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Title: Effect of external pH on cyanobacterial pigment expression.
Creator: West, Maria., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: Cyanobacteria are classified as alkalophiles despite their preferential uptake of the acidic form of dissolved inorganic carbon. Long term impacts of external pH on the expression of photosynthetic and structural pigments in Schizothrix calcicola were investigated as potential contributing factors to this phenomenon. More robust cell walls in S. calcicola at pH
Show moreCyanobacteria are classified as alkalophiles despite their preferential uptake of the acidic form of dissolved inorganic carbon. Long term impacts of external pH on the expression of photosynthetic and structural pigments in Schizothrix calcicola were investigated as potential contributing factors to this phenomenon. More robust cell walls in S. calcicola at pH <7 are suggested by significantly greater expression of myxoxanthophylls. Direct and indirect physiological costs of altering cell walls may contribute to S. calcicola's depressed growth at acidic pH. Comparison of chlorophylls expression suggests that alkaline rather than neutral external pH is only beneficial for S. calcicola growth in absence of nutrient limitation. While the cyanobacterial biomarker ratio of chlorophylls to echinenone was stable across the pertinent pH range of 6-8, other pigment ratios in S. calcicola were affected by pH with an approximately two week lag between the change of pH and the corresponding change of pigment expression.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2795335
Subject Headings: Environmental toxicology, Cyanobacteria, Environmental aspects, Ecosystem management, Vegetation dynamics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: EQUITABLE DECISION-MAKING: INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENTAL RISK AND SOCIAL VULNERABILITY IN FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECT SELECTION.
Creator: Daniel, Aneisha, Behara, Ravi, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Information Technology and Operations Management, College of Business
Abstract/Description: This empirical study examines decision-making in project selection in the face of overwhelming flood infrastructure needs and inadequate resources, particularly in vulnerable communities. The motivation for this study is to explore the interconnectedness between socioeconomic dimensions and environmental risks in the decision-making process for selecting projects. The study evaluates the Palm Beach County project selection framework and the impact of multi-criteria decision-making on project...
Show moreThis empirical study examines decision-making in project selection in the face of overwhelming flood infrastructure needs and inadequate resources, particularly in vulnerable communities. The motivation for this study is to explore the interconnectedness between socioeconomic dimensions and environmental risks in the decision-making process for selecting projects. The study evaluates the Palm Beach County project selection framework and the impact of multi-criteria decision-making on project selection by proposing a new framework. The new project selection framework emphasizes the integration of flood risk and social vulnerability index criteria to evaluate the relationship between the new criteria in the decision-making framework and project selection. The analysis is comprised of 24 models grouped into three distinct groups and compared using paired t-tests. The analysis reveals that of the three groups, the group which incorporates both flood risks and social vulnerability criteria consistently outperforms the others, demonstrating its effectiveness in providing a more equitable investment for vulnerable communities that are more susceptible to floods. The findings provide valuable insights and recommendations for practitioners and scholars, emphasizing the need for a theoretical framework with objectivity to guide optimal infrastructure investments for decision makers.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014399
Subject Headings: Floods, Decision making, Environmental management, Infrastructure (Economics)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: WORLD HERITAGE SITES: EXPLORING VULNERABILITY VIA ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AND POLICY INITIATIVES.
Creator: Feliciano, Patricia Eileen, Mitsova, Diana, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: This research examines historic preservation, sustainability, and environmental hazards in the face of climate change in reference to World Heritage Sites; particularly focusing on the question: Can UNESCO World Heritage Sites be conserved and protected in the face of climate change and environmental hazards? There are 1,121 World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO and are categorized as cultural, natural, or a mix of both. The majority of these sites are at risk from different environmental...
Show moreThis research examines historic preservation, sustainability, and environmental hazards in the face of climate change in reference to World Heritage Sites; particularly focusing on the question: Can UNESCO World Heritage Sites be conserved and protected in the face of climate change and environmental hazards? There are 1,121 World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO and are categorized as cultural, natural, or a mix of both. The majority of these sites are at risk from different environmental hazards that could threaten their existence or long-term survival; however, policy initiatives can mitigate some of these impacts. It was discovered that every continental region, with the exception of Oceania, had a site considered to be the most vulnerable. There were 27 sites deemed most vulnerable, only 2.4% of the World Heritage Sites. Most of these sites were located along the Pacific Coasts of Asia, and both North and South America.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013605
Subject Headings: World Heritage sites, Environmental hazards, Historic preservation, Cultural resources management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Biomonitoring of hypoxia and sulfide stress in three sub-tropical seagrasses.
