Project Completion Reports (Ohio Water Resources Center)

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Transfer of heavy metal pollutants from Lake Erie bottom sediments to the overlying water
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1974-01) Walters, Lester J.; Wolery, T. J.
Environment Crises
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1971-01-19) Dynes, Russell Rowe, 1923-; Wenger, Dennis E.
Development of a Natural Laboratory for the Study of Acid Mine Drainage
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1968-02) Smith, E. E.; Shumate, K. S.
A small drift mine in Vinton County, Ohio, has been characterized and instrumented to permit a detailed study of the influence of oxygen concentration, microgiological factors, and hydrologic features on rate of pyrite oxidation within the system. This experimental mine will be treated as a pilot-scale reactor to obtain information in a natural environment on the kinetics of the reaction responsible for acid mine drainage. Six observation wells were dug and core samples taken at selected points surrounding the mine to establish ground water table and the aquifer supplying the mine. Base rate data of acid run-off as a function of water flow rate and water level in observation wells were collected. The mine was sealed and maintained under a slight positive pressure of nitrogen. Oxygen concentration dropped to less that 2 % in three months. When "sealed" in a conventional manner, the atmosphere in the mine never dropped below 10 % oxygen after being closed for several years. Acid run-off decreased approximately 50 % after six months under nitrogen pressure. The response time of the mine to imposed changes and characterization of reaction sites, in terms of physical and chemical environment, as well as location, are now being studied.
Hydrologic Investigations of Small Watersheds in Ohio: Terminal Report Phase I: 1966-1969
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1969) Ricca, Vincent T.; Taiganides, E. Paul
Traditional statistical, analytical techniques and deterministic models were used to study runoff phenomena from agricultural and strip-mined areas at the North Appalachia Experimental Watersheds Station near Coshocton, Ohio. Agricultural land use and surface strip mining were found to influence the hydrology of the watershed and the physical and chemical quality of the runoff water. Peak runoff rates were predicted using the standard formulas and with the Stanford and Purdue computer models. The latter were modified and input parameters had to be developed before using them. A basic study to better understand the fundamental phenomena and the mechanics of runoff were studied. Small watersheds were defined as watersheds whose hydrology is modified with agricultural and industrial practices on the land during a year's time.
The Ecologic Impact of the Interactions Among Microorganisms and Aquatic Contaminents in Lake Erie, Phase I and Phase II
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1971-11) Pfister, Robert M.; Dugan, Patrick R.; Frea, James I.; Randles, Chester I. (Chester Irvin), 1918-1991
The Microbial Flora of Acid Mine Water and its Relationship to Formation and Removal of Acid
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1968-10) Dugan, Patrick R.; Randles, Chester I. (Chester Irvin), 1918-1991
Fiscal Year 1997 Program Report
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1998-06) Whitlatch, Elbert E. (Elbert Earl), 1942-
Most of Ohio's water problems are associated with water quality. Of primary concern are the sediments, nutrients and acids in the surface waters from urban, agricultural and mining areas, and toxic and hazardous wastes that threaten the ground and surface waters. The research and technology transfer program consisted of the following activities: One two-year research project was funded in the Regional Competition in 1996 and 2 two-year projects were selected in 1997. The 1996 project by Professor Yu-Ping Chin is "Sunlight Induced Degradation of Agricultural Pollutants in Wetlands" is the first project in this report. This research project supported one research student in the Department of Geological Sciences at the Ohio State University. The 1997 projects awarded in the regional competition are: Economic and Hydrologic Analysis of Integrated Wetland Reservoir and Subirrigated Agricultural Production Systems by Drs. Larry C. Brown and Marvin T. Batte of The Ohio State University, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. This research project provided partial support to 10 students - 5 part-time Undergraduates, 2 Masters, and 3 Ph.D. The research project by Drs. Jonathan Levy and Robert H. Findlay of Miami University, Geology Department, is: Degradation of Groundwater Quality from Pumping-Induced Surface-Water Infiltration: Bacterial Contamination. This project provided support to one Masters student in Geology. The technology transfer program disseminated information about water resources in Ohio to local and state decision-makers. Professional training and development was also provided to 1,000 water resources managers throughout the year. The information transfer program has supported seminars, conferences, water education for K-12 education, provided support for professional water resource managers and newsletter for water researchers in Ohio. In addition, there were two 2-day facilitator workshops for 100 educators, and 69 six-hour workshops where 1,220 educators participated in water resources classroom activities. These people in turn provided water education to 30,500 Ohio K-12 students in the year.
