Progress 08/01/12 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:• Other scientists/engineers researching impacts of bioinfiltration on water quality • Urban planners/managers making decisions regarding green infrastructure for storm water managment • Lay public interested in green infrastructure for storm water managment Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?One PDH engineeing student has been trained in these advanced methods of water quality and chemical analysis. One UG engineering student has also become knowledgable in these methods. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Several oral presentations has been delivered at a national conference (detailed in products). Another has been delivered to a local audience concerned about green infrastructure and storm water management (see products). A journal article has been published focused on the ability of bioretention cells to reduce stormwater flows. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Isotope results from water from a tank collecting stormwater from a parking lot reveal that these samples are the most depleted of the samples in Δ 14C, indicating that these samples have the largest proportion of hydrocarbons contributing to the total carbon in the sample (~43%). This is expected since the parking lot runoff has untreated storm water containing oils and other hydrocarbons from the parking lot. • On the other hand, isotope results from water exiting rain gardens have a much lower proportion of ancient hydrocarbons contributing to the total carbon in the sample (~8%). This is expected since the rain garden should be able to reduce hydrocarbon concentrations and improve water quality. • These data were further manipulated using Isosource to estimate the percentage contribution of the four end members to each sample's carbon (Figure 2). This yielded a clear reduction in the percentage of hydrocarbons as the water moves from tank water to rain garden outflow. • Overall, preliminary results indicate that biofiltration systems have the ability to remove hydrocarbons from stormwater. These results also indicate that stable isotopes can successfully be used to track hydrocarbons in stormwater. Next steps are to compare the performance of stables isotopes with two conventional methods to track hydrocarbons in stormwater, and to more thouroghly evaluate the treatment abilities of bioinfiltration systems
Publications
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Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Scientist, engineers and managers focused on water quality with a specific interest in quantifying and reducing hydrocarbon pollution. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Three female engineering students (1 PHD and 2 UG) have learned advanced methods to monitor stormwater, especially related to hydrocarbon concentrations. The PHD student has also developed communication skills to present related information to experts and the general public. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Conference presentations, journal articles, television reports,field days and presentations to K-12 studentshave been used to disseminate results to communities of interest. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Final anayses of data will be completed and a dissertation and additional presentations and publications will be prepared.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Results from this project have the potential to transform how hydrocarbons are monitored in stormwater and water samples. The stable isotope method developed in this study identified twice the level of hydrocarbons in stormwater compared to conventional analytical methods. Becuase hydrocarbons are carcinogenic and mutagenic, there is great potential for the future application of this new method to quantify hydrocarbons in stormwater and other water sources to better quantify threats to public health and environmental quality. One major limitation of using stable isotopes to quantify hydrocarbons in stormwater is an increased cost compared to conventional methods.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Reduction of Hydrocarbons by Bioretention, as Measured by Carbon Isotopes?Abigail Tamkin, Jay Martin, James Bauer, Yu-Ping Chin?. Water Management Association of Ohio. 11/10/16. ?New Orleans, LA
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Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience: Other scientists/engineers researching impacts of bioinfiltration on water quality Urban planners/managers making decisions regarding green infrastructure for storm water managment Lay public interested ingreen infrastructure for storm water managment Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?One PDH engineeing student has been trained in these advanced methods of water quality and chemical analysis. One UG engineering student has also become knowledgable in these methods. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Two oral presentations has been delivered at a national conference (detailed in products). Another has been delivered to a local audience concerned about green infrastructure and storm water management (see products). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Using our initial and future results we will compare the ability of tradiational methods (i.e. HEC) vs stable isotope methods to quantify hydrocarbons in stormwater, and apply these techniques to asses the ability of bioretention facility to reduce hydrocarbon concentrations.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Five sampling trips have been completed to collect stormwater to quantify hydrocarbon concentrations using the three methods. These samples are being analyzed by all three methods and then determination will be made whether more samples are needed. Isotope results from water from a tank collecting stormwater from a parking lot reveal that these samples are the most depleted of the samples in Δ14C, indicating that these samples have the largest proportion of hydrocarbons contributing to the total carbon in the sample (~43%). This is expected since the parking lot runoff has untreated storm water containing oils and other hydrocarbons from the parking lot. On the other hand, isotope results from water exiting rain gardens have a much lower proportion of ancient hydrocarbons contributing to the total carbon in the sample (~8%). This is expected since the rain garden should be able to reduce hydrocarbon concentrations and improve water quality. These data were further manipulated using Isosource to estimate the percentage contribution of the four end members to each sample's carbon (Figure 2). This yielded a clear reduction in the percentage of hydrocarbons as the water moves from tank water to rain garden outflow. Overall, preliminary results indicate that biofiltration systems have the ability to remove hydrocarbons from stormwater. These results also indicate that stable isotopes can successfully be used to track hydrocarbons in stormwater. Next steps are to compare the performance of stables isotopes with two conventional methods to track hydrocarbons in stormwater, and to more thouroghly evaluate the treatment abilities of bioinfiltration systems.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Tamkin, A., Martin, J. COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS TO QUANTIFY HYDROCARBON REDUCTION BY BIORETENTION. Annual meeting of American Ecological Engineering Society. Kansas State University.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Reduction of Hydrocarbons by Bioretention, as Measured by Carbon Isotopes;Abigail Tamkin, Jay Martin, James Bauer, Yu-Ping Chin; American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers;7/29/15; New Orleans, LA
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Jay Martin (2014). Update on Brook Run Rain Gardens. Central Ohio Rain Garden Initiatives Fall Meeting. Columbus OH.
