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Trout are an important game species that provide a substantial economic impact in Virginia. Along with other cold-water fish species, trout are extremely susceptible to changes in stream temperatures. Urban development and the increase in impervious surfaces alter the hydrologic cycle in urban watersheds, limiting infiltration and increasing surface runoff. Impervious surfaces absorb and store solar radiation, resulting in higher surfaces temperatures, and then transfer this thermal energy to runoff during a rainfall event, resulting in higher runoff temperatures. Bioretention cells are a common stormwater control practice identified as a possible thermal mitigation practice in urban watersheds harboring cold-water fish species. However, design specifications vary by locality and few studies have explored how design characteristics impact the temperature reduction potential. The goal of this study was to investigate changes in stormwater thermal load due to bioretention cells. In this study two bioretention cells with differing design approaches were monitored to quantify the thermal reduction impact that the bioretention cells have on stormwater from impervious surfaces. Both cells significantly reduced stormwater outflow volume, event mean temperatures and heat loads; however, outflow temperatures repeatedly exceeded the 21°C temperature threshold for cold-water fish species. This finding indicates this practice alone may not be sufficient to reduce runoff temperatures below biological stress thresholds. In addition, previous literature suggested that deeper cells may provide more cooling benefits as deeper soil layers are cooler and have more stable temperatures. In this study, the deeper cell was not as effective in reducing runoff temperatures, likely due to surface overflow and a shorter residence time in the bioretention cell. This finding indicates there is a limit to the effectiveness of cell depth in runoff thermal reduction and that other cell characteristics, such as subsurface drainage system length, may play an important role in runoff temperature reduction. / Master of Science / Cold-water fish species such as trout are a game species of large economic value that are very susceptible to changes in water temperature. Due to warmer runoff temperatures from urban watersheds stream temperatures are increasing, posing a potential impact on the cold-water fish found in these watersheds. Bioretention cells are a common method for treating and reducing pollutants from stormwater in urban areas. Recently, research has focused on the potential of bioretention cells to reduce runoff temperatures in urban watersheds. However, research is limited and does not fully address the bioretention design characteristics that may be beneficial for reducing runoff temperatures. In this study two bioretention with differing design approaches were monitored during summer months to quantify and assess the potential for runoff temperature reduction. Both cells reduced runoff volume, temperature, and overall heat energy leaving the cell. However, outflow temperatures were typically above the stress temperature threshold for many cold-water fish species, indicating that this practice may reduce runoff temperatures to a level that will not stress these fish species. Previous research has suggested that deeper cells may provide more cooling benefits as deeper soil layers are experience cooler and more stable temperatures. In this study, the deeper cell was not as effective in reducing runoff temperatures as the shallow cell with a greater overall volume. This finding suggests that there is a limit to the effectiveness of deeper cells and that other cell characteristics, such as cell volume, play an important role in runoff temperature reduction.

Correctly predicting water levels is key to the success of created wetlands. The Pierce method is a commonly used technique for modeling and designing mitigation wetlands that assumes minimal groundwater interaction with the wetland. This technique for mitigation wetland design relies primarily on surface water inputs, assuming a relatively impermeable substrate (perched system), and level pool routing. The Pierce method was applied utilizing two different evapotranspiration estimation methods: Thornthwaite (IPM) and FAO-56 Penman-Monteith (IPM-FAO). A second process-based model, utilizing MODFLOW-2005, was constructed to better predict water levels in mitigation wetlands. Modeled processes included groundwater movement and vegetative resistance to flow, which can be a significant factor in wetland water levels. The two versions of the Pierce method were compared to the process-based wetland representation developed in MODFLOW-2005 using data from an existing mitigation wetland. Output from these models were compared to observed data from an existing mitigation wetland near Manassas, VA, USA. Results indicate the use of Thornthwaite's method to estimate wetland evapotranspiration (ET) does not capture the timing or magnitude of wetland ET losses, leading to over-prediction of wetland water levels during the growing season. The Modflow-based approach resulted in more accurate hydroperiod predictions on a yearly basis than the Pierce Method. However, the Integrated Pierce method model, utilizing the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith method of estimating potential evapotranspiration instead of Thornthwaite's method most accurately predicted water levels during the growing season (March-October). / Master of Science

