ABSTRACTS of the POSTERS Presented at the 2010 Sustainability Fair at Missouri State University 

 

Poster #1    Jenifer Roberts, Missouri State University, Fashion & Interior Design Department

Dress Forms

 

Poster #2    Loring Bullard, Director, Watershed Committee of the Ozarks

Water Management 2100

Water infrastructure in the United States has provided for amazing advances in human health and commerce. But this infrastructure is aging and deteriorating. Funding needed for upgrades and replacements has lagged, resulting in a troublesome “infrastructure gap,” which EPA has estimated may reach $200 billion over the next two decades. Given the present economic conditions, it will be difficult to narrow the gap soon, particularly since many state and local governments are also struggling financially. This poster examines a potential alternative approach to water infrastructure in Missouri, a state which experiences times of too much water, as well as times of not enough. The suggested infrastructure would be “building based,” rather than municipality or water system based. Ideas for better water management in Missouri in the areas of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater are presented. Wide implementation of these kinds of strategies could make the infrastructure of the future (e.g., in 2100) much more efficient and affordable, as well as more protective of human health and the environment.

 

Poster #3    Jill Black, Missouri State University, Department of Geography, Geology & Planning

Earth Science for Teachers Students: Leading the Way to Save Resources For Future Generations!

Elementary and middle school teachers will exert great influence on their students, not only by what they say, but probably more importantly, by the example they set and the attitudes they convey.  Students in two sections of GRY240 Earth Science for Teachers will have the opportunity to design posters or elementary/middle school hands-on science activities about various topics related to Earth resources and sustainability, and will present their projects to their fellow preservice teachers. Examples of possible topics are recycling, air pollution, soil conservation, water pollution, controlling water quantity, energy resources, ocean pollution, sustainability of mineral resources, and groundwater pollution, especially in karst areas like the Ozarks.  Students will be photographed with their posters or activities and their projects will be described on the Sustainability Fair poster. Hopefully, this personal connection with a sustainability issue will further students’ involvement with these issues and students will also influence other preservice teachers in their classes.  Ultimately, it is hoped that their many future elementary and middle school students will also carry on the ideas and ethic of sustainability.

 

Poster #3    Jessica Bailey, Dr. Arbindra Rimal, and Dr. Benjamin Onyango, Missouri State University, Department of Agriculture

Farmers’ Markets in Missouri: Economic Importance and Vendor Characteristics

Farmers’ markets, as a direct marketing method, are growing, meeting today’s demand for local, quality produce.  The study’s objective was to determine the economic impact of farmers’ markets in Missouri in terms of output and employment, and examine characteristics of farmers’ market vendors.  It is expected that legislators and other interested parties will use the results to make informed decisions regarding farmers’ markets in Missouri.  The study’s data source was a survey of 260 farmers’ market producers, conducted during the 2009 seasons.  The economic impact was estimated using the input-output modeling system, IMPLAN; the SPSS package was used for statistical analyses.  Economic impact results indicate a total output impact of $24.35 million on the Missouri state economy including direct impact of $14.59 million and indirect impact of $9.76 million. Total employment impact was 379 full-time equivalent jobs, and total value added impact was $11.03 million.  Producers were statistically characterized as college educated, satisfied with their business profit margin, producing on one or fewer acres and in the growth stage of business; there was no bias as to gender.  The results indicate farmers’ markets are an increasingly important part of the local and state economies and may build those economies.

 

Poster #5    Amanda Janicki, Missouri State University Graduate, Biology Department

Effects of White-Nose Syndrome on Winter Energetics of Little Brown Bats (Myotis Lucifugus)