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Municipalities and home owners seeking more affordable, environmentally sound methods to manage stormwater. Additionally, government agencies tasked with protecting public health and water quality will benefit from determining if current methods to monitor hydrocarbons in strormwater are sufficient, or if better methods are needed. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? One female PDH engineeing student has been trained in these advanced methods of water quality and chemical analysis. One female UG engineering student has also become knowledgable in these methods. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Three poster or oral presentations have been delivered at state and national conferences (detailed in products). One journal article describing the hydrology of the bioretntion facility (see products). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Using our initial and future results we will compare the ability of tradiational methods (i.e. HEC) vs stable isotope methods to quantify hydrocarbons in stormwater, and apply these techniques to asses the ability of bioretention facility to reduce hydrocarbon concentrations.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Major Activities: Specific Objective #1: Finalized methods to collect and analyze samples for stable isotope analysis. Have collected, processed and submitted multiple samples for analysis. Specific Objective #2: Finalized methods to collect and analyze samples with conventional methods (1. EPA 1664B, Hexane Extractable Material (HEM) and 2. MA Department of Environmental Protection Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbons (EPH) with GC. Significant Results: Initial tests of stormwater using both stable isotope and conventional methods (HEMhexane extractable material) have been completed and analyzed. Regarding the HEM methods a storm event in June (1.3 in rain, 6-19-14) yield an average concentration of 7.4 mg/L HEM, while a storm event in September 9-11-14 (0.08 in rain) yield an average concentration of 6.7 mg/L HEM. Average stable isotope values from the June event averaged -27.5 per mil (o/oo) del 13C. These values are typical of C3 plant-dominated biomes, however, given that they are for DOC from a retention tank that drains an asphalt parking lot (which was also recently re-sealed) it may have been predicted that these del 13C values would have been depleted in 13C to a greater extent due to hydrocarbon inputs, and hence the DOC would have had more 13C-depleted (i.e., more negative) values in the range of -30 to -35 per mil, or even lower. Possible explanations for the observed values include a) DOC from C3 plant biomass and soils surrounding the parking lot dominate over hydrocarbon-derived DOC and b) that a combination of 13C-depleted hydrocarbons from the parking lot with C4 plants (e.g., grasses) with 13C values in the range of -12 to -15 per mil, may have combined to give the values that we observed (i.e., ~ -27.6 per mil).
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Derek Schlea, Jay Martin, Andrew Ward, Larry Brown, and Stephanie Suter (2014). Performance and water table responses
of retrofit rain gardens. Journal of Hydrologic Engineering. 19 (8), 10.1061/(ASCE)HE.194.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Tamkin, A., Martin, J., Bauer, B., Chin, Y. (2014). Quantification of Hydrocarbons in Urban Stormwater: Comparison of
Isotope Analysis with Current Methodologies. American Socity of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and Canadian
Society of Bioengineering International Meeting. Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Tamkin, A., Martin, J., Bauer, B., Chin, Y. (2014). Quantification of Hydrocarbons in Urban Stormwater: Comparison of Stable
Isotope Analysis with Current Methodologies. American Ecological Engineering Society Annual Meeting. Charleston, SC.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Tamkin, A., Martin, J., Bauer, B., Chin, Y. (2014). Quantification of Hydrocarbons in Urban Stormwater: Comparison of Stable
Isotope Analysis with Current Methodologies.. Ohio Stormwater Association Annual Conference. Akron, OH.
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Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Municipalities and home owners seeking more affordable, environmentally sound methods to managestormwater. Additionally, government agencies tasked with protecting public health and water quality will benefit from determining if current methods to monitor hydrocarbons in strormwater are sufficient, or if better methods are needed. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? To date three MS students and one PHD have been supported by this project. Additionally, more than 5 undergraduate students have contributed to and learned from this project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Scientificpublications and presentations at American Ecological Engineering Society. Local TV news broadcastingmedia What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Now that we have documented the site hydrology, we will analyze the impact of the rain gardens on concentrations of hydrocarbons in storm water.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Five rain gardens that capture street-side stormwater runoff were installed in the Brook Run neighborhood of Westerville, Ohio in July and August 2010. The residential development consists of 33 lots averaging 0.14 hectare and was constructed in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Rainwater from rooftops and driveways originally flowed along the curb and into the storm sewer before being discharged to Condit and Nichols Ditch.The sites hydrology and impact of the gardens has been described in journal articles, professional publications and by local media. Overall, the results of this study indicate that retrofit rain gardens can be effective at mitigating urban stormwater runoff despite potential problems such as limited space and existing storm sewer infrastructure.Eight simulated runoff events were conducted with equivalent rainfall depths ranging from 0.1 to 1.7 cm storm event frequency. The street-side rain gardens reduced inflow volume by an overall total of 37% with mean individual event values for volume reduction, 52% peak flow reduction, and peak delay of 52%, 62%, and 16 minutes.We estimated that zero outflow occurred for 10 of the 38 natural storm events that were monitored. Using piezometers and water level loggers we studied the dynamics of rain garden internal water storage zones, which has not been thoroughly investigated by other studies. During the simulated events we found the two rain gardens tested had much different rates in water table rise and decline. These results suggest differences in the hydraulic connectivity to the existing drainage system and the possible strong influence of preferential flow paths.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Abigail Tamkin, Unspecified. "Quantification of Hydrocarbon in Urban Stormwater: Comparison of Stable Isotopes Analysis with Current Methodologies." Presented at American Ecological Engineering Society (Jun 2013). Co-author with Grad. Student
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Schlea, D., Martin, J.F., Ward, A., Brown, L., Suter, S. 2013. Stormwater retention and water table responses of retrofit rain gardens. Journal of Hydrologic Engineering. 10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0000797