Fiscal Year 1994 Program Report
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1995-09) Stiefel, Robert C.
Most of Ohio's water problems are associated with water quality. Of primary concern are the sediments, nutrients and acids in the surface waters from urban, agricultural and mining areas, and the toxic and hazardous wastes that threaten the ground and surface waters. The focus of the 1994 State Water Research Program was directed at these areas. The research and technology transfer program consisted of the following activities. The technology transfer programs of the Water Resources Center continue to disseminate information about the water resources of Ohio to the local and state decision makers, a nd provides technical assistance to help resolve some of the state's major water problems. One project was an oceanographic dynamics study, for Lake Erie, which used mathmatical models to calculate how contaminant loading from rivers will interact with the Great Lakes Forecasting System. This project will provide accurate and timely loading figures for the forecasting system. The ground water testing for radium and uranium in Ohio's waters, studied the transport and chemistry of these radioactive chemicals. This was the first study of this type in Ohio and included the DOE sites near Fernald and Portsmouth. The fate and transport research studied the effects of aqueous-organic cosolvent mixtures on the environmental chemistry of toxic metal-ligand complexes. Training on these research projects was provided to three Ph. D. Students from three disciplines at three universities, (The Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University and John Carroll University). The disciplines include Hydrogeology, Agronomy and Civil and Environmental Engineering in the departments of Geological Sciences, the School of Natural Resources in the College of Agriculture and the Department of Civil Environmental and Engineering Graphics in the the College of Engineering. The information transfer project included training 140 people in two-day workshops to teach Project WET materials. These individuals in turn will each teach at at least ten others to use Project WET materials. In addition the Center has sponsored or co-sponsored seminars, annual meetings and programs totaling more than 1,000 attendees during the year. Other information transfer activies for the Center included the newsletter, and making presentations for the Ohio Water Education Program to many audiences.
Fiscal Year 1993 Program Report
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1994-09) Stiefel, Robert C.
Most of Ohio's water problems are associated with water quality. Of primary concern are the sediments, nutrients and acids in the surface waters from urban, agricultural and mining areas, and the toxic and hazardous wastes that threaten the ground and surface waters. The focus of the 1993 State Water Research Program was directed at these areas. The research and technology transfer program consisted of the following activities: The technology transfer programs of the Water Resources Center continues to disseminate information about the water resources of Ohio to the local and state decision-makers. It also provides technical assistance to help resolve some of the state's major water problems. One project was an oceanographic dynamics study, for Lake Erie, which used mathematical models to calculate how contaminant loading from rivers will interact with the Great Lakes Forecasting System. This project will provide accurate and timely loading figures for the forecasting system. The natural quantities of uranium and thorium in 169 of Ohio's aquifers has been research by Gerald Matisoff, to learn how these amounts compare to new legislative standards. One project researched a comprehensive study of the behavior of organically-complexed metals in solutions comprised of aqueous and nonaqueous solvents. This information will apply to proposed remediation strategies for contaminated soils that use washing techniques to remove nonpolar organic contaminants. Another project studied the quantitative structure-activity relationships for predicting the fate and effects of pesticides. Another researcher studied the use of alkaline flue gas desulfurization byproducts to reclaim acidic abandoned minespoil in eastern Ohio and as a substitute for limestone in agricultural production. Training on these research projects was provided to six students from five disciplines at two universities. These include two M. S. students in the fields of Environmental Science and Agronomy; three Ph.. D. students in the fields of Civil Engineering, Environmental Science and Geological Science. A Post Ph. D. researcher in Environmental Science was also trained under this project.
