There are thousands of subterranean coal fires in the world that, because of incomplete combustion, emit a wide variety of volatile and semivolatile organic compounds to the atmosphere, water, and soil at concentrations that could pose health risks to humans and wildlife. The main goals of this study were to (1) review methods that are used to characterize physical and chemical characteristics of coal-fire sites, (2) determine relationships between gas emissions and physical and chemical characteristics of coal-fire sites, using a combination of regression and multivariate statistical methods, and (3) determine the concentrations of volatile and semivolatile organic compounds in water and soil at two coal-fire sites in eastern Kentucky. More specifically: The objective of Chapter 1 was to review past works and list technologies used over time. Eight years of coal-fire collection technologies were reviewed. A variety of methods and technologies were identified. Qualitative and quantitative preferences were noted. The objective of Chapter 2 was to identify and list uncontrolled coal-fire variables. These variables include complete/incomplete combustion; fire temperature and size; distance to fire; relative humidity and moisture in the system; geology, geochemistry, and age of coal; condition of the mine, sampling time of day; sampling equipment differences; and human error. A secondary objective of this chapter was to determine which coal-fire gases have strong relationships by using the principal component analysis (PCA) software JMP. The strongest relationship was between CO and H2S. Temperature and CH4 were also important. This indicates that incomplete combustion and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) formation are likely occurring, setting the stage for Chapter 3. The objective of Chapter 3 was to identify and define the extent of soil and water hydrocarbon contamination at the Truman Shepherd and Lotts Creek coal fires in eastern Kentucky. No groundwater contamination was detected at either location. Soil contamination was found at both, but was much higher at Lotts Creek, potentially because of sorption onto soil organic matter (which is reduced at Truman Shepherd by an excavation attempt) and other physicochemical mechanisms. Soil contamination was localized to relatively small areas around coal-fire vents. Based on the results, future studies should consider: Attempting to duplicate these results in other geologic regions Quantifying greenhouse gas emissions from coal fires to consider their contribution to climate change. Coal-fired power plants are regulated, but coal fires, which produce many more harmful gases, are not Determining the feasibility of an oxygen-injection system to engender more complete combustion, therefore possibly reducing harmful gases Determining the feasibility of electricity production from coal fires Adopting a consistent federal coal-fire policy

The use of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) information is gaining popularity, however its use has been limited in deciduous forests. This thesis describes two studies using LiDAR data in an Eastern Kentucky deciduous forest. The first study quantifies vertical error of LiDAR derived digital elevation models (DEMs) which describe the forests terrain. The study uses a new method which eliminates Global Positioning System (GPS) error. The study found that slope and slope variability both significantly affect DEM error and should be taken in to account when using LiDAR derived DEMs. The second study uses LiDAR derived forest vegetation and terrain metrics to predict terrestrial Plethodontid salamander abundance across the forest. This study used night time visual encounter surveys coupled with zero-inflation modeling to predict salamander abundance based on environmental covariates. We focused on two salamander species, Plethodon glutinosus and Plethodon kentucki. Our methods produced two different best fit models for the two species. Plethodon glutinosus included vegetation height standard deviation and water flow accumulation covariates, while Plethodon kentucki included only canopy cover as a covariate. These methods are applicable to many different species and can be very useful for focusing management efforts and understanding species distributions across the landscape.

Moss dominated ecosystems are an important part of the global terrestrial carbon cycle. Over large areas, remote sensing can be useful to provide an improved understanding of these ecosystems. Two boreal mossess (Pleurozium and Sphagnum) were assessed using remote sensing based spectral vegetation indices for estimating biochemical capacity and photosynthetic efficiency by varying net photosynthesis rate via changes in water content. In the laboratory, changes in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and chlorophyll index coincided with declining photosynthetic capacity due to desiccation. This effect was more dramatic in Sphagnum. The photochemical reflectance index (PRI) did not vary with changes in CO2 supply as anticipated, possibly due to overriding effects of changing water content. The water band index (WBI) was strongly related to water content but this relationship showed an uncoupling in the field. Bi-directional reflectance measurements indicated what WBI was sensitive to sensor, sun, and moss surface slope angles. / xi, 110 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cm.