White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a large-scale epidemic that is killing cave-dwelling bats in the eastern United States during the winter.  Even though the ultimate cause of death is related to a fungal infection, the proximal cause seems to be depletion of fat reserves before hibernation is over.  I hypothesized that little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) affected with WNS have shallower torpor depth and elevated torpid metabolic rates than unaffected bats.  Body temperatures (with iBBat temperature-sensitive dataloggers) and oxygen consumption rates were measured throughout the 2008-2009 hibernation season at a Williams Lake Hotel mine in NY, at Woodward Cave in PA, and at Brooks Cave on Ft. Leonard Wood military base in MO.  Fat reserves were also measured indirectly by body mass and serum leptin levels (via RIA).  The metabolic rates of bats in NY were two to three times higher that of bats in PA (P < 0.0005).  Torpid metabolic rates of bats in PA were similar to rates measured in other bat species.  This is consistent with my hypothesis, even though WNS was detected in Woodward Cave by March 2009.  Bats in MO had intermediate rates of metabolism, possibly due to geographic differences.  I estimate that the higher metabolic rates during torpor (not accounting for changes in arousal patterns) in NY bats would utilize an additional 0.7 grams of fat over the winter and this may be part of the reason why affected bats are starving to death.  Body mass and leptin concentrations are correlated (P = 0.038) and decreased throughout hibernation as expected.
 

Poster #6    Molly Starkey, Dr. Doug Gouzie, Missouri State University, Geography, Geology & Planning Department

Bulk Elemental Analysis of the Lamotte Sandstone Using Non-Destructive X-Ray Fluoresence

In response to concerns carbon dioxide is contributing to global climate change, the scientific community has been investigating ways to reduce anthropogenic carbon emissions. One method is geologic carbon sequestration: the injection of CO₂ into subsurface rock units for disposal. Southwest Missouri has no deep sedimentary basins, unmineable coal seams, or depleted oil and gas fields which are the conventional locations for geologic carbon sequestration, so an alternative is of interest. 

The proposed target unit for injection in southwest Missouri is the Cambrian Lamotte Sandstone.  As part of the Missouri Shallow Carbon Demonstration Project, the bulk elemental composition of the proposed injection unit was evaluated. This was done using non-destructive X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). A library of standards to calibrate the XRF instrument was created and statistical models were used to determine facies based on major element composition. These data will be incorporated into the geochemical models of the proposed injection site to help determine the feasibility of shallow carbon sequestration in southwest Missouri.  This material is based upon work sponsored by the Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory under Award Number DE-NT0006642 to City Utilities of Springfield, MO.

 

Poster #7    Marissa Berger, Dr. Tom Plymate, Missouri State University, Geography, Geology & Planning Department

Petrographic Analysis to Determine Spatial Variations of Porosity and Mineralogy in the Lamotte Sandstone in SW Missouri

Anthropogenic release of carbon dioxide has been accepted as a possible cause of global climate change. In order to reduce the amount of CO₂ released into the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels, several countries are taking steps to capture and sequester the carbon from these emissions. A proposed target unit for CO₂ sequestration is the Lamotte Sandstone, the deepest porous media available in southwest Missouri. This study will contribute to the overall body of knowledge on this basal Cambrian sedimentary unit, as well as to the suitability of this unit for the Missouri Carbon Sequestration Project. The main goal of this study is to provide a detailed petrographic analysis of the Lamotte Sandstone consisting of the spatial variation of porosity and bulk mineral composition. Thin sections from several historic cores are prepared at intervals of approximately ten feet. At least 1000 points per slide are counted. This data will be used to interpret the depositional environments of the Lamotte Sandstone in southwest Missouri and, in conjunction with subsequent hydrologic studies, can be used in determining the potential storage capacity of the unit, as well as in geochemical modeling of interactions of the CO₂ with the constituent minerals.

*This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory under Award Number DE-NT0006642 to City Utilities of Springfield, MO.

 

Poster #8    Caroline Pavlowsky, Missouri State University, Geography, Geology & Planning Department

Temperature Trends and Utility Resource Use/Sustainability in Springfield, Missouri: A Climate Change Risk Assessment?

This study evaluates the relationship between monthly temperature trends and energy/water use in the Springfield, Missouri metropolitan area.  A five year record of temperature is correlated with natural gas, electric, and water use. Understanding the day to day changes in weather and its effect on daily life should be a more pressing concern to the public as global climate patterns shift.  By relating rates and cost of utility resource use to temperature extremes, predictions of the influence of climate change scenarios on the sustainability of the human lifestyle can be evaluated.

