Theses/Dissertations - Environmental Science
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Browsing Theses/Dissertations - Environmental Science by Author "Baylor University. Dept. of Environmental Studies."
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Item The fate of phosphate in the MixAlco process and its applicability to a Central Texas watershed.(2007-01-19T16:21:19Z) Doyle, Erin E.; Van Walsum, G. Peter (Gerard Peter), 1963-; Environmental Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Environmental Studies.The MixAlco process is proposed as a means to reduce phosphorus concentrations in dairy cow manure in order to help improve water quality in the Lake Waco watershed. Numerous dairy farms and intensive agricultural practices are located in this Central Texas watershed, and dairy manure is a major source of nutrients, particularly phosphorus. Nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are the main causes of eutrophication. The MixAlco process, which can use dairy manure as a source of biomass to produce a mixed alcohol fuel, may reduce phosphorous levels in manure wastes. The dairy manure filtrate was analyzed for soluble reactive phosphorous (SRP) before and after the first two steps of the MixAlco process. An average reduction of 86 percent was observed from beginning to end. A reduction in SRP may ease the impact dairy manure has on eutrophication in the Lake Waco watershed to help improve water quality.Item Multigenerational responses of Daphnia magna to Ethynylestradiol and Faslodex.(2006-05-11T16:06:37Z) Clubbs, Rebekah L.; Brooks, Bryan W.; Environmental Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Environmental Studies.Select environmental contaminants can disrupt normal functions of aquatic invertebrate endocrine systems. While ecological risk assessments often rely on standardized laboratory toxicity tests to assess ecological impacts, these techniques may not be appropriate for endocrine active compounds, including select pharmaceuticals in the environment. Subsequently, multigenerational designs are recommended to assess organismal responses to low-level exposures to these compounds. The objective of this study was to investigate effects of a mammalian estrogen receptor agonist and antagonist on endocrine biomarkers and transgenerational life-history parameters of a model invertebrate, Daphnia magna. Results from this study suggest that the pharmaceuticals, Ethynylestradiol and Faslodex, model therapeutics designed to interact with vertebrate estrogen receptors, did not act through the ecdysone receptor in D. magna. Thus, toxicity Ethynylestradiol and Faslodex exerted on D. magna likely resulted from non-endocrine-mediated responses, which may reduce uncertainty in future assessments of invertebrate responses to endocrine active pharmaceuticals in the environment.Item Resident perceptions of management issues in the Red River Gorge: a qualitative assesment.(2006-07-30T19:32:29Z) Hutson, Kathleen Adams.; Alexander, Sara E.; Environmental Studies.; Baylor University. Dept. of Environmental Studies.Management of protected areas is oftentimes a difficult process, particularly when stakeholder groups with different agendas are impacted by decisions regarding use of the resource. The Red River Gorge area in eastern Kentucky has struggled over the past few decades as residents, visitors and managers of the region work to define how the area should most effectively be managed under the guidance of the Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act. Specific objectives of the study include the following: • to explore the nature of relationships between hosts and guests in the Red River Gorge • to identify any impacts of the National Wild and Scenic River designation • to determine resident preferences for future development of Red River Gorge • to determine residents feelings about current management of Red River Gorge, and • to offer a set of recommendations for managing agencies addressing the current needs of residents.