Throughout human history man has utilized the environment to varying degrees, depending on technology and population. These ¨ecosystem services¨ have suffered sustained degradation over the centuries, resulting in large investments having to be made to prevent and reverse further changes to the environment. Few studies have attempted to quantitatively compare how these changes, occurring long before modern environmental monitoring programs started, affected important ecosystem services such as species diversity, water quality, carbon burial and soil stability. The aims of this study were to i) assess whether human impact on ecosystem services have varied over time in perspective of relative change, and ii) to assess the individual (per capita) contributions. I used multiple sediment proxies from a 6 m C¹⁴-dated core collected from lake Ekoln, South-Central Sweden, to reconstruct environmental changes while tracking the population growth in the city of Uppsala during the last ten centuries. Through the use of pollen and diatom assemblages I reconstructed the changing terrestrial and aquatic diversities over time, while sediment accumulation rates and the X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy of the sediment was used to reconstruct soil stability, carbon burial and water quality, respectively. In the latter case, sediment phosphorus concentrations were used as a proxy for freshwater eutrophication while metals (mercury and lead) were used to infer inputs of toxic pollutants. Finally, I normalized (z) all data to create meta-data. The z-values and reconstructed population for Uppsala made it possible to differentiate 5 unique time periods based on anthropogenic induced change, which were not previously visible in the data, and all of which have been linked to the most likely historical causes, including the Black Death. The results show that the most significant anthropogenic impacts in terms of pollution volume occurred in the 1960s, while the period from 1200-1500 AD saw the most significant environmental change in terms per head of capita, most likely caused by the shift from woodland to open landscape through twiddening, a process of burning forest to create agricultural land, prior to 1500 AD. Moreover, rapid recovery is visible after the implementation of environmental policies from the 1970s onwards. / <p>Full surname: Kilpatrick van Houte</p>

The Problem of the cause and control of tastes and odors in water supplies has been the subject of a great many investigations during the last half-century; however, many questions in this field remain to be answered. Theories relating to the cause of tastes and odors occurring in water are still rather numerous and, at present, only a few of them are compatible. Although several procedures have been employed for the eradication of tastes and odors from water supplies, none of them are completely successful.

Master of Science / Department of Agronomy / Nathan O. Nelson / Eutrophication of freshwater lakes and streams is linked to phosphorus (P) fertilizer loss from agriculture. Cover crops could help mitigate P loss but producers are concerned that they may use too much water. This study was conducted to better understand the effects cover crops have on soil moisture and P loss. Volumetric water content (θ) was measured at the Kansas Cover Crop Water Use research area at 10 depths throughout a 2.74 m soil profile in 5 cover crop treatments and compared to θ measured from a chemical fallow control. Total profile soil moisture in sorghum sudangrass (1.02 m) and forage soybean (1.03 m) did not significantly differ from chemical fallow (1.05 m) at the time of spring planting. However, water deficits were observed in double-crop soybean (1.01 m), crimson clover (0.99 m), and tillage radish (0.99 m). At the Kansas Agricultural Watersheds, runoff was collected and analyzed for total suspended solids, total P, and DRP from 6 cover crop/fertilizer management treatments over two years. In the first water year the cover crop reduced runoff, sediment, and total P loss by 16, 56, and 52% respectively. There was a significant cover by fertilizer interaction for DRP loss. When P fertilizer was broadcasted in the fall with a cover crop, DRP loss was reduced by 60% but was unaffected in the other two P fertilizer treatments. Results were different in the second water year. The cover crop reduced sediment loss (71% reduction), as was seen in year one, but neither the cover crop nor the fertilizer management had a significant effect on runoff volume or total P loss overall. Contrary to the 2014-2015 results, cover crop increased DRP load by 48% in 2015-2016. DRP load was 2 times greater in the fall broadcast treatment than it was in the spring injected treatment but there was not a significant fertilizer by cover crop interaction. In order to determine the long term effects of cover crops and P fertilizer management P loss parameters should be tracked for several more years.

This thesis deals with the monitoring of water quality and aquatic sediments analysis in the basin of Kunratický brook. Water samples were collected at six locations during once year. The results of analysis were evaluated according to CSN 75 7221 Water quality - Classification of surface water quality and Regulation 229/2007. According to CSN 75 7221 Kunratický brook is classified as very strong polluted water. Biological consumption of oxygen, ammoniated and nitrate nitrogen meet not the conditions of environmental quality according to Regulation 229/2007. Sediment samples were collected once for whole period at 4 locations. In sediment was determine the content of metals. The results of analysis were evaluated according to Regulation 257/2009. The results were compared with limits of US EPA, specifically PEC and TEC. Sediments of pond Šeberák are full obliged. Zinc, lead and cooper are in excess of sediments of Kunratický brook. Key words: water quality, sediments quality, basin

The presented paper aims at the problems of fluvial lakes in middle course of the Elbe River which has been influenced by the human activity since the Middle Ages. The oxbow lakes which are extremely precious ecosystems contributing to the stability of the river ecosystem show not only the changes of the course of the Elbe River. With regard to sedimenting a great amount of pollutants, these lakes also tell about the industrial pollution to which the river was exposed mainly in the second half of the 20th century due to insufficient precautions on industrial sources causing contamination. 5 cut lakes between Hradec Králové and Mělník have been studied within this research. These lakes differ in the intensity of communication with the river, in the distance from significant sources of industrial pollution and in the use of nearby land. The research included morphometric and bathymetric measures, observation of hydrological regime, seasonal measures in the water column and regular analysis of surface water samples. Profiles of sediments in the length that the used technology allowed were sampled, so that older anthropogenic load could be found out. The amount of organic carbon and concentration of selected metal and arsenic (Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb and Zn) were stated apart from grain size...

