ASU Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This collection includes most of the ASU Theses and Dissertations from 2011 to present. ASU Theses and Dissertations are available in downloadable PDF format; however, a small percentage of items are under embargo. Information about the dissertations/theses includes degree information, committee members, an abstract, supporting data or media.
In addition to the electronic theses found in the ASU Digital Repository, ASU Theses and Dissertations can be found in the ASU Library Catalog.
Dissertations and Theses granted by Arizona State University are archived and made available through a joint effort of the ASU Graduate College and the ASU Libraries. For more information or questions about this collection contact or visit the Digital Repository ETD Library Guide or contact the ASU Graduate College at gradformat@asu.edu.
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- Creators: Campbell, Andrew
- Creators: Krajmalnik-Brown, Rosa
Description
This dissertation explores the use of bench-scale batch microcosms in remedial design of contaminated aquifers, presents an alternative methodology for conducting such treatability studies, and - from technical, economical, and social perspectives - examines real-world application of this new technology. In situ bioremediation (ISB) is an effective remedial approach for many contaminated groundwater sites. However, site-specific variability necessitates the performance of small-scale treatability studies prior to full-scale implementation. The most common methodology is the batch microcosm, whose potential limitations and suitable technical alternatives are explored in this thesis. In a critical literature review, I discuss how continuous-flow conditions stimulate microbial attachment and biofilm formation, and identify unique microbiological phenomena largely absent in batch bottles, yet potentially relevant to contaminant fate. Following up on this theoretical evaluation, I experimentally produce pyrosequencing data and perform beta diversity analysis to demonstrate that batch and continuous-flow (column) microcosms foster distinctly different microbial communities. Next, I introduce the In Situ Microcosm Array (ISMA), which took approximately two years to design, develop, build and iteratively improve. The ISMA can be deployed down-hole in groundwater monitoring wells of contaminated aquifers for the purpose of autonomously conducting multiple parallel continuous-flow treatability experiments. The ISMA stores all sample generated in the course of each experiment, thereby preventing the release of chemicals into the environment. Detailed results are presented from an ISMA demonstration evaluating ISB for the treatment of hexavalent chromium and trichloroethene. In a technical and economical comparison to batch microcosms, I demonstrate the ISMA is both effective in informing remedial design decisions and cost-competitive. Finally, I report on a participatory technology assessment (pTA) workshop attended by diverse stakeholders of the Phoenix 52nd Street Superfund Site evaluating the ISMA's ability for addressing a real-world problem. In addition to receiving valuable feedback on perceived ISMA limitations, I conclude from the workshop that pTA can facilitate mutual learning even among entrenched stakeholders. In summary, my doctoral research (i) pinpointed limitations of current remedial design approaches, (ii) produced a novel alternative approach, and (iii) demonstrated the technical, economical and social value of this novel remedial design tool, i.e., the In Situ Microcosm Array technology.
ContributorsKalinowski, Tomasz (Author) / Halden, Rolf U. (Thesis advisor) / Johnson, Paul C (Committee member) / Krajmalnik-Brown, Rosa (Committee member) / Bennett, Ira (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
This document is intended to show the various kinds of stylistically appropriate melodic and rhythmic ornamentation that can be used in the improvisation of the Sarabandes by J.S. Bach. Traditional editions of Bach's and other Baroque-era keyboard works have reflected evolving historical trends. The historical performance movement and other attempts to "clean up" pre-1950s romanticized performances have greatly limited the freedom and experimentation that was the original intention of these dances. Prior to this study, few ornamented editions of these works have been published. Although traditional practices do not necessarily encourage classical improvisation in performance I argue that manipulation of the melodic and rhythmic layers over the established harmonic progressions will not only provide diversity within the individual dance movements, but also further engage the ears of the performer and listener which encourages further creative exploration. I will focus this study on the ornamentation of all six Sarabandes from J.S. Bach's French Suites and show how various types of melodic and rhythmic variation can provide aurally pleasing alternatives to the composed score without disrupting the harmonic fluency. The author intends this document to be used as a pedagogical tool and the fully ornamented Sarabandes from J.S. Bach's French Suites are included with this document.
