Master of Environmental Assessment Professional Papers

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The Potential of Single-Use Biomaterial Filters to Remediate PFAS from an Aqueous Medium
(2025) Burke, Cullen
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetically derived compounds consisting of a nonpolar carbon-fluorine chain and a polar head group. Significant worldwide attention has been paid to these compounds due to their tendency to bioaccumulate and their adverse health impacts. Various techniques, including reverse osmosis (RO), granular activated carbon (GAC), and ion-exchange resins (IXR), are available to remediate PFAS from aqueous solutions. However, these techniques can be expensive and are designed for industrial use rather than single-use applications. Biomaterials offer a viable, sustainable alternative to these expensive systems. Unlike traditional filtration systems, it is predicted that using biomaterials can be scaled to function as single-use products, such as coffee filtration. A precursor for this study has shown promising results. As a result, biomaterial filters were reconstructed and designed to be compared with non-biomaterial filters that are embedded in the current technique, as well as various arrangements of biomaterials for enhancements of the proposed filters. Results indicate that high-lignin, low hexeneuronic acid (HexA) hemp pulp was successful at PFAS remediation, specifically for short-chain PFAS compounds. Additionally, hydrochar samples created from pine and hemp feedstocks and SCOBY in tandem with this hemp pulp sample were as effective as or more effective than GAC at PFAS filtration. These results provide a platform for future research to examine biomaterials for their potential to develop single-use filters for PFAS removal.
Evolving regulations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS) and implications for CERCLA PFOA and PFOS designations
(2025-12-02) Barefoot, Nolen
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a broad class of synthetic chemicals used across a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications since the 1950s. Their unique physical and chemical properties impart stability, water and grease resistance, and surfactant behavior. As a result of their long-term use, PFAS have entered the environment throughmultiple release mechanisms, including industrial waste and effluent discharges, landfillleachate, firefighting foams, wastewater treatment residuals, and biosolid applications. Once released, they exhibit both persistence and mobility. PFAS have been detected globally in all environmental media and are now generally considered ubiquitous. Recent studies have identified associations between human exposure to certain PFAS and adverse health effects ,elevating them from an emerging contaminant class to one of primary concern. Regulatory agencies, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), have increasingly focused on PFAS in recent years. By 2019, EPA had clearly signal edits intent to regulate these chemicals. EPA outlined a whole-of-agency approach, including short-and long-term actions, in its PFAS Strategic Roadmap published in 2021. The first momentous regulatory achievements occurred in 2024, including finalization of legally enforceable drinking water standards for six PFAS under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and the designation of two of the most widely studied PFAS, perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate(PFOS), as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). These CERCLA hazardous substance designations are the most consequential regulatory actions to date. They provide EPA with statutory authority o address existing PFAS contamination, mitigate future releases, and hold responsible parties financially accountable. The designations also bring PFOA and PFOS within the scope of all appropriate inquiries (AAI) for commercial real estate transactions. Additional PFAS regulations under the other environmental statutes are expected in coming years. Given the complexity of the PFAS contaminant class and the advent of their regulation, environmental professionals (EPs) should be familiar with their classifications, properties, release mechanisms, and associated human health effects, as well as the current regulatory measures that apply to them under the various environmental statutes and regulatory tools. This research paper synthesizes that information and examines the implications of the recent CERCLA designations as they relate to both National Priorities List (NPL) cleanups and Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, a core service provided by EPs.