In recent years, the success of wetland mitigation projects and their ability to function as natural systems has been questioned. This study was conducted (i) to characterize and examine differences between mitigation and natural wetlands, (ii) to examine differences in soil morphology along a wetness gradient in mitigation and natural wetlands, and (iii) to observe changes in mitigation wetlands with time. Site characteristics, including soil properties, hydrology, and vegetation, were analyzed for three mitigation-reference wetland pairs located in the Virginia Coastal Plain. Hydrologic regimes of mitigation areas, when compared to reference areas, generally showed larger differentials between seasonal high and low watertables. Mitigation areas, dominated by herbaceous vegetation, tended to be lower in C and N levels and higher in soil pH, and much higher in bulk density than the mature forested reference wetland. Initially low levels of C and N did not increase significantly over the five-year study period. Soils in the mitigation area were more uniform and considerably less differentiated when compared to those of the reference area. Testing for Fe(II) with alpha-alpha, dipyridyl dye solution produced mixed results, obtaining both positive and negative reactions to saturated samples. Oxidized rhizospheres, associated with active root channels in surface horizons, formed in less than ten years under the current hydrologic conditions. These features were more abundant and more prominent in areas saturated at or above the surface for longer periods of time. Overall, site differences between mitigation and reference areas are mainly due to construction practices and a lack of organic matter accumulation. Better design methods should incorporate the addition of organic amendments, with attempts to minimize soil compaction. / Master of Science

The objective of the research is to develop various green-house gas (GHG) mitigations scenarios in the energy demand and supply sectors for state of Florida through energy and environment modeling tool called LEAP (Long Range Energy Alternative Planning System Model) for 2010-2050. The GHG mitigation scenarios consist of various demand and supply side scenarios. One of the GHG mitigation scenarios is crafted by taking into account the available renewable resources potential for power generation in the state of Florida and then the comparison has been made for transformation sector and corresponding GHG emissions through this newly developed mitigation scenario versus Business As Usual and Florida State Policy scenario. Moreover two master mitigation scenarios (Electrification and Efficiency and Lifestyle) were crafted through combination of certain GHG mitigation scenarios. The energy demand and GHG emissions assessment is performed for both master mitigation scenarios versus business As Usual scenario for 2010 – 2050. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Climate change is probably the most challenging threat to mankind. International agreements have acknowledged the fact that anthropogenic GHG emissions must be reduced significantly to adhere to a maximum global warming of 2°C. The livestock sector plays a key role in achieving this target as it is a significant source of GHG emissions. While the livestock sector offers significant GHG reduction potential, it is currently neglected in international and national mitigation efforts. Therefore, scientific research must guide mitigation policy decisions with evidence of cost-efficient abatement potential that can be achieved through various mitigation technologies. Marginal Abatement Cost Curves (MACC) are an analytical tool for informing policy makers about the cost-effectiveness (CE) of mitigation. MACCs provide a relatively clear representation of a complicated issue based on their graphical design that prioritises various mitigation options in terms of their CE of abatement and enables assessment of total GHG reduction under a budget constraint. However, developing a MACC involves considerable data collection, depends on various interdisciplinary information sources and the methodology is subject to several limitations. These factors can result in uncertainties in marginal abatement cost (MAC) results, the assessment of which is often neglected in MACC literature. This research shows the main GHG emission sources in livestock production and possible mitigation options to reduce GHG emissions from these sources. After elaborating the MACC methodology, advantages, disadvantages and limitation of the engineering MACC are shown. This allows understanding the relevance of assessing and reporting uncertainty of MACCs. Two engineering MACCs are developed that show the CE abatement potentials available in the Chinese livestock sector and European Union 15 (EU-15) dairy sector in 2020, with emphasis on dietary mitigation options. The requirement of assessing CE of abatement for individual mitigation options is highlighted by separate derivation of technical and economic abatement potential for the EU-15 dairy sector. For the Chinese MACC, a scenario analysis (SA) and for the European MACC, a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation are utilised to show the relevance of assessing uncertainty in MACCs. To provide further evidence, the overall range of CE estimates for eight mitigation options found in relevant MACC literature is presented. This allows the generation of probability distribution functions of CE for each mitigation option with kernel density estimation (KDE). The results from this study show the significance of livestock and dairy production related GHG emissions in China and Europe, respectively. In China, baseline GHG emissions of livestock production are projected to increase significantly, while these of the EU-15 dairy production are predicted to decrease by 2020. It was found that enteric fermentation is the largest GHG emission source from dairy production and should be focus of mitigation policies. Both case studies showed mitigation options that offer abatement potential at high CE. Priorities should be given to biomass gasification, breeding techniques and feed supplements as tea saponins and probiotics for the Chinese livestock sector, and to animal selection, reduced tillage and dietary probiotics for the EU-15 dairy sector. The scenario analysis reveals that mid-term projections for the Chinese livestock sector are varying strongly, and utilising key variables from different projections has a significant impact on MAC results which changes the ranking of the mitigation options. The MC simulation shows the contribution of some model inputs to the uncertainty of abatement at negative cost and a high model output uncertainty regarding measure’s CE for most mitigation options. However, the ranking of the mitigation options remains stable. The range of MAC estimates for 8 mitigation options in the agricultural sector is high and variables like ‘study quality’ or ‘study location’ do not change this. The KDE was further used to rank the mitigations options based on their probability of being reported as cost-negative and shows that measures affecting soil N2O and carbon sequestration are reported to be more cost-efficient as compared to measures focusing on manure management. Based on these finding, the impact of study designs on MAC estimates and lack of communication uncertainty in MACC literature are discussed. Uncertainties that are underpinning MACC results can have significant impacts on CE and abatement potentials. To increase utilisation of MACCs by knowledge users, MACC research must prioritise assessment, quantification and report of uncertainties, compare results within the scientific literature and publish data and assumption of the MACC transparently.

