lawn/garden equipment, and boating equipment, emitting a combined percentage of 77% of the total nonroad mobile source VOC. Construction equipment contributed 67% of the total nonroad mobile source emissions of NOx in Central Florida. The components of these categories were also analyzed to find the largest individual sources of VOC and NOx. Of the individual sources, lawn mowers and outboard boat engines were found to be the largest sources of VOCs. Of the NOx sources, all the construction equipment components had a relatively similar level of NOx emissions. Next, action steps were developed to reduce emissions, focusing on the high emitters, along with an estimated cost and feasibility for each measure. Of these steps, implementing a ban on leafblowers, and reducing use of lawn mowers, edgers, trimmers, etc. seemed to be the most effective for reducing VOCs. Although these are effective measures, the cost and feasibility of both pose challenges. The best action step for reducing NOx emissions in construction equipment seemed to be by simply reducing idling of equipment on job sites. This also poses challenges in feasibility and enforcement by management. Further, constant on/off cycles could result in decreasing the useful life of the older construction equipment. Finally, a survey was conducted with various construction managers and companies to find out the typical equipment and quantity needed for land clearing/grubbing, as well as the typical use, idling time, and total project time for each piece of equipment on a 10-acre site, under various conditions. The purpose of the study was to develop a rough estimate for the average amount of VOC and NOx emissions that will be produced per acre of land clearing activities, and to estimate the emissions reductions and cost savings if idling of the equipment was reduced.
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Date Issued
2009
Identifier
CFE0002850, ucf:48064
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002850
Critical Exposure Pathways: An Analysis of the Environmental Impact of Gaseous Effluents from Light-Water-Cooled Reactors
Title
Critical Exposure Pathways: An Analysis of the Environmental Impact of Gaseous Effluents from Light-Water-Cooled Reactors.
Creator
Danna, Robert, McLellon, Waldron M., Engineering
Abstract / Description
University of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; The analysis of the environmental impact of routine radioactive gaseous releases from operating nuclear power stations is discussed using a radiation dose assessment. This analysis includes a discussion of the origin of radionuclide effluents, a discussion of federal policies, and a calculation of radiation doses to man. A model of estimating the radioactive dose from gaseous effluents from light-water-cooled reactors is described...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Engineering Thesis; The analysis of the environmental impact of routine radioactive gaseous releases from operating nuclear power stations is discussed using a radiation dose assessment. This analysis includes a discussion of the origin of radionuclide effluents, a discussion of federal policies, and a calculation of radiation doses to man. A model of estimating the radioactive dose from gaseous effluents from light-water-cooled reactors is described using guidelines described in the Code of Federal Regulations and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Regulatory Guides. The environmental impact of these sources is then analyzed using dose rates calculated along critical exposure pathways for various radioactive nuclides. Examples are given using ractors that have been heretofore documented in the literature. the major radionuclides in the airborne effluents from a PWR, used as an example are noble gases, H-3, radioiodines, and radioactive particles. The results from the methodologies described in this paper are compared to federal radiation limits
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Date Issued
1979
Identifier
CFR0008134, ucf:52949
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0008134
INVESTIGATION OF MICROPLASTIC ACCUMULATION IN THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT IN BIRDS OF PREY
Title
INVESTIGATION OF MICROPLASTIC ACCUMULATION IN THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT IN BIRDS OF PREY.
Creator
Carlin, Julia, Walters, Linda, Donnelly, Melinda, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Plastic pollution is unavoidable in the natural environment. Consequences of plastic ingestion include exposure to environmental pollutants and toxin accumulation, causing endocrine disruption, inflammatory and physiological stress in organisms. Microplastics have been shown to transfer across food webs, however, limited studies have examined microplastic accumulation across terrestrial food webs. Furthermore, few studies have examined plastic pollution in apex predatory animals. A study was...
