2003 - 2004 Project Abstracts
Determining Dosage Rates of Four Common Reagents in Iron-Laden Water
Group Member: Chad Carnahan
Advisor: Dr. Gene Tucker
External Sponsor: AgWater Technologies LLC.
Abstract:
The experiment was conducted to determine optimal dosage rates of four oxidation reagents used to remove iron in water samples. Iron is present in natural waters in the ferrous state (Fe2+) and in the presence of oxidizing reagents is converted to the insoluble ferric form (Fe3+). The resultant ferric form of iron can then be removed via filtration. The experiment was conducted to develop models of the four oxidizing reagents: chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, ozone and air. Of the four oxidizing reagents hydrogen peroxide proved to be the most efficient followed by ozone, chlorine and air, respectively.
Oxidation Processes for the Removal of Manganese from Water: Water-Treatment System Applications
Group Member: Amanda Jacob
Advisor: Dr. Gene Tucker
External Sponsor: AgWater Technologies LLC.
Readers: Mr. Paul Goodall, Mr. Paul Henriksen
Abstract:
Water containing manganese is an issue for farmers because it creates problems by producing bad tasting water and clogging the water system. AgWater Technologies works with the agricultural community and uses oxidation processes in their water-treatment systems to remove contaminants. The company needs more data on dosage rates for these processes. Data on dosage rates were developed by performing laboratory tests using ozone, chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, and aeration as the oxidizing agents. My results concluded that aeration is the most effective oxidizing agent when the treatment is performed on water that is raised to a pH greater than 9.5.
Testing the Effectiveness of Air Cleaners
Group Members: Matthew Adams, Brian Rigney
Advisor: Dr. Gene Tucker
Abstract:
Commercially available air cleaners designed to remove particles from indoor air were tested for their effectiveness for typical indoor applications. This research will apply to efforts by EPA, NIST, and other agencies that are investigating strategies for making buildings safe during chemical or biological attack. The ultimate goal of this work would be to produce information that could be used in guidance documents produced by federal or state public health agencies, or by the Department of Homeland Security, for protecting people in critical infrastructure facilities. The air cleaners resulted in a reduced exposure of PM10 to occupants of a typical office setting.
Please CREP in My Yard: Think Big, Act Small
Group Members: Nelson Fox, Elizabeth Goodman, Jonathan Uyttewaal
Advisor: Dr. Wayne Teel
Readers: Dr. Thomas Benzing, Dr. Dia Russell
Abstract:
This project evaluated four different properties over a four-mile stretch of Smith Creek in an effort to determine the effects of stream bank restorations on erosion and water quality. We chose these sites due to their various connections with the Conservation Reserve and Enhancement Program (CREP). Through the use of bank pins, cross sectional analysis, and biological and chemical monitoring, we were able to create a baseline data set for evaluating the long-term benefits of tree plantings and bank restorations on overall stream health.
Nutrients in the Rain: Measuring and evaluating ammonium and nitrate concentrations in rainfall at four locations in the Shenandoah Valley
Group Member: Dustin Staton
Advisor: Dr. Wayne Teel
External Sponsors: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Region III National Atmospheric Deposition Program, Central Analytical Laboratory Illinois State Water Survey
Readers: Dr. Thomas Benzing, Dr. Wayne Teel
Abstract:
The Chesapeake Bay Program is interested in reducing the nutrient load from the Shenandoah Valley reaching the bay. A rainfall collection site was established under the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP). Weekly rainfall samples were collected at the JMU Farm and tested for nitrate, ammonium, and other nutrients by the NADP and our project. In addition rainfall samples were taken at three other locations and compared to the JMU Farm and evaluated according to their proximity to poultry production and other agricultural activities. The ammonium concentration at JMU Farm is higher than the national average, and that desired by the CBP.
An Evergreen Database Environment for ISAT Program Assessment
Group Member: Sinisa Medic
Advisor: Dr. Michael Deaton
External Sponsors: Dr. Mary Handley, Dr. Ronald Kander
Abstract:
This senior project involves setting up a database that ISAT faculty can use for overall assessment of the ISAT Program. The database will integrate data on math placement scores, high school science and math backgrounds, ongoing assessment test scores, and course performance for ISAT majors. The database will also be secure (available only to specific faculty and administrators) and also accessible over the web via Active Server Pages (ASP) technology. The database will enable ISAT faculty and administrators to routinely evaluate the program and to better understand how the department can best help students grow toward meeting the overall program goals.
Development of an Online Interactive Tree Guide to Promote Sustainable Agroforestry in Kenya
Group Member: Haruhiko Kutsukake
Advisor: Dr. Pauline Cushman
External Sponsor: Dr. Wayne Teel, Integated Science and Technology
Abstract:
I developed an interactive online guide for trees useful for agroforestry in Kenya and other parts of Africa. This website was built based on a book, A Pocket Directory of Trees and Seeds in Kenya by Dr. Wayne Teel, and intended to help Kenyans to access necessary information to plant trees to prevent the further deforestation and to promote the practice of agroforestry for sustainable development.