A GIS and Literature Review Study of CAFO Surface Water Pollution in North Carolina
(2025-12-02) Wheaton, Charm
Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are large-scale livestock facilities where animals are confined and fed for extended periods, typically more than 45 days per year, and where waste is managed in concentrated systems rather than dispersed across pastureland. This project integrates a comprehensive literature review, evaluation of existing regulatory frameworks, analysis of siting restrictions and mitigation technologies, and a geospatial assessment to examine the cumulative impacts of CAFOs across the state. Evidence from prior research consistently shows that lagoon-and-spray field waste systems contribute nitrogen, phosphorus, ammonia, dissolved organic carbon, and fecal indicator bacteria to adjacent surface water and groundwater. These contaminants move through multiple pathways, including spray field runoff, soil leaching, storm-related overflow, and hydrologically connected floodplains. Long-term monitoring studies demonstrate that nutrient concentrations can rise in wells, trenches, and streams near CAFOs even when direct lagoon leakage is not detected, suggesting broader landscape-scale transport mechanisms. At the same time, emerging mitigation technologies show promising performance. Modified bioretention systems with biochar amendments and internal water storage zones achieve high removal efficiencies for nitrogen and fecal bacteria, while advanced treatment systems developed to meet Environmentally Superior Technology standards demonstrate substantial reductions in odors, pathogens, nutrients, ammonia emissions, and heavy metals. Despite their effectiveness, widespread adoption of these technologies remains limited due to cost barriers and lack of regulatory requirements. The geospatial analysis conducted for this project identified 2,479 registered animal feeding operations in North Carolina, with 371 located within 1 km of a surface water body and 1,170 within 3 km. High-density CAFO clusters in Duplin, Sampson, Wayne, Bladen, and Greene Counties overlap extensively with impaired waterways, vulnerable floodplains, and communities already experiencing environmental and socioeconomic stress. Overall, this project demonstrates that current CAFO siting, waste management, and regulatory practices do not adequately protect water resources or public health in North Carolina.
Temporal Trends in Dietary Pesticide Exposure: A Comparative Analysis of U.S.Children’sConsumption Patterns and Residue Monitoring Data from 2005-2010 and 2015-2020
(2025-12-01) Morrow, Erin
Dietary intake of pesticide-treated foods represents a major route of exposure for the general population. Children have unique susceptibility to pesticide exposure due to their developing physiology and higher intake of certain foods per unit bodyweight. Children’s dietary exposure is influenced by the amount of food they consume and the estimated concentration of pesticide residue on the consumed food. The present study aimed to estimate and compare dietary exposuresfor2005-2010 and 2015-2020 by simultaneous use of consumption data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES)and pesticide residue monitoring data from the USDA’s Pesticide Data Program (PDP)collected during those periods. Consumption data were obtained from NHANES dietary surveys and grouped by age according to developmental lifestages in children: infants<1 year old, children 1-2 years old, children 3-5 years old, and juice. Dairy milk consumption decreased within all age groups in 2015-2020, while breastfeeding prevalence increased among infants and children 1-2 years old. Infants consumed less juice in the latter time period but were observed to consume more bottled water, suggesting that bottled water is replacing tap water in formula preparation in recent years. Children aged 1-2 years old typically had the highest dietary intake of fruits and fruit juice, while infants typically consumed the highest quantity of vegetables relative to their bodyweight. Leafy vegetables including spinach, kale, and lettuce had relatively high residue concentrations among the commodities evaluated, along with bell peppers, tomatoes, green beans, pears, and strawberries. Pyrethroid insecticides contributed to the majority of residuesabove limits of detectionin both time periods, along with newer diamide chemistries (chlorantraniliproleandflubendiamide) emerginginthe2015-2020 samples. When considering both consumption and insecticide residue, the highest50thpercentileintake dose was observed for infant consumption of spinach at 6.7mg/kg-bw/dayin2015-2020compared to1.4mg/kg-bw/dayin2005-2010.The intake dose for insecticides on green beans and sweet potatoes also increased in 2015-2020, with infants representing the most exposed subgroup, while intake decreased for tomatoes, grapes, and pears compared to 2005-2010. Overall, these findings reveal important trends in children’s consumption habits and relevant changes in insecticide use patterns in recent years which can inform future dietary exposure assessments.