Pour répondre à la demande de la population croissante, la production de riz doit être augmentée de 40% d’ici 2030. Cependant cette production émet des gaz à effet serre (GES), tel que le méthane (CH4), qui contribue au réchauffement climatique. Les stratégies de gestion, telles que le drainage des sols et la gestion durable des résidus, sont essentielles pour diminuer les émissions de GES des rizières, mais cela entrent souvent en conflit avec les pratiques de gestion des riziculteurs. L'objectif de ce projet était d'étudier le potentiel d'atténuation des GES par des pratiques de drainage et de gestion des résidus et par l’identification des opportunités et les contraintes auxquelles sont confrontés les petits exploitants dans la mise en œuvre des pratiques. Le projet a été élaboré en utilisant une approche interdisciplinaire incluant mésocosme en chambre climatique, des campagnes sur le terrain et une enquête après des agriculteurs au Vietnam. La première étude sur le mésocosme a été menée pour identifier l'impact du drainage en début et mi-saison sur les émissions de CH4 et de N2O par des sols amendés avec des résidus frais et compostés à différents niveaux de sol C (article I). La deuxième étude sur le mésocosme incluait des résidus de riz enrichis en 13C pour comprendre l'effet de la pré-plantation, d’un drainage précoce et à mi-saison sur la contribution des résidus C aux émissions de CH4 (article III). Des expériences de terrain ont été menées pendant deux saisons (printemps et été) pour documenter l'effet de la pré-plantation, du drainage en début et à mi-saison sur les émissions de CH4 et de N2O par des sols modifiés par l’apport de résidus dans deux systèmes de gestion d’eau: un système efficace de gestion de l'eau et un système de contrôle d'eau conventionnel (article II). Trente-cinq petits producteurs de riz ont été interviewés pour évaluer la diversité des pratiques de gestion des terres dans la région et comprendre leurs pratiques de culture, leurs défis et leurs contraintes à l'échelle de la rizière. Quatre ateliers ont été menés avec des agriculteurs, des conseillers agricoles locaux et régionaux pour concevoir et évaluer les pratiques de production de riz adaptées au climat, basées sur la gestion de l'eau et des résidus (article IV). Les études de laboratoire et de terrain ont montré que les pratiques de drainage (pré-plantation et drainage précoce) pouvaient atténuer les émissions de GES sans compromettre le rendement du riz. Au laboratoire, le drainage avant plantation a considérablement réduit les émissions de CH4 de 70 à 80%, alors que sur le terrain, le drainage se montre moins efficace dans la réduction des émissions de CH4 en raison des activités opérées par les agriculteurs avant transplantion. Dans l’étude de terrain, le drainage précoce et en mi-saison a diminué les émissions de CH4 de 67% et 43% dans les systèmes comprenant une gestion de l’eau efficaces et inefficaces. Au laboratoire, l’addition d’un drainage en début et mi-saison a réduit les émissions de CH4 de 75 à 90%. Sur le terrain, le système efficace de contrôle de l'eau associé avec une bonne aération des sols a considérablement augmenté le potentiel de diminution du CH4 des sols drainés et modifiés par les résidus. L'étude isotopique a indiqué que l'aération des sols au stade précoce (pré-plantation ou début de saison) réduit les émissions de CH4 dérivés des résidus de 57 à 87%. Cependant, les résultats ont mis en évidence que l’amélioration des pratiques de drainage impactaient très peu les émissions de N2O. Les résultats de l'étude participative ont souligné l'importance d'impliquer les agriculteurs et les acteurs locaux dans la conception des systèmes d'atténuation des GES. Ces résultats ont mis en évidence les contraintes et les opportunités possibles pour la mise en œuvre réussie des stratégies d'atténuation des GES dans les rizières des petits exploitants. / Rice production needs to increase by 40% to meet the demand of the world’s growing population by 2030, yet rice production contribute to global warming with elevated GHG emissions, particularly of methane (CH4). Management strategies, such as drainage of paddy soils & sustainable residue management are essential in order to mitigate GHG emission from rice systems, but they often conflict with the practical management preferences of rice farmers. The objective of this project was to investigate the GHG mitigation potential of drainage practices and residue management techniques, and to identify the constraints and opportunities faced by smallholders in the