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Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project is centered on describing and understanding the hydrology of the bioretention/rain garden systems. To date, in addition to describing the bioretention systems, several soil and hydrology tests have been completed. Five rain gardens that capture street-side stormwater runoff were installed in the Brook Run neighborhood, a residential development consisting of 33 lots averaging 0.14 hectare, in Westerville, Ohio in summer 2010. The street-side rain gardens were constructed in the six-foot wide right-of-way between the road and the sidewalks, just upslope of storm sewer inlets. Gardens were designed by an undergraduate design team in the Dept. of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering at OSU with input from homeowners. An analysis of surface drainage patterns and catchment areas was completed to determine the best locations for the rain gardens. The catchment areas were divided into areas of rooftop, pavement, and lawns when completing the analysis. Each of the five street-side rain gardens is composed of two or three cells separated by a compacted berm for a total of 12 cells. Each cell was designed to facilitate stormwater entry 60-cm wide curb cuts made at the upslope end of each cell by using angled cuts and sloping the concrete into each cell. During the installation the in situ clay soil was excavated, removed, and the depression was backfilled with a commercially purchased soil (solid components were approximately 20% organic (leaf compost) and 80% inorganic (35-40% clay, 35-40% silt, and 20-25% sand)). Dimensions and elevations of the gardens were surveyed after installation. The street-side gardens were not built with an underdrain at the bottom as is often the case to prevent standing water (Roy-Poirer et al. 2010), but pre-existing perforated pipes adjacent to each garden served the function of underdrains. These pipes drain water from beneath the road and empty directly into the storm sewer. Plants were selected by a landscaping company based on their ability to thrive in fluctuating hydrologic conditions typical of rain gardens, aesthetics, home owner preferences, and being native to the central Ohio area. Plant survival rates were greater than 90% for the first two years. Maintenance was performed monthly from April through October and consisted of trimming plants, removing weeds, and cleaning debris from the rain gardens. Several experiments were conducted in March and April 2011 that simulated runoff events by intentionally running water into the street-side rain gardens from a municipal water supply. Four simulations were conducted on garden AB and four simulations were conducted on garden FGH for a total of eight separate runoff simulations. The purpose of these simulations was to quantify rain garden performance by computing commonly used hydrologic performance metrics. Other rain garden studies have conducted simulated events to successfully characterize hydrologic performance (Hatt et al. 2009; Carpenter and Hallam 2010). Using runoff simulations rather than natural runoff events allowed us to eliminate several unknowns of the rain garden water balance equation. PARTICIPANTS: Tamkin, A., Martin, J., Brown, L.C. TARGET AUDIENCES: Municipalities and home owners seeking more affordable, environmentally sound methods to manage stormwater. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Results of this study indicate that retrofit rain gardens can be effective at mitigating urban stormwater runoff despite potential problems such as limited space and existing storm sewer infrastructure. For eight simulated runoff events conducted with equivalent rainfall depths ranging from 0.1 to 1.7 cm, the street-side rain gardens reduced inflow volume by an overall total of 37% with mean individual event values for volume reduction, peak flow reduction, and peak delay of 52%, 62%, and 16 minutes, respectively. Regression relationships between equivalent rainfall depth and volume reduction were used to conservatively predict the volume reduction for natural storm events. Based on these hydrologic performance relationships, we estimated that zero outflow occurred for 26% of the natural storm events monitored. Using piezometers and water level loggers we studied the dynamics of rain garden internal water storage zones, which has not been thoroughly investigated by other studies. During the simulated events we found the two rain gardens tested had much different rates in water table rise and decline. These results suggest differences in the hydraulic connectivity to the existing drainage system and the possible strong influence of preferential flow paths. Rain Gardens well below recommended sizes were still effective at reducing storm water discharge by 37%. It is estimated that the gardens produced zero storm water discharge for more than 25% of the storm events.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
|
Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project is to improve the environment of watersheds, streams, and rivers, and improve the economic viability of small and medium farms by using waste streams to produce energy. We are conducting experiments to improve the performance of small-scale, affordable and variable temperature digesters in temperate climates. In 2011 we operated at Waterman Farm, OSU a small-scale (1 m3, or 300 gallons) anaerobic digestion system. This system is being used to study effects of ambient temperatures and loading rates on methane production and effluent water quality. Ongoing experiments will determine if ambient temperature digesters can produce viable amounts of methane throughout the year, and what design modifications are needed to increase energy production. We have completed studies on methane production, electricity production, and wastewater transformations for a digestion system that combines biogas from a swine digester and dairy digester in Costa Rica. The dairy digester fed by 5 dairy cows produced 27.5 m3/day of biogas with 62.6% methane and reduced organic matter (COD) by 86%. The swine digester (40 pigs) produced 6.0 m3/day of biogas with 76.4% methane and reduced COD by 92%. The low-cost, plug-flow digesters were not heated and were operated in the lower portion of the mesophilic range (25-27 C). In addition to the publications listed below, these results were presented at the annual conference for the American Ecological Engineering Society (6/15/11, Asheville, NC). PARTICIPANTS: Ciotola, R., Lansing, S.; Brown, L.C., Roy, E. TARGET AUDIENCES: Small to medium-scale livestock farmers (i.e. 5-500 dairy cows), who cannot take advantage of current anaerobic biodigester technology because of high costs and large scale. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Studies in a tropical climate (Costa Rica) showed variable temperature (25-27 C) small-scale anaerobic digesters can produce renewable energy at rates of 5.5 m3/day/mature cow and 0.15 m3/day/growing pig. Such a digester also reduces COD in animal manure from farm by 86-92%. Designed and built a functioning small-scale digester at Waterman farm to test and optimize performance in a temperate climate
Publications
- Ciotola, R., Lansing, S.L., Martin, J.F. 2011. Emergy Analysis of Biogas Production and Electricity Generation From Small-Scale Agricultural Digesters. Ecological Engineering. 37: 1681-1691.