Creator: Irwin, Connor., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Hypoxia and sulfide exposure, increased using glucose, are considered major environmental stressors in seagrass communities. Quantum efficiency, total soluble protein and catalase activity were quantified to evaluate the applicability of each of these bioindicators to detect environmental stress in three tropical seagrass species, Thalassia testudinum (Banks ex Kèoenig), Halodule wrightii (Ascherson) and Syringodium filiforme (Kuetz). Hypoxia + sulfide treatments significantly decreased the...
Show moreHypoxia and sulfide exposure, increased using glucose, are considered major environmental stressors in seagrass communities. Quantum efficiency, total soluble protein and catalase activity were quantified to evaluate the applicability of each of these bioindicators to detect environmental stress in three tropical seagrass species, Thalassia testudinum (Banks ex Kèoenig), Halodule wrightii (Ascherson) and Syringodium filiforme (Kuetz). Hypoxia + sulfide treatments significantly decreased the quantum efficiency of all three species, but showed no response in protein and catalase activity. Although no treatment effect was found, catalase activity was enhanced in T. testudinum leaves and H. wrightii roots relative to other tissues, while S. filiforme showed no location-specific catalase activity. These results indicate that quantum efficiency is a more sensitive indicator than protein and catalase activity to hypoxia and sulfide stress in seagrasses.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2976445
Subject Headings: Plant physiology, Environmental management, Seagrasses, Habitat, Environmental aspects, Sulfites, Physiological effect, Marine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Experimental evaluation of cement stucco surfacing material (CSSM) removal for reducing particulates in air.
Creator: Cowan, David, Meeroff, Daniel E., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Every year millions of construction workers are exposed to dust in levels that create a hazard to them (Fundukian, 2011). Their environment is contaminated by activities such as cutting, chipping, grinding and sanding building materials. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) refers to this general collection of building materials debris and fine particulates as nuisance dust. Some of the particles in nuisance dust possess properties that make them especially hazardous, such...
Show moreEvery year millions of construction workers are exposed to dust in levels that create a hazard to them (Fundukian, 2011). Their environment is contaminated by activities such as cutting, chipping, grinding and sanding building materials. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) refers to this general collection of building materials debris and fine particulates as nuisance dust. Some of the particles in nuisance dust possess properties that make them especially hazardous, such as their shape or specific gravity. It has been found by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that inhalation of quantities of silica dust above the permissible exposure limit (15.0 mg/m3) causes a deterioration of the outside lining of the lung.This research seeks to limit this exposure by a pretreatment process using acid application and then absorbed moisture content that reduces airborne particulate during the removal of cement stucco surfacing materials. Successful pretreatment would allow removal of CSSM from substrates such that the release of airborne particulates does not exceed the permissible exposure limits (PEL) found in the 29 CFR-Table Z-3 for mining applications (15-mg/m3).
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004438, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004438
Subject Headings: Air -- Pollution -- United States -- Measurement, Air quality management, Concrete -- Deterioration, Environmental health, Particles -- Environmental aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Development of a remote sensing technique for woody vegetation in Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area.
Creator: Franklin, Sarah., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lacks a viable method for monitoring woody vegetation in expansive wetland communities, such as the Florida Everglades. This study used aerial photographs of Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area in southeastern Palm Beach County, Florida to develop techniques for remotely monitoring changes in woody vegetation. Imagery from 2006, 2008, and 2010 were classified into woody and non-woody categories using Adobe Photoshop's Magic Wand Tool....