Master of Science / Department of Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation Resources / Charles Barden / Spring Creek, Headwaters Robideux Creek, and Snipe Creek are sub-watersheds located within the Big Blue River Watershed, which drains to the Tuttle Creek Reservoir impoundment. This reservoir had a very high monetary investment since the beginning; unfortunately the lifespan for this marvel of engineering is declining rapidly due to high sedimentation rates. One of the programs for slowing the sedimentation process is the removal of highly erodible lands from agricultural production. This thesis work aimed to gather more knowledge on the natural riparian areas, to help the stakeholders of Kansas to improve their riparian woodland management decisions. The objective of the study was to characterize the structure and composition of natural riparian woodlands in three sub-watersheds of the Tuttle Creek Watershed. Data was collected using a representative sample design. Plot dimensions for mature tree data collection were 50ft by 30ft. For regeneration smaller, circular plots were used. Data analysis was completed with SAS 9.3. Results showed that trees per acre (TPA) differed significantly between Spring Creek and Snipe Creek, with Snipe Creek having the highest number of TPA. Quadratic mean diameter (QMD) also differed significantly in these two watersheds, with Spring Creek having the highest quadratic mean diameter. A different set of species was found in each watershed, with American elm (Ulmus americana) and hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) being found in high numbers in all areas. Regeneration data showed hackberry to be present in high numbers of both seedlings and saplings. Seedlings exhibited more species diversity than saplings. High economic value species were present in the natural riparian woodlands but in low numbers. Species of moderate economic value were predominant in terms of BA, TPA, and regeneration. Human impact on the riparian areas in the sub-watersheds was noticeable, both from livestock and forest management. Also invasive species were found in the riparian woodlands such as garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and stinging nettles (Urtica diotica). Riparian areas have a great potential for improvement and management in the three sub-watersheds.

Doctor of Philosophy / Agronomy / Nathan O. Nelson / Agricultural fields contribute phosphorus (P) to water bodies, which can degrade water quality. The P index (PI) is a tool to assess the risk of P-loss from agricultural fields. However, due to limited measured data, P indices have not been rigorously evaluated. The Agricultural Policy/Environmental Extender (APEX) model could be used to generate P-loss datasets for P index evaluation and revision. The objectives of the study were to i) determine effects of APEX calibration practices on P-loss estimates from diverse management systems, ii) determine fertilizer and poultry litter management effects on P-loss, iii) evaluate and update the Kansas PI using P-loss simulated by APEX and iv) determine appropriate adsorption isotherms with advection-dispersion equation with column leaching experiment. Runoff data from field studies in Franklin and Crawford counties were used to calibrate and validate APEX. Poultry litter and inorganic fertilizer application timing, rate, method, and soil test P concentration effects on P loss were analyzed using location-specific models. A column leaching laboratory study was also conducted to test the adsorption isotherms. Location-specific model satisfactorily simulated runoff, total P (TP) and dissolved P (DP) loss meeting minimum model performance criteria for 2/3 of the tests whereas management-specific models only met the criteria in 1/3 of the tests. Applying manure or fertilizer during late fall resulted in relatively lower TP loss compared to spring applications before planting. The Kansas-PI rating and the APEX simulated P-loss were correlated with r² of 0.40 (p<0.001). Adjusting the weighting factors for Prate, soil test P, and erosion improved the correlation (r² = 0.46; p<0.001. Using a component PI structure and determining the weighting factors by multiple linear regression substantially improved the correlation between the PI and TP loss (r² = 0.69; p<0.001). In the P-leaching experiment, both the linear and nonlinear adsorption isotherms did not fit the experimental data. A multi-reactional advection-dispersion model that better describes all the P processes and complexities in soils should be included in the future. These procedures can provide a roadmap for others interested P transport in soils and using computer models in evaluation, and modifying their PI.