A Formatting Interface for the Shenandoah River Watershed GIS
Group Member: Scott Arnett
Advisor: Dr. Robert Kolvoord
External Sponsor: Dr. Thomas Benzing
Abstract:
A GIS of the Shenandoah River watershed was developed from data that has been collected from the area for the past 7 years. This GIS needs data that is specifically formatted for the application in order to function properly. I designed a program that formats the source data into the specified format so the GIS can utilize it. This program is a Visual Basic executable that allows the data to be quickly formatted so the data on the website is kept up-to-date.
Energy Efficient and Environmentally Friendly Renovation of Our Community Place building
Group Member: Robert Ollett
Advisors: Dr. Jonathan Miles, Dr. Wayne Teel
Abstract:
Our Community Place is an existing building in Harrisonburg that is going to be used in the future as a soup kitchen and community center. It is at present a cinderblock shell that needs major renovations. The focus of this project is to assist with the renovation design by recommending measures that consider LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards that focus specifically on energy efficiency and renewable energy elements. The design presented considers solar thermal heating for hot water, cost-effective insulation, and passive lighting design.
Assessment of Pasture, Riparian, and Wetland Vegetation on Grazing Land, Evaluation of Stream Quality Parameters and Federal and State Restoration Program Options for Dry Fork at the Corbo Farm in Lacey Springs, VA
Group Members: Olivia Yancey, Sarah Woodford
Advisor: Dr. Mary Handley
External Sponsors: Phil and Elaine Corbo
Abstract:
The goal of our project was to develop a baseline determination of the condition of the land and water resources on the Corbo Farm in Lacey Springs, VA. Activities included identifying and categorizing riparian and wetland vegetation, water quality testing and analyzing stream morphology. Preliminary data indicate that the stream banks are highly degraded due to cattle grazing. Exposed soil is between 8 and 15% of the area of each transect, with deeply rutted paths in some areas due to cattle movement. The dominant plant in the wetlands area is watercress, a plant known to thrive in nutrient impaired waters. Our recommendations for farm improvements include removing cattle from the riparian zone, stabilizing the stream banks, and enhancing wetland function.
A Landowner's Guide to Assistance for Wetland Conservation and Streambank/Riparian Restoration in Rockingham County, Virginia
Group Member: Sarah Scott
Advisor: Dr. Mary Handley
Abstract:
Historically, wetlands were often regarded as waste-lands, though significant steps in conserving and restoring wetlands now are being taken both through private efforts and through public programs. Riparian ecosystems are also among the nation's most valued and most threatened natural resources. Due to the significance that wetlands and riparian ecosystems have, financial and technical assistance is available for landowners through federal and state governments, private organizations, and non-profit organizations. The large variety of sponsoring organizations and the diverse requirements for qualification can be difficult for an individual to navigate. This guide is intended to aid landowners in finding assistance for wetland conservation and streambank/riparian restoration in Rockingham County, Virginia.
Dam-It: Switzer Dam and Its Effects on Stream Ecology
Group Members: Bridget Hesse, Rachael Jacobs
Advisor: Dr. Thomas Benzing
External Sponsors: Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF)
Readers: Mr. Steve Reeser (VDGIF) & Dr. Wayne Teel; ISAT
Abstract:
Our thesis investigated the effects of Switzer Dam on the ecology of Skidmore Creek and Dry River. We monitored water quality and benthic macroinvertebrates, using the Virginia Save-Our-Streams Method, throughout four seasons at sites upstream and downstream from the dam. The scouring flood from Hurricane Isabel and a temperature difference caused by Switzer Dam created significant variations in the stream ecosystem.
Electric Vehicle: Design, Conversion, and Analysis
Group Members: Kevin McGarvey, Christopher Wood
Advisor: Carollyn Oglesby, Randy Poag
Reader: Dr. Gene Tucker
Abstract:
The purpose of this project was to convert a 1985 Volkswagen Jetta with an internal combustion engine into a 144-volt electric vehicle for James Madison University's facilities management fleet. The internal combustion engine components were removed and replaced with electric equivalents. New components were designed and installed to support the new propulsion system. Safety and ease of maintenance were the basis of design. Vehicle performance data was collected for range, charge time and acceleration. Emissions caused by electricity generation in Virginia were gathered to examine the emissions' characteristics of the electric vehicle compared with gasoline emissions expected of the original internal combustion vehicle.
Characterization of Big-Rig Idling Emissions at Norfolk Virginia International Terminals and Comparison to Emissions at the Port Of Oakland in California
Group Members: Charles Guenther, Sarah Hetrick, Brian Holt, Jeffrey Langley
Advisor: Dr. C. J. Brodrick
External Sponsor: Freightliner LLC
Abstract:
Industry and government are concerned about handling increasing volumes of intermodal traffic through ports and terminals, especially containerized freight. Many of these concerns are related to environmental and energy impacts. This project characterizes and compares the emissions impacts of operations at two high-volume ports: Norfolk International Terminals and the Port of Oakland. Although the two ports have comparable volume, we found data that indicated Oakland has a significant problem with idling outside the gates of the port and therefore generates high levels of emissions of diesel particulate matter compared Norfolk Port. These differences are likely due to several factors including operating hours of the facilities and number of entrances and exits.