 

Poster #9    Jackie Ebert and Dr. Robert Pavlowsky, Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute, Dr. William Wedenoja, Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, Dr. Daniel Beckman, Department of Biology, Linnea Iantria, Department of Geography, Geology & Planning, Missouri State University

Sustainability of Coastal Watershed Communities in Jamaica

At Missouri State University, the Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute has been working in collaboration with the Department’s of Biology, Geography, Geology, and Planning, and Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology in Jamaica to assist local communities in developing a sustainable economy.  The projects are in southwestern Jamaica along Bluefields Bay primarily in the towns of Bluefields, Belmont, and Cave.   These international efforts support the university’s mission in public affairs in the areas of environmental research, undergraduate and graduate education, and community outreach.  To date, completed and ongoing projects have focused on water quality, stream health, cultural resource preservation, conservation ecology, coastal management, and geotourism.

 

Poster #10  Heather Hoggard, Marc Owen and Dr. Robert Pavlowsky, Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute and Department of Geography, Geology & Planning, Missouri State University

Understanding Water Quality in Southwest Missouri

The Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute at Missouri State University provides technical assistance and student education in the area of water quality monitoring and management in the Ozarks.  We work with environmental groups, consultants, government agencies, and MSU faculty and students to study and understand water quality conditions in streams and how they influence aquatic life and human activities.  The three studies described on this poster focus on evaluating water quality trends in urban streams of various sizes in the James River Basin.

 

Poster #11  Marc Owen and Dr. Robert Pavlowsky, Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute and Department of Geography, Geology & Planning, Missouri State University

Sustainable Solutions for Stream Management

The Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute at Missouri State University provides technical assistance and student education in the areas of stream channel monitoring and management in the Ozarks.   Information on river stability and sedimentation is collected using field and remote sensing methods.  The main goal of this research is to support stream restoration efforts to revitalize impaired and disturbed streams.  Two studies described in this poster include examples of restoring stream stability for flood control and water quality improvements in the Springfield area. In addition, a third study showcases a regional monitoring program aimed at understanding the channel conditions present in the Ozarks for broader management purposes.

 

Poster #12  Marc Owen, Bob Pavlowsky, Ben Young, and Andrew DeWitt, Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute and Department of Geography, Geology & Planning, Missouri State University

Sustainable Watershed Assessments Using Geospatial Technology

Geospatial technology provides information on the variability of the Earth’s surface over time and space.  Application of this technology is essential for addressing water quality and erosion issues at the watershed scale.  The Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute at Missouri State University utilize geospatial technology to address community sustainability issues that relate to development, agriculture and environmental restoration for watershed management in Missouri.  Field based technology includes using land surveys, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).  Remotely sensed technology includes historical aerial photography, digital maps, and satellite imagery.          

 

Poster #13  Anna Larkin, Heather Hoggard, and Dr. Robert Pavlowsky, Ozarks Environmental and Water Resources Institute and Department of Geography, Geology & Planning, Missouri State University

Urban Water Quality in the Metropolitan Springfield, Missouri Area: MS4 Monitoring Results

Municipalities within Greene and Christian Counties in Missouri have implemented storm water discharge monitoring programs to address water quality problems specific to urban watersheds as required by U.S.E.P.A. and Missouri DNR.  Urban municipalities must participate in the NPDES storm water program to reduce adverse impacts from storm water discharges on water quality and aquatic habitat.  This poster presents the results of the first two years of water quality monitoring for total phosphorus, total nitrogen, total suspended solids, chloride, specific conductivity, and pH.  Thirty-one sampling sites within two counties were chosen for monitoring based on accessibility for sampling, suitability for the project, basin location, and urban land distribution. One base flow and four seasonal first flush samples were collected from each site annually.  Water quality data were grouped by local watershed location to determine which areas were exceeding established limits and what affects they have on downstream lakes and rivers. This information will be used to plan management strategies to reduce water pollution and create sustainable watersheds in the Ozarks.

