2002 - 2003 Project Abstracts
Biodiesel Control Unit
Group Member: Richard McNeish
Project Advisor: Ms. Carollyn Oglesby
Abstract:
This project will consist of research and development of hardware and software for a microcontroller (a computer on a single integrated circuit chip). The controller will monitor and manipulate a diesel engine operating with a fuel source consisting of biodiesel. This fuel source can be refined from vegetable oils and is renewable, non-toxic, easy to handle, less polluting and can be made domestically. Electronic circuits are designed and built to integrate the actuators and sensors on the diesel engine with an 8051 microcontroller. A custom dashboard will also be built to offer control and feedback to an operator. The controller will assist in both running the diesel engine and testing the biodiesel fuel source so a future biodiesel vehicle can be developed.
Building a Sustainable Community in the Shenandoah Valley
Group Member: Janet Sobel
Project Advisor: Dr. Steven Frysinger
Reader: Dr. Carollyn Oglesby
Abstract:
I propose to design and build a model of a sustainable community based in the Shenandoah Valley. Located about 20 miles north of Harrisonburg, this 50.9 acre community will contain 2 cul-de-sacs of environmentally safe Eco-homes, based on Sue Roaf's Eco-house design, as well as transportation methods, and public areas, such as a park and gardens. In addition to the model, I will also design a GIS for use in building the community. The GIS will include soil and water data for the area, which will show the environmental aspects of the chosen site.
Sound Design Plug-Ins for PC Created in Native Instruments Reaktor
Group Member: J. Max Trone
Project Advisor: Dr. Steven Frysinger
Abstract:
Reaktor is a complete sound design studio and programming environment for the PC. Reaktor can be used for synthesizing, sampling, effecting, and arranging sound sources and files within a computer. The programming environment is at the forefront of audio signal processing and features the latest algorithms and 32-bit floating-point precision. The purpose of this project is to create and demonstrate the various plug-ins I have designed in this programming environment. The signal processors run stand-alone or as plug-ins within the Windows OS. They are compatible with the latest VST and Dxi standards for seamless integration in almost any studio environment.
Survey of Radon in the Central Shenandoah Valley
Group Member: Jeremy Bosdell
Project Advisor: Dr. W. Gene Tucker
Abstract:
Radon is an extremely toxic, colorless gas produced through the decay of uranium. Though non-symptomatic, radon is a Class A carcinogen, particularly harmful to smokers. Soil gas represents the predominant source of indoor radon gas. Using collected data, I have represented indoor radon concentrations in the central Shenandoah Valley with respect to location by city, month of the year, and building type. These representations were made using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and graphic functions. My project will analyze these representations to form a theory concerning which is the greatest factor in determining the cause of radon concentration.
Integrating Technology, Education and Heritage: Linking Natural and Cultural Resources at Petersburg National Battlefield
Group Member: Elisabeth Ranger
Project Advisor: Dr. Mary Handley
External Sponsor: Petersburg National Battlefield, National Park Service, Natural Resource Information Division
Abstract:
The challenges and opportunities of cultural and natural resource preservation at Petersburg National Battlefield are communicated in this educational CD-Rom developed in conjunction with project sponsors: PNB, NPS and NRID. The major natural resource issues at PNB are presented, along with the impact that they have on preservation of the cultural resources at the Park. The virtual visitor can explore the park historically or geographically, by investigating specific resource issues, park units, park management divisions, or historical perspectives. Definitions, graphics, explanations of management practices, and a teacher's manual are also included in this interpretive tool.
Creating a Geographic Information System for the Shenandoah River Watershed
Group Member: Kai Degner
Project Advisor: Dr. Thomas Benzing
External Sponsor: Shenandoah Valley Pure Water 2000 Forum, Canaan Valley Inst., & Friends of the Shenandoah River
Abstract:
This project involves creating a Geographic Information System focused on displaying water quality data collected by the Friends of the Shenandoah River over the last six years. The GIS allows for spatial and temporal analysis of nutrient data for nearly 200 sampling sites in the Shenandoah River Watershed. Additionally, the water quality data can be analyzed using the land cover statistics relevant to each site. The project vision is to provide these analysis tools to a general audience via the internet.