The Threat of Climate Change on Agriculture and Food Security
(2025-12-01) Osley, Samantha
As the effects of climate change continue to be studied, its impact on agriculture cannot be ignored. Climate change has led to an increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, making the cultivation of crops humans rely on for a food sourcemore difficult. More instances of droughts and flooding events lead to plants that experience greater stress, higher susceptibility to disease and pests, and can ultimately result in reduced yields. As the demand for food increases as populations rise, maintaining food production as well as providing food security is a critical priority to maintaining the health of humans globally. With lower crop yields, demand increases, often leading to increased prices of nutritionally dense foods. The following literature review sheds light on the abiotic and biotic factors from climate change that influence farming practices and crop yields globally. The effect of droughts and floods on crop growth will be considered, along with factors such as disease, pests, erosion, and stress combination. The cascading effects of climate change on the supply chain and access to food will be reviewed, along with potential adaptation strategies such as the integration of Climate-Smart Agriculture, the use of plant breeding, and finally an examination on the incorporation of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for mitigating drought stress.
Health Effects of Microplastics in Municipal Drinking Water: Systematic Review of AnimalModels and Emerging Human Data
(2025-11-25) Estes, Carter Grace
Microplastics and nano plastics are now detected across drinking-water sources and distribution systems, making ingestion a likely and widespread exposure route. The small size,persistence, and varied polymer types of microplastics allow for contact with the gastrointestinal epithelium. Potential movement past the gut increases public health relevance, despite uncertainties surrounding dose-response relationships. This systematic review synthesized recent experimental and observational evidence to evaluate how microplastics in municipal drinking water may affect human health. A PRISMA-guided PubMed search finalized in May 2025 resulted in 3,797 records; 2,000 titles/abstracts were screened; 99 full texts were assessed; 16 studies met inclusion for narrative synthesis. Evidence was dominated by animal studies (15/16,primarily rodents) conducted in China, with one human observational study which was conducted in Canada. Most animal exposures used drinking-water dosing (12/15) rather than gavage (3/15). Polystyrene was the most frequently tested polymer, and particle sizes commonly fell within 0.1-5 µm. Across studies, ingestion irritated gut microbial communities and epithelial integrity, aligning with low-grade inflammation and metabolic changes in connective tissues.Immune signals included cytokine upregulation and NF-κB pathway activation; metabolic signals included hepatitis lipid accumulation and impaired glucose control. Limited neurological evidence in rodents showed blood-brain barrier interactions and brain oxidative stress under polystyrene exposure. Male reproductive endpoints showed dose-responsive declines in sperm quality and hormone alterations. The human study associated fecal microplastic burden withliver and lipid biomarkers, supporting biological plausibility but not causality. Limitations include narrow test materials (spherical polystyrene), doses that often exceed plausible daily intake, short exposure durations, and geographic concentration of studies in one country. Overall, the evidence supports a mechanistic pathway in which small, ingested particles disrupt gastrointestinal barriers and amplify immune and metabolic stress, with signals in neurological and reproductive domains under specific conditions. To complete a decision-grade risk assessment, future studies should consider standardization of particle reporting, realisticdrinking-water exposures at low doses and longer durations, life-stage and multigenerational designs, and integrated human studies linking stool microplastics with clinical biomarkers and specific health endpoints.
