Eutrophication, caused by phosphate, can be detrimental both for the aquatic environment and human health. This research aims to provide deep knowledge about the adsorption properties of low-cost Fe/Mg layered double hydroxide modified biochar (LDHBC) for removal of phosphate from aqueous solution. Firstly, Fe/Mg layered double hydroxide (LDH) was synthesized by mixing FeCl3 and MgCl2. 6H2O salts in water, followed by NaOH treatment (coprecipitation method). For LDHBC, FeCl3, and MgCl2. 6H2O salts were dissolved in water, and Douglas fir biochar was added to the salts mixture to make a slurry, followed by NaOH treatment. The surface chemistry and elemental composition of both adsorbents and phosphate-laden adsorbents were characterized using Elemental analysis, BET, PZC, TGA, DSC, XRD, SEM, and TEM. Adsorption ability of LDH and LDHBC was studied by pH effects, kinetics, and the highest capacity for the analyte.

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No description available.

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Appalachian surface coal mining operations fracture rocks (termed mine spoils), resulting in the weathering of minerals and release of water-soluble ions to streams. Collectively, the concentration of water-soluble ions in streams is called total dissolved solids (TDS) and streams with elevated TDS often have altered biota. The surficial, subsurface, and discharge properties of mine spoils influence TDS discharge concentrations. This study aimed to improve understanding of how hydrologic and hydrochemical processes occur and function in coal mining areas. These processes were characterized by infiltration and dye staining tests, mine spoil leaching experiments and modeling, and mining-influenced stream discharge monitoring. Results indicate that many factors influence hydrologic and hydrochemical processes in Appalachian coal mining areas, but these processes evolve over time as subsurface flow paths develop, mine rocks weather, and TDS is released from mine spoils. Fourteen years after placement, mean infiltration rates of mine soils reclaimed with trees were statistically greater than areas reclaimed with grasses, and different subsurface flow types were evident, indicating vegetation type influenced hydrologic processes. Specific conductance (SC) leaching patterns from mine spoils conformed to an exponential decay and linear segmented regression model. Maximum SC values (1108 ± 161 µS cm⁻¹) occurred initially during leaching, exponentially decayed, then exhibited linear SC releases (276 ± 25 µS cm⁻¹) that were elevated relative to natural background levels at the end of leaching. Major element (S, Ca, Mg, K, Na) leaching patterns resembled those of SC, whereas trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Se) transitioned to linear release earlier in the leaching period. Mining-influenced stream SC discharge patterns varied by season and by precipitation amounts during storm events. Storm responses were characterized by either infiltration-excess overland flow or delayed SC releases due to internal flow through the VF. Given these results, mining companies wishing to control TDS discharges may be selective and pre-test mine spoils for total S and paste SC to determine TDS-generation potential. Isolation of spoils with high-TDS release potentials (i.e. unweathered sandstones and mudstones) from water-rock contact may help improve TDS discharges. / Ph. D.

A series of four trials over the grazing season were conducted to evaluate the nutritional status of beef cows grazing reclaimed strip-mined pastures in southwestern, Virginia. Blood samples, esophageal fistula forage samples and hand plucked forage samples were taken in each trial. An external marker, Ytterbium, and an internal marker, indigestible neutral detergent fiber (INDF) were used to estimate organic matter intake, fecal output and digestibility. In addition to samples taken during the trials, blood samples and hand plucked forage samples were taken monthly for 11 mo prior to the trial period. In late summer esophageal masticate samples had a low fiber fraction (ADF and NDF), high crude protein and total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) which contributed to a high organic matter digestibility. Hand plucked forage samples had higher TNC than esophageal masticate samples. Organic matter digestibility predicted by the internal marker was highest in late summer 61.6%, similar in spring and late fall, and lowest in mid-summer, 52.6% (p < .01). Fecal output was highest in mid-summer and lowest in spring (p < .05). Estimated intake was not significantly different in any of the trials. Although data was variable, forage quality was higher in May, June, October and November samplings, as indicated by highest CP, TNC, and lower NDF and ADF values, compared with July and August data when forage quality was lowest. Packed cell volume, BUN and serum P and Mg concentrations fell within normal ranges for beef cattle. Low BUN values were observed in spring and late fall which corresponded to low crude protein values observed in the esophageal masticate samples for the same trials. Serum Cu was on the low end of normal values in the late spring and decreased to .6 ppm by late fall. Serum K levels were above the expected values for beef cattle. Serum Na concentrations were lower than normal with lowest values observed throughout spring and summer months. / M.S.