Fiscal Year 1987 Program Report
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1988-08) Stiefel, Robert C.
Water is one of Ohio's most important natural resources, and the State has an adequate supply to meet its immediate needs. Most of Ohio's water problems are associated with water quality. Of primary concern are the sediments, nutrients, and acids in the surface waters from urban, agricultural and mining areas, and the toxic and hazardous waters that threaten the ground and surface waters. The focus of the 1987 State Water Research Program was directed at some of these needs. One project explored the design criteria for an innovative two-stage fluidized bed bioreactor in which the three major process of cell immobilization, biodegradation, and biofilm control were combined in a single unit. This wastewater treatment process is felt to be a substantial evolution in the operational technology of bioreactor design and the successful completion of this project could result in the development of an innovative, reliable and considerably less costly wastewater treatment system. Another project's research was a cooperative effort with OEPA, ODNR, and the Nature Conservancy in examining and assessing the potential institutional and legal constraints that might hinder the development of programs for the management of non-point sources of pollution. Two projects explored the fate and transport of agricultural chemicals as they moved through soils toward the groundwater table. One studied the effects that subsurface agricultural drains have on the movement of pesticides to groundwaters. The other explored the potential impacts that interactions and reactions between herbicides and existing humic materials have on the fate and transport of the herbicides in the groundwater. Training was provided for ten students enrolled in five disciplines in at three universities in Ohio.
Fiscal Year 1995 Program Report
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1996-09) Whitlatch, Elbert E. (Elbert Earl), 1942-
Most of Ohio's water problems are associated with water quality. Of primary concern are the sediments, nutrients and acids in the surface waters from urban, agricultural and mining areas, and the toxic and hazardous wastes that threaten the ground and surface waters. The focus of the 1995 State Water Research Program was directed at these areas. The research and technology transfer program consisted of the following activities: The technology transfer programs continue to disseminate information about water resources in Ohio to the local and state decision-makers. Professional training and development was also provided to 1,000 water resources managers throughout the year. In addition, there was 1,768 teachers trained to teach water resources activities and they in turn provided training to 44,200 Ohio students. The program also provided technical assistance to help resolve some of the state's major water problems. One project was a fate and transport study of herbicides through a watershed and to a lake which provided most of the drinking water for the community with water quality throughout the watershed was done. Another project studied the effect on invertebrates to various levels of dioxions in the water and sediments. These studies will eventually lead to a better understanding of the risks dioxins have on humans. The third research project studied the design for a bioreactor that would efficient and efectively clean gasoline components from water through bioremediation. Training on these research projects was provided to five students from three colleges in three disciplines at two universities. These include one M. S. Student in Geology and 4 Ph. D. Students in the fields of Biological Sciences - Environmental Toxicology, and in Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.
Annual Program Report Fiscal Year 1984
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1985-09) Stiefel, Robert C.
Water is one of Ohio's most important natural resources, and the State has an abundant supply to meet its immediate needs. Most of Ohio's water problems are associated with water quality. Of concern are the sediments, nutrients and acids in the surface waters from urban, agricultural and mining areas and the toxic and hazardous wastes that threaten the ground and surface waters. The focus of the 1984 State Water Research Program was directed at some of these needs. One project investigated the operational parameters of a fluidized bed bioreactor for the treatment of a wastewater to establish the optimal design and operating criteria for the unit. Three of the projects explored the significance of phosphorus to the State's surface water quality: one developed a technique to estimate the amount of dissolved phosphorus being transport by agricultural runoff; a second better defined the role that agricultural herbicides have in inhibiting photosynthesis and the removal of nutrients in streams in the Lake Erie Basin, and a third investigated the relationships that exist between bioavailable and nonbioavailable particulate phosphorus in Lake Erie. Other projects attempted to manipulate the fish population in the Lake by changing the type of habitat within the regions managed wetlands by altering the depth of water; and explored the quantities of materials involved in the transport of sediment and nutrients from the Lake Erie shoreline to the off-shore waters. The Center's technology transfer program assisted in the development of a computer program to estimate the soil loss resulting from surface runoff on agricultural lands.