Assessing Dune Health and Coastal Resilience in Emerald Isle, North Carolina
(2025-11-25) Cortez, Anna Marie
Coastal dune systems are crucial protective features for barrier islands such as Emerald Isle, North Carolina. Dunes help protect coastal communities from erosion, flooding and effects from increased weather events. This study evaluates the dune managementstrategies and coastal resilience in Emerald Isle, North Carolina as the island faces the effects of the rising sea level, the changing climate and human disturbances. The objective of the study is to assess Emerald Isle’s current dune conditions, management and understand public awareness of the topic. These objectives were assessed through a comprehensive scientific literature review, an interview with local stakeholders and a community survey for year-round residents. These findings informed the local recommendations aimed to strengthen the island’s ecological and protective role, while advancing community engagement for long-term coastal resilience.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Strategies to Manage Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in Freshwater Ecosystems
(2025-11-21) Moore, Rachel
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) represent one of the most significant threats to freshwater ecosystems, driving biodiversity loss, altering ecological processes, and imposing substantial economic costs. Despite decades of research and management investment,their control and prevention remain difficult due to complex ecological interactions, limited resources, and fragmented policy frameworks. This study critically assessed the effectiveness of contemporary AIS management strategies in freshwater systems toidentify patterns of success, limitations, and opportunities for improvement. A systematic literature review was conducted using the North Carolina State University Summon and Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA) databases. Thirty peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025 were evaluated based on three core metrics,ecological outcome, cost-effectiveness, and population change, to assess the effectiveness of AIS management strategies. Management strategies were categorized into prevention and early detection, physical barriers, mechanical removal, chemical control, biological control, genetic biocontrol, and integrated or adaptive management approaches. Results revealed that no single strategy consistently achieved high performance across all metrics. Prevention and early detection were the most cost-effective and ecologically beneficial, particularly when targeted at high-connectivity systems and supported by professionalized implementation. Mechanical and chemical control methods achieved localized population suppression but lacked long-term durability, while biological and genetic approaches offered innovative potential with unresolved ecological and regulatory challenges. Integrated and adaptive management frameworks, combining multiple strategies and involving stakeholder collaboration, demonstrated the highest overall effectiveness and long-term sustainability. The findings emphasize that successful AIS management requires coordinated, adaptive, and interdisciplinary approaches that align ecological goals with social and institutional capacities. By integrating prevention, monitoring, rapid response, and restoration within collaborative frameworks, managers can enhance ecosystem resilience and reduce reinvasion risk. This synthesis contributes to the growing body of literature advocating for ecosystem-based adaptive strategies as essential pathways toward sustainable freshwater invasive species management in a changing global environment.
Practical Applications of Chemical Oxygen Demand Fractionation for Biological Phosphorus Removal Systems
(2025) Coley, Julian
Phosphorus removal in wastewater treatment is critical for preventing eutrophication and further degradation of aquatic environments. For phosphorus, a limiting nutrient, just a slight increase in concentration can lead to significant ecological impacts. Wastewater effluent is a substantial contributor to phosphorus loadings in receiving waters. Removal of phosphorus is an operational and economic challenge. With strict permit limits and ever-changing technologies, regulations, and funding, wastewater facilities must optimize treatment processes to achieve the highest removal efficiency in the most cost-effective manner. This study focuses on the practical applications of COD fractionation using physicochemical methods to drive process adjustments and inform design and treatment modeling. Practicality is determined through the data’s reproducibility, usefulness through trend formation, and ability to collect and analyze statistically significant data.
Effects of neonicotinoid-coated seeds on solitary bees and alternatives to these insecticides: a scoping review
(2025) Smith, Sarah Marie
When it comes to pollination, solitary bees deserve all the buzz. Solitary bees comprise the majority of the global bee population, and with their varying sizes and abilities, they are extremely efficient in pollinating a variety of crops. Their numbers are dwindling, however, as these species are in peril due in part to the widespread use of neonicotinoid-coated seeds. Finding alternatives to neonicotinoid-coated seeds is paramount for the future of these important pollinators. To better understand the effects of neonicotinoid-coated seeds on solitary bees, as well as alternatives to the use of these insecticides, I conducted a two-part scoping review. Results of this review demonstrate that neonicotinoid-coated seeds cause far-reaching effects on solitary bees, both acutely and chronically. These effects range from decreased oral intake to paralysis and mortality, as well as reproductive effects which ultimately impact the potential for future generations. The most bee-friendly alternative to neonicotinoid-coated seeds is the use of conservation agricultural practices including early sowing and plant cover and utilizing no-till methods which create minimal soil disturbances. Most neonicotinoid alternative studies included in this review did not specifically focus on solitary bees. More research is needed in order to encourage an evidence-based shift away from the use of toxic neonicotinoids.
