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- Creators: Barrett, The Honors College
- Creators: Kavazanjian, Edward
- Creators: Allenby, Braden
- Creators: Cadillo – Quiroz, Hinsby
Description
Currently conventional Subtitle D landfills are the primary means of disposing of our waste in the United States. While this method of waste disposal aims at protecting the environment, it does so through the use of liners and caps that effectively freeze the breakdown of waste. Because this method can keep landfills active, and thus a potential groundwater threat for over a hundred years, I take an in depth look at the ability of bioreactor landfills to quickly stabilize waste. In the thesis I detail the current state of bioreactor landfill technologies, assessing the pros and cons of anaerobic and aerobic bioreactor technologies. Finally, with an industrial perspective, I conclude that moving on to bioreactor landfills as an alternative isn't as simple as it may first appear, and that it is a contextually specific solution that must be further refined before replacing current landfills.
ContributorsWhitten, George Avery (Author) / Kavazanjian, Edward (Thesis director) / Allenby, Braden (Committee member) / Houston, Sandra (Committee member) / Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Programs (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2013-05
Characterization and Manipulation of Microbiomes From Arid Landfills for Improved Methane Production
Description
Environmentally harmful byproducts from solid waste’s decomposition, including methane (CH4) emissions, are managed through standardized landfill engineering and gas-capture mechanisms. Yet only a limited number of studies have analyzed the development and composition of Bacteria and Archaea involved in CH4 production from landfills. The objectives of this research were to compare microbiomes and bioactivity from CH4-producing communities in contrasting spatial areas of arid landfills and to tests a new technology to biostimulate CH4 production (methanogenesis) from solid waste under dynamic environmental conditions controlled in the laboratory. My hypothesis was that the diversity and abundance of methanogenic Archaea in municipal solid waste (MSW), or its leachate, play an important role on CH4 production partially attributed to the group’s wide hydrogen (H2) consumption capabilities. I tested this hypothesis by conducting complementary field observations and laboratory experiments. I describe niches of methanogenic Archaea in MSW leachate across defined areas within a single landfill, while demonstrating functional H2-dependent activity. To alleviate limited H2 bioavailability encountered in-situ, I present biostimulant feasibility and proof-of-concepts studies through the amendment of zero valent metals (ZVMs). My results demonstrate that older-aged MSW was minimally biostimulated for greater CH4 production relative to a control when exposed to iron (Fe0) or manganese (Mn0), due to highly discernable traits of soluble carbon, nitrogen, and unidentified fluorophores found in water extracts between young and old aged, starting MSW. Acetate and inhibitory H2 partial pressures accumulated in microcosms containing old-aged MSW. In a final experiment, repeated amendments of ZVMs to MSW in a 600 day mesocosm experiment mediated significantly higher CH4 concentrations and yields during the first of three ZVM injections. Fe0 and Mn0 experimental treatments at mesocosm-scale also highlighted accelerated development of seemingly important, but elusive Archaea including Methanobacteriaceae, a methane-producing family that is found in diverse environments. Also, prokaryotic classes including Candidatus Bathyarchaeota, an uncultured group commonly found in carbon-rich ecosystems, and Clostridia; All three taxa I identified as highly predictive in the time-dependent progression of MSW decomposition. Altogether, my experiments demonstrate the importance of H2 bioavailability on CH4 production and the consistent development of Methanobacteriaceae in productive MSW microbiomes.