 

Poster #14  Dr. Robert Pavlowsky, Environmental Water Resources Institute and Department of Geography, Geology & Planning, Missouri State University

New “Sustainable Watersheds” Course

A new sustainability course is being offered at the graduate-level in the Department of Geography, Geology, and Planning in Spring 2011.  It will be offered on Tuesday nights from 6 to 9 pm under the title of GRY 751-SUSTAINABLE WATERSHEDS (Topics in Advanced Physical Geography) in Temple 335.  The course will involve presentations and discussions of readings on the relationships among water resources and human activities within watersheds. The sustainability themes and case studies covered in class will relate to the specific interests of students in the class as well as broader subjects.

 

Poster #15  Erica Cox and Dr. Jill Black, Missouri State University, Department of Geography, Geology & Planning

Use of Project WET Training as Part of Geography, Geology and Planning Classes for Education Majors

Although Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) was developed in the early 1990’s, the program has seen resurgence with the growing public interest in sustainability and related topics.  Missouri State education students have the opportunity to experience Project WET activities and training within their classes through the Department of Geography, Geology and Planning, as well as workshop offerings through the Department of Biology.  Project WET activities illustrate the importance of water conservation and other environmental education topics, but also help students understand science topics, related to all areas of science.  Project WET activities conducted within GGP classes focus on those that may be used to teach Earth Science, specifically.  Education majors leave these courses with the opportunity to receive the Project WET Activity Guide, with over 90 activities they may use for student teaching and eventually in their own classrooms.

 

Poster #16  Interior Design Program

Sustainability in Housing

There are a growing number of options available to the consumer in the pursuit of an environmentally sustainable home.  Begin with the site orientation of the home; utilizing prevailing winds, the use of natural daylighting and solar power, and retaining the natural landscape. Choose thermal windows and weatherproof the doors, install a tankless water heater, VOC free paint and materials, insulate, use cork and bamboo, and recycled materials. From the choice of the lot or the house, to the hanging of the last piece of art work made from recycled glass, and everything in between, environmentally friendly choices can and should be made. It is not necessarily more expensive in the long run and sustainable products are beautiful.

 

Poster #17  Rachel Heth, Dr. David Bowles (National Park Service) and Dr. John Havel, Missouri State University, Department of Biology

Effects of Stream Crossings on Macroinvertebrate Assemblages of the Upper Current River, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri

This study examined the impact of road crossings on benthic macroinvertebrate communities in an wadable Ozark river.  We collected macroinvertebrates during winter and summer from four riffle locations (upstream, at crossing, downstream, and farther downstream) at each of five sites in the upper Current River (mean discharge 12 cms).  Sixteen environmental variables were measured at locations to characterize sites.  Using digital photographs from trail cameras, traffic frequencies were calculated and largely consisted of hikers and horses.  Based on counts of 68,353 individuals from 111 taxa, we calculated four metrics (taxa richness, Shannon’s index, EPT, biotic index) combined into the Stream Condition Index and assessed effects of stream crossings with a two-way nested ANOVA for each season.  All metrics showed strong differences among sites but inconsistent effects among locations.  Multivariate analyses (NMDS and ANOSIM) also revealed strong differences in community composition among sites, but not among locations.  Together the results indicate crossing disturbances during summer and winter 2009 were either too frequent or small in intensity to impair benthic invertebrates. 

 

Poster #18  Environmental Focus Committee

Environmental Science and Policy Minor: “A Minor for Students and Sustainability on their Career Mind

The Environmental and Science and Policy minor prepares students for careers that demand knowledge of the environment and environmental policy. This is the only minor at MSU that prepares students for sustainable development practices in the workplace, and in their life. Students choose courses in environmental policy (9 credit hours) and environmental science (9-11 credit hours). Courses include: LAW 537 ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION; ECO 540 ECONOMICS OF THE ENVIRONMENT; PHI 302 ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS; PLS 555 PUBLIC POLICY FOR A  GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT; PSY 379 ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY; SOC 319 ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOLOGY; CHM 260 PRINCIPLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY; CHM 460 ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY; GRY 351 CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES; AGA 335  SOIL CONSERVATION AND WATER MANAGEMENT; BIO 369 GENERAL ECOLOGY; GLG 171 ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY; and, GRY 108 PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY.