Fiscal Year 1990 Program Report
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1991-09) Stiefel, Robert C.
Water is one of Ohio's most important natural resources, and the State has an adequate supply to meet its immediate needs. Most of Ohio's water problems are associated with water quality. Of primary concern are the sediments, nutrients and acids in the surface waters from urban, agricultural and mining areas, and the toxic and hazardous wastes that threaten the ground and surface waters. The focus of the 1990 State Water Research Program was directed at some of these needs. One project explored the design criteria for an innovative two-stage fluidized bed bioreator in which the three major processes of cell immobilization, biodegradation, and biofilm control were combined in a single unit This innovative, reliable biological wastewater treatment process and design provides an efficient and environmentally safe waste water treatment system. Two projects explored the fate and transport of agricultural chemicals. One studied the potential impacts that interactions and reactions between herbicides and existing humic materials as they move through the soils toward the groundwater table. The other project studied the behavior of Nitrogen-heterocyclic compounds as they breakdown in the soil and their persistence in an aquifer. The other project studied the Scioto River buried valley aquifer. This research developed, a ground-water management model for predicting water-quality changes associated with ground-water abstraction. Training was provided to four students enrolled in three disciplines and two colleges at The Ohio State University.
Fiscal Year 1986 Program Report
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1987-08) Stiefel, Robert C.
Water is one of Ohio's most important natural resources, and the State has an adequate supply to meet its immediate needs. Most of Ohio's water problems are associated with water quality. Of primary concern are the sediments, nutrients and acids in the surface waters from urban, agricultural and mining areas, and the toxic and hazardous waters that threaten the ground and surface waters. The focus of the 86 State Water Research Program was directed at some of these needs. One project examined the simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation that occurs in a three-phase fluidized bed that utilizes immobilized living microorganisms in an aerobic wastewater treatment process. Another project studied the specific mechanisms that certain bacteria have developed to resist inhibition caused by Cadmium in the environment and to investigate the potential that these organisms have in the translocation of this highly toxic metal. A third project developed methodology to determine the impact that seasonal water usage has on the safe yield that can be provided from reservoirs used to supply municipal- drinking water. The fourth project analyzed the risks and benefits that occur from disposing of oil and gas brines by injecting them in the annulus of producing oil and gas wells in the state. Training was provided through this program for nine students enrolled in five disciplines at two universities in the State.
Fiscal Year 1991 Program Report
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1992-09) Stiefel, Robert C.
Most of Ohio's water problems are associated with water quality. Of primary concern are the sediments, nutrients and acids in the surface waters from urban, agricultural and mining areas, and the toxic and hazardous wastes that threaten the ground and surface waters. The focus of the 1991 State Water Research Program was directed at these areas. The research and technology transfer program consisted of the following activities: The technology transfer programs of the Water Resources Center continue to disseminate information about the water resources of Ohio to the local and state decision-makers, and provides technical assistance to help resolve some of the state's major water problems. One project was an oceanographic dynamics study, for Lake Erie, which used mathmatical models to calculate how contaminant loading from rivers will interact with the Great Lakes Forecasting System. This project will provide accurate and timely loading figures for the forecasting system. The hydrologies project by Steven G. Buchberger, studied alternate wastewater treatment and technologies using wetlands. The groundwater remediation project studied hydrophobic organic compounds (HOC) which are in groundwater systems and strongly sorbed by soil organic matter. This study characaterized the effects of chemical additives (co-solvents) in an effort to enhance HOC mobility in groundwater systems. The fate and transport project studied the dynamic features of pesticide-degrading microorganisms as they relate to changes in the redox speciation of their environment. A water quality project by Dr. Susan Fisher, studied how pesticides survive in water and how long they remain active in water. Training on these research projects was provided to eleven students from six disciplines at two universities. These include six M.S. students in the areas of Agronomy (2), Environmental Engineering (1), Entomology (2) and Microbiology (1): two Ph.D. students in the disciplines of Civil Engineering and Geology and a Post-Ph.D. in Environmental Science. In addition, two undergraduate students, one in Agronomy and the other in Environmental Science gained practical knowledge and training by working on these projects.