Show moreThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lacks a viable method for monitoring woody vegetation in expansive wetland communities, such as the Florida Everglades. This study used aerial photographs of Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area in southeastern Palm Beach County, Florida to develop techniques for remotely monitoring changes in woody vegetation. Imagery from 2006, 2008, and 2010 were classified into woody and non-woody categories using Adobe Photoshop's Magic Wand Tool. Selection was performed with a bias toward over classification, as project objectives required identifying as many trees as possible. Classified pixels in Time 1 within 4 feet (2 pixels) of classified pixels from Time 2 were considered the same canopy. Overall accuracy for the study was 98%.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3175018
Subject Headings: Environmental monitoring, Remote sensing, Vegetation dynamics, Ecosystem management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Use of Multiple Tracers to Determine the Impact of Septic Tanks on the Water Quality of Urban and Rural Coastal Environments.
Creator: Bocca, Thais Sepulveda, Meeroff, Daniel E., Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Multiple tracers, such as DO, ammonia, TN, TOC, E. coli, TC, and Enterococcus were analyzed in order to identify and characterize trends in coastal water quality. This study focused on three factors; wastewater disposal and treatment alternative; season; and human population density. Samples were collected in representative sites of urban Broward County and of rural Taylor County, FL, for pair-wise comparison. Sites included areas connected to the public sewer network and served by on-site...
Show moreMultiple tracers, such as DO, ammonia, TN, TOC, E. coli, TC, and Enterococcus were analyzed in order to identify and characterize trends in coastal water quality. This study focused on three factors; wastewater disposal and treatment alternative; season; and human population density. Samples were collected in representative sites of urban Broward County and of rural Taylor County, FL, for pair-wise comparison. Sites included areas connected to the public sewer network and served by on-site treatment and disposal system (OSTDS). Sampling activities were conducted through seasonal low and seasonal high water table elevation (SLWT and SHWT), and always on slack to outgoing tide. Different statistical tests were performed, including: t-Tests, correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results suggested that water quality is lower: in urban sites compared to rural sites; in OSTDS sites compared to sewered areas; and SHWT compared to SLWT.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00012505
Subject Headings: Water quality management--Florida, Coastal zone management--Florida, Environmental monitoring--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Joint probability analysis of precipitation and streamflow extremes.
Creator: Lin, Chia-hung., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: This thesis focuses on evaluation of joint occurrence of extreme precipitation and streamflow events at several hydrologic structures in South Florida. An analysis of twelve years storm events and their corresponding peak streamflow events during wet and dry season including annual peaks considering two seasons was performed first. Dependence analysis using time series data of precipitation and streamflow was carried out next. The analysis included use of storm events with different temporal...
Show moreThis thesis focuses on evaluation of joint occurrence of extreme precipitation and streamflow events at several hydrologic structures in South Florida. An analysis of twelve years storm events and their corresponding peak streamflow events during wet and dry season including annual peaks considering two seasons was performed first. Dependence analysis using time series data of precipitation and streamflow was carried out next. The analysis included use of storm events with different temporal lags from the time of occurrence of peak streamflow events. Bi-variate joint probability was found to be appropriate to analyze the joint occurrence of events. Evaluation of joint exceedence probabilities under two phases of Atlantic multidecadal oscillation (AMO) influencing south Florida was also evaluated. All methodologies are evaluated for application using observations at several structures in the case study region to provide advances and valuable insights on joint extremes of precipitation and streamflows.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3360954
Subject Headings: Climatic changes, Precipitation (Meterology), Streamflow, Environmental aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Contested spaces: NTFPS, livelihoods, and conservation planning.
Creator: Mitchell, Christine M., Esnard, Ann-Margaret, Ivy, Russell L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: This research examines tensions between Latino/a farmworkers, who rely on the seasonal harvest of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens [W. Bartram] Small) berries for increased livelihood security, and conservationists and land-managers who view harvesting as detrimental for wildlife. Informal harvesting occurs on public and private lands, sometimes without permission. Berries, though ubiquitous on the landscape, have become a contested resource. The rapid conversion of rural wildlife habitat into...