Application of Environmental Assessment in a Secondary Earth & Environmental Science Classroom: Lesson Plans on Water Quality
(2024) Whittington, Holly Nicole
Water is essential for life, yet increased urbanization and industrial activities from growing populations threaten its quality and availability. Freshwater ecosystems that provide drinking water, recreation, aquatic habitat, and countless other services are being damaged by pollution, while problems like eutrophication and climate change worsen water quality. Water quality can be determined through the assessment of physical, chemical, and biological factors. Using a variety of parameter measurements from among these factors, a water quality index (WQI) can turn values into an aggregated score that describes the overall condition of a water body. WQI scores can then be used to inform policymaking, guide water management, and track the health of water bodies over time as pollution mitigation and water restoration efforts take place. Surface water classifications further the effort of resource protection by identifying appropriate uses of water. Surface water classification systems group water bodies based on physicochemical, biological, and physical characteristics. In North Carolina, these classification systems play an important role by allowing for water health assessment, resource management, and the insurance of safety and cleanliness for recreational and drinking water supplies. Specifically in North Carolina, surface water quality is facing considerable threat from point and nonpoint source pollutions in the form of emerging contaminants and “forever chemicals.” Chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) persist in the environment and cause human health problems. Regulatory agencies are actively working to monitor and learn more about these chemicals so that further contamination can be prevented and water quality protected and restored. Education offers an opportunity to address water quality issues by offering relevant and poignant lessons and projects that promote environmental stewardship. Schools are essential in teaching water conservation and sustainable practices that ultimately empower future generations to maintain clean water. For this project, lesson plans for a secondary Earth and Environmental Science course were designed to introduce and explore the topics of water quality indices, surface water classification, and water pollutants in North Carolina.
Breathing the Aftermath: A Review of Respitory Health Effects in Diverse Groups Exposed to 9/11 WTC Dust
(2024) Wolverton, Catherine Victoria Mazo
The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City resulted in a complex mixture of airborne pollutants that posed significant health risks to various exposed populations. This literature review examines the short-term and long-term respiratory health impacts on residents, passers-by, children, and rescue and recovery workers. A literature search was conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, and the CDC World Trade Center Health Program databases. Twenty-six studies meeting specific eligibility criteria were included in the final analysis. This review focused on general respiratory symptoms, asthma, and sarcoidosis. Findings show general respiratory symptoms were widespread, with passers-by showing the highest prevalence (69.2%), followed by rescue workers (68.9%), residents (65.9%), and children (53%). Asthma prevalence increased over time across all populations, with rescue workers showing an increase from 3.2% (2003-2004) to 18.1% (2015-2016), and children from 5.7% (2003-2004) to 25.5% (2005-2006). Children under 5 years old at the time of the attack showed higher vulnerability to asthma compared to other age groups. Sarcoidosis incidence was elevated among firefighters, with a short-term peak of 54 per 100,000 person-years (2003-2004) and long-term rates of 22-25.5 per 100,000 person-years over 14 years. Webber et al. (2017) reported a standardized incidence ratio of 4.2 (95% CI: 3.1-5.6) for WTC-exposed firefighters compared to unexposed populations in the first five years. Limitations of the reviewed studies include potential recall bias in self-reported data, variations in study methodologies, and challenges in accounting for other environmental or occupational exposures. The persistence of respiratory health issues across different groups and over time highlights the need for continued monitoring and care for affected populations.
Revisiting the Impacts of Bt-corn on Non-Target Lepidoptera: A Scoping Review
(2024) Jenel Richard
This scoping review sought to verify the conclusions of Lang and Otto’s (2010) publication assessing the risk of Bt-corn on non-target lepidopteran species. Bt-corn has been an innovation in the agricultural sector in regard to increasing yield while minimizing pesticide application. If the EPA deemed Bt-corn harmful to unintended protected species, it would be subjected to planting restrictions, such as buffer zones, that safeguard habitats. In addition to replicating the literature review, the time period was increased to include contemporary research through December 2023 and search terms were added to include emerging technology. The sixteen laboratory studies used in Lang and Otto’s paper were successfully identified during the search process. Three additional published laboratory studies were identified by the search. One identified article was published prior to 2010, and the other two were published between 2010 and 2023. No additional field studies were identified during the expanded scoping review. The results from this scoping review support conclusions of the original paper that pollen from Bt- corn does not pose a significant risk to non-target lepidopteran species.