Development of a Hydrogen-Fueled, Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell System for Incorporation into Shenandoah National Park
Members: Mirko Meyer-Grünefeldt, Jacob McDowell, Nick Turner, Mathew Unger
Advisors: Dr. C. J. Brodrick, Ms. Carollyn Oglesby, Randy Poag
External Sponsors: University National Parks Partnership Program, Freightliner LLC
Abstract:
Four seniors from the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Laboratory (AFV) have designed and constructed a proof-of-concept fuel cell system for Shenandoah National Park (SHEN). The system consists of two hydrogen-fueled fuel cells (two 0.7 kW proton exchange membrane stacks donated by Freightliner LLC) that power small tools in lieu of diesel power. In addition to extensive design and fabrication of the hardware system, LabVIEW software programs were created to run and monitor the fuel cell test bench after it was assembled. Integration and testing of the system at SHEN is currently underway. This work was partially supported by the University-National Parks Partnership Program (UNPEPP) and Freightliner LLC.
Cougars in the East: A GIS for the Eastern Cougar Foundation's Field Survey
Group Members: Casey Jensen, Sarah Traynor
Advisor: Dr. Steven Frysinger
External Sponsor: Eastern Cougar Foundation
Reader: Dr. Fred Garst
Abstract:
There are an increasing number of cases documenting wild cougar presence in more than a dozen scattered locations in the Eastern United States. The Eastern Cougar Foundation (ECF) has set up remote cameras in West Virginia to try and track these very elusive creatures. We have developed a Geographic Information System (GIS) of the area where these cameras were placed for the remote camera survey. The GIS contains pertinent information such as elevations, forest cover type, camera locations and the data collected from them, roads, trails, streams; as well as analysis pertaining to likely cougar travel routes and a cougar home range.
Development of an Electronics Recycling Program For Harrisonburg, Virginia
Group Member: Christopher Weaver
Advisor: Dr. Steven Frysinger
External Sponsor: Ms. Mary Shifflett, Sanitation Superintendent, Mr. Charles Honaker, Solid Waste Superintendent
Readers: Dr. Geoffrey Egekwu, Dr. Gene Tucker
Abstract:
Increasing quantities of electronics are being disposed of as old models become obsolete and unwanted. The result is that vast amounts of electronics, which contain heavy metals are being disposed of in landfills and increasing the probability of contamination. These electronics are non-degradable, contain toxics, and consist of materials that can be recovered and reused to formulate new products. The goal of this project will be to develop an electronics-recycling program for Harrisonburg, Virginia. The feasibility and technical aspects of the program will be addressed along with the benefits that could affect the environment and/or manufacturers, as well as how manufacturers could be empowered to implement cheaper and simplified recycling operations. A few of the resources that will be utilized to develop this program are professionals in the field, existing recycling facilities, environmental protection agency, as well as manufacturing companies that produce electronic equipment.
Comprehensive Study of Unit-Process Specific Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) Databases and Software
Group Member: Thang Dang
Advisor: Dr. Steven Frysinger
Abstract:
Life-cycle assessments (LCA) are a holistic evaluation of environmental impacts related to product or service delivery and are very data intensive. Recognizing the need to create decision-support tools for policy makers and industry, various software packages have been made available. Unfortunately, without standard nomenclature for storage of environmental data or a standard electronic file format to foster data exchange, research suffers from wasted time duplicating data collection. This project defines the benefits, limits, and shortcomings of developing unit-process specific LCA databases for use between various industries as well as examines requirements of LCA software. Suggestions are made for solving shortcomings and a software prototype is created to illustrate database and software requirements.
Overview of Regulation and Policy for the Recycling of End-of-Life Vehicles
Group Member: Sarah Cannon
Advisor: Dr. Steven Frysinger
Readers: Dr. Ming Ivory, Dr. Carollyn Oglesby
Abstract:
The complexity of automotive systems and materials advance simultaneously with the technical challenge to advance efficient systems and recycle the materials. While new developments and technologies arise in response to these changes, they must have minimal risk, and proven cost effective at full scale to be accepted into today's society for full use and benefits. Today automotive and recycling concepts are driven by the current economy and latest technology trends, both while taking into consideration impacts on the environment and society. Through the legislative system a concept such as recycling automobiles can be recognized and therefore become more feasible.
Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Management Involved with Recycling of End-of-Life-Vehicles
Group Member: Todd Zyglocke
Advisor: Dr. Steven Frysinger
Abstract:
End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling within the United States is not a common practice. Beyond the time constrained nature of society momentary needs are fulfilled without respect to environmental friendliness. Automotive recycling is a practice that is exceptional. In order to establish a similar industry within the States, it is necessary to first brazen out environmental and health risks involved in its progression. Atypical and typical politically fueled management initiatives must be carefully considered when thwarting the ELV recycling industry. Through an inference-based assessment, a foundation of proper Compliance and Management Initiatives is given while providing various means of control.