Fiscal year 1998 Program Report
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1999-06) Whitlatch, Elbert E. (Elbert Earl), 1942-
Most of Ohio's water problems are associated with water quality. Of primary concern are the sediments, nutrients and acids in the surface waters from urban, agricultural and mining areas, and toxic and hazardous wastes that threaten the ground and surface waters. The research and technology transfer program consisted of the following activities. One two-year research project was funded in the Regional Competition in 1996, 2 two-year projects were selected in 1997, and 4 two year projects were selected in 1998. The 1996 project by Professor Yu-Ping Chin has been extended until August, 1999. The project is "Sunlight Induced Degradation of Agricultural Pollutants in Wetlands. This research project has supported two research students in the Department of Geological Sciences at the Ohio State University. The first student won a research competition scholarship and another student has been assigned to the project. The 1997 projects awarded in the regional competition are: Economic and Hydrologic Analysis of Integrated Wetland Reservoir and Subirrigated Agricultural Production Systems by Drs. Larry C- Brown and Marvin T. Batte of The Ohio State University, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. This research project provided partial support to ten students. The research project by Drs. Jonathan Levy and Robert H. Findlay of Miami University, Geology Department is: Degradation of Groundwater Quality from Pumping-lnduced Surface-Water Infiltration: Bacterial Contamination. This project provided support to one Masters student in Geology There were 4 projects awarded to Ohio in the 1998 regional competition. These projects started on September 1, 1998 and the report period ended February 28,1999, so they had just started the research activities. They include: Sonochemical Remediation of PCB Contaminated Sediments by Linda Weavers, Civil & Environmental Engineering and Geodetic Science at Ohio State University;; Enhanced Removal of DBP Precursors During Precipitative Softening Through Co-Adsorption Processes, by Harold W. Walker of the Civil & Environmental Engineering and Geodetic Sciences Department at Ohio State University; In-situ Destruction of Solvents by Permanganate Oxidation by Franklin W. Schwartz of the Geology Department at Ohio State University; and Nutrient Cycling in Integrated Cropland/Wetland/Reservoir Management Systems by Larry C. Brown of the Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department at Ohio State University. The technology transfer program disseminated information to local and state decision-makers. Professional training and development was provided to 1,000 water resources managers throughout the year. The information transfer program has supported seminars, conferences, water education for K-12 education, provided support for professional water resource mangers and news articles for water researchers in Ohio. There were two Facilitator Workhops for 70 educators, and 47 six-hour workshops.
Fiscal Year 1992 Program Report
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1993-09) Stiefel, Robert C.
Most of Ohio's water problems are associated with water quality. Of primary concern are the sediments, nutrients and acids in the surface waters from urban, agricultural and mining areas, and the toxic and hazardous wastes that threaten the ground and surface waters. The focus of the 1992 State Water Research Program was directed at these areas. The research and technology transfer program consisted of the following activities: The technology transfer programs of the Water Resources Center continue to disseminate information about the water resources of Ohio to the local and state decision-makers, and provides technical assistance to help resolve some of the state's major water problems. One project was an oceanographic dynamics study, for Lake Erie, which used mathmatical models to calculate how contaminant loading from rivers will interact with the Great Lakes Forecasting System. This project will provide accurate and timely loading figures for the forecasting system. The hydrologies project by Steven G. Buchberger, studied alternate wastewater treatment and technologies using wetlands. The groundwater remediation project studied hydrophobic organic compounds (HOC) which are in groundwater systems and strongly sorbed by soil organic matter. This study characaterized the effects of chemical additives (co-solvents) in an effort to enhance HOC mobility in groundwater systems. The fate and transport project studied the dynamic features of pesticide-degrading microorganisms as they relate to changes in the redox speciation of their environment. Training on these research projects was provided to eight students from four disciplines at two universities. These include five M.S. students in the areas of: Agronomy, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering (2), and Geological Sciences ; and one Ph.D. student in Geological Sciences(l). In addition, two undergraduate students, one in Agronomy and the other in Environmental Science gained practical knowledge and training by working on these projects.