An Analysis of Water Quality in Public Water Systems, Private Wells, Groundwater, and Surface Water in North Carolina
(2024) Kayla Totten
Clean drinking water is essential for human life. The quality of publicly supplied drinking water is regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act with maximum contaminant levels established for over ninety contaminants; however, the quality of private well water is not regulated. In this study, the quality of publicly supplied water and private well water was compared for nine counties in North Carolina with a focus on lead, copper, arsenic, iron, and manganese. Additionally, the quality of surface water and groundwater was analyzed for the nine counties since they serve as sources for the drinking water. Water quality data were obtained from publicly available sources including the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Annual Drinking Water Quality Reports, and the United States Geological Survey Water Quality Portal. Upon analysis, private well water was found to have higher concentrations of lead, arsenic, iron, and manganese than publicly supplied water, thus highlighting the disparity between those relying on private well water and those with access to publicly supplied water. Private well water was found to have higher concentrations of lead than groundwater, indicating that lead likely enters the water from the corrosion of older plumbing systems that used metal pipes and plumbing. Copper also likely enters drinking water through the corrosion of older plumbing systems since private well water and publicly supplied water were found to have higher concentrations of copper than groundwater and surface water. Rural counties had higher concentrations of copper in publicly supplied water compared to urban counties, suggesting that the rural counties may have older plumbing systems. Publicly supplied water is filtered during drinking water treatment, likely removing arsenic, iron, and manganese. This was evidenced because the surface water, which publicly supplied water is sourced from, had higher concentrations of these contaminants compared to the publicly supplied water. Location played a role in the concentration of contaminants with high levels of arsenic found in counties known to have arsenic-containing rocks underground and counties in the Piedmont region having high concentrations of manganese. Overall, those relying on private wells are more likely to be exposed to drinking water contaminants than those with publicly supplied water, although it is important for all to have their water tested regularly to ensure it is safe and to help limit exposure to contaminants.
Do Poultry CAFOs Contribute to Negative Human Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review
(2024) Joanna Traynor Perry
Introduction: Concentrated food animal production (CAFO) facilities are a source of environmental and human health hazards. Despite the growing evidence that CAFOs present health and environmental risks to both farm workers and proximate communities, CAFO regulations and their enforcement have not adequately protected human health and the environment (Sciablabba, 2022). To our knowledge there have been no comprehensive literature reviews focusing on poultry CAFOs and human health outcomes since 2015. Previous literature reviews primarily focused on swine or livestock CAFOs with very little to no focus on poultry. Therefore, we reviewed the literature published between the years of 2015 and 2023 identifying health outcomes associated with working on or living near poultry CAFOs: respiratory outcomes, gastrointestinal outcomes and community or public health outcomes. Methods: We developed a list of search terms that covered synonyms for (i) concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO), (ii) poultry, and (iii) human health outcomes of interest and then searched: PubMed,Web of Science, CAB Direct, and Agricola databases for peer-reviewed articles between the years of 2015 and 2023. Results: We screened the titles/abstracts of 2007 articles; 23 studies were read in full text and 12 were identified as eligible and included in this review. In 9 out of 12 studies the authors found a negative impact on human health as a result of living near or working on a CAFO. The studies reviewed identified a correlation between poultry CAFO exposure and respiratory issues, odor annoyance, presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) E. coli in urine samples, and evidence of antibiotic absorption. Conclusions: Overall this literature review found that there is a correlation between working on or being in close proximity to a poultry CAFO and a negative health outcome. Further research examining the relationship between poultry production and human health effects on the workers and communities concentrated around these facilities is warranted.
