Spotlight on Student Research and Outreach
2010 Graduate Student Abstracts
Contents
Oral Presentations .................................................................................................................................... 1
Outreach Posters ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Independent Research Posters ................................................................................................................. 6
Class Project Posters ............................................................................................................................... 41
Oral Presentations
AN ECOLOGICAL TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR THE RE-USE OF BIO-DIGESTED FOOD WASTE
Lin H and Diemont S
Departments of Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY ESF
See this oral presentation in 110 Moon at: 12-12:20 pm
Abstract: An Ecological Treatment System with vermifilters (VETS) was used to reuse bio-digested food
waste. Bio-digested food waste had typically been treated with conventional aerated processes, but the
capacity of ecological treatment systems to reuse food waste has never been studied. Experiments were
conducted at three different inflow rates, with hydraulic retention time of 114.5d, 28.6d and 14.3d.
Samples of influents and effluents from each treatment unit were tested for NH4-N, NO3-N,
carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demands (CBOD5), and orthophosphate. During the entire study, all
variables were significantly reduced except for NO3-N, which displayed large increase in the system.
With the increase of inflow rate, NH4-N, NO3-N and orthophosphate concentration in effluent was also
increased, but suspended solids and CBOD5 did not vary among different inflow strengths. Design
graphs were developed to facilitate the future design process of ecological treatment systems.
Vermifiltration was used as the first unit in the system, which showed high efficiency in NH4-N and
CBOD5 reduction. Algae growing experiments were conducted, and VETS effluent showed significant
support for Chlorella spp. culturing. Quick measureable variables such as oxidization-reduction potential
(ORP) and pH were tested and compared to water quality variables, and ORP was recommended as a
sensitive indicator for system treatment capacity.
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A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF SUSPENDED SOLIDS DEPOSITION IN ONONDAGA LAKE, NY: 1980-2008
Hurteau CA1,2, Matthews DA1, and Effler SW1
1
2
Upstate Freshwater Institute, Syracuse, New York, Graduate Program in Environmental Science, SUNY ESF
See this oral presentation in 110 Moon at: 12:20 – 12:40 pm
Abstract: Long-term temporal patterns in the deposition of total (TSS), fixed (FSS), and volatile
suspended solids (VSS) are documented for eutrophic Ca2+-rich Onondaga Lake, NY from 1980–2008 .
Weekly collections were made from sediment traps deployed below the thermocline from mid-May to
mid-September in the deepest area of the lake (~20 m). Downward fluxes of TSS (DFTSS), FSS (DFFSS),
and VSS (DFVSS) decreased 42%, 38%, and 41%, respectively, following closure of a soda ash facility in
1986 that discharged ionic waste to the lake. Following a long period of relatively stable dry weight
deposition, marked decreases were observed in recent years. DFTSS, DFFSS, and DFVSS decreased 47%,
52%, and 13%, respectively, from 2007–2008 . Sediment accumulation rates derived from dry weight
deposition were estimated to decrease from 0.8 cm/yr in the pre-closure interval to 0.4 cm/yr in the
post closure interval to 0.2 cm/yr in 2008. DFFSS accounted for 80% to 85% of DFTSS, and deposition of
CaCO3 accounted for 75% to 80% of DFFSS. Observed trends in CaCO3 deposition remained consistent
in 2007 and 2008, despite a shift in magnitude between the two years. Although a definitive cause for
the observed decrease in deposition in 2008 has not been identified, likely drivers include variations in
temperature, concentration of Ca2+, primary production (pH), and the availability of nucleation sites.
Because in-lake processes accounted for 85% of DFTSS, changes in primary production and lake
chemistry could have significant effects on the burial of contaminants and microbial metabolism in the
sediments.
MEASURING CONSERVATION SUCCESS: RESULTS OF A 26-YEAR-LONG STUDY ON BOG TURTLES
(GLYPTEMYS MUHLENBERGII) IN MASSACHUSETTS
Sirois AM1, Gibbs JP1, and Whitlock AL2
1
2
Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY ESF, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, MA
See this oral presentation in 110 Moon at: 12:40-1 pm
Abstract: Significant resources are being invested into habitat restoration for the federally threatened
bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) throughout its range. This study evaluated changes in habitat use
and demography in two bog turtle populations in western Massachusetts: one subject to habitat
management for bog turtles (prescribed fires, invasive plant control and woody vegetation removal) and
one not (subject to wildfire, flooding, and non-native plant invasion). Habitat use data at each site
collected from radio-tagged turtles during 2008 and 2009 was compared to data gathered in 1995 to
1997 in terms of home range, greatest distance to hibernaculum, preferred habitat, and use of key
habitat features. Mark-recapture data collected over 18 survey years (between 1984 and 2009)
permitted measurement of survival rates, population size, densities, sex ratios, growth rates and
condition indices. Model selection shows that site and habitat change are important predictors for
probability of survival. Adult population has significantly declined at the unmanaged site. Growth rates
and condition indices appear to be greater after habitat alterations at both sites. Linking habitat and
demographic data to habitat treatments via a long-term study permits understanding how active habitat
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management or lack of management can affect survival prospects for endangered bog turtle
populations.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IMPLEMENTATION IN THE NEW YORK CITY WATERSHED: A
FORMATIVE EVALUATION
VanBrakle JD and Germain, RH
Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management, SUNY ESF
See this oral presentation in 110 Moon at: 1-1:20 pm
Abstract: New York City’s water supply system supplies over 1.3 billion gallons of water to over 9 million
people daily while operating under an Environmental Protection Agency filtration avoidance waiver.
Ninety percent of this water comes from the Catskill/Delaware Watersheds, largely owned by private
landowners holding small acreages. The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) assists these landowners
in maintaining forest and water quality through forest management plans, cost sharing incentives, and
promoting Best Management Practices (BMPs) through educational events. To evaluate the forest
management planning program’s efficacy in promoting BMP implementation, field surveys of recently
harvested properties, both with and without management plans, were conducted in the summer of
2009 within the Catskill/Delaware Watersheds in Delaware County, NY. Forty-nine properties were
evaluated, 27 with management plans and 22 without plans. Properties were evaluated for BMP
implementation by comparing post-harvest conditions to New York State BMP guidelines. A longitudinal
component of the study compared BMP implementation in 2009 against a similar study from 2002.
Properties with plans had significantly higher BMP scores compared to properties without plans. The
differences were statistically significant for skid trails and water diversion devices, but not for landings.
Overall BMP scores were higher in 2009 compared to 2002, again with significance for skid trails and
water diversion devices. The results indicate that BMP outreach efforts by WAC and their partners have
paid dividends on the ground. Nevertheless, wide ranging scores suggest that more work could be done
to encourage BMP implementation on a broader scale.
WILDERNESS PERCEPTION MAPPING IN THE ADIRONDACK PARK, NY
Larkin A and Beier C
Departments of Environmental and Forest Biology and Forest and Natural Resource Management, SUNY ESF
See this oral presentation in 110 Moon at: 1:20-1:40 pm
Abstract: The 1987 Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan provides a legislative definition of
“wilderness,” yet the concept of wilderness is further defined by each individual’s perception.
Wilderness Perception Mapping (WPM) is a technique that elicits wilderness perceptions through a
questionnaire survey, generates a statistical profile of respondents, and represents the perceptions of
respondents spatially in a geographic information system (GIS). This technique was previously applied in
the Region of Nelson, New Zealand and the San Juan National Forest, Colorado; both nationally
protected and managed areas. The Adirondack Park represents a novel environment for the application
of WPM within 6 million acres of mixed public and private lands that serve a variety of stakeholders.
This research uses survey data to characterize stakeholder respondents into four classes along the
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wilderness purism scale. These four classes can be implemented in a GIS, generating maps of wilderness
perceptions based on excluding undesirable features from a class’s perceived wilderness area. Surveys
were collected from stakeholders (residents, seasonal residents, visitors) at four sites within the park
(Old Forge, Lake Placid, Lake George, Newcomb) using waiting and roaming methods at recreational
sites and town centers. Results from statistical and WPM analysis will be used to compare wilderness
perceptions across stakeholder, demographic, and geographic variables. The final products will include
WPMs of specific management units and the larger Adirondack Park to compare with units in the Park
legislatively zoned as wilderness. WPM can be used to improve wilderness management and
conservation efforts within the Park.
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF SITE AND SOIL ACIDITY ON SUGAR MAPLE CONDITION FOLLOWING
DEFOLIATION
Pitel NE and Yanai RD
Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management, SUNY ESF
See this oral presentation in 110 Moon at: 1:40-2 pm
Abstract: Sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh), a keystone species of northern hardwood forests, is
susceptible to decline especially on sites with low soil Ca and Mg. A common stressor of sugar maple is
forest tent caterpillar (FTC; Malacosoma disstria Hübner), an indigenous defoliator. The recent outbreak
of FTC (2002-2007) affected millions of acres of forest in the northeastern U.S. and Canada. This
research assessed the condition of sugar maple trees in 47 new or previously monitored North American
Maple Project (NAMP) stands in Massachusetts (2006, 2007), Vermont and New York (2007, 2008)
following the collapse of the recent FTC outbreak. Objectives of this study were to predict recent sugar
maple mortality within stands using average crown dieback from the previous year and to test whether
stands on sites with low soil Ca and Mg had above-normal recent mortality and high crown dieback.
Mortality was highest in stands with the most crown dieback the previous year (R2 = 0.62, p<0.001).
Stands with above-average annual sugar maple mortality (> 2%) occurred on soils with low
concentrations of Ca and Mg, although concentrations were higher than those determined by previous
research in the Allegheny Plateau. Soil K was the soil variable best correlated with mortality (r = -0.39,
p<0.03) and crown dieback (r = -0.41, p<0.03). Results suggest that sugar maple may be at risk of
decline on a wider range of soils than previously defined. We also suggest that more attention be paid
to K concentrations in soils when investigating sugar maple condition.
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Outreach Efforts
1. FOSTERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCIENTISTS
Buckley S, Landis C, Spiese J, Bowman K, Byrne E, Graves M, Gurdak D, Song P, Taylor D, Leopold DJ, Beal
R, Spuches C, and Majanen T
SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12:30-2 pm
Abstract: SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) project goals are to enhance high
school student science learning and engagement and teacher and graduate student professional
development. This project builds upon a well-established school-college partnership program, ESF in the
High School. Through this dual enrollment program, high school students across New York receive
college credit for The Global Environment, an ESF course that engages students in the scientific process
while addressing a range of environmental and social issues. Our project enriches this program by
partnering nine graduate Fellows, who form the Science Corps, with high school teachers at “home”
schools in urban, rural and indigenous communities throughout central New York. At “home” schools
Fellows serve as scientists in residence, facilitating learning experiences and, in return, learn to better
communicate their own research. Fellows use their graduate research experience to mentor students as
they develop independent research projects. High school students present their projects at the
Environmental Summit, a science symposium held on the ESF campus and attended by high school
students, teachers, graduate students and faculty. In addition, Fellows visit other participating high
schools and lead inquiry- and research-based activities called “road shows.” Last year, Fellows mentored
146 high school student researchers, and engaged over 420 students through 38 “road show”
presentations. Ultimately, SUNY-ESF’s GK12 project enables students to be scientifically literate, wellinformed young adults who possess the skills required to meet society’s immediate and future
challenges.
2. SCENARIOS: SIMPLE STEPS AND CHALLENGING PROCESS
del Granado S1, Manno J1, Montefrio M1, Rodriquez B2, Heinzen B3, and Larkin A3
1
2
3
Department of Environmental Studies, Department of Lanscape Architecture, Department of Environmental and
Forest Biology, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: The recognition that decisions need to be made in spite of uncertainty has prompted the
development of scenarios. Humans have recognized the limits of scientific knowledge, the uncertainty
due to inherent determinisms of complex systems, and the uncertainty related to humans as observers
and actors able to modify and influence their future through changes in present behavior. Scenarios are
used to illustrate and communicate possible and plausible futures integrating quantitative and
qualitative methods. A one week seminar was organized between students at SU and SUNY-ESF to learn
about the development, application, and uses of scenarios through a case study. The potential uses for
Bolivia’s natural gas and lithium resources to alleviate poverty and foster sustainable development was
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chosen as the simulation topic. The class learned by doing. Four scenarios were created and presented
to in-role Bolivian government officials. Building meaningful and user-friendly scenarios requires skills of
interdisciplinary systems analysis, creative and plausible narrative communication, cross-cultural
collaboration and practical policy knowledge and experience. It is an intensely collaborative process that
shows plausible ends and possible intervention points.
3. CHASING BUTTERFLIES AND CATCHING INTEREST: BUTTERFLY RESEARCH IN ASSAM, INDIA, AND ITS
APPLICATION IN EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
Gurdak DJ1, Barua M2,3, Butterfly Northeast3
1
2
3
SUNY ESF, Oxford University Centre for the Environment, Oxford, UK, Kaziranga, Assam, India
Visit this student next to their poster from: not available
Abstract: Despite a high diversity of butterflies in Assam, India, conservation funding largely focuses on
vertebrates, leaving invertebrate groups, such as butterflies, underrepresented. In collaboration with
Butterfly Northeast, a local butterfly research and enthusiast group, this interdisciplinary effort aims to
bridge two research components and is part of a long-term initiative by Butterfly Northeast to promote
regional butterfly research and conservation through outreach and education. This effort was
integrated into learning environments and outreach initiatives during project implementation and postproject activities in India and the US.