- Roy, E.D., Martin, J.F., Irwin, E.G., Conroy, J.D., Culver, D.A. 2011. Living within dynamic social-ecological freshwater systems: system parameters and the role of ecological engineering. Ecological Engineering. 37: 1661-1672.
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: We have completed studies on methane production, electricity production, and wastewater transformations for a digestion system that combines biogas from a swine digester and dairy digester in Costa Rica. The dairy digester fed by 5 dairy cows produced 27.5 m3/day of biogas with 62.6% methane and reduced organic matter (COD) by 86%. The swine digester (40 pigs) produced 6.0 m3/day of biogas with 76.4% methane and reduced COD by 92%. The low-cost, plug-flow digesters were not heated and were operated in the lower portion of the mesophilic range (25-27 C). In 2010 we designed, built and began operation at Waterman Farm, OSU of a small-scale (1 m3, or 300 gallons) anaerobic digestion system. This system is being used to study effects of ambient temperatures and loading rates on methane production and effluent water quality. Ongoing experiments will determine if ambient temperature digesters can produce viable amounts of methane throughout the year, and what design modifications are needed to increase energy production. In addition to the publications listed below, these results were presented at the annual conferences for the American Ecological Engineering Society (6/15/10, Quebec, Canada) and the American Society for Agricultural and Biological Engineering (6/21/10, Pittsburgh, USA). PARTICIPANTS: Botero, R.; Bouchard, V; Hoet, A.E.; Keppler, A.M; Lansing, S.; Morgan, J.A.; Viquez, J.; Martinez, H.; Martin J.; Monahan, C.M; Wittum, T.E., Diemont, S.A.W., Brown, L.C. TARGET AUDIENCES: Small to medium-scale livestock farmers (i.e. 5-500 dairy cows), who cannot take advantage of current anaerobic biodigester technology because of high costs and large scale. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
This project is to improve the environment of watersheds, streams, and rivers, and improve the economic viability of small and medium farms by using waste streams to produce energy. We have completed experiments that proved that small-scale, affordable and variable temperature digesters can be viable in tropical climates. Specific studies in a tropical climate (Costa Rica) showed variable temperature (25-27 C) small-scale anaerobic digesters can produce renewable energy at rates of 5.5 m3/day/mature cow and 0.15 m3/day/growing pig. Such a digester also reduces COD in animal manure from farm by 86-92%.
Publications
- Alfaro-Arguello, R., Diemont, S.A.W., Ferguson, B.G., Martin, J.F., Nahed-Toral, J., Alvarez-Solis, J.D., Ruiz, R.P. 2010. Steps toward sustainable ranching: An emergy evaluation of conventional and holistic management in Chiapas,Mexico. Agriculture Systems. 103: 639-646.
- Lansing, S., Martin, J.F., Botero, R.B., Da Silva, T.N., Da Silva, E.D. 2010. Methane Production in Low-Cost, Co-Digestion Systems Treating Manure and Used Cooking Grease. Bioresource Technology. 101: 4362-4370.
- Martin, J.F., Roy, E.D., Diemont, S.A.W., Ferguson, B.G. 2010. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK): Ideas, Inspiration, and Designs for Ecological Engineering. Ecological Engineering. 36(7): 839-849.