 

Poster #19  Dr. Alexander Wait, Department of Biology and Lora Vess, Department of Sociology, Missouri State University

Gusts and Breezes of Change: Outcomes of a Faculty Curricular Workshop

We will describe the process and outcomes of a full-day sustainability in the curriculum workshop for eleven Missouri State University faculty. The workshop was held at MSU’s Bull Shoals Field Station and included two community resource presentations: a water education specialist and another university’s sustainability director. Faculty from the following departments participated: Agriculture, Anthropology, Biology, English, German, Hospitality, Physics, Psychology, Recreation, Religious Studies, Sociology, and Theater. Participants were charged with significantly changing an existing course, developing a new course, or developing a professional certificate. We will present the curricular outcomes – which primarily resulted in the explicit incorporation of sustainability into current courses, but also included new courses. In addition, we will present the results of the pre- and post-workshop attitudes of the participants on the issue of incorporating sustainability into the curriculum. Common beliefs prior to the workshop were that including sustainability in the curriculum would mean adding more environmental science. However, post-workshop attitudes were that sustainability was equally tied to cultural and societal issues. Faculty also reported a great deal of satisfaction with interacting with colleagues from other disciplines, which broadened their perspectives on interdisciplinary approaches to teaching sustainability, and improved their confidence about integrating sustainability into courses.

 

Poster #20  Dr. Alexander Wait, Department of Biology, Missouri State University

Short-term Intensive Management of Lespedeza cuneata in Old Fields and Prairies: Sustainable Management Through Organic Fertilization (and a bit of herbicide).

The growth and establishment of Lespedeza cuneata in old-fields and prairies in the Midwest is often enhanced by typical management and restoration strategies. We tested an intensive management strategy suitable for public lands to reduce L. cuneata to densities that promote establishment of native grasses and forbs.  In a degraded prairie at Wilson Creek National Battlefield in Missouri we examined the effects of herbicide (PastureGard), organic fertilizer (4-1-4; Bradford Organics) and mowing on L. cuneata density and cover, and overall species richness and cover. A fully factorial randomized block design was used. Initial L. cuneata density was 98 stems per m². Herbicide completely killed L. cuneata during the two years of study. However the herbicide also had a negative effect on some desirable species. Fertilization reduced cover of L. cuneata by over 50%. Mowing alone, as expected, increased L. cuneata density and cover; however, mowing and fertilization together reduced L. cuneata density and cover. Fertilization promoted desirable species. Results suggest that while herbicide is probably needed initially to reduce L. cuneata density and cover, a low concentration slow release organic fertilizer can be applied to promote competition; and most importantly, be used in the sustainable management of old-field and prairies.

 

Poster #21  Megan Bradley and Dr. Chris Barnhart, Missouri State University, Department of Biology

What’s All The Fuss About Mussels?  Research On Native Freshwater Bivalves at MSU

Freshwater mussels are a diverse group of mollusks living mainly in rivers.  Mussels are inconspicuous but important- they can literally outweigh all other animals in rivers. Mussels filter water and capture bacteria and algae, making this food energy available to other animals. However, many native mussel species are in danger of extinction.  Work to preserve endangered species is one of the most important efforts in “sustainability” and is funded by a variety of agencies.   We have developed methods for captive culture of mussels and undertaken research on ecology and toxicology, as well as releasing mussels to restore populations of endangered species. Toxicology studies at MSU and in other labs using propagated mussels are helping to inform the USEPA and other agencies that regulate pollutants.  Ultimately, we hope to prevent further extinctions and to restore the abundance and ecological function of freshwater communities.  We collaborate with a variety of agencies including the US Fish and Wildlife Service, USEPA, Kansas City Zoo, USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center, Missouri Department of Conservation, Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center, Virginia Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center, Illinois Natural History Survey, and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.  Our graduate students enter careers in resource management, science, and education.