Independent Research Posters
4. PERSISTENCE OF A RARE ANCIENT CYCAD: EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENT AND DEMOGRAPHY
Álvarez-Yépiz JC1, Dovçiak M1, and Búrquez A2
1
2
SUNY ESF, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Sonora, México
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-1 pm
Abstract: Conservation of rare species is frequently complicated by their narrow niches and poor
competitive abilities which limit their distribution to a few small populations. We studied how
population size and structure of an endemic cycad of northwestern Mexico, Dioon sonorense, varies
with 21 environmental variables. We also used matrix population models to show how population
structure may affect its long-term persistence. Slope steepness and soil exchangeable potassium
explained a moderate proportion of the variance in the abundance of the adults (r2= 0.59, p = 0.03; r2=
0.63, p = 0.02, respectively). A large proportion of the variance in seedling abundance was explained by
slope (r2= 0.83, p = 0.003) and adult abundance (r2= 0.70, p = 0.01). The strong non-linear relationships
of seedling abundance with slope and adult abundance suggest threshold effects that may limit D.
sonorense regeneration in less suitable environments. Modeling suggests that most of the study
populations will not be viable in the long-term, except for the largest population. Modeling scenarios
with large increments in survival produced only modest gains in population growth, and larger seed
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production schedules did not produce any measurable effect. The long-term persistence of D.
sonorense, known to be threatened by widespread land conversion and plant extraction by humans, is
shown in our study to be further threatened by (a) small size of adult populations, (b) low-quality
habitat in which most populations occur, and potentially (c) low seedling survival rates.
5. NITROGEN CYCLING THROUGH AN AQUAPONICS SYSTEM
Amadori M1, Daley D1, and Ballard B2
1
Department of Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY-ESF, 2Department of
Environmental Science, SUNY Morrisville
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-1 pm
Abstract: We will create a regression analysis model that can be used to design an aquaponics system
capable of optimizing nutrient utilization and minimizing costs. An integrated aquaponics greenhouse
system has been constructed by SUNY Morrisville to demonstrate year-round production of locallygrown vegetables and fish. Factors such as fish age and stocking density, as well as variations in the crop
growth cycle cause nutrient fluctuations within the system. Nutrients added to the aquaculture portion
of the system in the form of fish food are converted to fish biomass and excrement, which is discharged
as ammonia-enriched wastewater. After nitrification, the nutrients in the wastewater are recovered
through crop growth in an adjacent hydroponics system. A unique feature of this project is the ability to
obtain real-time environmental and growth measurements using a SourceSentinel® system developed
by O’Brien & Gere. By tracking nitrogen fluxes in the aquaculture and hydroponic systems
independently, we will devise a computer model predicting how biotic factors affect nutrient cycling
within this constructed artificial ecosystem. This will provide a method to optimize the design and
operation of the system in response to the various stages of growth.
6. SIMULATING THE EFFECTS OF PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES ON THE ENERGY BUDGET AND
TAX REVENUES FOR ONONDAGA COUNTY, NEW YORK
Balogh S
Department of Environmental Science, SUNY ESF
Advisor: Charlie Hall
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-1 pm
Abstract: My objectives in this study were to estimate the historical and future energy consumption in
Onondaga County, predict the future effects of a large increase in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV)
on energy use, and the implications of this for fuel tax collections. I also examine two possible taxation
policies that could alleviate revenue shortfalls. To do so, I built a model of county energy consumption
based on prorated state level energy consumption data and census data. I used two scenarios to
estimate energy consumption trends over the next 30 years, and tested the effects of PHEV on energy
use and fuel tax revenues. The results of this analysis indicate that PHEV can reduce county gasoline
consumption and provide a net energy savings, but they would curtail county fuel tax revenues. A onecent per vehicle-mile-traveled (VMT) tax on PHEV users provides insufficient revenue to replace reduced
fuel tax collection. A sales tax on residential electricity consumption generates sufficient replacement
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revenue at low PHEV market shares. However, at high PHEV market shares, the required tax on
electricity use would need to be higher than the current county tax rate.
7. WOOD GASIFICATION TAR REDUCTION
Bates, R
SUNY ESF
Advisor: Klaus Doelle
Visit this student next to their poster from: 1-2 pm
Abstract: Wood gasification has the potential to make a significant contribution to ‘green’ energy
production in areas of the country where wood resources are available. Recently I built a wood gasifier
to power a pickup truck with some success. Performance was somewhat erratic and the engine air
cleaner was frequently fouled by tarry deposits. After doing a literature search I found that both these
problems are common to wood gasifiers. Downdraft gasifiers such as I built force the wood gas through
a hot reduction zone where the heavier tar compounds are cracked into carbon dioxide and fuel gases
carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane. Downdraft gasifiers, while producing the least tar, still
produce more tar than can be readily accommodated by internal combustion engines. Also, fuel
requirements tend to be restricted to a certain size and under a certain moisture content. I found that
only small dry wood blocks on the order of 1" to 3" diameter and 2" to 3" long work well with my
gasifier.
My objective is to develop a small gasifier that can be used under fluctuating loads (e.g., to power a
vehicle or for power generation under 50 KW) that produces low-tar gaseous fuel than can easily be
handled by an internal combustion engine with as wide a range of fuel size and moisture content as
possible. I will investigate keeping combustion temperatures as high as possible throughout gasifier
operation and use of catalysts to reduce tar and increase fuel flexibility.
8. BIODIVERSITY OF MANAGED FORESTS SURROUNDING THE CALAKMUL BIOSPHERE RESERVE IN
MEXICO
Bohn J¹, Diemont SAW¹, and Mendoza J²
¹Department of Environmental Resource Engineering, SUNY ESF, ²El Colegio de La Frontera Sur, Campeche,
Campeche Mexico
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: Forest management for both ecosystem health and human provisions should be an important
part of ecological engineering practice, the interface between conservation and natural resource
utilization. Agroforestry for production and ecosystem health is a centuries-old form of ecological
engineering utilized in many indigenous villages in Mesoamerica. Agroforestry systems relying on
traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) can result in improved soil quality and forest biodiversity, as well
as a critical abundance of numerous agricultural products. This study evaluates management differences
in agroforestry systems of Southern Mexico and investigates if differences in forest management have
an impact forest biodiversity in areas bordering the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. Agroforestry systems
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were studied in three village communities surrounding the Calakmul Reserve in Campeche Mexico. Each
village had similar community structure, population, ecotype, and utilized agroforestry as their primary
means of forest management. Tree and bird diversity were analyzed in each stage of the rotation, 5-10,
10-20, and >20 years using twenty meter grids for a total of forty samples in each stage. Results were
computed using the Simpson’s diversity index and ANOVA analysis. These sampling techniques will be
applied in mature, unmanaged forest within each community, to act as a reference ecosystem.
Interviews regarding species use, management, plantings, and origin of management knowledge were
conducted at each sample site. Findings suggest that species richness and diversity were higher in
communities utilizing a greater diversity of forest products, and employing a variation of management
practices. It is thought that micro-management practices found in communities with higher diversity
such as the planting of nurse trees, and removal of select species may also have contributed. This study
will contribute to ecosystem management tools and design in sensitive areas such as those surrounding
bioreserves, where inhabitants directly depend on the area’s natural resources for survival.
9. THE INFLUENCE OF THE DIASPORE (PROPAGULE) BANK AND DIASPORE RAIN ON BRYOPHYTE
(MOSS) COMMUNITY COMPOSITION IN NORTHERN WHITE CEDAR SWAMPS
Bowman KC and Kimmerer RW
Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: Landscape fragmentation has been shown to negatively influence biodiversity. Northern
white-cedar swamps (NWCS) are among the most diverse communities in NY and are exposed to the
effects of fragmentation through agriculture. Bryophytes comprise a significant portion of the
biodiversity in NWCS, but their response to fragmentation is poorly understood. This study seeks to
explore the impact of fragmentation on bryophyte communities in NWCS by examining the relative
effects that propagule availability (diaspore bank and diaspore rain) and environmental factors (light,
moisture, and substrate) have on edge and interior bryophyte community composition in Fabius Swamp,
Onondaga County, NY. Bryophytes reproduce using a variety of diaspores (e.g. spores, gemmae, and
fragments), all of which can be present within the diaspore rain and bank. Three sites were sampled to
quantify the extant bryophyte community, the diaspore bank (soil samples), and diaspore rain (diaspore
traps). The traps and soil samples were placed in a greenhouse under conditions suitable for diaspore
growth along with controls. The extant, diaspore bank and diaspore rain communities were found to
differ from one another in composition. Several taxa found within the diaspore rain were absent from
the existing communities. These observations can be explained, in part, by the life histories of the
different species, but may be suggestive of limitations in current understanding of dispersal abilities of
certain taxa. This work will help assess the vulnerability of bryophytes to landscape level impacts such as
fragmentation and may inform their use as indicators of environmental functions.
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10. VARIATIONS OF ATMOSPHERIC CO2 AT URBAN AND RESIDENTIAL SITES WITHIN SYRACUSE, N.Y.
Buckley SM and Mitchell, MJ
Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 1-2 pm
Abstract: Urban areas have been identified as major contributors of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to
the atmosphere. With the recent designation of CO2 as an air pollutant by the EPA, it is now more
important than ever to understand the concentrations and dynamics of CO2. Many studies have
documented CO2 levels across a rural-suburban-urban transect, identifying an “urban CO2 dome” within
the urban region, varying in intensity depending on a number of factors including meteorology,
topography and climate of each study location. In order to further explore the relationship of CO2 levels
within urban environments, this study compares CO2 concentrations at two sites of different
composition within Syracuse, N.Y.: one within the commercial downtown district and the other in a
residential neighborhood. The commercial site is located in close proximity to two major interstate
highways and the downtown area. The residential site is located to the southwest of the commercial
site, within a city park with greater density of vegetation. Both are collecting 15-minute CO2
concentration averages taken at ~50 m tower using a GE Telaire 7000 series CO2 instrument. Preliminary
results show a strong diurnal cycle, which varies at the downtown site between weekend and weekdays,
suggesting a greater traffic influence compared to the residential site. Seasonal variations between the
summer and fall seasons are most prominent at the downtown site. The results of this study, in
conjunction with traffic count measurements currently being recorded at the downtown site, will give
insight to the impact of traffic within cities.
11. IMPACTS OF CHANGES TO FOREST STRUCTURE ON AEROSOL FORMATION AND DEPOSITION IN
URBAN AREAS
Cabaraban MTI and Kroll CN
Department of Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 1-2 pm
Abstract: Aerosol, or particulate matter (PM), is a major pollutant in cities in both developing and
developed countries. Aerosols have been known to cause adverse health effects, reduced visibility, and
climate modulation. Due to the interrelationship between atmospheric chemical species, reductions in
aerosol precursors could in fact lead to increased rates of particle formation. The complex and nonlinear
nature of urban aerosol processes suggests the need for integrated, science-based control strategies. An
ecosystem approach provides potentially low-cost opportunities to address urban air pollution
problems. In this research, the role urban trees and vegetation play in aerosol pollution is investigated.
Work specifically focuses on how the processes of emissions, chemistry, and dry deposition contribute
to aerosol production, and the optimization of ecosystem benefits from urban trees. The Community
Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model will be integrated with the Urban Forest Effects (UFORE) model to
simulate urban aerosol processes. The CMAQ model will be used to simulate the spatial distribution of
aerosol hot spots across an urban area, providing the input needed in a distributed UFORE model to
estimate fluxes of dry deposition to urban trees. The coupled CMAQ-UFORE model will be combined
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with an optimization algorithm to examine cost-effective patterns of altering the urban forest to
maximize airborne pollutant removal benefits or minimize exposure risk to pollutants. This model is
expected to be used as a decision support tool to improve urban forest management to achieve air
pollution reduction goals.
12. MONITORING SCOTCH PINE INFESTED BY SIREX NOCTILIO USING HYPERSPECTRAL DATA: A
LABORATORY STUDY
Calandra LN, Zhang W, Quackenbush LJ, Im J, and Teale SA
Departments of Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, and Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12:30-2 pm
Abstract: Sirex noctilio is an invasive insect native to Europe and north Africa that has the potential to
devastate North American softwoods. The current extent of Sirex infestations in the United States has
been approximated using expensive, and marginally effective, ground-based surveys. This study is part
of a project aimed at using remote sensing to perform individual tree-based assessment of Sirex
infestation. Because the Sirex toxin causes rapid chlorophyll breakdown, it is expected to create a
spectral response in early infestations that is different from the response from other insects or disease.
In this study, samples from healthy and infested Scotch pine trees (Pinus sylvestris) were collected in the
field and then hyperspectral data were acquired in the laboratory using a hand-held spectroradiometer.
Two vegetation indices— i.e. red edge position (REP) and normalized difference water index (NDWI)—
were investigated for indicating health status of Scotch pine based on the lab-measured hyperspectral
data. Three different methods were used to calculate REPs of healthy and infested needle samples with
linear extrapolation demonstrating advantages in separating healthy from infested samples based on
the results of paired t-tests. The optimal wavelength grouping for NDWI calculations was selected from
all possible combinations of two narrow bands within the range of 350–2500 nm using paired t-tests.
Compared to REP, NDWI was superior in discriminating between healthy and Sirex-infested Scotch pine,
therefore this index is recommended for future work.