ContributorsReynolds, Mark Christian (Author) / Cadillo-Quiroz, Hinsby (Thesis advisor) / Krajmalnik-Brown, Rosa (Thesis advisor) / Wang, Xuan (Committee member) / Kavazanjian, Edward (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
Zero-Valent Metals (ZVM) are highly reactive materials and have been proved to be effective in contaminant reduction in soils and groundwater remediation. In fact, zero-Valent Iron (ZVI) has proven to be very effective in removing, particularly chlorinated organics, heavy metals, and odorous sulfides. Addition of ZVI has also been proved in enhancing the methane gas generation in anaerobic digestion of activated sludge. However, no studies have been conducted regarding the effect of ZVM stimulation to Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) degradation. Therefore, a collaborative study was developed to manipulate microbial activity in the landfill bioreactors to favor methane production by adding ZVMs. This study focuses on evaluating the effects of added ZVM on the leachate generated from replicated lab scale landfill bioreactors. The specific objective was to investigate the effects of ZVMs addition on the organic and inorganic pollutants in leachate. The hypothesis here evaluated was that adding ZVM including ZVI and Zero Valent Manganese (ZVMn) will enhance the removal rates of the organic pollutants present in the leachate, likely by a putative higher rate of microbial metabolism. Test with six (4.23 gallons) bioreactors assembled with MSW collected from the Salt River Landfill and Southwest Regional Landfill showed that under 5 grams /liter of ZVI and 0.625 grams/liter of ZVMn additions, no significant difference was observed in the pH and temperature data of the leachate generated from these reactors. The conductivity data suggested the steady rise across all reactors over the period of time. The removal efficiency of sCOD was highest (27.112 mg/lit/day) for the reactors added with ZVMn at the end of 150 days for bottom layer, however the removal rate was highest (16.955 mg/lit/day) for ZVI after the end of 150 days of the middle layer. Similar trends in the results was observed in TC analysis. HPLC study indicated the dominance of the concentration of heptanoate and isovalerate were leachate generated from the bottom layer across all reactors. Heptanoate continued to dominate in the ZVMn added leachate even after middle layer injection. IC analysis concluded the chloride was dominant in the leachate generated from all the reactors and there was a steady increase in the chloride content over the period of time. Along with chloride, fluoride, bromide, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and sulfate were also detected in considerable concentrations. In the summary, the addition of the zero valent metals has proved to be efficient in removal of the organics present in the leachate.
ContributorsPandit, Gandhar Abhay (Author) / Cadillo – Quiroz, Hinsby (Thesis advisor) / Olson, Larry (Thesis advisor) / Boyer, Treavor (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
Description
According to a Washington Post and YouGov study conducted in 2014, 60% of
the 861 U.S. citizens surveyed supported aid and subsidized housing for the homeless
Population. Of that same survey group, however, 52% and 46% supported banning panhandling
and sleeping in public, respectively. This disconnect highlights how we as Americans view
homelessness: people who are on the fringes of society that deserve help, but only from a
distance. This creative project is a book of twenty poems in which each poem will correspond
aspects of the homeless experience. This project also serves to make the homeless population
more relatable to the general population, bring a voice to a marginalized population who are not
heard or helped, and bring about better resources for the homeless population.
The project was completed in stages. First interviews with homeless individuals were
conducted and questions such as “What is your passion?” and “What three words would you best
describe homelessness as?” A special effort was made to make sure that the thoughts and
feelings of the homeless individuals were presented without bias. The book was then put together
as a manuscript. An analytics paper was also prepared that discussed the background of the
problem, influences on poetry, and challenges throughout the process. A presentation on the
process was also prepared for the thesis defense.
the 861 U.S. citizens surveyed supported aid and subsidized housing for the homeless
Population. Of that same survey group, however, 52% and 46% supported banning panhandling
and sleeping in public, respectively. This disconnect highlights how we as Americans view
homelessness: people who are on the fringes of society that deserve help, but only from a
distance. This creative project is a book of twenty poems in which each poem will correspond
aspects of the homeless experience. This project also serves to make the homeless population
more relatable to the general population, bring a voice to a marginalized population who are not
heard or helped, and bring about better resources for the homeless population.
The project was completed in stages. First interviews with homeless individuals were
conducted and questions such as “What is your passion?” and “What three words would you best
describe homelessness as?” A special effort was made to make sure that the thoughts and
feelings of the homeless individuals were presented without bias. The book was then put together
as a manuscript. An analytics paper was also prepared that discussed the background of the
problem, influences on poetry, and challenges throughout the process. A presentation on the
process was also prepared for the thesis defense.
ContributorsRajani, Shashank Mahesh (Author) / Fette, Donald (Thesis director) / Cohen, Liz (Committee member) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor, Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
There is a need within the Phoenix Metropolitan area to solve the complex issue of
veteran homelessness. According to the Veterans Affairs, over 500,000 veterans live
in Arizona, which comprises about 2.5% of the nation’s veteran’s population as of
September 30, 2017. Many veterans have neither the skills nor resources necessary
to integrate back into society after their tour of duty thus leading them into
homelessness.