- Roy*, E. D., J. F. Martin, E. G. Irwin, J. D. Conroy and D. A. Culver. 2010. Transient Social and Ecological Stability: the Effects of Invasive Species and Ecosystem Restoration on Nutrient Management Compromise in Lake Erie. Ecology and Society 15 (1): 20. http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol15/iss1/art20/
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Small-scale anaerobic digesters, can produce renewable energy and increase water quality. This project is to improve the environment of watersheds, streams, and rivers, and improve the economic viability of Ohio farms by using waste streams to produce energy. We have performed experiments which proved that low-tech, variable temperature digesters can be viable in tropical climates. This year, we designed and built a small-scale digester to produce energy from dairy manure on Waterman Farm. This digester is now functional and producing energy. Results of previous studies on methane production, electricity production, and wastewater transformations for a digestion system that combines biogas from a swine digester and dairy digester in Costa Rica are currently being revised, and include the following the results. The dairy digester (5 cows) produced 27.5 m3/day of biogas with 62.6% methane and reduced organic matter (COD) by 86%. The swine digester (40 pigs) produced 6.0 m3/day of biogas with 76.4% methane and reduced COD by 92%. The low-cost, plug-flow digesters were not heated and were operated in the lower portion of the mesophilic range (25-27 C). PARTICIPANTS: Botero, R.; Bouchard, V; Hoet, A.E.; Keppler, A.M; Lansing, S.; Morgan, J.A.; Viquez, J.; Martinez, H.; Martin J.; Monahan, C.M; Wittum, T.E., Diemont, S.A.W., Brown, L.C. TARGET AUDIENCES: Small to medium-scale livestock farmers (i.e. 5-500 dairy cows), who cannot take advantage of current anaerobic biodigester technology because of high costs and scale. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
1. Proved that low-cost anaerobic biodigesters can use livestock waste water as a feedstock to provide renewable energy (methane) and wastewater treatment. 2. Design and built a functioning small-scale digester at Waterman farm. 3. Described how indigenous, Mayan, agroecosystem methods can be used to restore degraded lands in Central America.
Publications
- Diemont, S.A.W., Martin, J.F. 2009. Lacandon Maya ecosystem management: sustainable design for subsistence and environmental restoration. Ecological Applications. 19(1): 254-266.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Natural treatment systems, including anaerobic digesters, can reduce nutrient levels from many types of ecosystems. This project is to improve the environment of watersheds, streams, and rivers, and improve the economic viability of Ohio farms by using waste streams to produce energy. We have performed experiments which proved that low-tech, variable temperature digesters can be viable in tropical climates. Next, we plan to develop similar digesters for temperate climates, such as Ohio. Results of previous studies on methane production, electricity production, and wastewater transformations for a digestion system that combines biogas from a swine digester and dairy digester in Costa Rica published (Lansing, 2008a). The dairy digester (5 cows) produced 27.5 m3/day of biogas with 62.6% methane and reduced organic matter (COD) by 86%. The swine digester (40 pigs) produced 6.0 m3/day of biogas with 76.4% methane and reduced COD by 92%. The low-cost, plug-flow digesters were not heated and were operated in the lower portion of the mesophilic range (25-27 C). Results published (Morgan 2008b) on plant species that promote greater nitrogen removal in ecological treatment systems. Potential nitrification and denitrification rates of bacteria associated with the roots of herbaceous species (Cyperus papyrus, Colocasia esculentus), and woody species (Hibiscus moscheutus and Salix nigra) were measured in the lab. Results demonstrate that the efficiency of ecological treatment systems treating wastewater high in NH4+ would be improved with a mix of herbaceous and woody species, whereas wastewater high in NO3- would be most efficiently treated with woody species. Thus, a diversity of species is needed to optimize ecological treatment system function. Results of studies on coliform concentrations in wastewater from an ecological treatment system using a sustainable, plant-based reported (Morgan 2008c). Wastewater is the primary source of fecal contamination in aquatic ecosystems, containing total and fecal coliforms on the order of 10^8-10^10 and 10^7-10^9 CFU/L, respectively. This study assessed the ability of an ecological treatment system to reduce concentrations of total coliforms and Escherichia coli from low and high strength dairy wastewater. Wastewater passed through a series of anaerobic, aerobic, and clarifier reactors and wetland cells before exiting the system. Regardless of wastewater strength, average total coliform and E. coli concentrations were consistently reduced by at least 99% from influent to effluent, with the majority of the reduction (76%) occurring in the first two reactors. Although U.S. Environmental Protection Agency discharge requirements for E. coli were not always met, the substantial reductions achieved indicate that ecological treatment systems have the potential to successfully reduce coliforms in wastewater to meet discharge limits. The results from this study will be used to guide design and management of future ecological treatment systems, so that larger and more consistent coliform reductions can be achieved. PARTICIPANTS: Botero, R.; Bouchard, V; Hoet, A.E.; Keppler, A.M; Lansing, S.; Morgan, J.A.; Viquez, J.; Martinez, H.; Martin J.; Monahan, C.M; Wittum, T.E., TARGET AUDIENCES: Small to medium-scale livestock farmers (i.e. 5-500 dairy cows), who cannot take advantage of current anaerobic biodigester technology because of high costs and scale. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
1. Determined which plant species encourage nitrogen removal in low-cost ecological systems treating waste water. 2. Determined that low-cost ecological treatment systems can effectively reduce pathogens in livestock wastewater. 3. Proved that low-cost anaerobic biodigesters can use livestock waste water as a feedstock to provide renewable energy (methane) and wastewater treatment.
Publications
- Lansing, S., Viquez, J., Martinez, H., Botero, R., Martin, J. 2008a. Optimizing electricity generation and waste transformations in a low-cost, plug-flow anaerobic digestion system. Ecological Engineering. 34: 332-348.
- Lansing, S., Botero, R., Martin, J. 2008b. Wastewater treatment and biogas quality in small-scale agricultural digesters. Bioresource Technology. 99: 5881-5890.