13. THE IMPACT OF TRADE ON CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRADE
AND EMISSIONS AND/OR EMISSION TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Choi J
Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management, SUNY ESF
Advisor: Luzadis VA
Abstract: Do the extent and scope of international trade by individual countries help to understand the
way how income and pollution relate? Can a country reduce emissions by doing trade with certain
countries? I present two models based on the studies of international R&D spillover and trade-pollution
relationship, to estimate the effect of foreign carbon technology on domestic carbon emissions. Import
weighted production efficiency of carbon is used as a proxy for a stock of foreign carbon emissions
technology along with other economic variables. The analysis is based on three datasets: OECD STAN
dataset, World Bank’s World Development Index, and IEA CO2 emissions from fuel combustion. First
finding of the study is that domestic carbon intensity of production in steel and iron sector is positively
related to carbon intensity of foreign iron and steel industry, suggesting technology transfer through
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trade. The second finding is that the amount of trade itself positively affects the level of domestic
carbon dioxide emissions, while interaction between carbon intensity of trading partners and amount of
trade does affect domestic carbon dioxide emissions negatively. The result suggests that the countries in
the sample have lowered their CO2 emissions, when they imported goods from countries with higher
carbon intensity at higher volume, implying displacement of pollution. The messages in the findings are
clear. The increase in trade itself does not decrease carbon emissions domestically. Rather this study
suggests that a policy should focus on how to trade on what products to reduce domestic carbon
emissions and carbon intensity.
14. FOUNDATIONS IN FOREST POLICY AND MANAGEMENT: LANDOWNER AND LAND MANAGER
AWARENESS OF AND ATTITUDES TOWARD INVASIVE SPECIES IN ADIRONDACK FORESTS
Conrad SM and Luzadis VA
Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: Due to the high number of non-native invasive species in New York State, the Adirondack Park
faces new challenges to managing forestland for biodiversity. Little recognition has been given to the
importance of incorporating private landowners in management schemes. Furthermore, to be
successful, regional invasive species management plans must incorporate the values of all stakeholders,
particularly in mixed public-private areas such as the Adirondack Park. Since little is known about the
attitudes, awareness, intentions, and behavior of landowners and land managers toward non-native
species, a survey was developed and implemented to assess these topics in the Adirondack Park.
Although findings suggested that the majority of landowners and land managers had unfavorable
attitudes toward non-native invasive species, awareness of non-native invasive species differed greatly
between the two groups. Additionally, intentions to perform non-native invasive species management
varied between landowners and land managers, with the later group having greater intentions and
having performed more management activities. These results can enhance regional invasive species
management plans and influence policies by reflecting the views and values of stakeholders, as well as
assist outreach groups and non-profit organizations develop educational materials and programs. This
study will also provide a survey template that can be applied to other mixed-ownership forested
regions.
15. DETERMINATION AND COMPARISON OF LIPID CONTENT IN THE GREEN ALGAE, CLADOPHORA
GLOMERATA AND CHLORELLA VULGARIS
Cummings MA1, Boyer GL1, Johnson DL1, and Giarrusso S2
1
2
Departments of Chemistry and Environmental Science, SUNY-ESF, Town of Minoa Wastewater Treatment Facility,
NY
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-1 pm
Abstract: The study of algae for potential biofuels has been extensively studied over the last few years.
Some strains of microalgae are seen as good candidates for fuels such as biodiesel because of their rapid
growth, biomass productivity and high lipid content. However, several time and energy consuming steps
still stand in the way of algal biodiesel becoming a cost effective competitor to traditional fuels. For
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example, the harvesting of microalgal species such as Chlorella remains as one of the inefficiencies of
this process. Here, we have studied the growth and harvesting of the macroalgae, Cladophora as an
alternative to using microalgae. Our aim was to determine Cladophora’s biomass production and lipid
content as compared to other biofuel candidates such as Chlorella vulgaris. Different solvents were
compared for their efficiency in extracting total lipids using a Soxlet extractor and the total lipid content
determined gravimetrically, fluorometrically by staining with Nile Red, and instrumentally by newer
methods such as Time-Domain resolved NMR. We hope that the application of TD-NMR will offer a
quick and precise method for determining lipid content in macroalgae species such as Cladophora,
opening the possibility of using this technique for screening different growth conditions to optimize
biofuels production.
16. SCENARIOS: SIMPLE STEPS AND CHALLENGING PROCESS
del Granado S, Manno J, Heinzen B, Rodriquez B, Montefrio M, and Larkin A
SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: The recognition that decisions need to be made in spite of uncertainty has prompted the
development of scenarios. Humans have recognized the limits of scientific knowledge, the uncertainty
due to inherent determinisms of complex systems, and the uncertainty related to humans as observers
and actors able to modify and influence their future through changes in present behavior. Scenarios are
used to illustrate and communicate possible and plausible futures integrating quantitative and
qualitative methods. A one week seminar was organized between students at SU and SUNY-ESF to learn
about the development, application, and uses of scenarios through a case study. The potential uses for
Bolivia’s natural gas and lithium resources to alleviate poverty and foster sustainable development was
chosen as the simulation topic. The class learned by doing. Four scenarios were created and presented
to in-role Bolivian government officials. Building meaningful and user-friendly scenarios requires skills of
interdisciplinary systems analysis, creative and plausible narrative communication, cross-cultural
collaboration and practical policy knowledge and experience. It is an intensely collaborative process that
shows plausible ends and possible intervention points.
17. A HOPE FOR CORALS: THE IMPORTANCE OF HETEROTROPHY
Estes B and Teece M
Department of Chemistry, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: Coral reefs are an extremely important marine ecosystem. They are the most biologically
diverse habitat per unit area in all the oceans, and are a very valuable piece of the world’s economy. The
sad part is through industrialization, and reckless actions, people have caused corals to decline in health
and abundance throughout the world. In the Caribbean coral reefs face a multitude of hardships
including ocean acidification, ocean warming, and ultraviolet radiation. However, corals are versatile
eaters which can filter feed food carried in the ocean waters as well as take photosynthetically produced
food from the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living inside their tissue. Even though corals strongly
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depend on their zooxanthellae for their survival they can be found at depths significantly below sea level
where sunlight isn’t as abundant. My research helped identify the differences between deep and
shallow coral feeding strategies on a reef system off the Cayman Islands. Through stable isotope values
of carbon and nitrogen I found supporting evidence for my hypothesis that shallow water corals
predominantly rely on photosynthesis, where as deeper corals utilize filter feeding as well as
photosynthesis. It’s important to understand how corals at depth differ in feeding strategies relative to
shallower corals because shallower corals will be more accessible to fall victim to many of the
threatening environmental changes our planet is going through.
18. PLANT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND INVASIBILITY AT AN INDUSTRIAL WASTE RESTORATION
SITE
Farrell ML and Leopold DJ
Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-1:30 pm
Abstract: In Onondaga County a total of 567 ha in the town of Camillus and surrounding Onondaga Lake
are covered by settling basins containing the byproducts of the industrial process known as the Solvay
Process. Physical and chemical conditions on the waste beds inhibit vegetative growth leading to
increased erosion, and rain water percolating through the waste beds generates highly salinated
leachate that contaminates surrounding waterways. The purpose of this study is to facilitate permanent
establishment of native wetland species on one of the Solvay waste beds and decrease the presence of
invasive species through the manipulation of deleterious abiotic factors and the planting of competitive
wetland species. In May of 2009 I collected seed bank samples before and after applying an herbicide
treatment and tilling the soil on waste bed 14 to gain an understanding of species diversity on the site
and investigate the benefits of manipulating soil conditions prior to beginning a restoration project. In
both seed bank samples the ten most frequently occurring species were a combination of native and
non-native species and Lythrum salicaria seedlings germinated at the highest density. Although similar
species emerged from both sets of samples, 6640 seedlings germinated in the pre-tilling seed bank
samples while only 2752 germinated in the post-tilling samples. These results suggest that manipulating
soil conditions before planting significantly decreases seed bank emergence and as such, could be a
beneficial strategy for managing initial germination of aggressive invasive species on a restoration site.
19. A GIS AND REMOTE SENSING APPROACH TO EFFICIENT RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION
Gleason C and Im J
Department of Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12:30-2 pm
Abstract: The current energy grid is remarkably inefficient and ill equipped to deal with emerging
alternative energy production in areas of the country where potential for wind, solar, hydro and other
forms of potential can be harnessed. Currently, there is much research in assessing the feasibility and
reliability of new energy technologies, and ways to improve these electricity producing processes is an
exciting and expanding field. This research will provide an outlet for these new technologies through
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several GIS and remote sensing techniques. Firstly, population growth will be modeled to provide a
context for where electricity will be needed on several temporal scales . Secondly, each of the following
renewable energy technologies (as defined by the International Energy Association): solar photovoltaic,
wind, hydroelectric, and renewable biomass will be mapped using remotely sensed images and/or LIDAR
data. A measure of electric potential will be extracted from every area on the map, and this information
will be used in conjunction with population distribution and the existing transmission grid to develop an
optimal siting for each source of renewable energy. A comparison of the final produced electric
potential will be made to the National Renewable Energy Labs’ mapped output generated from various
agency survey data, and differences will be explained.
20. DELIGNIFICATION OF SUGAR MAPLE WITH PERACETIC ACID
Gong C, Goundalkar MJ, Bujanovic BM, and Amidon TE
Department of Paper and Bioprocess Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 1-2 pm
Abstract: To increase value in the pulp and paper industry, hot-water extraction (HWE) of wood prior to
pulping has been suggested. One significant benefit of HWE prior to pulping is a faster kraft
delignification of extracted wood compared to unextracted wood, most likely due to a higher porosity of
wood and somewhat disrupted lignin-carbohydrate association. In this study, we evaluate delignification
potential of peracetic acid (PAA) as an alternative to sulfur-based kraft pulping technology. Laboratory
studies have shown that PAA is a powerful and selective delignification agent of wood. We performed
the PAA delignification of unextracted and HW-extracted sugar maple under room temperature. It was
confirmed that PAA has a very good selectivity for unextracted sugar maple; however, a reduced
selectivity on the wood after HWE was also observed. In an attempt to increase selectivity, a step of
ethanol extraction of wood was added between HWE and PAA delignification. Based on our previous
study, ethanol could remove extra lignin while protecting wood polysaccharides in HW-extracted wood.
The results showed that the selectivity of PAA delignification of HW-ethanol-extracted wood increased
almost twice compared with that of HW-extracted wood. This opens a pathway for a sequential nonsulfur-based delignification of wood consisting of the HWE step followed by extraction with ethanol and
PAA delignification.
21. EFFECT OF HOT-WATER EXTRACTION ON NON-CARBOHYDRATE COMPONENTS OF HARDWOODS
Goundalkar MJ, Bujanovic B, and Amidon TE
Department of Paper and Bioprocess Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-1 pm
Abstract: The results presented herein are part of a study to assess the contribution of noncarbohydrate components of hot-water extracts (HWE) and hot-water extracted wood to broaden the
scope of the hemicellulose based SUNY-ESF biorefinery by generating value-added chemicals. The HWE
of three hardwood species, namely willow, white birch and sugar maple, were analyzed by GC/MS for
low-molecular weight compounds by sequential extraction with organic solvents. These compounds
were compared to the extractives present in native wood chips. Pronounced dissimilarity between
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organic compounds in the HWE compared to those found in regular extractives is indicative of possible
lignin degradation during hot-water extraction. For example, compounds such as p-hydroxybenzoic acid
and syringaldehyde were abundant in the HWE whereas the extractives were rich in long chain
hydrocarbons and fatty acids. Understanding the composition of organic compounds in HWE should
therefore give perspective on the nature of lignin after hot-water extraction and its subsequent
commercial viability along with possible utilization of these organic compounds as value-added platform
chemicals. Separation of such organic compounds would also lead to an increase in fermentation
efficiency of the hemicellulose rich HWE.
22. A LOOK AT THE ECONOMIC EFFICIENCIES OF CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES, THEIR DEPENDANCE ON
FOSSIL FUELS, AND FUTURE
Gupta AK, Murphy DJ, and Hall CAS
SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 1-2 pm
Abstract: A major tenet of most contemporary economists is that economic efficiency will increase
upon entering into the free-market. We have made an attempt to test this hypothesis for 20 Caribbean
nations. Although economic efficiency is rarely defined by economists in a way that is testable, we were
able to define a proxy economic efficiency as output as GDP over input as total national energy
consumption for the period of 1980 to 2006. For sensitivity analysis, we also included solar radiation
transformities to the denominators to see what effect the natural capital of each nation had to the
contribution of its GDP. We found that overall most Caribbean countries are becoming less efficient,
despite the increasing use of free market economic policies. We also found that the natural capital is not
contributing much to GDP compared to the consumption of fossil fuels, which contribute 90-100% to
energy consumption of all 20 countries. This percentage is on average higher than that for most other
regions. Given this declining efficiency and heavy economic dependence on fossil fuels, we conclude
that the future of the Caribbean region could become very unstable with the depletion of cheap fossil
fuels.
23. CHARACTERIZING CRITICAL THERMAL ENVIRONMENTS: APPLICATIONS TO HABITAT SUITABILITY
MODELING FOR MOOSE (ALCES ALCES)
Haase CG and Underwood HB
Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: Analyses have revealed that moose populations in the Midwest have been declining over the
last 40 years; biologists believe that these declines are attributed to warming temperatures. Although
moose can survive in cold temperatures due to their large body size, thick skin, and dense coat, they are
vulnerable to heat stress; thus their southern range boundary is defined by temperature. Moose
become heat stressed at temperatures as low as –5°C in the late winter and 14°C in summer, as solar
radiation and ambient temperatures increase. Because moose are physiologically limited in their ability
to dissipate heat, they resort to behavioral thermoregulation to avoid thermal stress. I used
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measurements of temperature in the field, analyses of hemispherical photographs, and GIS to build a
model of operative temperature (which incorporates solar radiation and wind speed along with
temperature) for three forest cover-types in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. Operative
temperatures calculations reflected changes in solar radiation, which decreased throughout the season
in a direct relationship to canopy openness. Hardwoods, with the highest canopy openness in spring,
contained the highest operative temperatures, while softwoods exhibited less solar radiation
transmission; both decreased in openness and operative temperature in summer. The model was
validated with black-globe thermometer readings taken throughout the park. The agreement between
predicted and observed operative temperatures was good despite the variation in stand structure and
microclimate. My analysis corroborates the importance of conifer stands to the yearlong heat balance of
moose, which I outline in a spatially-explicit, habitat suitability model.