Optical Brightener Monitoring for Sewage Contamination of Surface Waters
Group Members: Christina Graven, Kira Showalter
Project Advisor: Dr. Thomas Benzing
Abstract:
Optical brighteners, dyes found in laundry detergents, are indicators of sewage effluent. Surface water samples with high fecal coliform counts and positive for optical brighteners suggest contamination by human wastewater. We calculated expected mean concentrations of optical brighteners in the environment, developed a method for testing optical brighteners, and identified detection limits for our method. We used our method in laboratory stream simulations and field samples collected from Black's Run in Harrisonburg.
"Biomonitoring of Mercury in the South River using the Asiatic Clam, Corbicula fluminea"
Group Member: Marshall Bowles
Project Advisor: Dr. Thomas Benzing
Abstract:
Mercury was released into the South River from 1929-1950 by DuPont (Waynesboro, VA). This thesis examines the mercury concentration in an invasive species called the Asiatic Clam, over an approximate 5-mile reach of the South River. The Asiatic Clam has several characteristics, physiological and biological, that makes it very well suited to reflect local mercury concentrations in the South River. In upstream control sites Hg concentrations in the Asiatic clamranged from 0.014 ppm to 0.044 ppm. Downstream of DuPont Hg concentrations reached as high as 0.84 ppm and going downstream there was a statistical significance among the sites.
Creating a Geographic Information System (GIS) Coverage of the Riparian Buffers in Augusta County, Virginia
Group Member: Andrew Welti
Project Advisor: Dr. Thomas Benzing
External Sponsor: Robert Whitescarver, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Abstract:
This project is focused on creating a GIS coverage for the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). This GIS coverage includes spatial data from a program to restore streamside vegetation in Augusta County, Virginia. Existing paper records and maps were converted to a digital format. NRCS employees will use the GIS coverage to analyze the effectiveness of their program.
Assessment of the Effects of Riparian Buffer Zones in Improving Water Quality and the Evaluation of the Potential Impact of Invasive Plant Species in Riparian Restoration Projects
Group Members: Tracy Mannion, Vincent Pacific
Project Advisor: Dr. Mary Handley
Abstract:
This project was conducted on the Botkin farm in Augusta County, VA. We monitored water quality, type and percent of vegetative cover, and presence of invasive species to determine the impact of the riparian restoration on ecosystem and hydrologic functions. We found that water passing thru the wetlands is lower in nitrates and phosphates than water that does not pass thru the wetlands. The highly disturbed areas of the riparian restoration site had more area dominated by invasive plant species, and more barren land area when compared with undisturbed areas. This effect is present two years after the restoration was completed, and could pose a threat to water quality for several years.
What's in my water? Modeling Poop in the Waterways of Page County, Virginia
Group Member: Joshua Harley Jones
Project Advisor: Dr. Thomas Benzing
External Sponsor: Page County Water Quality Advisory Committee
Abstract:
Using the Environmental Protection Agency's software package BASINS and other Geographic Information System software, I have created a model of the waterways of Page County, Virginia. This model shows how fecal coliform flows through Page County; where it enters the system, how it travels through, and where it exits. The purpose of this model is to aid in the development of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for fecal coliform (poop) in the different streams of Page County.
Analysis of Rainwater at the JMU Farm for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program and Evaluation of Ammonia Concentrations at Local Poultry Farms
Group Members: Derek Dauberman, Matthew Martin
Project Advisor: Dr. Wayne Teel
External Sponsor: National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP)
Abstract:
This project consists of two parts: a funded project as part of the NADP and an independent study. For the NADP we analyzed the rainfall at the JMU Farm and then sent the samples to the NADP for further analysis. The JMU farm average ammonia, pH and conductivity concentrations were 0.96mg/L, 4.90 and 19.53 µS/cm. The independent study explored the correlation between the ammonia levels in the rain and the proximity to poultry farms. We found that the ammonia levels are higher on average by 0.20mg/L at the Dove chicken farm than the other three sites due to the off-gassing of the chicken houses.