Show moreThis research examines tensions between Latino/a farmworkers, who rely on the seasonal harvest of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens [W. Bartram] Small) berries for increased livelihood security, and conservationists and land-managers who view harvesting as detrimental for wildlife. Informal harvesting occurs on public and private lands, sometimes without permission. Berries, though ubiquitous on the landscape, have become a contested resource. The rapid conversion of rural wildlife habitat into suburban development has increased State urgency to bring natural areas into protection along the Florida Ecological Greenways Network. Habitat infringement and associated pressures on wildlife by development has led to the promotion of the state-wide Florida Wildlife Corridor, based on the FEGN. This corridor would connect isolated Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) populations and Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi) with other populations. The scale of the commercial berry industry is unknown, but is estimated at millions of pounds annually. State and wildlife conservationists are increasingly concerned with the perceived scale of the harvest and its possible associated effects on wildlife, particularly Florida black bears.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004308, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004308
Subject Headings: Agriculture -- Economic aspects, Agriculture -- Environmental aspects, Biodiversity conservation, Land use -- Environmental aspects, Land use -- Planning, Non timber forest products -- Government policy, Non timber forest products -- Management, Wildlife management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Treatment of landfill leachate via advanced oxidation.
Creator: McBarnette, Andrâe., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: A landfill is in a reserved space on land used for the disposal of refuse by utilizing the principles of engineering to confine the refuse to the smallest practical area to prevent the creation of nuisances to public health or safety (Andersen et al. 1967). However, because landfills are open to the atmosphere, rainfall can saturate them, resulting in a liquid called leachate. Leachate generated within the landfill contains suspended solids, soluble components of the waste and by-products...
Show moreA landfill is in a reserved space on land used for the disposal of refuse by utilizing the principles of engineering to confine the refuse to the smallest practical area to prevent the creation of nuisances to public health or safety (Andersen et al. 1967). However, because landfills are open to the atmosphere, rainfall can saturate them, resulting in a liquid called leachate. Leachate generated within the landfill contains suspended solids, soluble components of the waste and by-products from the degradation of the waste by various micro-organisms. Treatment of leachate is an emerging area of need. In this manuscript the main purpose is to investigate a laboratory scale batch reactor that is able to detoxify and treat leachate by using an advanced oxidation process (i.e. TiO2). Based on the results obtained from this ground breaking research, it appears that the process investigate has the potential to radically change the way landfill leachate is treated. Scale up may provide direction that can be used to improve the efficiency of the different stages of toxicity of leachate during the entire life of a landfill.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3318665
Subject Headings: Sanitary landfills, Leaching, Environmental aspects, Refuse and refuse disposal, Environmental aspects, Integrated solid waste management, Water, Purification, Oxidation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Optimization of TiO2 photocatalyst in an advanced oxidation process for the treatment of landfill leachate.
Creator: Youngman, Frank., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Since the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) began requiring landfills to implement a leachate collection system in 1991, the proper disposal of leachate has become a growing concern. The potential toxicity of landfill leachate will contaminate groundwater and soil if not managed properly. Research has been made in efforts to manage leachate in a cost-effective, single treatment process. Photocatalytic oxidation is an advanced oxidation process (AOP) which has shown ability...
Show moreSince the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) began requiring landfills to implement a leachate collection system in 1991, the proper disposal of leachate has become a growing concern. The potential toxicity of landfill leachate will contaminate groundwater and soil if not managed properly. Research has been made in efforts to manage leachate in a cost-effective, single treatment process. Photocatalytic oxidation is an advanced oxidation process (AOP) which has shown ability to reduce toxicity of an array of leachate constituents including organics, inorganics and heavy metals. The purpose of this manuscript is to scale up the batch scale study of TiO2 photocatalytic degradation of leachate utilizing a pilot scale falling film reactor. In this research project, the use of UV/TiO2 for the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia, alkalinity and color will be studied in order to optimize catalyst dosage, determine pH effects and reaction kinetics and develop preliminary cost estimates.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361260
Subject Headings: Sanitary landfills, Leaching, Environmental aspects, Refuse and refuse disposal, Environmental aspects, Integrated solid waste management, Leachate, Purification, Hazardous wastes, Biodegradation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Advanced methods in sea level rise vulnerability assessment.
Creator: Romah, Thomas., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Increasing sea levels have the potential to place important portions of the infrastructure we rely on every day at risk. The transportation infrastructure relies on roads, airports, and seaports to move people, services, and goods around in an ever connected global economy. Any disturbances of the transportation modes have reverberating effects throughout the entire economic spectrum. The effects include delays, alterations of routes, and possible changes in the origin and destinations of...