Show morePlastic pollution is unavoidable in the natural environment. Consequences of plastic ingestion include exposure to environmental pollutants and toxin accumulation, causing endocrine disruption, inflammatory and physiological stress in organisms. Microplastics have been shown to transfer across food webs, however, limited studies have examined microplastic accumulation across terrestrial food webs. Furthermore, few studies have examined plastic pollution in apex predatory animals. A study was conducted to quantify the abundance of plastic pollution in the gastrointestinal tract in birds of prey. Two species were investigated, one which forages in terrestrial habitats and one which forages in aquatic environments including Buteo lineatus (red-shouldered hawk) and Pandion haliaetus (osprey), respectively. The gastrointestinal tract was necropsied, chemically digested, and examined for microplastic prevalence. Overall, microplastics are significantly more abundant per gram of gastrointestinal (GI) tract tissue in species that forage on small rodents and terrestrial reptiles (B. lineatus) as compared to species that forage on fish and aquatic invertebrates (P. haliaetus). Buteo lineatus averaged 0.81 (+/- 0.15) fibers and 0.14 (+/- 0.04) fragments per gram of GI tract tissue while P. halieatus averaged 0.31 (+/- 0.09) fibers and 0.04 (+/- 0.02) fragments per gram of GI tract tissue. There was a significant interaction between type and color in both B. lineatus and P. haliaetus GI tract tissues. Micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy ([micro]-FTIR) was run on haphazardly selected samples and found that rayon was the most common polymer identified in both species. The significant difference found between species could be indicative that terrestrial raptors may experience greater bioaccumulation than aquatic species foraging at comparable trophic levels. However, the significant interaction between type and color in both species indicates a potential common source of pollution that affects both environments. Further investigation on the source of polymers is necessary in order to develop conservation and management strategies aimed at decreasing the output of synthetic fibers into the environment. Due to the abundance of polymers found in these species, understanding the potential biological and physiological effects of plastics is essential to informing superior management strategies that can better protect and preserve wildlife from increasing anthropogenic pressures.
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Date Issued
2019
Identifier
CFH2000501, ucf:45621
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000501
A Mathematical Model for Determining the Thermal Distribution Resulting from Discharge of a Heated Effluent
Title
A Mathematical Model for Determining the Thermal Distribution Resulting from Discharge of a Heated Effluent.
Creator
Epstein, Alan H., Nimmo, Bruce, Engineering
Abstract / Description
Florida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; A mathematical model is presented for the problem of determining the two-dimensional temperature distribution resulting from the discharge of a heated effluent into a shallow, quiescent receptacle. The physical model ofr the problem is the two-dimensional jet augmented by an imposed condition of viscous drag due to bottom friction effects. By virtue of the assumption that the physical properties of the effluent are independent of...
Show moreFlorida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; A mathematical model is presented for the problem of determining the two-dimensional temperature distribution resulting from the discharge of a heated effluent into a shallow, quiescent receptacle. The physical model ofr the problem is the two-dimensional jet augmented by an imposed condition of viscous drag due to bottom friction effects. By virtue of the assumption that the physical properties of the effluent are independent of temperature over the operational temperature range of the plume, the analysis separates the total problem into a flow problem and a temperature problem. Solution of the temperature distribution is accomplished both analytically and numerically. Analytically, the temperature distribution is found through sequential integral solution of the equations defining the mathematical model, under the physical assumptions of a Gaussian flow distribution and the following relationship between the velocity and temperature distributions: [formula] where the subscript (max) denotes conditions along the jet centerline. Numerically, the equations defining the mathematical model are solved by a finite differencing technique implemented with the aid of an I.B.M. 360 digital computer. Comparison of the predictions of the model with the classical two-dimensional momentum jet indicate that the model is a reasonable approximation of the real physical problem. In addition, there is seen to be a critical dependence of the flow in the plume on the depth of the receptacle.
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Date Issued
1972
Identifier
CFR0012146, ucf:53131
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0012146
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED GREEN ROOF STORMWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM IRRIGATED WITH RECYCLED STORMWATER RUNOFF TO ACHIEVE POLLUTANT REMOVAL AND STORMWATER VOLUME REDUCTION
Title
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED GREEN ROOF STORMWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM IRRIGATED WITH RECYCLED STORMWATER RUNOFF TO ACHIEVE POLLUTANT REMOVAL AND STORMWATER VOLUME REDUCTION.
Creator
Hardin, Michael, Wanielista, Marty, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
One of our greatest threats to surface-water quality is polluted stormwater runoff. In this research, investigated is the use of a green roof irrigated with recycled stormwater runoff to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff and reduce the volume of stormwater runoff leaving developed areas. The green roof properties of interest are the filtration and biological processes as well as the roof's ability to hold water and increase evapotranspiration, reducing the volume of stormwater...