Cupp Farm: An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Best Management Practices on Water Quality; Year Five in an On-going Study
Group Members: Daniel Neff, Emmanuel Smith
Project Advisor: Dr. Wayne Teel
External Sponsor: NRCS through Bobby Whitescarver, BMPs on land of Marcus cupp
Abstract:
This project is the fourth study in a series begun by JMU students in 1999. The goal of all studies has been to relate land use practices on Cupp Farm with surface water chemistry. Best Management Practices (BMPs) were implemented on Cupp Farm in conjunction with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Augusta County to control nutrient and sediment losses from agricultural land. Our study evaluated wetland restoration and tree planting with focus on monitoring spatial variations in the nutrients nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate. Samples were taken at locations throughout the farm and were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of BMPs at controlling the nutrient pollution. It was found that sulfate levels increased due to drought conditions and the BMPs are effective.
The Development and Implementation of a Plan to Monitor the Progressive Return of Health to Overgrazed Farmland Enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Group Members: Stephen Fricke, Katie Houff
Project Advisor: Dr. Wayne Teel
External Sponsor: Mr. Bobby Whitescarver
Abstract:
Our senior thesis developed and implemented a monitoring plan to watch the return of health to the Wertman Farm, which is enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). We monitored the water quality, growth of trees, and return of groundcover to barren areas. Our main purpose was to establish a baseline of data, that could be expanded on in the years to come, and eventually evaluated to see the ultimate results of enrolling the farm in CREP. Recovery of the degraded pasturelands was documented even in the drought conditions of 2002. The tree survival was variable, and flow from on farm springs did not begin until near the end of the study.
A Case Study of Small Flow Alternative Wastewater Treatment Systems in the Shenandoah Valley and Design Proposal for a Wastewater Treatment System at the James Madison University Farm
Group Member: Brian Whited
Project Advisor: Dr. Wayne Teel
External Sponsor: Blackwell Engineering
Readers: Dr. Roger Burnett, Dr. Thomas Benzing
Abstract:
Traditionally, rural households have used septic tanks and drain fields to dispose of household wastewater. They are, however, known for failing and leaking contaminants into the environment, especially on karst and in floodplains. To combat this problem, various alternative treatment systems have been developed to more thoroughly clean the wastewater, some of which include constructed wetlands, sand filters, and aerobic treatment units. This project has tested various alternative treatment systems in the Shenandoah Valley and concludes with suggestions for an alternative wastewater treatment system if the environmental educational center on the James Madison University farm is developed, which is located near the floodplain of the North River.
Bioremediation of Diesel Contaminated Soil
Group Member: John Templeton
Project Advisor: Dr. Wayne Teel
Abstract:
The ability of oyster mushrooms (pleurotus citrinopileatus) to remove hydrocarbons in diesel contaminated soil was tested in a process called bioremediation. Oil contaminated soils cannot sustain life, and they contaminate other areas of the environment. Mushroom metabolic enzymes have been known to breakdown complex pollutants such as heavy oil hydrocarbons. After two months of growth and testing, it was found that the mushrooms did not remove noticeable amounts of contamination even though the mushrooms flourished in the substrate. Possible reasons for this failure included toxicity of the oil to the mushroom mycelium, or soil properties such as pH and moisture levels that limited mushroom growth.
Plan for an Energy Audit and Environmental Assessment on the Island of Comino, Malta
Group Members: Russell Meyer, Joseph Williams
Project Advisors: Dr. Wayne Teel, Dr. Jonathan Miles
Abstract:
The goal of this project is to formulate a plan for an energy audit and environmental assessment of a hotel on the island of Comino to be implemented during the 2003 ISAT Malta study-abroad program. The key objectives of the energy audit include researching the energy auditing process, assessing current energy use patterns, tailoring the energy audit to fit the needs of the Comino hotel, developing a plan for the energy audit, and preparing the student team for project implementation. The environmental focus includes assessment of revegetation, wastewater management, and general environmental quality. This project is part of a larger effort to create a self-sustaining Comino in terms of energy and environment.