- Morgan, J.A., Martin, J.F. 2008a. Performance of an ecological treatment system at three strengths of dairy wastewater loading. Ecological Engineering. 33: 195-209.
- Morgan, J.A., Martin, J.F., Bouchard, V. 2008b. Identifying plant species with root associated bacteria that promote nitrification and denitrification in ecological treatment systems. Wetlands. 28: 220-231.
- Morgan, J.A., Hoet, A.E., Wittum, T.E., Monahan, C.M., Martin, J.F. 2008c. Reduction of pathogen indicator organisms in dairy wastewater using an ecological treatment system. Journal or Enviromental Quality. 37: 272-279.
- Keppler, A.M., Martin, J.F. 2008. Investigating the performance of a laboratory-scale ecological system to treat dairy wastewater. Transactions of the ASABE. 51: 1837-1846.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Natural treatment systems, including anaerobic digesters, can reduce nutrient levels from many types of ecosystems. This project is to improve the environment of watersheds, steams, and rivers, and improve the economic viability of Ohio farms by using wastestreams to produce energy. We plan to establish anaerobic biodigesters to test the ability of variable-temperature digesters to provide renewable energy and water treatment. Experiments were conducted which proved that low-tech, variable temperature digesters can be viable in tropical climates. Next, we plan to develop similar digesters for temperate climates, such as Ohio.
PARTICIPANTS: Morgan, J.A., Bouchard, V., Hoet, A.E., Wittum, T.E., Monahan, C.M., Lansing, S., Botero, R.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Small to medium-scale livestock farmers (i.e. 5-500 dairy cows), who cannot take advantage of current anaerobic biodigester technology because of high costs and scale. Collaborators and Participants on these projects are listed below as co-authors on publications.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: None
Impacts
1. Determined which plant species encourage nitrogen removal in low-cost ecological systems treating waste water. 2. Determined that low-cost ecological treatment systems can effectively reduce pathogens in livestock wastewater. 3. Proved that low-cost anaerobic biodigesters can use livestock waste water as a feedstock to provide renewable energy (methane) and wastewater treatment.
Publications
- Morgan, J.A., Hoet, A.E., Wittum, T.E., Monahan, C.M., Martin, J.F. 2007 Reduction of pathogen indicator organisms in dairy wastewater using an ecological treatment system. Journal or Enviromental Quality. In Press.
- Lansing, S., Botero, R., Martin, J. 2007 Wastewater treatment and biogas quaity in small-scale digesters. Bioresource Technology. IN PRESS
- Morgan, J.A., Martin, J.F., Bouchard, V. 2007 Identifying plant species with root associated bacteria that promote nitrification and denitrification in ecological treatment systems. Wetlands. In Press.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Results from a living machine treating dairy manure at Waterman Farm indicates that this technology has potential to reduce coliform concentrations to legal discharge levels. A continuing study of Mayan agricultural methods in Mexico has identified ecological methods to elevate soil carbon levels during fallow stages in tropical agroecosystems using alleopathethic plant properties. Ecological models are being developed to simulate the human and natural interface in watersheds bordering Lake Erie. After these models are calibrated and validated they will be used in a landscape model of the watershed to predict changes following governmental policies.
Impacts
Results from this project have found new and improved ways to use natural systems to improve water quality and maintain healthy agroecosystems. These include using wetland plant species with greater rates of transpiration (i.e. cattails) to increase nitrate removal, and the use of ecological communities to treat dairy washwater.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Progress has been made in the following areas: 1. Design and function of living machines. Two living machines were established to treat dairy wash-water from the Waterman dairy farm. The living machine in the FABE building was successful in reducing carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. A larger living machine in a greenhouse at waterman farm has been treating liquid manure from a dairy facility since the spring of 2004. Results show that the living machine can treat the water to acceptable discharge standards. Future studies will focus on determining the maximum loading rates of liquid manure that the system can treat, and its ability to reduce pathogen concentrations. 2. Agroecosystems. Emergy analysis was used to asses the sustainability of blackberry production in Ohio, center-pivot irrigation in Kansas, and indigenous agricultural methods in southern Mexico. A continuing study of Mayan agricultural methods in Mexico has identified soil and nematode differences
between different production and fallow field stages. 3. Landscape and Habitat modeling. Ecological models are being developed to simulate the human and natural interface in watersheds bordering Lake Erie. After these models are calibrated and validated they will be used in a landscape model of the watershed to predict changes following governmental policies.
Impacts
Results from this project have found new and improved ways to use natural systems to improve water quality. These include using wetland plant species with greater rates of transpiration (i.e. cattails) to increase nitrate removal, and the use of ecological communities to treat dairy washwater.
Publications
- Diemont, S.A.W., Martin, J.F. 2005. Management impacts on the trophic diversity of nematode communities in an indigenous agroforestry system of Chiapas, Mexico. Pedobiologia 49: 325-334.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Progress has been made in the following areas: 1. Wetland treatment systems. Manuscripts in review identify important relationships between wetland hydrology and vegetation and the ability of wetlands to purify water. Specifically, longer retention times may not produce the most efficient mixing inside wetlands. This study also found that greater amounts of methane and decreased amounts of nitrogen gas were released from willow species in comparison to species of scirpus. An unrelated microcosm study found a link between transpiration of wetland macropyhtes and nitrate removal. Wetland plants with higher rates of transpiration were found to remove more nitrate from the water column. 2. Design and function of living machines. Data has been collected from a living machine established to treat dairy wash-water from the Waterman dairy farm. Initial analysis shows the systems was successful at reducing nutrients, pathogens and BOD as the water moved through the system. 3.