The construction of large dams has become a contentious issue throughout the world. Environmentalists, human rights activists, NGOs, academics and local communities have all contributed to the debate. On the one hand, proponents have highlighted the role of dams in alleviating poverty, improving the quality of life of communities, and their positive impact on local and national economies. Opponents of large dams have argued that the negative impacts on the environment and local communities outweigh any perceived benefits. Methods for assessing the environmental impact of large projects have been used since the 1970's. By 1988 most of Europe had adopted methods such as environmental impact assessment for evaluating the impact of proposed projects. These procedures aim to inform decision makers and authorities of the potential impact that a proposed project may have. World financial institutions, such as the World Bank, have also adopted the use of these assessment methods as part of their evaluation of projects that are seeking funding. This research establishes the environmental standards and requirements that were in place internationally, nationally and regionally, during the planning, design and implementation of Phase 1A and Phase 1B of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. The products of the environmental investigations during successive phases of the project (1986-1999) are assessed to establish whether the parties involved conform to these standards. In addition, the research highlights affected communities' experience of the project implementation, as well as the impact of the project on their lives. The research suggests that in the early phases of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (feasibility and Phase 1A), studies failed to meet environmental assessment standards and requirements, Studies undertaken during Phase 1B represent a considerable improvement and conform more closely to World Bank standards. Although the participation of interested and affected parties has improved, there still appear to be areas of major concern to affected communities. The study highlights the need for greater transparency during the assessment phase of projects, and in particular, more effective involvement of the local communities. Future environmental assessments of this nature are likely to be subject to more stringent requirements including the systematic assessment and quantification of downstream impacts and the incorporation of the costs of all impacts in the project costs. Further phases of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, will therefore need to demonstrate environmental sustainability in the long term. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2000.

In karst areas relationships between activities occurring on the surface and the overall health of the subsurface environment are often highly interconnected. However, the complex nature of karst flow systems can often make identification of these connections difficult. Carroll Cave, a large stream cave system located in the central Missouri Ozarks, is known for its biological and speleological significance. A dye tracing project to delineate a Carroll Cave recharge area through dye tracing has identified an area of 18.5 km2 which contributes water to the cave. The water from Thunder River within Carroll Cave was positively traced to eight springs of the thirteen springs at a distributary spring system known as Toronto Springs. Through examination of the geochemistry of the individual springs, differences in water chemistry between the various outlets has become evident. Additional work with YSI Sonde dataloggers and consideration of carbonate chemistry relationships has sought to further define the variations in hydrochemical behavior, thus aiding in the discrimination potential spring sources. Primary sources thought to contribute water to the spring system include Carroll Cave and Wet Glaize Creek, with some minor influence from other losing streams in the vicinity. Seepage runs along Wet Glaize Creek have also identified major losing reaches, in close proximity to structural features, which may contribute water to Toronto Springs. Examination of the measured parameters and derived have identified that Carroll Cave and Wet Glaize Creek are the primary end members for Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3-, specific conductance, and temperature. Using these parameters a two end member mixing model has been developed which describes the mixing zone setting at Toronto Springs and calculates the average proportions of flow contributions by the end members. By using a multi-proxy approach of dye tracing, seepage runs, and geochemistry for the individual springs, the source waters and pathways for the springs at Toronto Springs have been identified.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oklahoma. / Bibliography: leaves 247-258.

Thesis--University of Oklahoma. / Bibliography: leaves 50-53.