Show moreOne of our greatest threats to surface-water quality is polluted stormwater runoff. In this research, investigated is the use of a green roof irrigated with recycled stormwater runoff to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff and reduce the volume of stormwater runoff leaving developed areas. The green roof properties of interest are the filtration and biological processes as well as the roof's ability to hold water and increase evapotranspiration, reducing the volume of stormwater runoff from the source. Because of the above mentioned reasons the experiment consists of a water quality analysis and a water budget done on several experimental chambers modeled after the green roof on the student union building at the University of Central Florida. The green roof chambers are used to study different types of growing media, different irrigation rates, and the addition of plants and how stormwater runoff quality and quantity is affected. There are also control chambers built to model the conventional roof on the student union building. The purpose of the control is to determine the effectiveness of the different media's filtration/adsorption processes and ability to hold water, in addition to identifying the benefits of adding a green roof to both water quality and the water budget. This research showed that a specifically designed green roof stormwater treatment system with a cistern is an effective way to reduce both the volume of and mass of pollutants of stormwater runoff. The year long water budget showed that this system can reduce the volume of stormwater runoff by almost 90%. The green roof model developed within this work showed similar results for the same conditions. Design curves produced by the model have also been presented for several different geographic regions in Florida. The green roof stormwater treatment system presented within this work was effective at reducing the mass of pollutants. However, the concentration of several of the examined pollutants in the effluent of the cistern was higher or equivalent to that of a control roof. Nitrate and ammonia were two that had a lower concentration than the control roof. The use of a pollution control growing media was also examined. The results of this study show that the Black & GoldTM growing media is effective at removing both ortho-phosphorus and total phosphorus. Isotherm analysis was also preformed to quantify the adsorption potential. Despite the promise of the Black & GoldTM growing media to remove phosphorus the plants did not grow as well as in the expanded clay growing media. It is suggested that the pollution control media be used as a layer under the growing media in order to get the benefits of both media.
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Date Issued
2006
Identifier
CFE0001423, ucf:47058
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001423
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GREEN ROOF DESIGNS INCLUDING DEPTH OF MEDIA, DRAINAGE LAYER MATERIALS, AND POLLUTION CONTROL MEDIA
Title
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GREEN ROOF DESIGNS INCLUDING DEPTH OF MEDIA, DRAINAGE LAYER MATERIALS, AND POLLUTION CONTROL MEDIA.
Creator
Kelly, Matt, Cooper, C. David, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Population growth has lead to an increase in development and impervious areas in urban settings. Post-development conditions cause several problems for stormwater management such as limited space for stormwater storage systems and the conveyance of pollution picked up by runoff to near by water bodies. Green Roofs with cisterns have been shown to attenuate the peak flow of storm events and reduce the pollution load leaving a site and entering nearby water bodies. The purpose of this research...
Show morePopulation growth has lead to an increase in development and impervious areas in urban settings. Post-development conditions cause several problems for stormwater management such as limited space for stormwater storage systems and the conveyance of pollution picked up by runoff to near by water bodies. Green Roofs with cisterns have been shown to attenuate the peak flow of storm events and reduce the pollution load leaving a site and entering nearby water bodies. The purpose of this research is to expand the available research data on green roofs with cisterns by investigating the water quality and hydrology effects of different green roof designs including depth of media, an additional pollution control layer beneath the growth media, and different drainage layer materials. Furthermore, a comparison study is performed on the cistern water quality, direct filtrate water quality, and control roof filtrate water quality. Results show that phosphorus concentrations are lower when using a pollution control layer beneath the growing media, and that evapotransporation and filtrate factor values from the 4-inch media and the 8-inch media are approximately equal for one year. However, hydrograph results show that the 8-inch media design has a lower peak flow and longer attenuation when compared to the 4-inch media design for a single storm event. Furthermore, the drainage layer material has no significant effect on the water quality or hydrology of the green roof discharge. The data also emphasizes the importance and effectiveness of the incorporation of a cistern into a green roof system.
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Date Issued
2008
Identifier
CFE0002107, ucf:47552
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002107
Florida macrolichens as potential bioindicators of environmental quality : a baseline study
Title
Florida macrolichens as potential bioindicators of environmental quality : a baseline study.
Creator
Neal, Harry V., Wanielista, Martin P., Arts and Sciences
Abstract / Description
University of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; Lichens have been used extensively and with considerable success as bioindicators of atmospheric pollution in North America and Europe for more than thirty years. Little research has followed in tropical and subtropical regions where population growth is rapid and environmental pressures unprecedented. However, taxa used as bioindicators in other studies and/or taxa having this potential, occur naturally in Central Florida. A...
Show moreUniversity of Central Florida College of Arts and Sciences Thesis; Lichens have been used extensively and with considerable success as bioindicators of atmospheric pollution in North America and Europe for more than thirty years. Little research has followed in tropical and subtropical regions where population growth is rapid and environmental pressures unprecedented. However, taxa used as bioindicators in other studies and/or taxa having this potential, occur naturally in Central Florida. A new potential major source of pollution, the coal-fired Curtis H. Stanton Energy Canter, is about to begin operation providing the opportunity to determine the extent of impact. Therefore, lichen monitoring sites have been established and the collection of baseline data reflecting species diversity, frequency, overall cover and vitality has been accomplished. Theme locations will be preserved for future monitoring activities. Voucher specimens and photographic documentation of sample populations have been deposited in the herbarium of the University of Central Florida.