Show moreIncreasing sea levels have the potential to place important portions of the infrastructure we rely on every day at risk. The transportation infrastructure relies on roads, airports, and seaports to move people, services, and goods around in an ever connected global economy. Any disturbances of the transportation modes have reverberating effects throughout the entire economic spectrum. The effects include delays, alterations of routes, and possible changes in the origin and destinations of services and goods. The purpose of this project is to develop an improved methodology for a sea level rise scenario vulnerability assessment model. This new model uses the groundwater elevation as a limiting factor for soil storage capacity in determining previously underestimated areas of vulnerability. The hope is that early identification of vulnerability will allow planners and government officials an opportunity to identify and either remediate or create alternative solutions for vulnerable land areas before high consequence impacts are felt.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358965
Subject Headings: Sea level, Environmental aspects, Coastal zone management, Sea level, Climactic factors, Climate change mitigation, Climatic changes, Risk management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Recovering Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) after its Use to Treat Leachate for Reuse on Future Leachate Flows.
Creator: Coffman, Neil, Meeroff, Daniel E., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: This thesis was about finding a recovery method for TiO2, using a TiO2 recovery technology, which was high enough to be economical ($10 - $15 per 1,000 gallons) to be adopted by wastewater treatment plants. When comparing recovery technologies, the top three which were investigated further through experimentation were a centrifuge, sedimentation tank, and microfilter membrane. Upon experimentation and research, the TiO2 recovery efficiencies of these technologies were 99.5%, 92.5%, and 96.3%,...
Show moreThis thesis was about finding a recovery method for TiO2, using a TiO2 recovery technology, which was high enough to be economical ($10 - $15 per 1,000 gallons) to be adopted by wastewater treatment plants. When comparing recovery technologies, the top three which were investigated further through experimentation were a centrifuge, sedimentation tank, and microfilter membrane. Upon experimentation and research, the TiO2 recovery efficiencies of these technologies were 99.5%, 92.5%, and 96.3%, respectively. When doing economic analysis on these technologies comparing TiO2 efficiencies and capital and operational costs, the centrifuge was the most preferred economic option. Also, its cost did were in the economical range ($10 - $15/1,000 gallons) which makes even this technology economical. Besides that, important and valuable information about TiO2: settling behavior, particle size and zeta potential, interactions with COD, and filter operations (particle characterization) were discovered for future research and future testing on this issue.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004490, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004490
Subject Headings: Environmental chemistry, Environmental engineering, Fluid dynamics, Microfluidic devices, Sewage disposal plants -- Management, Solution (Chemistry), Titanium dioxide -- Environmental aspects, Titanium dioxide -- Industrial applications
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Miami ocean-dredged material disposal site: tilefish(Malacanthidae) habitat identification and characterization study.
Creator: Reed, John K., Seitz, J.
Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007400
Subject Headings: Tilefish, Malacanthidae, Dredging, Dredging spoil--Environmental aspects, Dredged Material Management Plan
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Establishing Spatiotemporal Linkages Between Hydrological and Soil Physical Characteristics and Vegetation on an Ecological Preserve: Boca Raton, FL.
Creator: Leung, Tania, Root, Tara L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: In recent decades, ecohydrology has received renewed attention because of the impacts of groundwater withdrawal on ecosystems. Growing population and urban expansion in Palm Beach County, FL. place pressure to eradicate natural areas, such as Florida scrub habitats, and increase groundwater withdrawal. This study presents preliminary results of soil and hydrological characterization of an ecological preserve surrounded by changing land use. Soil moisture and water levels were monitored to...
