A.J. Englande

Prediction of swimmability in a brackish water body

Purpose – The primary objective of this study is to develop a predictive model that will predict the swimmability of certain areas of a brackish water body (Lake Pontchartrain) based on physicochemical and meteorological conditions.Design/methodology/approach – Samples were collected and analyzed for bacteria indicator organisms at 13 sites along and adjacent to Lincoln Beach for four years. Physicochemical parameters and meteorological data were also recorded. A logistic regression model and an artificial neural networks (ANNs) model were both used to predict whether a lake condition is “safe to swim” or “not safe to swim”, given only physicochemical and meteorological parameters.Findings – Both models predicted very well the results observed when lake conditions were “safe to swim” (97.7 percent of time the statistical model predicted correctly and an average >99.5 percent of the time for the ANNs model). However, for conditions under which the lake water quality was “not safe to swim”, the statistical ...

A field study on cost‐effectiveness of five erosion control measures

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to quantitatively evaluate five erosion control measures at a residential development area in Louisiana, USA in order to provide Best Management Practices (BMPs) that have been tested in the field with demonstrated cost‐effectiveness.Design/methodology/approach – A total of six testing sites at a nine‐degree slope were used in parallel to study five erosion control measures with one being the control site (no protection). Soil erosion rate was quantified using the erosion bridge method. Soil underlying the study area was analyzed for surface runoff potential. Precipitation was monitored using a Sigma rain gauge. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student Newman‐Keuls Post‐Hoc ANOVA analysis were conducted to evaluate statistical significance of erosion control effectiveness. Ratio of soil erosion rate reduction to cost of each control measure is also analyzed.Findings – All erosion control measures studied were very effective in reducing soil erosion for soils with hig...

Application of biotechnology in waste management for sustainable development

Purpose – The purpose of this paper covers a perspective as related to sustainable development of natural resources with a focus on application of biotechnology in waste management.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents an overall view of industrial waste management practices as pertaining to substantiality of resources with emphasis on biodegradation of industrial pollutants. Methodologies employing biotechnology and striving towards the goal of sustainable development/production are discussed in this regard and particular attention is given to: regulatory consideration and trends; characterization of toxics for resource reuse; ecotoxicological assessment evaluations; treatment trends and innovative techniques, residual management.Findings – Biotechnology is an important component needed to successfully achieve the goal of sustainability. “Value‐added” products from by‐products/waste and novel technologies employing biotechnical principles represent areas where significant opportunities exist.P...

Metals evaluation in coastal wetlands receiving treated wastewater

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the investigation of distribution of metals in water and sediment samples of Poydras‐Verret wetland, an area that has received approximately 40 years input of secondarily treated municipal effluent.Design/methodology/approach – Water and sediment samples were analyzed for metals for a period of 18 months. These metals were also monitored for the secondarily treated effluent, and at a reference/control wetland that does not receive wastewater. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student Newman‐Keuls post‐hoc ANOVA analysis were conducted to evaluate the pattern of metal distribution within the Poygras‐Verret wetland and compare results to the reference wetland. Heavy metal criteria established by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and State of Louisiana were also used to assess the potential chronic and acute health impacts of heavy metals in the Poydras‐Verret wetland.Findings – Concentrations of metals of the Poydras‐Verret wetland water ...

Evaluation and applicability of water quality and nutrients removal by coastal wetlands receiving treated municipal wastewater and its application

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the water quality of the wetland that received treated municipal wastewater for 40 years and its application for nutrients removal and wetland restoration.Design/methodology/approach – To assess the water quality impact of the study, wetland sampling sites were selected to represent the receiving wetland, wetland background, effluent discharge point, and the adjacent canals. Water samples were taken in different seasons of the year and analyzed for water quality parameters including pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, chloride, total organic carbon, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, TKN and phosphorus. USEPA‐approved standard methods were followed and Quality Assurance/Quality Control procedures were compiled. Analysis of variance and Student Newman‐Keuls Post‐Hoc analysis were performed on the sampling results to evaluate the water quality differences among the sampling sites.Findings – No water quality degradation was detected in the wetland study aft...