24. SPATIAL VARIATION IN HYPORHEIC FLUX ALONG A RIVER WITH TIGHT MEANDER BENDS
Han B
Departments of Environmental Science and Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY ESF
Advisor: Ted Endreny
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12:30-1:30 pm
Abstract: River meander bends tighten as they approach cutoff, and the flow of river water across the
meander point bar is termed hyporheic flux. As the river evolves, cutoff occurs at the point bar neck.
Current morphological theory of river evolution predicts hyporheic flux will intensify at the point bar as
the river meander tightens and the width of the point bar neck narrows, but no evidence has been
presented to support this theory. We used a laboratory river-groundwater system and computer
simulations of river-groundwater system to document spatial changes in river elevation and hyporheic
flux along tight meander bends. Our laboratory results provide data supporting model theory. The
laboratory river-groundwater system, 2.1m long by 0.9m wide, held 0.3mm sand with flows of 20ml/s,
and generated tight meander bends in approximately 60-min. When meander tightness approached
cutoff, hydraulic gradients were surveyed and hyporheic flux measured with dye injection and tracking.
At the meander neck, hydraulic gradients were steepest, and hyporheic flux was greatest. As river
distance approached the meander apex, which is furthest from the neck, gradients flattened, and
hyporheic flux weakened. Computer simulation supports these trends, and suggests hydraulic gradients
and hyporheic fluxes are affected by the immediate meander geometry and neighboring meander
geometry. Initial field results from Labrador Creek, Truxton, NY, support our laboratory and computer
results.
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25. MONITORING TAP WATER FOR TRACE CONTAMINANTS USING AN ON-LINE, REAL-TIME,
MEMBRANE-BASED EXTRACTION CELL
Harrington L and Hassett JP
Department of Environmental Chemistry, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: Tap water quality is always of concern, but testing is usually infrequent due to the time and
costs involved. Many tap water sources begin with natural bodies of water, usually fresh water lakes,
which are subject to changing conditions and are often susceptible to contamination from sources such
as agricultural runoff and recreational boating. A membrane-based extraction cell has been designed to
monitor a continuous supply of water, such as that leaving a water treatment plant, for volatile and
semi-volatile organic contaminants. The extraction cell consists of two stainless steel plates with
channels machined out of them and a polydimethylsiloxane membrane between them. The water
sample flows on one side of the membrane and a clean gas stream flows on the other. The cell is heated
to aid in the transport of compounds from the sample to the gas stream. From the cell, the gas stream
passes through a trap to further concentrate the analytes before being directed to a GC-MS for analysis.
Syracuse tap water has been monitored over the summer of 2009 for trihalomethanes (THM) and the
gasoline components: benzene, toluene, m,p-xylene, o-xylene, and propylbenzenes. Tap water for the
City of Syracuse usually comes from Skaneateles Lake, which is also used for recreational boating. THM
levels remained mostly constant throughout the summer. Increases in gasoline components in the tap
water were observed over summer weekends, from a background level of 5-10 ng/L per compound to
peak concentrations around 50 ng/L.
26. THE INFLUENCE OF LANDSCAPE FACTORS ON LONG-TERM BEAVER SITE OCCUPANCY
Harrison AH1, Stella JC1, McNulty S2
1
2
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources Management, Adirondack Ecological Center, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12:30-2 pm
Abstract: The recovery of beaver (Castor canadensis) populations since the cessation of widespread
trapping in the early 20th century represents an important non-equilibrium disturbance process in
northern forests. Beaver not only alter ecosystems by impounding water and creating ponds, but also
by removing woody vegetation from the surrounding terrestrial ecosystems, which changes forest
community structure. The duration of beaver occupancy is determined by natural landscape and forest
suitability and it is enhanced by the habitat alterations made by beaver to the landscape. The
magnitude of beaver impacts on the landscape, and conversely, the landscape and habitat factors that
sustain their long-term populations, cannot be fully understood with short-term (<5 yrs) records of
beaver occupancy in forests communities that change over decadal scales. Using a multi-decadal
dataset (30 yrs) we established predictors of beaver occupancy, theorizing that long-term occupancy at
a site is a function of forest resources (food quality and quantity), the landscape’s capacity to support
suitable beaver habitat (e.g. topography and hydrology), and the site-specific costs required for dam
construction and maintenance. We used linear modeling to evaluate these influences on the duration of
beaver occupancy at 14 pond and wetland sites in the central Adirondack Mountains, New York. We
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included all non-correlated variables into alternative, plausible regression models to predict the
duration of site occupancy and selected the optimal model using AIC. The best model for predicting
beaver occupancy (R2 = 0.90) included beaver forage area, total dam volume and hardwood stand basal
area within the forage area.
27. EFFECTS OF PH ON PARTIAL NITRIFICATION AND ANAEROBIC AMMONIUM OXIDATION IN
ECOLOGICAL TREATMENT SYSTEMS
He Y and Tao W
Department of Environmental Resources Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12:30-1:30 pm
Abstract: High ammonia removal has been reported under anaerobic and low-oxygen conditions in
constructed wetlands, which were attributed to partial nitrification (conversion of ammonium to nitrite)
and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox), in addition to conventional nitrification and
denitrification pathways. This study is to better understand the partial nitrification - anammox process in
different ecological treatment systems and to find out optimum pH value for operation. We set up two
types of ecological treatment systems, two biofilters, which are filled with marble chips, and two free
water surface constructed wetlands. We used slag, a byproduct of metal smelting with main
composition of metallic oxides, to increase pH to 8.2-8.5 in one biofilter and one constructed wetland.
All four treatment systems are fed and drained every seven days, with synthetic influent (300 mg/L
NH4Cl-N). Through the initial 5 weeks of operation, the biofilter with slag already showed slightly higher
removal efficiency than the other one. We expect partial nitrification and anammox be further
enhanced under basic conditions (pH 8.2-8.5) after a certain period of acclimatization. Stable isotopic
tracers will be used to verify and quantify the occurrence of partial nitrification and anammox relative to
nitrification and denitrification.
28. A PROMISING ALTERNATIVE SURVEY METHOD FOR EMERALD ASH BORER USING THE WASP
CERCERIS FUMIPENNIS
Hellman WE and Fierke, MK
Department of Environmental Science and Forestry, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12:30-2 pm
The invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis Fairmare, Coleoptera: Buprestidae) has
caused widespread ash mortality in North America since its discovery in Michigan over a decade ago.
The beetle has spread to 13 states and two Canadian provinces and was discovered June 2009 in the
town of Randolph in southwestern New York. Early detection of new populations is necessary for
effective management. We are using a native digger wasp, Cerceris fumipennis Say, that hunts buprestid
beetles as it is an efficient and effective survey tool for EAB. Last summer, we identified 18 C.
fumipennis colonies throughout the state but did not find any colonies near the infested area. From
these colonies, 318 buprestid beetles were collected representing 28 species from 11 genera. This
summer, we will experimentally establish wasp colonies at three locations near Randolph, NY to
facilitate delimitation of the infestation and determine direction of spread. We will continue to monitor
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the colonies for new EAB infestations in high risk areas and build phenologies of presence and
abundance of our native beetles. In addition, we will use C. fumipennis to establish baseline data to
evaluate changes in presence and abundance of native beetles post release of exotic parasitoids against
EAB in Michigan to control EAB. This research will provide valuable information for early detection and
response to new EAB outbreaks as well as contributing to our understanding of the Randolph infestation
and will provide essential data to evaluate effects of releases of exotic parasitoids.
29. OPTIMIZATION OF ANAEROBICALLY DIGESTED DAIRY MANURE PARAMETERS FOR PHOSPHORUS
RECOVERY
Huchzermeier M and Tao W
Department of Environmental Resources Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12:30-2 pm
Abstract: Recovering phosphorus from wastewater is increasingly used as a treatment technology for
removing nutrients from waste streams which are known to cause environmental impacts such as
eutrophication. Phosphorus can be recovered from wastewater in the form of a precipitate: magnesium
ammonium phosphate hexahydrate (MAP). Also referred to as struvite, precipitated MAP is crystallized
and applied as a solid fertilizer for agricultural, residential, and recreational land-use applications due to
its slow-release properties. To enhance struvite precipitation and crystallization, wastewater must be
pH-adjusted and supplemented with magnesium. Anaerobically digested dairy manure samples were
collected from the SUNY Morrisville Dairy Complex and found to be rich in ammonium and phosphates.
Several bench-scale tests were conducted to determine optimal pH-adjustment and magnesium
amendment parameters specific to anaerobically digested liquid dairy manure. Precipitates were
separated by filtration through 1.0μm pore size glass fiber filters and observed under stereoscopic
microscope for crystal structure. An air-lift pump driven reactor will be used to test the efficacy of
struvite crystallization under the optimum pH adjustment and magnesium amendment parameters. By
recycling nutrients, recovering phosphorus by struvite precipitation and crystallization offers farmers a
more sustainable approach to manure management.
30. SUPER-RESOLUTION RECONSTRUCTION USING INDICATOR VARIOGRAMS AND LOCAL SPATIAL
STRUCTURE
Jin H and Mountrakis G
Department of Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 1-2 pm
Abstract: Super-resolution reconstruction is a recently developed research issue in the field of remotely
sensed information processing. It provides the possibility to obtain land cover maps at a finer scale using
relatively low-resolution images. The current algorithm based on indicator geostatistics provides a
methodological framework for incorporating prior information. However, there are still some unsolved
issues, such as the inference of a structural model at the target resolution and the optimization of the
multiple realizations, which constrain the implementation of this method.
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Considering these problems, we proposed a new method of super-resolution reconstruction using local
spatial structure. Indicator variograms extracted from high-resolution classification results over
representative local areas (as opposed to the entire image) were used to characterize the spatial
structure of different land cover classes. The obtained structural models were then used in the
subsequent downscaling process. We also applied post-processing methods to the optimization of the
multiple realizations to achieve a higher accuracy of the resulting thematic maps at a finer scale. The
initial results of a case study indicated our methodology as a promising alternative.
31. LINKING TRADITIONAL AGROFORESTRY PRACTICES OF THE TSOTSIL MAYA IN SANTO DOMINGO
LAS PALMAS, CHIAPAS, MEXICO TO ECOSYSTEM BIODIVERSITY, LAND MANAGEMENT
SUSTAINABILITY, AND COMMUNITY SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING.
Kelsen S and Diemont S
Departments of Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: The Tsotsil Maya of Santo Domingo las Palmas, Chiapas, Mexico practice various forms of land
management, including traditional agroforestry, corn (milpa) farming, and cattle ranching, while
maintaining surrounding communal forest land. Tsotsil traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) originates
in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, therefore its application to lowland forest ecosystems provides a
working example of biocultural restoration and adaptation. Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) may
offer tools for ecological engineering to sustainably integrate human needs, ecological restoration,
sustainability, and conservation. This study aims to understand how the land management techniques
practiced by the Tsotsil Maya affect their subjective well-being, ecosystem biodiversity, and land
management sustainability. The goal of the study is to better understand the link between humans’
well-being, or happiness, and ecosystem health and to create a community-scale indicator framework
for the assessment of this relationship within various production systems. TEK may offer insight to the
western world in envisioning humans as part of their ecosystem, a fundamental principal of ecological
engineering. Land management sustainability was assessed using Emergy analysis and was coupled with
an assessment of subjective well-being using a modified Psychological Needs Theory questionnaire.
Ecosystem biodiversity, immediate use of planted species, and soil-fertility enhancement was assessed
through collaborative fieldwork with local farmers.
32. COMPARISION OF TOTAL BELOWGROUND CARBON ALLOCATION IN YOUNG AND MATURE
HARDWOOD FORESTS IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Kikang B1, Yanai RD1, and Fahey TJ2
1
2
Department of Forest and Natural Resource Management, SUNY ESF, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell
University
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12:30-1:30 pm
Abstract: Soil is the largest terrestrial reservoir of carbon. On a global scale, understanding the total
belowground carbon allocation (TBCA) is critical to determine the global carbon budget. Three young
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sites (27 to 31 years) and three mature sites (more than 120 years) are chosen to compare soil carbon
dynamics in northern hardwood forests in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. In this study, TBCA
was estimated by measuring the difference between annual rates of soil CO2 efflux and litterfall
production. The specific aims of this paper are: to report how TBCA differed in their responses to
environmental factors between the young and mature forests, and to figure out the factors such as fine
root biomass and litterfall production affecting TBCA. TBCA was higher in mature forests than young
forests because seasonal patterns of soil CO2 efflux were higher in mature forests than young forests.
However, litterfall productions in both young and mature forests were not significantly different. Soil
CO2 efflux showed a correlation with soil temperature and fine root biomass, but no correlation with
litterfall production. Most likely, mature forests have higher TBCA because by more fine root biomass.
Also, we expected more TBCA at the mature sites due to deeper soil layer and greater biological activity.
This result can suggest that mature forests have more capacity to sequestrate carbon in soil than young
forests. Even though it is difficult to estimate carbon in soil, considering belowground carbon would be
at least as important as considering aboveground carbon.