Thesis (MSc (Geography and Environmental Studies))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / South Africa’s natural vegetation and soils, which are essential resources for agricultural practices, are becoming degraded. Natural resource disturbances can also cause extensive harm to local communities and their economies. To allow successful natural resource monitoring, there is an urgent need for integrated GIS spatial data and development of remotely sensed indicators of key ecosystems processes. Satellite remote sensing provides the most cost-effective and reliable tool for generating these spatial data. The main objective of the study is, therefore, to develop and evaluate methodologies for assessing, mapping and monitoring the condition of natural resources in southern Africa with the aid of remote sensing and GIS. The resulting integrated spatial framework represents methodologies for, firstly, identifying and accessing vegetation and soil parameters on a gradient from pristine to degraded condition; secondly, identifying, assessing, processing and modelling GIS and remotesensing spatial data to derived degradation maps, which identify rangeland condition and woody cover classes and, thirdly, comparing two satellite remote-sensing sensors (LANDSAT ETM and MODIS) and making statements of degradation. This approach could make an integrated spatial framework comprehensive in its considerations of provincial degradation mapping and robust enough to be used for monitoring on a national scale. By acquiring spatial and non-spatial data in a quantitative logically robust but accurate manner, integrated spatial frameworks provides the structure for combining specialized information as well as for analysis in an effective management programme. This could guide rangeland managers in assessing, mapping and monitoring of natural resources in a scientifically acceptable way. All of these factors emphasise the need for the development of a national rangeland monitoring strategy and monitoring system.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-15T14:17:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 2.pdf: 2275371 bytes, checksum: 0069b965e4de6a8233ddb51b3d97ba1b (MD5) license.txt: 1748 bytes, checksum: 8a4605be74aa9ea9d79846c1fba20a33 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto de Tecnologia em Fármacos/Farmanguinhos. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. / Os testes de monitoramento ambiental representam importante ferramenta de verificação da qualidade do ar ambiente de áreas onde preparações estéreis são produzidas e controladas quanto a possíveis contaminações. Define-se riscos como potencial perigo de ocorrer um dano ao processo ou, em termos de saúde, reações adversas às pessoas expostas a ele. Descrever os perigos envolvidos no processo de monitoramento ambiental, a segurança na execução destes testes e a avaliação dos resultados obtidos pelos mesmos, seu controle e monitoramento, além de propor melhorias foi o objetivo principal desta dissertação. A ferramenta qualitativa HACCP foi escolhida, pois se aplica a todas as etapas de um processo baseada no prévio conhecimento do mesmo visando à prevenção de falhas. Todos os princípios da ferramenta HACCP foram aplicados ao Programa de Monitoramento Ambiental de uma indústria biofarmacêutica. O diagnóstico dos potenciais perigos que cercam o processo e seus impactos foi propiciado com a análise de riscos realizada. Com a análise de riscos do processo de monitoramento ambiental conclui-se que o mesmo é seguro, robusto, apresentando resultados confiáveis e compatíveis às condições reais do ambiente monitorado. / The environmental monitoring tests are an important tool for checking the quality of ambient air in areas where sterile preparations are produced and controlled for possible contamination. Risk is defined as a potential demage to the process or, in terms of health, adverse reactions to people exposed to it. Describing the hazards involved in the environmental monitoring, the safety in performing these tests and the evaluation of results obtained by them, their control and monitoring, and to propose improvements was the main goal of this dissertation. The HACCP qualitative tool was chosen because it applies to all stages of a process based on prior knowledge of it, preventing failures. All the principles of HACCP tool were applied to the Environmental Monitoring Program of the biopharmaceutical industry. The diagnosis of the potential dangers surrounding the process and its impact was facilitated with the risk analysis performed. With the risk analysis of the environmental monitoring process it was concluded that it is safe, robust, showing reliable results consistent with the real conditions of the monitored environment.