implementation of mitigation practices under local conditions. The project was formulated using an interdisciplinary approach that included two mesocosm studies in growth chamber, two field campaigns and a field survey of farmers in Vietnam. First mesocosm study was conducted to verify the impact of early season drainage and midseason drainage on CH4 and N2O emissions from fresh and composted residue-amended soils at different soil C levels (Paper I). Then second mesocosm study was conducted using 13C-enriched rice residue to understand the effect of pre-planting, early-season and midseason drainage on the residue carbon contribution to CH4 emissions (Paper III). Field experiments based on farmers’ field conditions were conducted for two seasons (spring and summer) to document the effect of pre-planting, early-season and midseason drainage on CH4 and N2O emissions from residue-amended soils under two field water management systems: an efficient field water control system and a conventional, inefficient field water control system (Paper II). Thirty-five smallholder rice farmers were interviewed to capture the diversity of different land management practices in the area and understand their cropping practices, challenges and constraints faced at field scale. Four workshops were conducted with farmers, local agricultural advisors and regional stakeholders to design and assess the climate-smart rice production practices, based on water and residue management (Paper IV). The lab and field studies showed that drainage practices (pre-planting and early season drainage) had the potential to mitigate GHG emissions without compromising rice yield. Pre-planting drainage greatly reduced CH4 emissions in the lab experiment by 70-80%, while in field condition pre-planting drainage had less effect on CH4 emission reduction due to constraints with farmers’ field operations before transplanting. Early season drainage reduced CH4 emissions in both lab and field experiments. In field study, early plus midseason drainage lowered the CH4 emissions by 67% and 43% in the efficient and inefficient field water management systems respectively. In lab, early plus midseason drainage lowered CH4 emissions by 75-90 %. The efficient field water control system and good soil aeration significantly increased the CH4 mitigation potential of the drainage regimes from residue-amended soils. The isotopic study in lab indicated that soil aeration in the early stage (pre-planting or early season) reduced the residue-derived CH4 emissions by 57-87%. The results highlighted that the effects of improved drainage practices on N2O emissions were very low when considering the total GHG effects of CH4 and N2O. The results of the participatory study highlighted the importance of involving farmers and local stakeholders in the process of designing the mitigating systems. The active involvement of farmers and local stakeholders in the process of designing, testing and assessing the water management systems highlighted the constraints and feasible options for successful implementation of GHG mitigation strategies in smallholders’ rice fields.

Beef cattle production is highly criticized because of the high use of land and water resources, and by the pollution (e.g., the gas methane in a cow’s breath and nitrogen in urine) produced by cows fed in feedlots. In contrast to feedlots diets and grasses, some plants (e.g., legumes) contain bioactive compounds (condensed tannins) that reduce pollution and enhance animal nutrition. In my research, I observed that cows grazing a tannin-containing legume (birdsfoot trefoil; BFT) had methane emissions similar to cows fed a feedlot ration with comparable weight gains. Cows in the BFT treatment gained more weight than cows grazing grass (meadow brome) or a legume without tannins (cicer milkvetch). Additionally, I estimated the potential areas in the state of Utah than can sustain birdsfoot trefoil production, with 412,250 ha distributed mostly in the Box elder, Cache, Millard and Sanpete counties. Thus, feeding tannin-containing legumes to cows is a viable alternative to feedlot rations, with greater levels of productivity than other pasture-based systems, which can lead to a more sustainable production of beef.

Thesis (M.E.S.)--The Evergreen State College, 2006. / Title from title screen (viewed 3/11/2010). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 41-53).

Thesis (M.A.I.S.)--Oregon State University, 2009. / Printout. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 74-79). Also available on the World Wide Web.