33. THE LAKE THAT WAS: HISTORIC HABITATS OF ONONDAGA LAKE
Landis CL1, Kimmerer RW1, Leopold DJ1, Hall M2, and Czowlowski E2
1
2
Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, Department of Environmental Studies, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 1-2 pm
Abstract: The goal of this project is to illuminate the historical ecology of Onondaga Lake including flora
and fauna, as well as more general characters relating to lake hydrology, soils, and nutrient status. These
data should inform the discussion of Onondaga Lake restoration by highlighting reference conditions
both ecological and cultural. What was Onondaga Lake like prior to extensive European settlement and
what cultural practices maintained it so? We researched old maps, texts, newspapers, local flora,
theses, and other written documents. We also interviewed experts in history, hydrogeology, fisheries,
botany. Findings to date suggest that Onondaga Lake supported remarkably varied and rich habitats, as
well as abundant wildlife and fisheries. Evidence points to varied hydrogeologic settings and salinity
gradients which resulted in a diversity of plant and animal communities. Wetlands such as northern
white cedar swamps and inland salt marshes fringed lake margins. Various wildlife including passenger
pigeons (Ectopistes migratorius), elk (Cervus elaphus), and bison (Bison bison) visited the salt springs.
Eastern massasagua rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus) were also present around the lake. In aquatic
habitats Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), American eel (Anguilla rostrata), burbot (Lota lota), lake sturgeon
(Acipenser fulvescens) were once plentiful. Results underline the magnitude of lost biological capital,
and ecosystem services associated with this damaged lake and its tributaries. The historical data can
also help recover the Lake's image in the public eye and “raise the bar” for restoration efforts. This
project represents a continuing effort with many sources yet to be tapped.
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34. NEW TECHNIQUES IN SOIL SAMPLING: METHODS TO IMPROVE LONG-TERM ECOLOGICAL
RESEARCH
Levine CR1, Yanai RD1, Hamburg SP2, Wielopolski L3, and Mitra S3
1
2
Department of Forest and Natural Resource Management, SUNY ESF, Center for Environmental Studies, Brown
3
University, Brookhaven National Laboratory
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12:30-2 pm
Abstract: A major source of uncertainty in the calculation of nutrient budgets results from imprecise
and inaccurate soil sampling techniques. Traditional soil sampling methods, such as soil coring are
limited in rocky soils and often underestimate root and rock volume. Quantitative soil pits resolve this
problem, but are notably laborious. To improve limitations of traditional measurements, we are testing
a novel method of soil collection and analysis at sites in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont. We
tested a gas-powered, diamond-bit drill which can core through large roots and rocks to a depth of 90
cm or more, thereby eliminating the biases of manual coring. The samples we collected were compared
to soils collected via quantitative soil pits located within 2 m of the core to determine if exchangeable
cation concentrations were consistent between power-cored soils and pit soils.
We expected to find higher cation concentrations in the soil cores as compared to the pits, as a result of
ground rock that enters the core during sampling. We found significantly higher concentrations of Al
(p<0.001), Ca (p=0.03), Fe (p<0.001), K (p=0.002), Mg (p<0.001), Mn (p=0.04), and Si (p<0.001) in the
cores as compared to the pits. Analyses of different segments of the cored samples revealed
significantly higher concentrations of Mg (p=0.04) and Sr (p=0.008) at the edge of the core, presumably
due to this contamination by ground rock. This method offers important improvements in speed and
reproducibility over traditional methods of soil sampling, and can improve our understanding
belowground ecological processes.
35. A VOLUMETRIC APPROACH TO POPULATION ESTIMATION USING LIDAR REMOTE SENSING
Lu Z and Im J
Department of Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 1-2 pm
Abstract: Population information is important for many socio-economic applications including urban
planning, conservation planning and management of natural resources. This research investigated the
usability of LiDAR data for population estimation at census block level using a volumetric approach. The
study area is near the downtown of Denver, CO, and contains different types of residential buildings. A
modified morphology filtering algorithm was developed to extract building footprints using three LiDARderived surfaces: a first return-based height surface (first return – bare Earth), a last return-based height
surface (last return – bare Earth), and the difference of first and last return surfaces. Residential
buildings with categories of single-family houses and multiple-family houses (i.e., apartments) were then
identified from the building footprints using the parcel data. The volume of the residential buildings
calculated using LiDAR-derived information was used to estimate population based on both simple and
multiple linear regression analyses. A conventional area-based approach was also evaluated for
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comparison. The assessment of population estimation included calibration and validation with four
statistical metrics (i.e., R2, adjust R2, RMSE, and relative RMSE). The results indicated that the volumebased approach outperformed the area-based one, and the volumetric approach based on multiple
regression resulted in the most accurate population estimation. This LiDAR-based research provided a
novel methodology for population estimation in regions where various types of residential buildings are
mixed.
36. INCORPORATING INTERMEDIATE RESULTS IN REMOTE SENSING CLASSIFIERS
Luo L and Mountrakis G
Departments of Environmental Science and Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: With the constant proliferation of computational power, our ability to develop hybrid
classifiers has increased. Hybrid classifiers integrate results from multiple algorithms and often improve
classification accuracy. In our research, a hierarchical context-specific multi-process system was
investigated to map impervious surface at a pixel level. The classification process is comprised of a series
of steps. In each step, parts of the dataset are classified while the rest are forwarded to subsequent
classifiers. Partial classification results from prior classifiers were processed to create "intermediate
inputs" which are used to assist classification of subsequent steps. These additional intermediate inputs
were based on spatial and texture statistics calculated on a partially classified image.
For the purpose of studying the characteristics of intermediate inputs and whether it improves
classification accuracy in subsequent steps, the "intermediate inputs" concept was implemented on an
impervious surface classification task using a 2001 Landsat ETM+ image from central New York area.
Classification results by using intermediate inputs and not were compared which demonstrated that
intermediate inputs improved classification accuracy compared to traditional classification methods and
successfully tackled traditionally different problems such as separation of impervious surfaces and soil.
37. EFFECTS OF SULFITE PRE-TREATMENTS ON LIGNOCELLULOSICS
Mahmud S and Lai YZ
Department of Paper and Bioprocess Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-1:30 pm
Abstract: The extent of delignification of different pulps by different sulfite pretreatments was
evaluated in this study. Sodium Sulfite was used for the study as the reactions of sulfite groups are more
predictable and applicable. The sulfite group attacks the alpha-ether linkage of the phenolic structure,
which is very effective in removing more lignin from the pulps. Both softwood and hardwood
unbleached Kraft pulps were treated with sulfite solutions (pH 4.1 and 7.5 ) at 150 °C (90 minute) and
165°C for two time intervals (30 and 90 minutes) in the lab using autoclaves. Bisulfite treatment
removed a significant amount of residual lignin over the neutral sulfite solution. We found that higher
temperature (165°C) and higher time (90 minute) of reaction with bisulfite treatment is more effective
in delignification (up to 28.32% lignin removal % from UBSWP , 40.4% from UBHWP) over the neutral
sulfite treatment (25.26% from UBSWP, 28.22% from UBHWP), although resulted in higher yield% loss
(80.66% yield% with bisulfite and 84.4% with neutral sulfite treatment for UBSWP and 77.32% with
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bisulfite and 84.7% with neutral sulfite treatment for UBHWP at 165°C after 90 minutes). The percent
lignin removal was comparable for both softwood and hardwood pulps. The study proved that
delignification and sulfonation is directly related to the phenolic hydroxyl group contents of the lignin.
The reactivity of the lignin increased significantly by sulfite treatments and generated phenoxyl groups.
The phenolic groups of the sulfonated pulp samples were found significantly higher than that of the
untreated samples for both the softwood and hardwood samples. At the second stage, anthroquinone
treatment of the sulfonated woodmeals showed further delignification of both the pulps, although
resulted in further yield losses.
38. SAWTIMBER PROCUREMENT PRESSURE AND SUSTAINED YIELD MANAGEMENT ON NONINDUSTRIAL PRIVATE FORESTLANDS OF VERMONT’S NORTHERN FOREST
Maker NF and Germain RH
Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: not available
Abstract: Non-industrial private forestlands (NIPF) make up the majority of forestlands in the Northern
Forest. Management trends on NIPF therefore have broad implications for the whole of the region. To
create a sustainable Northern Forest we must better understand those factors that influence forest
management on NIPF. Harvesting decisions are closely tied to regional sawtimber markets. There is no
empirical evidence, however, to show the effects of sawtimber demand on the sustainability of forest
management in the region. This study builds on recently published geospatial data of saw log
procurement pressure across the Northern Forest to explore the relationship between procurement
pressure and sustained yield management on NIPF. Field measurements will be made on approximately
90 recently harvested NIPF properties with 25 acres or more of forestland across a four-county area of
Vermont that is within the Northern Forest. Forest stocking and Acceptable Management Practices will
be evaluated to determine the extent of sustained yield management used on each property and
procurement pressure will be determined based on the location of each property. The management
trends that are described will help forest managers, outreach personnel, and policy makers to promote
and facilitate sustainable use of the Northern Forest.
39. FEEDING HABITS OF POECILIA ELEGANS (PISCES: POECILIIDAE) IN THE MASIPEDRO RIVER,
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Marmolejo Hernández A1, Ortíz Arias RO2, Rodríguez Peña CM2, and Bastardo Landrau RH2
1
2
Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY ESF, Department of Biology, Autonomous University of
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: We studied the diet of Poecilia elegans Trewavas, 1948 (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) by
analysing the digestive tract of 27 specimens collected in the Masipedro river, Monseñor Nouel
Province, Dominican Republic, from January to July of 2006. The composition of the digestive tract
contents was expressed as frequency and occurrence numbers, with an intestinal index. The results of
the analysis indicate that this fish feeds on a variety of taxa, mostly aquatic insects such as
Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Diptera, and Hymenoptera; among them, the Chironomidae family
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(Diptera) is the most important part in their diet. Incidental elements in their diet include
Bacillariophyta, mites, and gravel. Food similarities among adult males and females is more likely that
between them and juveniles. Due to the contents, it can be inferred that P. elegans is a secondary
consumer and a detritivore, with euriphagic diet, with generalist and opportunist behavior, preferring
mainly insects.
40. PRODUCTION OF BIOFUEL AND HYDROGEN BY ELECTROCHEMICAL REFORMATION OF BIODERIVED LEVULILIC ACID
Ming YL, Yuan Y, Tanenbaum S, and Cabasso I
Department of Chemistry, Polymer Research, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 1-2 pm
Abstract: Levulinic acid (LA) is generated from biomass (mainly from paper industry as waste byproduct.) has a great potential to be utilized as an industry platform material. Converting carbon-based
biomass into fuel via thermochemical and biological processes has been shown to be effective in a
limited way. A new method has been developed to produce fuel from levulinic acid by an electroorganic
synthesis method which employs the most economic and clean reagent, the electron. In this study, LA
has been converted into 2,7-octanedione (diketone) by electrosynthesis (Kolbe reaction) using Pt
electrodes. At the same time a stoichiometric amount of hydrogen (a clean energy source) is generated
at cathode. The electroorganic synthesis is conducted in methanol/water mixture solvent. The results
show only diketone is produced when using pure methanol as a solvent. However, when
methanol/water mixture used as a solvent, a second product, triketone, is found. As water content
increases in the solvent, the ratio of triketone and diketone increase linearly. The electrosynthesis is also
conducted using LA with a series carboxylic acid (such as butyric acid, hexanoic acid) to produce aliphatic
ketones. The products (ketones) of electrosynthesis are further deoxygenated into alkanes. The yields of
the ketones are between 50 ~92%. The current efficiency for the electrolysis reaches 60 ~ 82 %. All the
products have been identified by GC-MS, 1H, 13C, and 2-D NMR (COSY, HSQC and HMBC).
41. SEDIMENTATION OF HIGHLY REFINED PULP
Mishra G, Doelle K, and Ramarao BV
SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-1 pm
Abstract: Need of filler-fine composite as a sustainable filler material and increased use of secondary
fiber necessitates a method to characterize highly refined pulp i.e. fine. The increase of filler content and
secondary fiber in paper has been driven by many factors involving cost, competition, quality and
sustainability. However, as filler and secondary fiber loading is increased paper strengths, bulk, stiffness;
all decreased. Fine characteristics impact processing, such as, drainage, dewatering, wet pressing and
drying. It also determines the performance of paper, additives, retention aids, adsorption etc. As fine
characteristic has influence on various paper making processes, a method of describing fines is in
demand. For highly refined pulps i.e. fine; freeness do not scale properly with properties (tensile etc.),
SR or CSF may not have sufficient range to distinguish differently treated pulps. Over the year it has
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been realized that the quality of fines may be expressed in terms of basic material properties; like
permeability and compressibility. Water permeation, filtration, centrifugation and sedimentation
methods are the major methods people have been using to determine these basic material properties.
This study used compressibility as a means to characterize the highly refined pulp i.e. fine. The method
used for this purpose is sedimentation. In sedimenting suspensions, we speak of the gel point &#966;g.