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Date Issued
1986
Identifier
CFR0004338, ucf:52996
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0004338
Accommodating Exogenous Variable and Decision Rule Heterogeneity in Discrete Choice Models: Application to Bicyclist Route Choice
Title
Accommodating Exogenous Variable and Decision Rule Heterogeneity in Discrete Choice Models: Application to Bicyclist Route Choice.
Creator
Dey, Bibhas, Eluru, Naveen, Abdel-Aty, Mohamed, Anowar, Sabreena, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
The thesis contributes to our understanding of incorporating heterogeneity in discrete choice models with respect to exogenous variables and decision rules. Specifically, we evaluate latent segmentation based mixed models that allow for segmenting population based on decision rules while also incorporating unobserved heterogeneity within the segment level decision rule models. In our analysis, we choose to consider the random utility framework along with random regret minimization approach....
Show moreThe thesis contributes to our understanding of incorporating heterogeneity in discrete choice models with respect to exogenous variables and decision rules. Specifically, we evaluate latent segmentation based mixed models that allow for segmenting population based on decision rules while also incorporating unobserved heterogeneity within the segment level decision rule models. In our analysis, we choose to consider the random utility framework along with random regret minimization approach. Further, instead of assuming the number of segments (as 2), we conduct an exhaustive exploration with multiple segments across the two decision rules. Within each segment we also allow for unobserved heterogeneity. The model estimation is conducted using a stated preference data from 695 commuter cyclists compiled through a web-based survey. The probabilistic allocation of respondents to different segments indicates that female commuter cyclists are more utility oriented, however the majority of the commuter cyclist's choice pattern is consistent with regret minimization mechanism. Overall, cyclists' route choice decisions are influenced by roadway attributes, cycling infrastructure availability, pollution exposure, and travel time. The analysis approach also allows us to investigate time based trade-offs across cyclists of different classes. Interestingly, we observed that the trade-off values in regret and utility based segments for roadway attributes are similar in magnitude; but the values differ greatly for cycling infrastructure and exposure attributes, particularly for maximum exposure levels.
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Date Issued
2018
Identifier
CFE0007398, ucf:52059
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007398
An Assessment of Biosorption Activated Media for the Removal of Pollutants in Up-Flow Stormwater Treatment Systems
Title
An Assessment of Biosorption Activated Media for the Removal of Pollutants in Up-Flow Stormwater Treatment Systems.
Creator
Hood, Andrew, Randall, Andrew, Wanielista, Martin, Chopra, Manoj, O'Reilly, Andrew, Moore, Sean, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description
Nitrogen and phosphorus are often the limiting nutrients for marine and freshwater systems respectively. Additionally, stormwater often contains elevated levels of pathogens which can pollute the receiving water body and impact reuse applications [1-4]. The reduction of limiting nutrients and pathogens is a common primary target for stormwater best management practices (BMPs) [5]. Traditional BMPs, such as retention/detention treatment ponds require large footprints and may not be practical...
Show moreNitrogen and phosphorus are often the limiting nutrients for marine and freshwater systems respectively. Additionally, stormwater often contains elevated levels of pathogens which can pollute the receiving water body and impact reuse applications [1-4]. The reduction of limiting nutrients and pathogens is a common primary target for stormwater best management practices (BMPs) [5]. Traditional BMPs, such as retention/detention treatment ponds require large footprints and may not be practical in ultra-urban environments where above ground space is limited. Upflow filters utilizing biosorption activated media (BAM) that can be placed underground offer a small footprint alternative. Additionally, BAM upflow filters can be installed at the discharge point of traditional stormwater ponds to provide further treatment. This research simulated stormwater that had already been treated for solids removal; thus, most of the nutrients and solids in the influent were assumed to be as non-settable suspended solids or dissolved solids. Three different BAM mixtures in an upflow filter configuration were compared for the parameters of nitrogen, phosphorus, total coliform, E. coli, and heterotrophic plate count (HPC). Additionally, genetic testing was conducted using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), in conjunction with a nitrogen mass balance, to determine if Anammox was a significant player in the nitrogen removal. The columns were run at both 22-minute and 220-minute Empty Bed Contact Times (EBCTs). All the BAM mixtures analyzed were shown to be capable at the removal of nitrogen, phosphorus, and total coliform during both the 22-minute and 220-minute EBCTs, with BAM #1 having the highest removal performance for all three parameters during both EBCTs. All BAM mixtures experienced an increase in HPC. Additionally, PCR analysis confirmed the presence of Anammox in the biofilm and via mass balance it was determined that the biological nitrogen removal was due to Anammox and endogenous denitrification with Anammox being a significant mechanism.
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Date Issued
2019
Identifier
CFE0007817, ucf:52875
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007817