The goal of this thesis is to research organizations in the Phoenix Metropolitan area
that help to prevent veteran homelessness and/or assist homeless veterans in
obtaining stable housing. Programs and services provided by various organizations
are discussed, along with an analysis which reveals insufficient money, labor, and
space to fully address veteran homelessness, as well as a trend where most
organizations are trying to solve this issue on their own. Recommendations are
provided which include identifying synergies between entities to create greater impact
through partnerships, so society can improve the veteran homelessness situation and
help those who bravely served our country find stability in their personal lives.
veteran homelessness. According to the Veterans Affairs, over 500,000 veterans live
in Arizona, which comprises about 2.5% of the nation’s veteran’s population as of
September 30, 2017. Many veterans have neither the skills nor resources necessary
to integrate back into society after their tour of duty thus leading them into
homelessness.
The goal of this thesis is to research organizations in the Phoenix Metropolitan area
that help to prevent veteran homelessness and/or assist homeless veterans in
obtaining stable housing. Programs and services provided by various organizations
are discussed, along with an analysis which reveals insufficient money, labor, and
space to fully address veteran homelessness, as well as a trend where most
organizations are trying to solve this issue on their own. Recommendations are
provided which include identifying synergies between entities to create greater impact
through partnerships, so society can improve the veteran homelessness situation and
help those who bravely served our country find stability in their personal lives.
ContributorsMoy, Matthew Michael (Author) / Brown, Jenny (Thesis director) / Romero, Lorenzo (Committee member) / WPC Graduate Programs (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / Watts College of Public Service & Community Solut (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
Homeless populations are often disproportionately impacted by several diseases due to factors such as overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, lack of access to healthcare and most importantly lack of education. The purpose of this project was to decrease a part of this health gap by spreading awareness of certain illnesses impacting Arizona’s homeless population and to increase the use plausible prevention methods. This was done through the creation of three simplified brochures that contained information regarding influenza, hepatitis, and schizophrenia. Two surveys were distributed to a local homeless population; the first survey was given prior to handing out the brochures and the second survey was given a week later after the participants had some time to read the information from the brochures. The data from the surveys supported the goal of the project by showing an increase in overall awareness of the diseases as well as an increase in behavioral changes that would lead to the increase of plausible prevention methods.
ContributorsBanuelos, Jason (Author) / Quaranta, Kimberly (Thesis director) / Szeli, Eva (Committee member) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
Homelessness in America continues to increase yearly, with a recent increase of 2% between 2019 and 2020 (State of Homelessness: 2021 Edition, 2021). Housing insecure individuals often remain unhoused because they experience different barriers and setbacks to their goals of financial and housing stability. While literature has uncovered some of the unique barriers homeless communities face, a majority do not touch on some of the deeper-rooted issues within their communities nor offer solutions for how housing insecure individuals can be supported by the public. For this study, five housing insecure participants were interviewed regarding their difficulties with being homeless, how compassion has shaped their lives, and what goals they have for regaining stability and security in their lives. Two themes emerged from these interviews: barriers to trust and connection and supports for attaining stability and safety. This paper aims to expose the different issues the homeless communities encounter to better understand their hardships and needs. Additionally, this paper offers solutions to encourage support for homeless communities on individual, organizational, and governmental levels.
ContributorsBaab, Zoe (Author) / Henson, Abigail (Thesis director) / Janicek, Chelsea (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Contributor)
Created2022-05
Description
In this thesis, we surveyed homeless individuals at the Saint Vincent de Paul homeless shelter to discover any trends amongst the homeless population in the areas of: mental health and quality of life, as well as to how effective the shelter is for individuals. Our overall findings show us that not only is the shelter successful in assisting homeless individuals in their daily lives and quality of lives, but friends and family play a crucial role in supporting homeless individuals as well.
ContributorsBlakeman, Alec (Author) / Stein, Adam (Co-author) / Morgan, Alaina (Co-author) / Legg, Eric (Thesis director) / Riker, Elise (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / School of Music, Dance and Theatre (Contributor)
Created2022-05