O conjunto de alterações causadas pela poluição atmosférica é considerado uma fonte importante de estresse ambiental. A poluição é hoje uma das maiores preocupações ambientais do mundo, pois afeta todas as fontes de recursos naturais que as populações humanas utilizam para a sobrevivência. Agravando esse quadro, somam-se as modificações na paisagem, que intensificam ainda mais os efeitos da poluição. As comunidades de liquens, entre as mais sensíveis em nível de ecossistema, são capazes de demonstrar sinais precoces como resposta às mudanças ambientais e ser úteis como biondicadoras e biomonitoras dessas mudanças. Avaliações em nível de indivíduos e de comunidades de liquens podem ser ferramentas de monitoramento ambiental, assim como uma abordagem com base na estrutura funcional dessas comunidades. Ainda, o uso de atributos funcionais pode permitir compreender como os liquens são capazes de se adaptar funcionalmente à forte pressão ambiental da poluição, além de servir como nova ferramenta para o biomonitoramento da qualidade do ar. Assim sendo, o objetivo geral desta tese foi avaliar os efeitos da poluição atmosférica e da paisagem (como descritora de poluição) na estrutura e na resposta funcional das comunidades de liquens. A partir dos resultados obtidos demonstramos que os liquens de áreas urbanas têm clara influência da poluição atmosférica e das mudanças na paisagem como estresse ambiental, tanto em nível estrutural quanto funcional. No primeiro artigo, avaliamos a qualidade do ar em cada um dos municípios amostrados, contribuindo para a gestão destas áreas com informações relevantes em nível de saúde pública e ambiental. No segundo, demonstramos que tanto a riqueza, cobertura e composição de espécies, além da vitalidade dos liquens, são afetadas pela poluição atmosférica e pelas mudanças da paisagem, sendo a vitalidade e a composição de espécies os melhores indicadores para avaliar os efeitos de múltiplos distúrbios ambientais neste tipo de áreas urbanas. No terceiro artigo, verificamos que alguns atributos funcionais de liquens podem ser bons indicadores da qualidade do ar, relacionados ao tipo de alga, tipo de crescimento, estratégia reprodutiva e à presença de proteção no talo. Fechamos a tese com a descrição de uma nova espécie encontrada, até o momento, somente em áreas pouco urbanizadas. Portanto, novas formas de se utilizar os liquens como bioindicadores e biomonitores de qualidade do ar foram propostas, ampliando ainda mais a aplicação prática desses organismos. / The set of changes caused by air pollution is an important source of environmental stress. Pollution is one of the greatest environmental concerns worldwide in the present days, since it affects all natural resources that people need to survive. Worsening this panorama, there are serious changes in land cover intensifying the effects of pollution. Lichens, which are among the most sensitive organisms in the ecosystem, are able to show early signs as responses to environmental changes. Besides, they can also be useful as bioindicators and biomonitors of such changes. Evaluations using single lichen species and/or lichen communities can be tools of environmental monitoring, as well as an approach based on the functional structure of these communities. The use of functional traits may allow the understanding of how lichens are able to functionally adapt to the strong pressure of pollution. Furthermore, this is also a promising method to be used as a new tool for air quality biomonitoring. Therefore, the main objective of this thesis was to evaluate the effects of air pollution and land cover changes (as surrogates of this pollution) on lichen communities structure and functional response. From the results found, we could demonstrate that lichens from urban areas have clear influence of atmospheric pollution and land cover changes as environmental stresses. The effects are both in structure and function of these communities. In the first paper, we evaluated the air quality in each of the studied cities, contributing to the environmental management of these areas with relevant information for public and environmental health. In the second, we demonstrated that lichen species richness, cover and composition, besides thallus vitality, are affected by air pollution and land cover changes. Among these parameters, we showed that vitality and species composition are the best indicators to evaluate multiple disturbances in this type of urban environment. In the third paper, we verified that some functional traits can be good indicators of air quality, namely the ones related to the type of lichen algae, growing form, reproduction strategy and the presence of any protection (physical or chemical) in the thallus. We ended the thesis with the description of a new species which is so far only found in low urbanized areas. Thus, new means of using lichens as bioindicators and biomonitors of air quality were proposed, helping to expand the application of these organisms in environmental studies and actions.