M.A. / South Africa is situated within a semi-arid part of the world which is characterised by high seasonal variability in terms of rainfall and runoff, with high evaporation rates. This causes streamflow to be relatively low for most of the year, with seasonal sporadic high flows. Further stress is applied to the water resource through population growth, increased urbanisation and industrial activities. The study area is considered to be the most populated of the Upper Vaal Water Management Area (WMA), which is the most important WMA in terms of economic productivity in South Africa. This research report focused on assessing the temporal and spatial variations of pollution between four different sampling points located in the Vaal Barrage Reservoir, which is located in the heart of the Upper Vaal WMA. The Vaal River Barrage Reservoir forms a 64 kilometres long water body with an estimated total storage capacity of 63 million litres of water. The four sampling points are V2 (Vaal River at Engelbrechts Drift Weir); VRB 24 (Vaal River Barrage at 24 km); VRB 37 (Vaal River Barrage at 37 km) and V17 (Vaal Barrage Reservoir Outlet). The aim of this research is to determine the type of physical and chemical pollutants within the Vaal River Barrage which currently poses the biggest problem to river health. The spatial and temporal differences of the pollutant loads are established and discussed. In addition, it is determined what the seasonal influence of rainfall has on the water quality measured at the four different sampling points. Chemical pollutants which currently pose the biggest threat in terms of water quality for the Vaal Barrage Reservoir are Phosphates, Electrical Conductivity and Sulphates. These three water quality variables do not comply with the minimum standards as set by Rand Water. The occurrence of these pollutants in the Vaal River can be explained by the vast inputs of return flow water from sewage treatment plants, underground mine water and discharge from industries. Microbiological factors were not taken into consideration for this dissertation, due to the unavailability of the data for most of the sampling sites for the majority of the study period. It was found that there are seasonal variations in terms of water quality at three sampling points: VRB24, VRB37 and V17. Sample point V17 had the highest inverse correlation for the three pollutants which pose the biggest threat to the health of the Vaal Barrage Reservoir water body. This implies that high seasonal variability occurs in the pollutant load at this sampling point. Sample point V2 had extremely low inverse correlation figures, which implies that rainfall has little or no impact on the level/concentration of a pollutant. This can be explained by two factors. Firstly the dilution effect which water released from the Vaal Dam has due to the close proximity to V2. Secondly because urban, mining and industrial activities are much less evident at this point, and subsequently return flows are less.

Over the last several decades, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin has been impacted by the presence of high levels of Fecal Coliform bacteria following periods of rainfall. This is a potential problem for recreational uses of the area. In 2003 a field sampling study was initiated in the north shore area of the Lake at the mouth of the Tchefuncte River. The objectives were to determine the water quality in the area and to simulate the plume patterns from the Tchefuncte River. Twenty eight stations at the mouth of the Tchefuncte River, and a station at the Madisonville Bridge were selected for study on the basis of proximity to the mouth of the River. Fecal coliform counts were found to be “wet” weather-dependent at the mouth of the River and unsuitable for primary contact recreation for at least two to three days following a rain event. A 3-D finite volume hydrodynamics model (A coupled Hydrodynamical-Ecological Model for Regional and Shelf Seas – COHERENS) and the TECPLOT™ equation feature were used for the prediction of contaminant plumes from the Tchefuncte River into the Lake Pontchartrain. The field data were used to validate the model. The upper limits predicted by the model and those measured in the field were in good agreement. The model used river flow and tidal forcing without wind shear. The model verified that that the wet weather effect lasted for two to three-day after a high storm water discharges at the mouth of the river.

The Tangipahoa River and Natalbany River watersheds (Tangipahoa Parish/County) in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin (southeastern Louisiana) are experiencing rapid urbanization, particularly in the wake of the 2005 hurricane season. To document the impact of land use on water quality, thirty sites were monitored for surface water physiochemical, geochemical, and bacteriological parameters. Water quality data was compared to land use within four sub-watersheds of the Tangipahoa Watershed and three sub-watersheds of the Natalbany Watershed. Urbanization had the most profound impact on water quality of all land uses. In watersheds with little urban land cover (< 7% with the sub-watershed) waterbodies had low dissolved salt, nutrient, and fecal coliform concentrations and high dissolved oxygen levels. Waterbodies within the urban region (> 28% urban land cover within the sub-watershed) of the parish had significantly greater dissolved salt, nutrient, and fecal coliform concentrations and decreased dissolved oxygen concentrations. Specifically, nutrient and fecal coliform concentrations increased as streams flowed through urban areas. The specific conductance, fecal coliform counts, concentrations of sulfate, HCO3-C, sodium, and nutrients (NO3-N, NO2-N, NH4-N, and PO4-P), and the ratios of Na:Cl, Cl:Br, and SO4:Cl were shown to be the parameters most indicative of urban impacts. Many of the geochemical parameters correlated significantly with each other, particularly within the urban streams (the streams with the greatest concentrations). While fecal coliform counts were high within the urban streams, programs to address malfunctioning wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) appear to be working, with fecal coliform counts declining and dissolved oxygen levels rising during the course of the data collection. In contrast, sites undergoing rapid development showed an increase in turbidity levels and a decrease on dissolved oxygen levels (both going from healthy to unhealthy levels) during the 18-month course of the data collection. By understanding the impacts of urbanization on streams of the Gulf Coast, local and regional municipalities may be able to reduce the impacts in already urbanized areas or mitigate the impacts at the outset of development.