The gel point depends on initial consistency and characteristics of fine. Above this point, the suspension
supports a compressive stress by showing a finite strain and the particles interact with each other
through a variety of forces: bending elastic, friction etc. Consolidation of pulp suspensions and
constitutive relationships to compressibility has been analyzed. The focus here is on the rheological
parameters (Sw, vf, &#966;g, m, n) to describe the system. The equilibrium sediment height technique
has been used to determine compressibility
42. ANALYSIS OF THE SPATIAL PATTERN OF DEVELOPMENT IN WESTERN CONNECTICUT
Myers S and Hall M
Departments of Environmental and Forest Biology and Environmental Science, SUNY-ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: Western Connecticut, containing the highly forested Highlands, contains a range of land
development forms, from clustered urban to less contiguous exurban development. Understanding the
factors that explain this continuum of development pattern is important for land use planning that aims
to protect ecosystem services. We hypothesized that the spatial contiguity (i.e. clustering) of newly
developed land is influenced by: 1) initial contiguity of development, 2) percentage of previously
undeveloped land covered by new development, 3) distance from cities with a relatively large
population (>100,000), 4) percentage of public land, 5) and median personal income in the area. To test
these hypotheses we constructed a regression model of the spatial contiguity of new development
(developed between 1985 and 2006) averaged within U.S. Census block groups (CBGs) as a function of
the five explanatory variables also summarized per census block group. All explanatory variables were
statistically significant with slope coefficients of the expected sign. Results indicate that: 1) CBGs of
lower contiguity in 1985 exhibited lower contiguity of new development, 2) CBGs with a lower
proportion of new development exhibited less clustering, 3) CBGs more distant from larger cities had
lower contiguity of new development, 4) CBGs with a greater portion of public land had lower contiguity
of new development, and 5) greater median income per CBG resulted in lower contiguity, and hence less
clustered new development. Based on these results, lower development rates may result in less forest
loss but greater landscape fragmentation potential per developed unit.
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43. REAL-TIME SENSING AND TIME-RESOLVED SAMPLING OF ORGANIC CHEMICALS IN ONONDAGA
LAKE
Oakes RL, Croskrey JM, and Hassett JP
Department of Chemistry, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-1:30 pm
Abstract: This research seeks to develop and deploy two buoy-borne systems that can generate real
time data on the presence and concentrations of trace hydrophobic organic contaminants in Onondaga
Lake. This project will demonstrate the ability of this device to identify contaminant sources or monitor
the progress of remediation efforts. The data can also be used to determine the efficacy of partitioning
models that predict the exchange of hydrophobic compounds between water bodies and the
atmosphere. Hydrophobic compounds in the water will selectively diffuse into solvent-filled, semipermeable membrane tubing suspended underneath the buoy. The extract will flow through an
absorbance and fluorescence detector and into collection tubes so it can be further analyzed in the
laboratory. Data will be collected continuously onboard the buoy and will be downloaded remotely
from shore. Initially, two solvents, hexane and ethanol, will be compared for extraction efficiency. We
expect that this new sampling method will reduce sample preparation time in the laboratory, reduce the
volume of toxic solvents necessary for analysis, and dramatically increase the understanding of
Onondaga Lake contaminants by generating time-resolved data. This poster will present preliminary
data demonstrating the capabilities of the extraction cell and detectors before field deployment in the
summer of 2010.
44. WATER AND HEAT FLUXES THROUGH A WILLOW-BASED EVAPOTRANSPIRATION LANDFILL COVER
SYSTEM
Ofori D1, Daley DJ1, Volk T2, and Lautz L3
1
2
Department of Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY ESF, Department of Forest and Natural
3
Resources Management, SUNY-ESF, Department of Earth Sciences, Syracuse University
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12:30-1:30 pm
Abstract: The microclimate of a site is important in determining water consumption and transpiration
rates of vegetation. When designing engineered ecosystems, vegetation can be used to modify the
microclimate of a site and influence both the water and energy budget to achieve project goals. This
study assessed water and heat fluxes of two willow varieties (S. miyabeana (9882-34) and S. purpurea
(SX64)) during the first year of regrowth following coppicing. The willows are planted in soil-like
amended waste near Syracuse, NY as part of a landfill cover system. Water and temperature profiles in
the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum (SPAC) were measured as indicators of the effect of canopy and
waste features on heat and water fluxes. ANOVA and correlation analyses showed water loss in the
open and rough canopy (9882-34) was by plant transpiration and surface evaporation from amended
waste. In contrast, water flux in the uniform- closed canopy (SX64) was mainly by plant transpiration
while water loss in the un-vegetated (control) area was by soil evaporation. The one-dimensional
Simultaneous Heat and Water (SHAW) model estimated soil moisture, air temperature and relative
humidity in the SPAC. RRMSE between estimated and measured soil water content, soil temperature, air
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temperature and relative humidity in vegetated areas ranged from 17-24%, 8.6-14.7%, 7.8-20.7% and
8.2-12.6%, respectively. RRMSE for these parameters in the un-vegetated area were 18-28%, 9-14.3%,
6.3-8.3% and 4.9-13.6%, respectively.
45. MONITORING OF THE LAKE ONTARIO NEARSHORE USING REAL-TIME FLUORESCENCE
Pavlac MM1, Smith TT1, Thomas SP1, Boyer GL1, Makarewicz JC2, Lewis TW2, Edwards WJ3, Pennuto CM4,
Basiliko CP4, and Atkinson JF5
1
2
3
4
5
Department of Chemistry, SUNY ESF, SUNY-Brockport, Niagara University, Buffalo State University, University
at Buffalo
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: As part of the Lake Ontario Nearshore Nutrient Survey (LONNS) in 2008, continuous real-time
monitoring was conducted in the nearshore waters bordering New York. A ferry-box composed of
commercial fluorometers was deployed to map algal distribution and water quality parameters. Three
different fluorometers, including the Turner Designs Algaewatch/Cyanowatch, the Hydrolab Sonde, and
the BBE Fluoroprobe, measured algal distribution as indicated by chlorophyll and phycocyanin
fluorescence. Additionally, water samples were collected for in-lab pigment extraction. Fluorescence
measurements from all three fluorometers will be compared to extracted pigment values to determine
which instrument is the most effective for nearshore monitoring. Ferry-box data will also be used to
illustrate the temporal and spatial changes in algal distribution and physical data in the nearshore
throughout the sampling season.
46. RECP'S - RAINSPLASH TESTING
Smith J1, Pullen A2
1
2
Department of Wood Products Engineering, Landscape Architecture, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-1 pm
Abstract: Since the creation of our earth, the landscape has been ever-changing due to the
displacement and relocation of soil particles that make up the landscape. The erosion of soil is a major
concern for the development, maintenance, and sustainability of our landscape. Weather, specifically
rain, is a major contributor to soil erosion. As raindrops strike soil surfaces, soil particles are dislodged,
transported by sheet flow, and redeposited. One of the most effective ways of minimizing soil erosion is
to provide ground cover. Ground covers, such as rolled erosion control products (RECPs), reduce the
erosivity of raindrops by intercepting them, dissipating their energy before they reach the underlying
soil. Although RECPs are widely used, engineers are often given little guidance on the selection of RECPs
beyond maximum allowable slope, velocity, and shear stress. RECPs can vary significantly in basic index
properties and overall field performance. Few studies have been conducted that relate basic index
properties to laboratory or field performance. Further, few studies have been conducted that explore
and evaluate the potential uses and beneficial properties of other natural fibers for use as RECPs.
A comparative laboratory bench-scale rainsplash study of existing natural-fiber RECPs (coconut, jute,
straw, and wood excelsior) and non-traditional natural fibers (willow, hemp, flax) will be conducted to
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evaluate their ability to minimize soil erosion and enhance the growth of vegetation on soil slopes. The
beneficial properties of natural fibers that contribute to their performance, such as their ability to
absorb water, will be evaluated.
47. FOREST RECOVERY ON ABANDONED FARMS OF THE AÑASCO RIVER WATERSHED OF WESTERN
PUERTO RICO
Quntero B
Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management, SUNY ESF
Advisor: Ruth Yanai
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12:30-2 pm
Abstract: A shift in macroeconomic strategies, from an agricultural to a light industrial economy led to
farm abandonment in the Añasco River Watershed of western Puerto Rico. Secondary forests have
regenerated naturally in these abandoned farmlands. Species composition and forest structure were
described for secondary forests at the Añasco River Watershed to assess tree community assemblage.
Plots were randomly chosen from an age class map produced from aerial images taken in 1936, 1963,
1994, 2001 and 1978 land cover data. Tree vegetation was sampled to calculate basal area, species
richness and Shannon-Weiner diversity index, which were used to assess forest structure. Non-Metric
Multidimensional Scaling and Indicator Species Analysis were used to determine community
assemblages. Significant differences were determined for forest structural characteristics for plots of the
same age, but with different land use histories. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMS) determined
distinct plant communities on abandoned coffee and coconut palm plantations, but not for abandoned
sugar cane plantations. Timber tree species Guarea guidonia and Callophylum calaba were determined
to be a community indicator species at the coffee plantation sites. Myrcia citrifolia, Annona glabra and
Sabal causiarum, three rare tree species at the Añasco River Watershed, thought to be eliminated by
deforestation, were identified at the study site. After centuries of intense agricultural practices and land
manipulation, forest structure and species composition are recovering in these secondary forests of
western Puerto Rico to levels similar of mature stands in the Luquillo Experimental Forest and in the
Cordillera Central of Puerto Rico.
48. THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS OF DECONSTRUCTING THE HOUSES OF OAKLAND STREET
Rann M
Department of Construction Management and Wood Products Engineering, SUNY ESF
Advisor: Kenneth Tiss
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-1:30 pm
Abstract: SUNY ESF will build a dormitory that will be certified under the United States Green Building
Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard. This dormitory will house
approximately 450 students adjacent to its campus on Oakland Street in Syracuse, NY. Another part of
this project involves the demolition of the existing homes on Oakland Street. The south side of this
street is lined with houses, mostly duplexes, which were built between 1920 and 1970. A majority of
these homes are currently being used as housing for approximately 100 students who attend SUNY ESF
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or nearby Syracuse University. These houses are located within the project boundaries will need to
come down. The method of removal of these homes is being discussed by various project stakeholders.
The debate centers on whether to demolish or to deconstruct these structures. This project focuses on
the possible benefits the community would enjoy if they are properly deconstructed instead of
demolished and sent into the existing waste stream.
49. PLANT GROWTH AND WATER STRESS RESPONSE OF HYBRID WILLOW (SALIX SPP.) AMONG SITES
AND YEARS IN CENTRAL NEW YORK
Schifman LA1, Stella JC1, Volk TA1, and Teece MA2
1
2
Department of Forest and Natural Resources Management, Department of Chemistry, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 1-2 pm
Abstract: Short rotation willow can be applied to various settings, including biomass production and
restoration projects. Quantifying plant stress due to water availability can help determine which variety
is best-suited for different projects. Here we used stable carbon isotopes to assess variation in growth
among four, three-year-old willow varieties planted in three sites, including a brownfield. The objectives
of our study were to: (1) compare 13C values between the whole plant and its largest stem to test a
cost-effective method for estimating whole-plant stress; (2) compare water use efficiency (assessed by
13
C) of varieties among sites and assess whether variety rankings change with site productivity; and (3)
assess changes in the relationship between above-ground productivity and water status over the threeyear growth rotation. The largest stem showed greater 13C enrichment than the whole plant (F1,70=4.36,
p=0.04), indicating higher vulnerability to water stress. Interannual plant stress depended on plant
varieties and sites (F6,72=2.73, p=0.02). Growing season precipitation patterns explained the greatest
differences in plant stress among years for the two agricultural sites but not at the brownfield. Biomass
production differed among varieties (F3,22=5.06, p=0.008), while site characteristics impacted variations
in water stress (F2,22=7.57, p=0.003). We found that variety SX64, having the highest growth rate and
overall greatest biomass production, is best-suited as a short-rotation crop in fertile settings. In contrast,
variety 9871-31 was hardiest, able to maintain comparable growth along a wider stress and fertility
gradient: This variety is most appropriate for stressful sites and those used for restoration and
remediation.
50. INFLUENCE OF RAINFALL EVENTS AND WOOD LOG SIZES ON LEACHING OF COPPER FROM
ALKALINE COPPER QUATERNARY TREATED WOOD
Shi S and Tao W
Department of Environmental Resources Engineering, SUNY-ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12:30-2 pm
Abstract: Health-awareness and environmental concern have resulted in the phase-out of chromate
copper arsenate (CCA) from wood preservatives in most residential applications in the US. Copperbased preservatives are formulated as replacements, such as alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), but
there are still environmental concerns including copper contamination of aquatic environments. The
objective of this study is to evaluate copper’s leachability from ACQ-treated wood by collecting rainfall
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leachate from 4 different wood piles, all with a volume of 0.15 m3. The wood piles include newly ACQtreated wood and untreated wood, each is built with red pine logs in two sizes (6"x6"x20" and
3"x3"x20"). Six rainfall leachate samples will be collected from the beginning to the end of each rainfall
event from each wood pile, and analyzed for total metals and dissolved metals by Inductively Coupled
Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Leaching rate of copper will be evaluated for all rainfall events to
investigate the different influences of rainfall frequencies, intensities, durations, and wood log sizes at a
significance level of 0.05. Leachate samples will also be analyzed for pH, temperature, total dissolved
solids, and chemical oxygen demand. Wood samples will be taken from surfaces exposing to rainfall
under different conditions, and analyzed for metal concentrations at different depths by Laser AblationInductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS) to investigate the relationship between
metal leaching rate and exposure conditions.