Agroecosystems. Emergy analysis was used to assess the sustainability of blackberry production in Ohio, center-pivot irrigation in Kansas, and indigenous agricultural methods in southern Mexico. A continuing study of Mayan agricultural methods in Mexico has identified soil and nematode differences between different production and fallow field stages.
Impacts
Results from this project have found new and improved ways to use natural systems to improve water quality. These include using wetland plant species with greater rates of transpiration (i.e. cattails) to increase nitrate removal, and the use of ecological systems to treat dairy washwater.
Publications
- Holland, J.F., Martin, J.F., Granata, T., Bouchard, V., Quigley, M., Brown, L. 2004. Effects of wetland depth and flow rate on residence time distribution characteristics. Accepted by Ecological Engineering. 23:189-203.
- Keppler, A., Martin, J. 2004. Using Living Machines for the treatment and utilization of dairy washwater. Proceedings of the American Society of Agricultural Engineering annual conference, Ottawa, Canada. August 2-5, 2004.
- Reyes E., Martin, J.F, Day, J.W., Kemp, G.P., Mashriqui, H. 2004. River Forcing at Work: Watershed modeling of prograding and regressive deltas. Wetlands Ecology and Management. 12 (2): 103-114
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Progress has been made in the following areas: 1. Wetland treatment systems. A study on Waterman farm in Columbus has identified important relationships between wetland hydrology and vegetation and the ability of wetlands to purify water. Specifically, longer retention times may not produce the most efficient mixing inside wetlands. This study also found that greater amounts of methane and decreased amounts of nitrogen gas were released from willow species in comparison to species of scirpus. An unrelated microcosm study found a link between transpiration of wetland macropyhtes and nitrate removal. Wetland plants with higher rates of transpiration were found to remove more nitrate from the water column. 2. Design and function of living machines. Two living machines were established to treat dairy wash-water from the Waterman dairy farm. The living machine in the FABE building was successful in reducing carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The larger living machine in a
greenhouse at waterman farm will start treating waste in the spring of 2004. 3. Agroecosystems. Emergy analysis was used to asses the sustainability of blackberry production in Ohio, center-pivot irrigation in Kansas, and indigenous agricultural methods in southern Mexico. A continuing study of Mayan agricultural methods in Mexico has identified soil and nematode differences between different production and fallow field stages. 4. Landscape and Habitat modeling. Ecological unit models have been developed for the Sandusky watershed. After these models are calibrated and validated they will be used in a landscape model of the watershed to predict changes following governmental policies. Landscapes models of the Mississippi delta have been completed and used to evaluate management plans and the future of this region.
Impacts
Results from this project have found new and improved ways to use natural systems to improve water quality. These include using wetland plant species with greater rates of transpiration (i.e. cattails) to increase nitrate removal, and the use of ecological communities to treat dairy washwater.
Publications
- Reyes E., J.F. Martin, M.L. White, J.W. Day, G.P. Kemp, 2003. Habitat changes in the Mississippi Delta: future scenarios and alternatives. Chap. 5. 119-142, In: R. Costanza and A. Voinov (eds.), Landscape Simulation Modeling: A spatially explicit, dynamic approach. Springer-Verlag. New York.
- Martin, J.F. Simulating coastal environments with landscape models: Applications in the Mississippi Delta and Lake Erie. 2003. In: N.J. Valette-Silver and D. Scavia (eds.), Ecological Forecasting: New Tools for Coastal and Ecosystem Management. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 1. p 29-36 .
- Reyes, E., Martin, J.F., Day, J.W., Kemp, G.P., Mashriqui, H. 2003. Impact of Sea level Rise on Coastal Landscapes. Chpt. 7. In: Ning, Z.H., R. E. Turner, T. Doyle, and K. Abdollahi (eds.), Integrated Assessment of the Climate Change Impacts on the Gulf Coast Region-Foundation Document. Published by Gulf Coast Regional Climate Change Commission and Louisiana State University Press. Granata, T.C., Martin, J. 2002. Wetlands Sedimentation and Ecological Engineering. IN: Encyclopedia of Soil Science. Marcel Dekker, New York. P.1433-1436. (peer-reviewed).
- Martin, J.F., Hofherr, E. Quigley, M. 2003. Effects of macrophyte transpiration and harvesting on nitrate concentrations in surface water of wetland microcosms. Wetlands. 23(4): 125-139.
- Martin, J.F, Reyes, E., Kemp, G.P., Mashriqui, H., Day, J.W. 2002. Landscape modeling of the Mississippi Delta. Bioscience. 52 (4): 357-365.
- Martin, J.F. 2002. Emergy evaluation of diversions of river water to marshes in the Mississippi River Delta. Ecological Engineering. 18 (2): 165-286.
- Martin, J.F., Hofherr, E. 2001. Effects of macrophyte water uptake on nitrogen removal from wetland treatment systems. Proceedings from the annual International Ecological Engineering Conference, Lincoln University, New Zealand. 7 pages.