ContributorsOakley, Ashley (Author) / Meir, Baruch (Thesis advisor) / Campbell, Andrew (Committee member) / Norton, Kay (Committee member) / Pagano, Caio (Committee member) / Ryan, Russell (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
Reductive dechlorination by members of the bacterial genus Dehalococcoides is a common and cost-effective avenue for in situ bioremediation of sites contaminated with the chlorinated solvents, trichloroethene (TCE) and perchloroethene (PCE). The overarching goal of my research was to address some of the challenges associated with bioremediation timeframes by improving the rates of reductive dechlorination and the growth of Dehalococcoides in mixed communities. Biostimulation of contaminated sites or microcosms with electron donor fails to consistently promote dechlorination of PCE/TCE beyond cis-dichloroethene (cis-DCE), even when the presence of Dehalococcoides is confirmed. Supported by data from microcosm experiments, I showed that the stalling at cis-DCE is due a H2 competition in which components of the soil or sediment serve as electron acceptors for competing microorganisms. However, once competition was minimized by providing selective enrichment techniques, I illustrated how to obtain both fast rates and high-density Dehalococcoides using three distinct enrichment cultures. Having achieved a heightened awareness of the fierce competition for electron donor, I then identified bicarbonate (HCO3-) as a potential H2 sink for reductive dechlorination. HCO3- is the natural buffer in groundwater but also the electron acceptor for hydrogenotrophic methanogens and homoacetogens, two microbial groups commonly encountered with Dehalococcoides. By testing a range of concentrations in batch experiments, I showed that methanogens are favored at low HCO3 and homoacetogens at high HCO3-. The high HCO3- concentrations increased the H2 demand which negatively affected the rates and extent of dechlorination. By applying the gained knowledge on microbial community management, I ran the first successful continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) at a 3-d hydraulic retention time for cultivation of dechlorinating cultures. I demonstrated that using carefully selected conditions in a CSTR, cultivation of Dehalococcoides at short retention times is feasible, resulting in robust cultures capable of fast dechlorination. Lastly, I provide a systematic insight into the effect of high ammonia on communities involved in dechlorination of chloroethenes. This work documents the potential use of landfill leachate as a substrate for dechlorination and an increased tolerance of Dehalococcoides to high ammonia concentrations (2 g L-1 NH4+-N) without loss of the ability to dechlorinate TCE to ethene.
ContributorsDelgado, Anca Georgiana (Author) / Krajmalnik-Brown, Rosa (Thesis advisor) / Cadillo-Quiroz, Hinsby (Committee member) / Halden, Rolf U. (Committee member) / Rittmann, Bruce E. (Committee member) / Stout, Valerie (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
Microbial electrochemical cells (MXCs) are promising platforms for bioenergy production from renewable resources. In these systems, specialized anode-respiring bacteria (ARB) deliver electrons from oxidation of organic substrates to the anode of an MXC. While much progress has been made in understanding the microbiology, physiology, and electrochemistry of well-studied model ARB such as Geobacter and Shewanella, tremendous potential exists for MXCs as microbiological platforms for exploring novel ARB. This dissertation introduces approaches for selective enrichment and characterization of phototrophic, halophilic, and alkaliphilic ARB. An enrichment scheme based on manipulation of poised anode potential, light, and nutrient availability led to current generation that responded negatively to light. Analysis of phototrophically enriched communities suggested essential roles for green sulfur bacteria and halophilic ARB in electricity generation. Reconstruction of light-responsive current generation could be successfully achieved using cocultures of anode-respiring Geobacter and phototrophic Chlorobium isolated from the MXC enrichments. Experiments lacking exogenously supplied organic electron donors indicated that Geobacter could produce a measurable current from stored photosynthate in the dark. Community analysis of phototrophic enrichments also identified members of the novel genus Geoalkalibacter as potential ARB. Electrochemical characterization of two haloalkaliphilic, non-phototrophic Geoalkalibacter spp. showed that these bacteria were in fact capable of producing high current densities (4-8 A/m2) and using higher organic substrates under saline or alkaline conditions. The success of these selective enrichment approaches and community analyses in identifying and understanding novel ARB capabilities invites further use of MXCs as robust platforms for fundamental microbiological investigations.