Show moreIn recent decades, ecohydrology has received renewed attention because of the impacts of groundwater withdrawal on ecosystems. Growing population and urban expansion in Palm Beach County, FL. place pressure to eradicate natural areas, such as Florida scrub habitats, and increase groundwater withdrawal. This study presents preliminary results of soil and hydrological characterization of an ecological preserve surrounded by changing land use. Soil moisture and water levels were monitored to assess the effects of precipitation as influenced by plants and soil analysis determined the suitability of current soil conditions for hosting native vegetation habitats. Hydrologic and soil conditions on the preserve fall within values expected for native Florida scrub habitats. Hydrologic response to precipitation varied due to factors including antecedent conditions and vegetation types. These results provide a better understanding of the interactions between soil proper ties, hydrologic cycle, and plants, and assist with establishing a baseline to monitor changes over time.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004516
Subject Headings: Ecosystem management, Environmental geography -- Florida -- Boca Raton, Hydrodynamics, Wetland conservation -- Florida -- Boca Raton
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Ecosystem health and environmental influences on innate immune function in the loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtle.
Creator: Sposato, Patricia L., Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles recruit to nearshore environments as juveniles. These often degraded habitats are associated with emerging diseases such as green turtle fibropapillomatosis (GTFP), however there are few studies on immune function in sea turtles. The objective of this research was to quantify phagocytosis of the innate immune system by flow cytometry and compare levels between animals from a degraded habitat (the Indian River Lagoon, FL) to a...
Show moreLoggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles recruit to nearshore environments as juveniles. These often degraded habitats are associated with emerging diseases such as green turtle fibropapillomatosis (GTFP), however there are few studies on immune function in sea turtles. The objective of this research was to quantify phagocytosis of the innate immune system by flow cytometry and compare levels between animals from a degraded habitat (the Indian River Lagoon, FL) to a more pristine environment (the Trident Basin, Port Canaveral, FL), and across a range of temperatures. While in vitro temperatures did not alter rates of phagocytosis, it was higher in samples obtained in the summer than winter. Rates of phagocytosis in sea turtles with GTFP and from degraded environments with increased prevalence of GTFP were low compared to animals from the more pristine environment, suggesting that the environment can alter innate immunological function and thus contribute to the development of disease.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004333, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004333
Subject Headings: Developmental biology, Ecosystem management -- Florida, Loggerhead turtle -- Habitat -- Environmental aspects, Marine biodiversity conservation, Sea turtles -- Immunology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Late quaternary depositional and erosional environments of the Louisiana continental shelf: interpretation of fluvial terrain with emphasis on distributary systems from seismic and core data.
Creator: Mester, Zachary Samuel., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description: The submerged paleodrainage system of the early Balize delta complex that extended onto the inner continental shelf at 1500 YBP has not been completely studied in great detail. This study interprets the environmental deltaic facies of the Balize Delta, in the Sandy Point region offshore the southeastern Louisiana coast from 120 km of seismic data and 48 vibracores. The stratigraphic and environmental units established in this study provide a geological framework for this area. Overlying...
Show moreThe submerged paleodrainage system of the early Balize delta complex that extended onto the inner continental shelf at 1500 YBP has not been completely studied in great detail. This study interprets the environmental deltaic facies of the Balize Delta, in the Sandy Point region offshore the southeastern Louisiana coast from 120 km of seismic data and 48 vibracores. The stratigraphic and environmental units established in this study provide a geological framework for this area. Overlying Holocene deposits interpreted to be muds of prodelta and lower delta front origin were interpreted as having been deposited from the retreating delta sit atop a transgressive surface, indicated by the toplapping seismic reflectors, the ravinement surface. The deltaic facies below the ravinement surface are of regressive origin an inner shelf delta with widespread delta front sheet sands from a dense group of many distributaries. This research provides a concise methodology adapted from multiple studies for modeling deltaic facies of offshore sand resource targets.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3171718
Subject Headings: Continental shelf, Seismic prospecting, Environmental policy, Sediments (Geology), Coastal zone management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Infrastructure to model complex systems: hydrological modeling.
Creator: Wissinger, Frank, Shankar, Ravi, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: This research proposes an Infrastructure to model complex systems for hydrological modeling. Currently, the three main hydrological packages are: i) SEAWAT (modeling groundwater flow); ii) HECRAS (modeling surface water flow); iii) HEC-HMS (modeling atmospheric water flow). Each of these models is self-contained and has a different timescale and simulation speed. Consequently, any integrated model will only run as fast as the slowest of the models. This makes it difficult to provide reliable...