51. THE IMPACT OF MULTICOLLINEARITY ON SMALL SAMPLE HYDROLOGIC REGIONAL REGRESSION
Song P and Kroll CN
Department of Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12:30-1:30 pm
Abstract: In hydrologic applications, regional regression models can be employed to predict streamflow
discharges at ungauged river sites. Watershed characteristics used as explanatory variables in these
models are often highly correlated. In regression models, highly correlated explanatory variables causes
a phenomenon typically referred to as multicollinearity, which produces unstable parameter estimators
with inflated variances as well as other unfavorable properties. In addition, in hydrologic applications,
sample sizes are small. Here we compare a number of different regression estimators that can be
employed when multicollinearity is present: ordinary least squares, ordinary least squares with variance
inflation factors to screen for multicollinearity, principal component regression, and partial least squares
regression. Of interest is how well these methods perform under varying degrees of multicollinearity
and sample sizes. Two experiments are performed to compare these estimators. The first is a Monte
Carlo Simulation where synthetic data sets are generated with properties similar to that seen in
hydrologic applications. The second is a delete-one cross validation where USGS streamflow sites in
eastern United States are employed. For the delete-one cross validation experiment, watershed
characteristics are generated using a GIS toolset and available raster grids of meteorologic, topographic,
and geologic characteristics.
52. POTENTIAL DISCRIMINATION OF PHYTOPLANKTON ON THE BASIS OF THEIR PIGMENT
SIGNATURES
Sullivan JM and Boyer GL
Department of Chemistry, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: Cyanobacterial blooms in the Great Lakes are an emerging problem due to their production of
neurotoxic and hepatotoxic compounds. To protect recreational and drinking waters, it would be
beneficial to detect these organisms using in situ or autonomous techniques. Blooms of cyanobacteria
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can be discriminated from non-toxic green algal blooms by in situ fluorescence measurements (e.g.
phycocyanin). However, it is more difficult to differentiate non-toxic cyanobacteria from toxic genera.
Here we report on the use of carotenoid fingerprints as determined by high-performance liquid
chromatography coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and the use of a liquid waveguide
capillary cell (LWCC) to separate potentially toxic genera from non-toxic species. HPLC-DAD analysis of
Microcystis indicated that the major accessory pigments were beta, beta-carotene, echinenone, and
zeaxanthin. These pigments provide a fingerprint which was different from those obtained for other
genera. This information is being used in a 1 m LWCC flow cell coupled with a DAD detector and
processed with a similarity index to determine the taxonomic resolution of these optical fingerprints.
53. SWMM-BASED GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE ENHANCED STORM WATER MODELING
Sun N1, Myrna Hall M1, Daley D2, and Fernandez A3
1
2
Department of Environmental Science, SUNY-ESF, Department of Environmental Resources and Forest
3
Engineering, SUNY ESF, Syracuse Center of Excellence
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12:30-1:30 pm
Abstract: The City of Syracuse has a combined sewer system that collects both stormwater runoff and
sanitary wastewater in the same pipes. When heavy rain or snowmelt leads to an increased amount of
stormwater, the combined flow of wastewater and stormwater can exceed the conveyance capacity of
the combined sewer system and is discharged into Onondaga Lake. Promoting infiltration is one of the
primary methods for reducing urban stormwater runoff and in turn to improve water quality in
Onondaga Lake. Funded by Syracuse Center of Excellence, we conducted the field work measuring the
field infiltration rate of on-site Flexi-pave™ (porous paving) and traditional paving, and a rain garden
using the double-ring infiltrometer approach. The results presented that the infiltration rate of the Flexipave™ ranges from 829.85 to 1532.79 in/hr largely dependent on the permeability of the soil subgrade,
while the rain garden ranges from 76.6 to 234.7 in/hr primarily dependent on the antecedent soil
moisture condition. We also measured hourly surface temperature on Flexi-pave™ and traditional
pavers. It was found that Flexi-pave™ had lower heat capacity although its surface temperature was
higher than traditional pavers during the day. Funded by NSF-ULTRA grant, we are currently working on
building a tool, which will be incorporated into Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) to estimate
the stormwater runoff reduction resulting from proposed Green Infrastructure (GI) installation in the
City of Syracuse.
54. MONITORING THERMAL STRATIFICATION IN ONEIDA LAKE
Thomas S1, Holeck K2, Mills E2, and Boyer G1
1
2
Department of Chemistry, SUNY ESF, Cornell Biological Field Station at Shackleton Point
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-1 pm
Abstract: Oneida Lake is a shallow, eutrophic lake that is heavily influenced by weather patterns.
Located on a east –west axis with an average depth of about 10m, the lake is readily mixed by the
prevailing winds and generally considered to be not prone to stratification. In 2008 and 2009, we
maintained a buoy located near the Cornell Biological Field Station at Shackleton Point equipped with a
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thermistor string to monitor for temperature stratification, along with dissolved oxygen probes at 1m
and 10m. This information was collected hourly and coupled with additional water quality
measurements such as pH and chlorophyll. This information was available to researchers and educators
in real time through web access. Using this information, we were able to show that Oneida Lake
stratified at least twice during the course of the summer. These stratification events were associated
with changes in available oxygen between the surface and bottom waters. Dissolution of the
stratification was generally linked to storm events. Robotic buoy-based monitoring is an effective tool
for measuring stratification and potential anoxic events in this system. This information has important
implications for fisheries and lake managers. This work was supported by the Great Lakes Observing
System and Cornell’s Shackleton Point Biological Station.
55. TREE COMMUNITY DYNAMICS ON POWERLINE CORRIDORS COINCIDENT WITH GLOBAL CLIMATE
CHANGE: IMPLICATIONS FOR FORESTRY PRACTICE IN NEW YORK STATE
Treyger AL and Nowak CA
Department of Forest and Natural Resource Management, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: There is emerging evidence that on-going climate change is affecting species’ physiology,
distribution and phenology. However, there are few studies that examine tree seedling response to
climate change. Changes in tree species composition can be expected due to increasing temperatures,
with subsequent effects on silvicultural and forest management strategies. In New York, it is relatively
easy to create desired stands with appropriate management strategies; however, recent and future
climatic trends may change our ability to ensure abundant and adequate regeneration of desired
species’ number and abundance. This study’s objective was to examine changes in relative density of
tree species’ assemblages on powerline corridors from 1975-2003 in New York State. Powerline
corridors in New York are commonly surrounded by forests, which creates a constant seedling pressure
within a perpetual old-field environment. This unique combination of factors allowed us to examine tree
seedling establishment in a stable environment over a 28-year period, utilizing MANOVA as the primary
statistical analysis. Tree species’ dynamics varied between two ecological divisions within New York over
time, as well as between four provinces contained within two divisions. Northern pioneer species
declined across the state over the past 28 years, while the southern pioneer species increased in the hot
continental division. In the warm continental division, pine-hemlock assemblage increased in the
northeastern mixed forest province, and aspen-birch increased in the Adirondack province. It appears
that climate change may have some influence on dynamics in tree seedling composition that could
affect future silviculture and forest management decisions and expectations.
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56. FACTORS DRIVING MERCURY CONCENTRATIONS IN SNAPPING TURTLES
Turnquist M and Schlaepfer MA
Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: Mercury is a global pollutant that has deleterious impacts on ecosystems. Mercury deposited
onto the landscape can be transformed into methyl mercury and bioaccumulate up the food chain in
aquatic systems. Because of the dangers mercury possesses as a neurotoxin, many studies have sampled
mercury concentrations in wildlife tissues, generally fish species such as perch, and subsequently
correlated these with ecological variables. Here, we sampled mercury concentrations in snapping turtles
(Chelydra serpentine) across New York. Snapping turtles were chosen as the target species because of
their position in the food chain, long life-span, sedentary life style, and at times are consumed by
humans. The objectives of this study were to test which landscape (watershed composition), water (e.g.
pH), or turtle (e.g. size) characteristics correlated with mercury concentrations in snapping turtles. We
also test whether soft tissue mercury levels correlated with scute (shell) levels. Turtles were nonlethally sampled from ten lakes and wetlands across New York to incorporate a range of ecosystem
variables and water chemistry types. Body size and mercury levels were not significantly related.
Mercury concentrations in muscle of approximately 38% of the turtles tested exceeded US EPA limits of
0.3µg/g. There was a strong positive non-linear relationship between tissue mercury levels and scute
mercury, as scute concentrations were higher than muscle. Based on this study, mercury levels are
varied across New York, and mercury concentrations in turtles are highly dependent on the lake the
animal is from.
57. HOT-WATER EXTRACTION OF ASPEN WOODCHIPS
Wang Y and Liu S
Departments of Paper and Bioprocess Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: Starting from a wood-based biorefinery, the objective of this task is to study the kinetics of
aspen wood extracts during hot-water extraction. When wood is subject to hot-water extraction at
different temperatures (140 C, 150 C and 160 C) and different wood to liquor ratios (1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7
and 1:8), extractives, hemicelluloses and other components leach out into the extraction liquor. Woody
biomass can be leached out while the wood chips still remain rigid and maintains traditional utilities.
The wood extracts can be fractionated for platform chemicals such as monosaccharides, acetic acid,
methanol, furfurals, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. Xylo-oligomers were the predominant
component in wood extracts. Xylan initially dissolved as oligosaccharides and then depolymerized into
xylose. NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) 600 MHZ spectrometer can be employed to accomplish the
analysis and concentration tasks. It has been found that the concentration of several major components
have certain diversification trends, which were discussed in detail. The optimal condition of this study
was that the wood to liquor ratio was 1:4 at 160 C for 90 minutes, the xylose concentration was 10.42
g/L.
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58. BIOLOGICAL NITROGEN REMOVAL IN CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS USING NITRITATION AND
ANAMMOX PROCESS
Wen J and Tao W
Department of Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: Conventionally, nitrogen removal is achieved by nitrification and denitrification process.
Recently, partial nitrification (nitritation) and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) are integrated
in one-reactor or two-reactor processes to remove nitrogen from high-ammonia wastewaters.
Compared to conventional nitrification-denitrification process, the combination of nitritation and
anammox reduces 60% oxygen demand, and no organic carbon addition is required. Two vertical flow
constructed wetlands packed with marble chips and mini marble chips respectively were operated to
integrate nitritation and anammox in single constructed wetlands. The effects of influent nitrite
concentration, marble chip size, and hydraulic retention time on integration of nitritation and anammox
were examined. The two constructed wetlands were operated for 345 days. The results suggested that
the nitritation-anammox process was improved in the constructed wetlands at lower nitrite-N
concentrations and a shorter hydraulic retention time (2 d). No significant difference in total nitrogen
removal was identified between the two constructed wetlands that were packed with different sizes of
marble chips. This insignificant difference was confirmed by scanning electron microscopic images
showing scattered biofilms attached to the marble chips. Further research will focus on other
parameters to identify optimum operational conditions to promote the integration of nitritation and
anammox as well as to improve nitrogen conversion rate. Three recirculating subsurface vertical flow
constructed wetlands with unsaturated zones and slag layers were built in ESF greenhouse, and are
operated to assess the effects of pH and depths of unsaturated zones on the development of the
nitritation-anammox process in single constructed wetlands.
59. CORAL FEEDING STRATEGIES AS A FUNCTION OF REEF ENVIRONMENT IN THE FLORIDA KEYS
Wurzel W1, Teece M2, and Lirman D3
1
2
Graduate Program in Environmental Science, SUNY ESF, Department of Environmental Chemistry, SUNY ESF,
University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science
3
Visit this student next to their poster from: 1-2 pm
Abstract: Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. They also provide
humanity with resources annually worth billions. At the foundation of these systems is the coral. A coral
is a plant (zooxanthellae) and an animal living symbiotically together. The animal host is capable of
feeding in one of two ways. Either it is an herbivore, getting its nutrients from the photosynthesizing
symbiotic plants, or it is a carnivore, filter feeding the water column like an anemone. Corals can get
100% of their required nutrients from their zooxanthellae, but there are many more benefits to filter
feeding such as faster growth, higher rates of photosynthesis and more stores of protein. Using bulk
isotope analysis it is possible to figure out whether a coral is feeding as an herbivore or carnivore. I
analyzed two coral species (Porites astreoides and Montastrea faveolata) from different coral reef
environments (onshore vs. offshore). These environments differ in light intensity, food availability and
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nutrients in the water column. The results show a need for compound specific isotope analysis as the
bulk isotopes show contradicting relationships between coral and prey. In light of the expected
consequences of global climate change, where a coral lives may influence its ability to adapt and survive.
If carnivorous corals can grow faster, photosynthesize faster and store more proteins, then maybe they
can survive warmer ocean temperatures, ocean acidification and sea level rise better than corals that
are herbivorous.
60. DEVELOPING CONFIDENCE METRICS FOR REMOTE SENSING CLASSIFICATION
Xi B and Mountrakis G
Department of Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12:30-2 pm
Abstract: Remote sensing is an important tool for many studies where the physical and human
environment interact each other. Therefore, land uses obtained from classification of remote sensing
imagery provide valuable information in examining environmental issues. The accuracy of remote
sensing classification examines the degree of “correctness” of the output classification map. Numerous
methods have been discussed in the literature offering different viewpoints on accuracy assessment.
Our work concentrated on developing confidence metrics, metrics that express the likelihood that the
identified accuracy will be applicable to a new dataset.
Our methodology compared the amount of data used in the training process with the multidimensional
footprint of a new simulation point. We used spatial statistics as applied to the multi-dimensional input
space (i.e. the image spectral bands) to compare the observed number of training data used within a
neighborhood versus the expected number from a homogenous distribution. The number of points that
falling within the neighborhood indicated that how much confidence we can have to label this pixel to a
certain class. The approach relies only on the training dataset and is independent of the classification
method used, therefore researchers can easily complement classification accuracy results with
confidence metrics.