Surface mining activities are known to affect the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff. This can create flooding and water quality degradation of receiving streams. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) of 1977 provides regulations intended to produce environmentally acceptable results from mining operations. The SMCRA requires that extensive pre-mining monitoring be carried out to assist in determining the probable hydrologic consequences (PHC) of mining. The Finite Element Storm Hydrograph Model (FESHM) was used to demonstrate the utility of hydrologic modeling concepts in simulating runoff volumes and peak flows. Guidelines were proposed for using this methodology to simulate selected pre-mining hydrologic conditions. The use of geographic information system (GIS) technology as a tool for improving data management and modeling efficiency was demonstrated. The required input watershed characteristics were digitized, stored, and manipulated using a computerized GIS. Appropriate software was developed to integrate the GIS with FESHM. The ability of FESHM to simulate runoff events in an ungaged context was evaluated using an experimental watershed. First, simulations were conducted using two separate data bases, "lumped" and "detailed", in order to evaluate the effect of limited data availability, as expected in mining regions, on FESHM's predictive ability. The "lumped" data base produced better simulation results, however, more thorough and detailed research is needed to determine the level of data resolution necessary for a given level of simulation accuracy. Next., significant runoff events from 17-years of the historical record were simulated using data from the "lumped" data base. Statistical analyses were used to make judgments on parameter estimation and model usage. Regression methodology was used to assess expected error and model bias. Simulation bias was found to be related to the input rainfall intensity levels. The results suggest that either spatial variability or parameter values were not adequately defined and that some form of calibration is needed. Two additional drainage basins were used to evaluate FESHM's predictive capabilities in situations considered representative of mining regions. The results indicated that more thorough investigations of watershed characteristics must be made, that calibration procedures should be performed for each watershed, and that FESHM does not adequately model the physical processes involved in forest hydrology. / Master of Science

Fluidized-bed combustion residue (FBCR) results from mixing coal with limestone during the combustion process. This by-product may be used as a liming agent. A grazing trial was conducted on an acidic mine soil to compare FBCR to dolomitic limestone and no amendment (control). Six steers per treatment were grazed rotationally on three replications (rep) of three .8 ha pastures. Both materials increased soil pH similarly, and reduced plant uptake of Fe, Zn, Mn, and Ni similarly. Calcium concentration increased in forages by both amendments, Mg increased with limestone and S with FBCR application. Cell wall components decreased, while ash and lignin increased with both amendments. Serum mineral levels of cattle were normal except Cu was low. Animal tissues reflected differences in mineral concentration observed in forages. Hay harvested from one rep was used in a mineral balance trial with 18 wethers. Apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and fiber components, and N retention were not affected by treatment. Control animals were in negative Ca balance. Apparent absorption of Mg was higher (P < .01) for limestone treatment animals; S absorption was higher for the FBCR group; and, Zn absorption was higher for controls. Serum mineral levels of sheep were normal except Cu was low. No appreciable accumulation of heavy metals occurred in forage or animal tissues. Low Cu levels observed for all treatment groups indicate a problem inherent of the study site. FBCR appears to be a safe and efficient soil pH amendment. / Master of Science

This project investigates the development of Western Man's relationship with nature by comparing and contrasting it with the relationship that Native Cultures, particularly Native American Cultures have with nature. This reveals Western Man's reliance on the concept of objectivity and the resultant objectification of the natural world. In so doing Western Man has put himself apart from the rest of the world, somehow above it. Although I do not argue that this is wholly unjust, I do argue that it has resulted in a loss of an essential component of the human experience. Creative Participation is identified as a way to bring together some of the lessons of the Native communities with the existing knowledge of Western Society. This knowledge is then applied to the practical problem of Mine Land Reclamation in Southern West Virginia. Creative Participation, at its heart, is a way to reconnect man with the reality of his connection to the rest of the world, rather than his separation and control of it. / Master of Landscape Architecture