ContributorsBadalamenti, Jonathan P (Author) / Krajmalnik-Brown, Rosa (Thesis advisor) / Garcia-Pichel, Ferran (Committee member) / Rittmann, Bruce E. (Committee member) / Torres, César I (Committee member) / Vermaas, Willem (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
ABSTRACT Musicians endure injuries at an alarming rate, largely due to the misuse of their bodies. Musicians move their bodies for a living and therefore should understand how to move them in a healthy way. This paper presents Body Mapping as an injury prevention technique specifically directed toward collaborative pianists. A body map is the self-representation in one's brain that includes information on the structure, function, and size of one's body; Body Mapping is the process of refining one's body map to produce coordinated movement. In addition to preventing injury, Body Mapping provides a means to achieve greater musical artistry through the training of movement, attention, and the senses. With the main function of collaborating with one or more musical partners, a collaborative pianist will have the opportunity to share the knowledge of Body Mapping with many fellow musicians. This study demonstrates the author's credentials as a Body Mapping instructor, the current status of the field of collaborative piano, and the recommendation for increased body awareness. Information on the nature and abundance of injuries and Body Mapping concepts are also analyzed. The study culminates in a course syllabus entitled An Introduction to Collaborative Piano and Body Mapping with the objective of imparting fundamental collaborative piano skills integrated with proper body use. The author hopes to inform educators of the benefits of prioritizing health among their students and to provide a Body Mapping foundation upon which their students can build technique.
ContributorsBindel, Jennifer (Author) / Campbell, Andrew (Thesis advisor) / Doan, Jerry (Committee member) / Rogers, Rodney (Committee member) / Ryan, Russell (Committee member) / Schuring, Martin (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
This work focuses on a generalized assessment of source zone natural attenuation (SZNA) at chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon (CAH) impacted sites. Given the numbers of sites and technical challenges for cleanup there is a need for a SZNA method at CAH impacted sites. The method anticipates that decision makers will be interested in the following questions: 1-Is SZNA occurring and what processes contribute? 2-What are the current SZNA rates? 3-What are the longer-term implications? The approach is macroscopic and uses multiple lines-of-evidence. An in-depth application of the generalized non-site specific method over multiple site events, with sampling refinement approaches applied for improving SZNA estimates, at three CAH impacted sites is presented with a focus on discharge rates for four events over approximately three years (Site 1:2.9, 8.4, 4.9, 2.8kg/yr as PCE, Site 2:1.6, 2.2, 1.7, 1.1kg/y as PCE, Site 3:570, 590, 250, 240kg/y as TCE). When applying the generalized CAH-SZNA method, it is likely that different practitioners will not sample a site similarly, especially regarding sampling density on a groundwater transect. Calculation of SZNA rates is affected by contaminant spatial variability with reference to transect sampling intervals and density with variations in either resulting in different mass discharge estimates. The effects on discharge estimates from varied sampling densities and spacings were examined to develop heuristic sampling guidelines with practical site sampling densities; the guidelines aim to reduce the variability in discharge estimates due to different sampling approaches and to improve confidence in SZNA rates allowing decision-makers to place the rates in perspective and determine a course of action based on remedial goals. Finally bench scale testing was used to address longer term questions; specifically the nature and extent of source architecture. A rapid in-situ disturbance method was developed using a bench-scale apparatus. The approach allows for rapid identification of the presence of DNAPL using several common pilot scale technologies (ISCO, air-sparging, water-injection) and can identify relevant source architectural features (ganglia, pools, dissolved source). Understanding of source architecture and identification of DNAPL containing regions greatly enhances site conceptualization models, improving estimated time frames for SZNA, and possibly improving design of remedial systems.
ContributorsEkre, Ryan (Author) / Johnson, Paul Carr (Thesis advisor) / Rittmann, Bruce (Committee member) / Krajmalnik-Brown, Rosa (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
To further the efforts producing energy from more renewable sources, microbial electrochemical cells (MXCs) can utilize anode respiring bacteria (ARB) to couple the oxidation of an organic substrate to the delivery of electrons to the anode. Although ARB such as Geobacter and Shewanella have been well-studied in terms of their microbiology and electrochemistry, much is still unknown about the mechanism of electron transfer to the anode. To this end, this thesis seeks to elucidate the complexities of electron transfer existing in Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms by employing Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) as the tool of choice. Experiments measuring EIS resistances as a function of growth were used to uncover the potential gradients that emerge in biofilms as they grow and become thicker. While a better understanding of this model ARB is sought, electrochemical characterization of a halophile, Geoalkalibacter subterraneus (Glk. subterraneus), revealed that this organism can function as an ARB and produce seemingly high current densities while consuming different organic substrates, including acetate, butyrate, and glycerol. The importance of identifying and studying novel ARB for broader MXC applications was stressed in this thesis as a potential avenue for tackling some of human energy problems.