- Martin, J.F. 2001. The transformity of riverine sediments in the Mississippi Delta. In M. Brown (Ed.). Emergy Synthesis: Theory and Applications of Emergy Methodology: Proceedings from the First Biennial Emergy Analysis Research Conference, University of Florida. Gainesville, Florida. p. 33-38. (Peer-reviewed).
- Ko, Jae-Young, Jay F. Martin, and John W. Day, Jr. 2001. Embodied energy and emergy analysis of wastewater treatment using wetlands. In M. Brown (Ed.). Emergy Synthesis: Theory and Applications of Emergy Methodology: Proceedings from the First Biennial Emergy Analysis Research Conference, University of Florida. Gainesville, Florida. p. 197-210. (Peer-reviewed).
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Ecological Engineering methods utilizing natural systems and offering holistic solutions to present and future societal and ecological demands have been the focus of my research. I have developed and promoted Ecological Engineering approaches by establishing a research program and educating students about these possibilities. My research has included the following focus areas: (1) studying wetland treatment systems, (2) stream restoration, (3) design and function of living machines, (4) agroecosystems, and (5) habitat modeling. Graduate students are an integral part of my research program. They have participated in all phases of these research projects and obtained practical experience. I have established new courses to propel the growth of ecological engineering at OSU. These include FABE 618 (cross-listed with CEEGS and SNR) 'Ecological Engineering and Science', FABE 652 'Ecosystems for waste treatment', and FABE 694 'Agroecosystems'. (1)Studying wetland treatment
systems: A link between nitrate reduction in wetlands and evapotranspiration of macropyhtes has been discovered. This finding has practical value because it may identify management practices promoting greater nutrient removal in wetland treatment systems. A paper was presented at the annual International Ecological Engineering Society conference and a manuscript has been submitted to Wetlands. A state-of-the-art wetland treatment facility was established at Waterman Farm. (2) Stream restoration: Large woody debris structures were put in place to restore fish habitat in Blacklick Creek. Trends related to the density of structures to the geomorphology of the creek. Two manuscripts are being prepared to describe these results. (3) Design and function of living machines: FABE 652 'Ecosystems for waste treatment' has been established as a design class in which students will design, build, and monitor a living machine to treat wash water from the dairy facility at Waterman Farm. This will
lead to research on the design of the systems and pedagogy of ecological engineering design courses. The system resulting from this course produced improvements in water quality and growth of fish biomass. Based on this success a larger system is planned for the dairy facility at Waterman Farm. (4) Agroecosystems: During the summer of 2002 Dr. Martin and his Ph.D. student Stewart Diemont established research sites and lab facilities to conduct research on Mayan agroecosystems. This research will continue in 2003. This research is complimented by Dr. Martin's new course 'Agroecosystems'.Habitat modeling: A grant was awarded from the United States Sea Grant (a branch of NOAA) to investigate linkages between urban development and water quality and habitat changes in Sandusky Bay. This project is an initial step to develop a model that can link changes in governmental policies to water quality changes.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Ecological Engineering methods utilizing natural systems and offering holistic solutions to present and future societal and ecological demands have been the focus of my research. I have developed and promoted Ecological Engineering approaches by establishing a research program and educating students about these possibilities. My research has included the following focus areas: (1) studying wetland treatment systems, (2) stream restoration, (3) design and function of living machines, (4) agroecosystems, and (5) habitat modeling. Graduate students are an integral part of my research program. They have participated in all phases of these research projects and obtained practical experience. I have recently established new courses to propel the growth of ecological engineering at OSU. These include FABE 618 (cross-listed with CEEGS and SNR) "Ecological Engineering and Science" and FABE 652 "Ecosystems for waste treatment." The following briefly describes progress made in
the five focus areas. Studying wetland treatment systems: A link between nitrous oxide production in wetlands and evapotranspiration of macropyhtes has been discovered. This finding has practical value because it may identify management practices promoting greater nutrient removal in wetland treatment systems. A paper was presented at the annual International Ecological Engineering Society conference (Martin and Hofherr 2000, Effects of macrophyte water uptake on nitrogen removal from wetland treatment systems, Proceedings of the annual International Ecological Engineering Society conference, Christchurch, New Zealand). Two wetland treatment cells are being established at Waterman Farm to research the effectiveness of concurrently improving water quality and reducing stormwater discharges. Once established, this will be a state-of-the-art facility with regards to data collection and analysis. Stream restoration: A series of large woody debris structures have been put in place to
restore fish habitat along a section of Blacklick Creek near Gahanna. Initial data reveals trends related to the density of structures and the geomorphology of the creek. Design and function of living machines: FABE 652 "Ecosystems for waste treatment" has been established as a design class in which students will design, build, and monitor a living machine to treat wash water from the dairy facility at Waterman Farm. This will lead to research on the design of the systems and pedagogy of ecological engineering design courses. Agroecosystems: In the initial stages of research, one PhD. Student supports this topic. It is anticipated that a project will be established in southern Mexico studying sustainable agricultural practices of indigenous cultures. Habitat modeling: A grant has been awarded from the United States Sea Grant (a branch of NOAA) to investigate linkages between urban development and water quality and habitat changes in Sandusky Bay.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- 2001/01 to 2001/12 No publications this reporting period.
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