Effectiveness of the Neuse River Nutrient Management Strategy: A Case Study on the Influence of Land Use
(2024) Elisabeth Webster
Due to its vital role in contributing to the ecosystem of the APES and as a recreational and water supply watershed, the quality of water running through the Neuse River is very important to the state of North Carolina. However, the Neuse River Basin has been plagued by poor water quality primarily caused by an influx of nutrients attributed to anthropogenic sources such as agricultural and stormwater runoff. Over saturation of nitrogen and phosphorus within the basin led to eutrophic conditions, ultimately causing algal blooms, increased turbidity, low dissolved oxygen, and fish mortality. Consequently, the Neuse River was first identified as an impaired water body per Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act in 1988. Management efforts have been in place since 1988. However, decades later the goals of the Neuse Management Strategy have not been met, and the Neuse River remains classified as nutrient sensitive waters with impaired status. This study aimed to evaluate potential sources of nutrient-enriched runoff within the basin by using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to identify areas of developed and agricultural land with the highest potential for runoff within two representative counties, Lenoir and Wake. Results indicated that agricultural cultivated cropland was thelargest land use category in the Neuse River basin, accounting for 838,686 acres or 21% of the entire basin. Within Lenoir County there were 8,394 acres of agricultural land with a high potential for agricultural runoff, 79,066 acres with moderate potential, and 15,245 acres with low potential. In comparison, Wake County had 785 acres of agricultural lands with high potential for runoff, 18,778 acres with moderate potential, and 4,676 acres with low potential for agricultural runoff. Agriculture-based Lenoir County contained 2,128 acres of land with high potential for stormwater runoff, 21,704 acres with moderate potential, and 4,723 acres with low potential. The more developed Wake County had 28,119 acres with high potential for stormwater runoff. This was followed by an additional 147,132 acres with moderate potential, and 59,537 acres with low potential for stormwater runoff. This study suggests that significant nonpoint sources of nutrient-polluted runoff still remain within the Neuse River Basin. Although a Nutrient Management Strategy exists for the Neuse River, it may not be adequately protective against nutrient inputs from nonpoint sources. If the current rules are not eliciting the desired water quality outcomes it is unlikely that the water quality will improve or even hold steady as the population, and corresponding urban development and agricultural operations, continues to grow . Regulatory authorities should consider additional management approaches, especially for nonpoint nutrient sources.
Estimating Alveolar Ventilation for Use in Physiological-based Exposure Models
(2023) Robertson, Hayden
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) utilizes the Air Pollutants Exposure (APEX) model to estimate exposure to criteria air pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), to inform the setting of air quality standards (e.g., US EPA, 2010). The data for estimating alveolar ventilation rates (𝑉 ̇𝐴) in this model used for modeling CO exposures and dose was last updated over 20 years ago and could benefit from additional information extracted from new studies as well as performing additional data analysis. Specifically, the existing constant value used in the equation to estimate 𝑉 ̇𝐴, 19.63, has been raised by public reviewers of the most recent CO human health risk and exposure assessment as potentially limited in its applicability, particularly at when simulated individuals are high breathing rates (US EPA, 2011). This new study was conducted to increase our knowledgebase of the physiological aspects of ventilation and to further develop an internal alveolar ventilation database that could be used to either support the existing quantitative linear relationship or, where possible, improve the algorithm. This evaluation also explored the relationship of how alveolar ventilation with might be affected by key demographic attributes such as body mass, age, and sex. Two approaches were explored to estimate 𝑉 ̇𝐴 and are linked to key respiratory variables already modeled by APEX. The first, used a direct relationship between 𝑉 ̇𝐴 and oxygen consumption rates (𝑉 ̇𝑂2). The second used the relationship of dead space to tidal volume (VD/VT) to 𝑉 ̇𝑂2 and expected to be used with total ventilation rate (𝑉 ̇𝐸) to indirectly estimate 𝑉 ̇𝐴. This study increased the amount of useful data within the internal database by over two-fold, albeit sample size limitations for important population groups remain an issue (e.g., adults > 35 years old). New data analyses using the updated database suggest a linear relationship between 𝑉 ̇𝐴 and 𝑉 ̇𝑂2 appears appropriate across all population groups and breathing rates, while differences in the VD/VT to 𝑉 ̇𝑂2 relationship across 3 population groups suggests adoption of this latter approach is less likely due to the sample size issues. It is hoped study results assist in the development of a newly refined algorithm to for estimating CO exposure and dose estimations, reduce uncertainties in exposure models that would use such an approach, and provide sound support to air quality regulations.