Show moreThis research proposes an Infrastructure to model complex systems for hydrological modeling. Currently, the three main hydrological packages are: i) SEAWAT (modeling groundwater flow); ii) HECRAS (modeling surface water flow); iii) HEC-HMS (modeling atmospheric water flow). Each of these models is self-contained and has a different timescale and simulation speed. Consequently, any integrated model will only run as fast as the slowest of the models. This makes it difficult to provide reliable and dynamic information on water levels and water availability for a given geographical region in a timely manner. The goal of this research is to facilitate the integration of multiple hydrological models from different hydrological packages by applying Electronic Design Automation (EDA) methodologies, including System Level Design (SLD) methodology, SystemC-AMS language, Python language and libraries (numpy, Statsmodels, and ctypes). The EDA methodology brings in the additional advantage of significantly improved simulation speed. The Infrastructure to Model Complex Systems applications is demonstrated using the following SEAWAT benchmark problems: i) Case 1; ii) Henry; iii) Elder problem. Simulation results from the aforementioned benchmarks are analyzed and discussed. Lastly, future research work is presented.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004338, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004338
Subject Headings: Floodplain management, Groundwater -- Environmental aspects, Groundwater flow -- Computer simulation., Water resources development
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Optimal operation of hydro power systems under a fuzzy multi-objective decision making environment.
Creator: Ferreira, Andrâe Rodrigues., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Management of water resources has become more complex in recent years as a result of changing attitudes towards sustainability and the attribution of greater attention to environmental issues, especially under a scenario of water scarcity risk introduced by climate changes and anthropogenic pressures. This thesis addresses the conflicts in optimizing multi-purpose hydropower operations under an environment where objectives are often conflicting and uncertain. Mathematical programming...
Show moreManagement of water resources has become more complex in recent years as a result of changing attitudes towards sustainability and the attribution of greater attention to environmental issues, especially under a scenario of water scarcity risk introduced by climate changes and anthropogenic pressures. This thesis addresses the conflicts in optimizing multi-purpose hydropower operations under an environment where objectives are often conflicting and uncertain. Mathematical programming formulations can be used to achieve flexible, feasible and optimal operation and planning solutions to satisfy expectations of multiple stake-holders, including regulatory environmental compliance and sustainability. Innovative optimization models using MINLP with binary variables, fuzzy set theory, partial constraint satisfaction and multi-objective formulations incorporating unit commitment problem and adaptive real-time operations are developed and applied to a real life case study. These methodologies provide advances and valuable insights on optimal operations of hydropower systems under uncertain decision making environments.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/368616
Subject Headings: Water resources development, Environmental aspects, Water conservation, Management, Integrated water development, Decision making, Mathematical models
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Home Range and Activity Patterns in a South Florida Population of the Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus on Savannas Preserve State Park.
Creator: Davis, Jennifer L., Wyneken, Jeanette, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: The Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) lives in upland habitats throughout its life. Recent rapid urbanization of coastal Florida is resulting in large scale habitat fragmentation that negatively affects this and other upland species. Losses of upland habitats result in regulatory actions that include mitigation programs and animal relocations which currently occur in the absence of understanding region-specific behavior and habitat needs. Gopher Tortoise populations are similar to one...
Show moreThe Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) lives in upland habitats throughout its life. Recent rapid urbanization of coastal Florida is resulting in large scale habitat fragmentation that negatively affects this and other upland species. Losses of upland habitats result in regulatory actions that include mitigation programs and animal relocations which currently occur in the absence of understanding region-specific behavior and habitat needs. Gopher Tortoise populations are similar to one another in that males have larger home ranges than females, males defend burrows and mates during the breeding season, all have a high degree of home range overlap, and forage on similar vegetation types. This study shows that Southeastern Florida Gopher Tortoises differ from those elsewhere in that they maintain relatively small home ranges, forage throughout the year, engage in social interactions yearround, and have a bimodal (late winter-spring and late summer-fall) breeding season. My study identifies differences in activity, behavior, and home ranges in a South Florida population that may refine management strategies that include reconsideration of restocking Northern populations with individuals from South Florida.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000739
Subject Headings: Gopher tortoise--Habitat--Florida, Wildlife management--Florida, Environmental impact analysis--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

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