Water quality parameters including ammonia, nitrate+nitrite, phosphate, total suspended solids, Escherichia coli, and dissolved oxygen were statistically evaluated from sampling data collected by the Bureau of Water Quality (City of Muncie, Indiana) at five sampling locations in Delaware County over a five-year period (2002-2006). These data were also compared with water quality standards/guidelines to determine how sample values compared to acceptable levels of these parameters. Friedman's non-parametric test was used to study the differences between sites and seasons. Spearman's Rank Correlation was used to study the correlations between water quality parameters at each sampling site. Significant differences were observed for individual parameters when evaluated relative to sampling location based on pooled monthly collected data as well as data evaluated on a seasonal basis. These differences indicated the fact that different sources were responsible for observed concentrations at a particular location and that seasonal phenomenon such as precipitation, discharge and temperature also affected sample concentrations at individual sampling locations. Most notable were differences in geometric mean concentrations of ammonia, nitrate+nitrite, phosphate and E. coli upstream and downstream of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), with highest concentrations downstream, indicating the significant impact of the WWTP on water quality in the White River. Significant correlations observed among some study parameters suggested that sample concentrations may have been affected by similar sources. In comparison to water quality standards, concentrations of ammonia, nitrate+nitrite, phosphate, and E. coli were at unacceptable levels at most sampling locations. / Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management

Palaeoecological and sedimentological analysis has been applied in the study of Lower Carboniferous Waulsortian 'reefs' exposed in the Manifold Valley, North Staffordshire and in the Meuse Vallley in southern Belgium. Because Waulsortian 'reefs' have similar faunal, lithological and palaeogeographical characteristics in all of their occurrences it is argued that conclusions drawn from the Manifold and Meuse Valleys are applicable to the facies as a whole. Evidence is presented to show that lithological facies previously recognised within the Belgian Waulsortian can also be recognised elsewhere, and that changing sedimentation rates can explain many of their characteristic differences. Faunal and seimentological evidence indicates that the rate of sedimentation increased as the mounds developed. It is argued that the mound sediment was produced in situ and faunal data suggests that the surface of the mounds was firm. Early submarine lithification is thought to have been an important process in producing firm substrates and in maintaining steep depositional slopes. Fabrics and lithological components suggestive of early lithification have been recognised. A general model for Waulsortian development, based on conclusions drawn in this thesis, is presented.

Modernization and its conveniences have obscured our relationship with the natural environment. We no longer have to personally interact with nature when consuming its resources. Consequently, we lack direct feedback from our exploits, and have lost any moral sensibility towards the finite resources of our planet. This unwanted consequence of modernity has perhaps most explicitly manifested itself on the urban riverbanks of the developed world. Such riparian landscapes, once animated with human activity, have become desolate environments, often programmed solely to serve utilitarian functions. At best, some have been revitalized to accommodate recreational amenities, but the direct interaction that was once necessary to utilize the river for its resources has been replaced by invisible machinery, turning the river’s role in sustaining the city into an abstract concept. The condition found on the banks of the Danube River in Budapest is the epitome of this unfortunate phenomenon. While inhabitants draw water from the faucet, buy fish in the supermarket, and expel waste into an enigmatic drain, the riverbank is far out of sight, deserted, and the river’s role in satisfying their needs is never considered. Instead, the Danube is revered only for the pomp and grandeur it bestows upon the extravagant portrait of the boastful city. In response to this skewed perception, this thesis presents a proposal on the site of Széchenyi Square, located at the base of the Chain Bridge in the heart of Budapest. Historically significant as the main port and gateway to the merchant town of Pest, the Square has since abandoned its role as mediator between city and river, and has instead become a mediator of automotive traffic. The proposal presented in this thesis revives its role as a gateway, but not in the traditional sense. It conceives a riparian portal that allows the passer-by to experience an alternate reality – a place where nature and city are superimposed, and the modern individual is granted direct interaction with his natural resources.

No description available.

The objective of this study was to understand the pattern of variation in group structure and feeding behaviour of wintering Common Goldeneyes ( Bucephala clangula) on the Saint-Lawrence River, by comparing two major habitats for this species in the province of Quebec, one in freshwater and one in saltwater. Groups of goldeneyes were smaller in Montreal than in the estuary and consisted of twice as many males. Individuals spent a greater proportion of time feeding in Montreal than in the estuary. At Montreal, goldeneyes spent more time feeding under water. Temporal variables had a major influence on group structure and on diving time. At Montreal, time of day explained most of variation whereas in the estuary, tide was more important.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Texas State University-San Marcos, 2007. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 95-100).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Utrecht University, 2007. / One folded col. plate of geological sections in pocket. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Western Australia, 2006.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Melbourne, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2001. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Technology, Sydney, 2004.