Expanding the Conservation Reserve Program to Promote Habitat Conservation at Hazardous Waste Cleanup Sites: A Feasibility Study
(2023) Hooper-Attig, Brooke
Remediation of former hazardous waste sites generates a new opportunity for lands contaminated with regulated hazardous waste. Many sites across the United States are remediated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action Program with a primary focus to eliminate human health and ecological risks associated with the improper handling, disposal, and/or treatment of hazardous waste and find a beneficial reuse for the site. The primary focus of this study examines the potential reuse of a remediated corrective action site through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The study considered two outcomes, (1) converting a remediated corrective action site to pollinator habitat under the CRP framework would benefit both the site owner and surrounding ecosystem and (2) that the cost associated with pollinator habitat development would outweigh the financial incentives of the CRP lease. The study site is located in southern Missouri, with corrective action now in post-closure care; however, site use restrictions remain in place due to soil “hot spots” throughout the site. The site use restrictions have made resale of the site difficult for the current owner and limits redevelopment opportunities. This study examined converting selected acreage into a conservation resource under the framework established USDA CRP. CRP enrollment is currently limited to privately owned agricultural land, where landowners receive a payment incentive in the form of a lease payment to convert previously cropped land into non-cropped conservation land. Specifically, this study explored enrollment opportunity under the Continuous CRP for establishing pollinator and wildlife habitat. The feasibility of expanding the CRP to include corrective action sites is explored in the form of a financial analysis. The study found that the financial benefit to the current landowner is significant and there is potential to establish over 200-acres of new pollinator and wildlife habitat on a parcel of land that currently provides limited economic and environmental benefit.
Estuarine Shoreline Stabilization Methods in Coastal North Carolina: a Case Study Analysis of Coastal Resiliency
(2023) Karcher, Tyler J.
Coastal North Carolina estuaries provide countless environmental and economic benefits to the state of North Carolina. These valuable ecosystems along the coast are very diverse in nature and are home to thousands of different species that attract much of the state’s tourism industry and provide an important resource to local economies. With recent pressures on these estuaries from increasing development and boat traffic in coastal communities, combined with more frequent and intense storm systems driven by climate change, a focus on coastal resiliency is at the forefront in our state. The push towards long term coastal resiliency planning in North Carolina has been fostered through partnerships and programs implemented by non- profit foundations, local, state, and federal governments, and other organizations, with the goal of protecting and enhancing the countless benefits that these estuaries provide. To better analyze the current methods and practices being implemented in our coastal communities as a foundation in North Carolina’s coastal resiliency efforts, pre- and post-storm observations from existing projects are evaluated and discussed. Evaluating the effectiveness of current coastal resiliency practices in North Carolina can provide an important role in future planning efforts for our coastal communities to reduce negative impacts from future storms.
Roadmap to Resilience: Implementing Federal Nature-Based Solutions Recommendations for Climate Resilience at Coastal North Carolina State Parks
(2023) Farrell, Christine
Coastal North Carolina is increasingly impacted by threats of climate change that are only going to intensify in the coming years. Sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, and increases in temperatures, floods, droughts, and intense storm events are imminent threats to coastal NC State Parks. Nature-based solutions (NbS) provide a way to work with nature to improve ecosystem and community resilience to a changing climate. To help combat the climate change crisis and find solutions to an impending problem, the Biden-Harris administration released the “Opportunities for Accelerating Nature-Based Solutions: A Roadmap for Climate Progress, Thriving Nature, Equity, and Prosperity” in November 2022. The purpose of the administration’s Roadmap is to promote the use of NbS projects in federal climate resilience projects across the country. This paper will utilize the Roadmap as a template to advocate for increasing the use of NbS in coastal NC State Parks to improve climate resilience, as well as emphasize the urgent need for a climate resilience plan specific to the State Park System. Specifically, increasing the use of living shorelines and green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) as NbS techniques will be emphasized. Understanding and planning for landscape-scale changes due to present and future climate change impacts is crucial to the conservation, recreation, and operations of State Parks.

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