Fiscal Year 1989 Program Report
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1990-08) Stiefel, Robert C.
Water is one of Ohio's most important natural resources, and the State has an adequate supply to meet its immediate needs. Most of Ohio's water problems are associated with water quality. Of primary concern are the sediments, nutrients and acids in the surface waters from urban, agricultural and mining areas, and the toxic and hazardous wastes that threaten the ground and surface waters. The focus of the 1989 State Water Research Program was directed at some of these needs. One project explored the design criteria for an innovative two-stage fluidized bed bioreator in which the three major processes of cell immobilization, biodegradation, and biofilm control were combined in a single unit. This innovative, reliable biological wastewater treatment process and design provides an efficient and environmentally safe waste water treatment system. Two projects explored the fate and transport of agricultural chemicals. One studied the potential impacts that interactions and reactions between herbicides and existing humic materials as they move through the soils toward the groundwater table. The other project studied the behavior of Nitrogen-heterocyclic compounds as they breakdown in the soil and theirpersistencein an aquifer. The fourth project studied the Scioto River buried valley aquifer. This research developed a ground water management model for predicting water quality changes associated with ground water abstraction. Training was provided to five students enrolled in three disciplines and three colleges at The Ohio State University.
Fiscal Year 1988 Program Report
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1988-08) Stiefel, Robert C.
Water is one of Ohio's most important natural resources, and the State has an adequate supply to meet its immediate needs. Most of Ohio's water problems are associated with water quality. Of primary concern are the sediments, nutrients and acids in the surface waters from urban, agricultural and mining areas, and the toxic and hazardous wastes that threaten the ground and surface waters. The focus of the 1988 State Water Research Program was directed at some of these needs. One project explored the design criteria for an innovative two-stage fluidized bed bioreator in which the three major processes of cell immobilization, biodegradation, and biofilm control were combined in a single unit. This wastewater treatment process is felt to be a substantial evolution in the operational technology of bioreactor design and the successful completion of this project could result in the development of an innovative, reliable and considerably less costly wastewater treatment system. Another project's research was a cooperative effort with OEPA, ODNR and the Nature Conservancy in examining and assessing the potential institutional and legal constraints that might hinder the development of programs for the management of nonpoint sources of pollution. One project explored the potential impacts that interactions and reactions between herbicides and existing humic materials have on the fate and transport of herbicides as they move through the soils toward the groundwater table. Training was provided to ten students enrolled in seven disciplines in two universities in Ohio.
Fiscal Year 1985 Program Report
(Ohio State University. Water Resources Center, 1986-08) Stiefel, Robert C.
Water is one of Ohio's most important natural resources, and the State has an adequate supply to meet its immediate needs. Most of Ohio's water problems are associated with water quality. Of primary concern are the sediments, nutrients and acids in the surface waters from urban, agricultural and mining areas, and the toxic and hazardous waters that threaten the ground and surface waters. The focus of the 1985 State Water Research Program was directed at some of these needs. One project examined the simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation that occurs in a three-phase fluidized bed that utilizes immobilized living microorganisms in an aerobic wastewater treatment process. Another project studied the specific mechanisms that certain bacteria have developed to resist inhibition caused by Cadmium in the environment and to investigate the potential that these organisms have in the translocation of this highly toxic metal. A third project will develop a method to determine the impact that seasonal water usage has on the safe yield that can be provided from reservoirs used to supply municipal drinking water. The fourth project is an analysis of the risks and benefits that occur from disposing of oil and gas brines by injecting them in the annul us of producing oil and gas wells in the state. The Center's technology transfer program has produced a directory of the organizations in Ohio that have an important role in managing, protecting and conserving this invaluable natural resource. Training was provided through this program for twelve students enrolled in five disciplines at two universities in the State.