61. ASSESSING SPATIAL UNIQUENESS OF FOREST CHANGES IN THE CONTERMINOUS US
Yang S and Mountrakis G
Departments of Environmental Science and Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 1-2 pm
Abstract: Forest changes at large spatial and temporal scales can be analyzed effectively using remotely
sensed data and geostatistical techniques. In our work we introduce a metric using distance to closest
forest as an indicator for qualitative assessment of forest changes. We use the National Land Cover
Database 1992/2001 Retrofit Land Cover Change Product to create two binary maps of forest
distributions in the conterminous U.S. in 1992 and 2001. These maps are resampled to lower resolution
to eliminate noise and isolated forest pixels. Two maps are generated to display distributions of forest
area changes and forest distance changes around the conterminous U.S. Furthermore, a Ripley K
function is applied for both forest area changes and forest distance changes to conduct more advanced
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spatial analysis. The results reveal interesting patterns of forest cover changes during the 1990s. We
expect our new indicator using forest distance will provide a better understanding of forest cover
changes and guide forest management decisions.
62. APPLICATION OF A SINGLE PARAMETER HYDROGRAPH EQUATION IN AN URBAN HYDROLOGY
MODEL
Yang Y and Endreny TA
Departments of Environmental Science and Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: Hydrographs are graphs of river discharge with time, and during rainfall events, they typically
rise to a peak flow, and then recede toward base flow. Hydrology models may use a variety of
hydrograph equations, including the unit-hydrograph and time-area methods may use more than 15
parameters and are cumbersome in model calibration. We coded a recently developed single parameter
hydrograph equation into the UFORE-Hydro urban hydrology model and tested its predictive power
compared with a 16 parameter time-area method. The single parameter hydrograph is based on Darcy’s
law, using an exponential function with a single basin time constant parameter, b. It has accurately
predicted hydrograph rise, peak flow, total flow volume, and recession rates in limited earlier tests.
More complicated tests were performed with the UFORE-Hydro model, which uses the TOPMODEL
theory to generate a unit depth of effective precipitation. We applied the two versions of the UFOREHydro model to the Pond Branch watershed in Baltimore, MD, one version with the time-area
hydrograph, one with the single-parameter hydrograph. Model performance was quantified with the
Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) parameter, which compares observed and predicted hydrographs, and
NSE values near 1 indicate better predictions. Based on simulations of the entire 2007 water year, the
time-area hydrograph approach obtained NSE values of 0.5, and the single-parameter hydrograph
obtained NSE values of 0.63. The single parameter hydrograph provides greater calibration efficiency as
well, and the results of this work will be more rigorously tested in subsequent model runs for a wider
range of watersheds.
63. IMPROVED ROUTING METHOD FOR UFORE-HYDRO MODEL
Yang Y and Endreny TA
Departments of Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: Great effort has been directed toward the development of hydrology models for stream flow
prediction. TOPMODEL (a TOPography based hydrological MODEL) has been the subject of numerous
applications to a wide variety of catchments. It is appropriate in small, humid and homogeneous
watershed in which saturation excess overland flow dominates. UFORE-Hydro Model incorporated the
hydrologic concepts developed in the original version of TOPMODEL, and extended the model on
subsurface flow and saturation-excess overland flow processes. UFORE-Hydro Model was developed by
Prof.Endreny and his former PhD student Jun Wang, and has been maintaining by USDA Forest Service
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Northern research station. It has been using in both operational hydrology and water resources
management issues.
UFORE-Hydro model applied a distance related delay to surface flow. The whole watershed is divided to
16 parts according to the ‘distance’ to the outlet, then the 16 distances are calibrated to get the best fit.
It always takes long computer time and brings complexity to the calibration process. A new hydrograph
predicting method, which is based on Dacy’s law and the diffusion equation and using a single free
parameter, the basin time constant b, has been applied into routing process of UFORE-Hydro. The
calibration procedure is simplified and the simulation result is improved. The Nash-Sutcliffe criteria for
Pond Branch watershed in Baltimore for water year 2007 is 0.63 compared 0.5 by the pervious distance
routing delay method.
64. MEASURING AMENITY BENEFITS FROM URBAN OPEN SPACE: A HEDONIC APPROACH
Yoo S1, Wagner JE2, McPeak J3, Wilcoxen P3, and Zhang L2
1
2
Department of Environmental Studies, SUNY ESF, Department of Forest and Natural Resources management,
3
SUNY ESF, Department of Public Administration, Syracuse University
Visit this student next to their poster from: 1-2 pm
Abstract: This study evaluated how urban residents value the spatial patterns of open space in their
neighborhood. Amenity values of open space were measured using a hedonic method. This study
considered how the value of open space amenities in urban area vary not only with traditional hedonic
variables explaining structure and neighborhood characteristics of properties, i.e. number of bedrooms,
population density, but also with spatial variables including accessibility to open space, size of the open
space, percent of surrounding each open space land use type and landscape ecological index which
represent neighboring land use pattern. By investigating these effects, this study explored whether the
accessibility to and the size of the open space affects the residential property values, whether different
surrounding land use patterns generate different amenities to residential property, and whether before
and after the event of land use change affects the property value. This study is being conducted based
on the house transactions in Onondaga County, NY from January 2000 to December 2000. Results of this
study will be useful in the conservation and planning of urban open space, so it could perform its
functions with minimum economic cost and conflicts.
65. EXTENSION AGENTS AS CHANGE AGENTS IN PROMOTING WOODY BIOMASS MANAGEMENT ON
FAMILY FORESTS
Zajac LM and Germain R
SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12:30-1:30 pm
Abstract: Understanding the issues associated with forest biomass as a source of renewable energy is
becoming increasingly important. Participation by family forest owners in forest management for
bioenergy is critical to ensure an adequate supply of woody feedstock to existing and planned bioenergy
facilities. Extension agents play an important role in garnering this participation as they provide the
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knowledge and information needed by forest owners to make informed decisions. As such, a survey has
been developed to identify the level of awareness and knowledge of professionals conducting extension
and outreach to family forest owners regarding woody biomass and its use in energy production. The
survey results will be used to develop educational materials and strategies for extension agents working
with family forest owners.
66. CHANGES IN RIVER HYDRAULIC CIRCULATION WITH IN-CHANNEL RESTORATION STRUCTURES
Zhou T and Endreny T
Department of Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-1 pm
Abstract: River restoration often attempts to slow or stop lateral migration at meander bends by using
in-channel restoration structures, such as vanes and J-hooks. This study examined how in-channel
structures affect cross-stream circulations in both laboratory flume analysis and computer simulations.
The laboratory experiments were conducted in a tilting flume with an 8-m working length, a 0.3-m width
and 0.5-m height. A river geometrically-scaled point bar was placed in the flume to generate crossstream circulation. Flow direction data were recorded in two treatments, with and without the
restoration structure, using injected dye tracer to map cross-stream circulation paths. A computational
fluid dynamic (CFD) code simulated these experimental designs. The flume and CFD results documented
how the in-channel structure splits the cross-stream circulation at the point-bar and creates an
additional cross-stream cell downstream of the structure. The impact distance and the size of the crossstream cells depend on the dimension and the intrusion angle of the vane. Another CFD simulation
represented a flume with a 1.7 m radius of curvature meander bend starting at 0° and extending until
193° with a fixed bed, point-bar channel with an average 0.15m flow depth. The model quantified the
hydraulic impacts of a j-hook vane originating at the meander apex. Results confirmed the j-hook vane
significantly changed the cross-channel circulation patterns, 1) splitting circulation into 2 cells with
opposite flow directions at surface and bottom of the channel, and 2) weakening the cross-channel
circulation strength at the outer bank downstream of the j-hook vane, which can reduce the outer bank
erosion.
67. EVALUATING A NOVEL MULTI-SCALE RADIAL BASIS FUNCTION NETWORK IN IMAGE
CLASSIFICATION
Zhuang W and Mountrakis G
Departments of Environmental Science and Environmental Resources and Forest Engineering, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 1-2 pm
Abstract: This study investigated the application of a multi-scale radial basis function (MSRBF) network,
which used appropriate multi-dimensional Sigmoidal functions in order to classify an image. The novelty
of the proposed MSRBF network relied on the incorporation of both global and local statistics in the
selection of winning nodes. In global scale, we calculated the Classification Accuracy (CA) using all the
points of the dataset, while in local scale points located within a neighborhood were selected. The
neighborhood was identified based on the operating input space of the radial basis function under
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consideration. After global and local CAs were calculated a designed filter is applied to select the
appropriate winning node. A genetic algorithm was applied to obtain the optimal parameters for the
kernel functions associated with the nodes in the hidden layer of the MSRBF network. We
demonstrated the applicability of the MSRBF in an image classification task.
68-69 (oversized). SPATIAL PATTERNS OF SUSPENDED SOLIDS DEPOSITION IN ONONDAGA LAKE
Hurteau CA1,2, Matthews DA1, and Effler SW1
1
2
Upstate Freshwater Institute, Syracuse, New York, Department of Environmental Science, SUNY ESF
Visit this student next to their poster from: 1:20-2 pm
Abstract: Spatial and temporal patterns in deposition of suspended solids in Onondaga Lake N.Y.,
including affects of resuspension and transport of particles from a nearshore industrial waste deposit,
were investigated using an array of sediment traps extending away from the in-lake waste deposit
(ILWD), along with trap deployments in both the north and south basin. There was a distinct decreasing
trend in total solids deposition as distance from the ILWD increased. Additionally, relative contributions
of inorganic particles increased approaching the ILWD. Both of these findings suggest the transport of
resuspended particles to the depositional zone of the lake. A major runoff event in August of 2009
coincided with a substantial increase in deposition, indicating both wind driven resuspension and runoff
events can contribute to the temporal and spatial patterns in deposition. There was a shift in particle
composition during runoff events, which resulted in a 25% reduction in the relative contribution of
calcium to deposited material as compared to dry weather periods. Since ILWD sediments have been
found to be enriched in calcium containing particles, the shift in particle composition suggests the
relative contribution of allochthonous particles to deposition increased during runoff events. Deposition
in the north basin of the lake was 27% lower than deposition in the south basin, and is attributed to the
south basin receiving the dominant portion of nutrients and allochthonous particles.
Class Project Posters
70. ONONDAGA COUNTY SOLID WASTE CARBON FOOTPRINT
Doty CD1, Jones EB2, Kukko T3, McAnaney BJ3, Wachob LA3
1
2
Department of Environmental Resource and Forest Engineering, Department of Forest and Natural Resource
3
Management, Department of Environmental Science, SUNY ESF
Class: EST 627 Advisor: Richard Smarden
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: The purpose of this project is to determine the greenhouse gas emissions due to solid waste
produced by Onondaga County facilities. By obtaining the tonnage and composition data for solid
waste, which consists of combustible and recyclable waste, the greenhouse gas emissions will be
calculated and the information may be used to help Onondaga County formulate a climate action plan.
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Garbage in Onondaga County is sent to Covanta to be burned in a waste-to-energy incinerator. This
analysis will include both direct and indirect emissions, coming from combustion and energy used in the
process of recycling, respectively. Emissions will be calculated in CO2 equivalents for the six most
common greenhouse gases: CO2, H2O(g), NO2, SO2, CH4, and CO. After obtaining CO2 equivalents, we
will suggest areas in which Onondaga County can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Lastly, we will
analyze historical solid waste generation patterns in Onondaga County in order to predict future carbon
emissions.
71. ONONDAGA COUNTY FACILITY AND BUILDING GHG EMISSION AUDIT
Maurer A1, Djandoh A1, Ames M1, Dorr A1, and DiMezza A2
1
2
Department of Environmental Studies, Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, SUNY-ESF
Class: EST 627 Advisor: Richard Smarden
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-2 pm
Abstract: Onondaga County has become increasingly concerned with the impact of their activities on
climate change. To better understand the county's impact on climate change, an accurate measurement
of their Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions is necessary. In assisting Onondaga County with this task, our
first objective was to collect data on energy and electricity usage in all county facilities including
landscape maintenance, traffic lights and signals. Our second objective was to establish a system for
data collection to streamline future inventories. Finally, we intended to make some basic
recommendations to assist Onondaga County in reducing their carbon footprint. Using 2008 as the base
year, data on energy and electricity consumption for all county facilities and buildings was inputted into
the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) software to compute the GHG
emissions. The ICLEI software results show that the county's GHGs (CO2, HCFC, CH4, etc.) emissions
exceeded the recommended threshold set by the City for Climate Protection/Sustainable City Initiative.
In order to reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions, we recommended that Onondaga County;
implement simple efficiency measures and conservation practices, invest in renewable and cleaner
energy sources, and establish a systematic approach to record scope 3 emissions in order to more
accurately measure their GHG emissions.
72. CITY OF ITHACA 2009 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION INVENTORY
Vormwald S
Department of Environmental Science, SUNY ESF
Class: EST 627 Advisor: Richard Smarden
Visit this student next to their poster from: 12-1 pm
Abstract: A greenhouse gas emission inventory for the calendar year 2009 was conducted on behalf of
the City of Ithaca, New York. Electricity, natural gas, and vehicle fuel usage data was collected from New
York State Electric and Gas utility accounts, and the Department of Public Works supply manager. This
data was aggregated and entered into the ICLEI Clean Air Climate Protection 2009 Software in order to
calculate greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions from City facilities, street lights, vehicle fuel, drinking
water processes, wastewater treatment, and total emissions were calculated. Although final results are
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not yet available, total greenhouse gas emissions are expected to have declined slightly from 2008
emissions. 2009 emissions are expected to be approximately 15% below 2001 baseline emissions, which
would demonstrate progress toward the City’s Local Action Plan goal of 20% below 2001 levels by 2016.
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