ContributorsAjulo, Oluyomi (Author) / Torres, Cesar (Thesis advisor) / Nielsen, David (Committee member) / Krajmalnik-Brown, Rosa (Committee member) / Popat, Sudeep (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
The purpose of the paper is to outline the process that was used to write a reduction for Henry Brant's Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra, to describe the improvements in saxophone playing since the premiere of the piece, and to demonstrate the necessity of having a reduction in the process of learning a concerto. The Concerto was inspired by internationally known saxophonist, Sigurd Rascher, who demonstrated for Brant the extent of his abilities on the saxophone. These abilities included use of four-octave range and two types of extended techniques: slap-tonguing and flutter-tonguing. Brant incorporated all three elements in his Concerto, and believed that only Rascher had the command over the saxophone needed to perform the piece. To prevent the possibility of an unsuccessful performance, Brant chose to make the piece unavailable to saxophonists by leaving the Concerto without a reduction. Subsequently, there were no performances of this piece between 1953 and 2001. In 2011, the two directors of Brant's Estate decided to allow for a reduction to be written for the piece so that it would become more widely available to saxophonists.
ContributorsAmes, Elizabeth (Pianist) (Author) / Ryan, Russell (Thesis advisor) / Levy, Benjamin (Committee member) / Hill, Gary (Committee member) / Campbell, Andrew (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Discovering Puerto Rican art song: a research project on four art song works by Héctor Campos Parsi
Description
Puerto Rico has produced many important composers who have contributed to the musical culture of the nation during the last 200 years. However, a considerable amount of their music has proven to be difficult to access and may contain numerous errors. This research project intends to contribute to the accessibility of such music and to encourage similar studies of Puerto Rican music. This study focuses on the music of Héctor Campos Parsi (1922-1998), one of the most prominent composers of the 20th century in Puerto Rico. After an overview of the historical background of music on the island and the biography of the composer, four works from his art song repertoire are given for detailed examination. A product of this study is the first corrected edition of his cycles Canciones de Cielo y Agua, Tres Poemas de Corretjer, Los Paréntesis, and the song Majestad Negra. These compositions date from 1947 to 1959, and reflect both the European and nationalistic writing styles of the composer during this time. Data for these corrections have been obtained from the composer's manuscripts, published and unpublished editions, and published recordings. The corrected scores are ready for publication and a compact disc of this repertoire, performed by soprano Melliangee Pérez and the author, has been recorded to bring to life these revisions. Despite the best intentions of the author, the various copyright issues have yet to be resolved. It is hoped that this document will provide the foundation for a resolution and that these important works will be available for public performance and study in the near future.
ContributorsRodríguez Morales, Luis F., 1980- (Author) / Campbell, Andrew (Thesis advisor) / Buck, Elizabeth (Committee member) / Holbrook, Amy (Committee member) / Kopta, Anne (Committee member) / Ryan, Russell (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
Artistic trends of the mid-nineteenth century demonstrate the popularity of incorporating Asian elements into various artistic media. This paper discusses why the stereotypical Asian female provided an attractive character for operatic librettists, composers and audiences. To support the discussion, six operas from 1885 to 2010 are examined, and the dramatic and musical portrayal of representative female characters is discussed. The familiar character of Cio-cio-san from Giocamo Puccini's Madama Butterfly (1904) provides a foundation to discuss these stereotypical Asian female characteristics, specifically one archetype, that of the naïve, yet sexually desirable female. Prior to Cio-cio-san, Sir W. S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan's Yum-Yum from The Mikado (1885), Iris of Pietro Mascagni's Iris (1898) exemplify this archetype, as does Liù from Puccini's Turandot (1924). At the other extreme is the icy, cold and bloodthirsty archetype found in the title role of Puccini's Turandot and Katisha from The Mikado. Chiang Ch'ing (also known as Madame Mao) from John Adams's Nixon in China (1987), and Madame White Snake from Chinese-American composer Zhou Long's Madame White Snake (2010) feature leading characters that demonstrate elements of both of these archetypes, and this combination of the two archetypes yields more complex and richer characters. These two extremes of the female Asian stereotype and the evolution of these characteristics provide an interesting outlook on the incorporation of non-Western musical styles into these operas, and the understanding of a Western perception of foreign peoples, especially foreign females.
ContributorsLo, Wan-Yi (Author) / Campbell, Andrew (Thesis advisor) / Carpenter, Ellon (Committee member) / Kopta, Anne (Committee member) / Mills, Robert (Committee member) / Ryan, Russell (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013