UNC-Chapel Hill Climate Change Resources

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This collection contains scholarly resources on the topic of climate change which were authored by researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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621. Spatial and temporal patterns of gastrointestinal illness and their relationship with precipitation across the state of North Carolina

Title Tesim:
Spatial and temporal patterns of gastrointestinal illness and their relationship with precipitation across the state of North Carolina
Creator:
Konrad, Charles, Hartley, Jenna M., and West, J. Jason
Date Created:
May 22, 2017
Date of publication:
2016
Abstract Tesim:
INTRODUCTION: The quality of drinking water quality in the US is among the best in the world; however, pathogens are present in source waters that are used for drinking water. Water and floodwaters specifically can spread pathogens within watersheds by mobilizing pathogens and transporting them. Previous research has identified an association between gastrointestinal (GI) illness and heavy precipitation (Currieroet al., 2001 and Figure 1). OVERALL STUDY OBJECTIVE: This study analyzes patterns of GI illness and their relationship with various demographic variables and precipitation across the state of North Carolina from 2008-2012.
Resource type:
Poster
Affiliation Label Tesim:
Department of Geography and Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Conference Name:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Institute for the Environment. Annual Climate Change Symposium. (3rd: 2016: Chapel Hill, NC)
Deposit Record:
7fa3ea85-3438-46ed-8b03-cbdbf60a1f80
Type:
http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17615/btz7-4r71
Keyword:
Drinking Water adverse effects, Water Pollution, North Carolina, Gastrointestinal Diseases, and Groundwater
Language Label:
English
ORCID:
Other Affiliation:
Person:
Konrad, Charles, Hartley, Jenna M., and West, J. Jason
Rights Statement Label:
In Copyright
Source:
hh63sx870

622. Micro Hydropower in the North Carolina Piedmont: Hydrologic, Economic and Political Constraints on Retrofitting Existing Low-Head Dams

Title Tesim:
Micro Hydropower in the North Carolina Piedmont: Hydrologic, Economic and Political Constraints on Retrofitting Existing Low-Head Dams
Creator:
Sandt, Christopher
Date Created:
June 30, 2016
Date of publication:
August 2011
Abstract Tesim:
The integration of hydropower facilities on existing low-head dams may serve as a small, yet useful decentralized source of sustainable energy. We conducted a feasibility study specific to four North Carolina river basins, cataloguing over 1,000 non-Federal dams with hydraulic head ranging from 15 feet to 35 feet (4.57 to 10.67 meters). Power capacity for these dams is less than 300 kW, thus qualify in gas "micro" hydropower sites. Generation potential, greenhouse gas reductions, and financial viability were refined for 49 low-head dams over a 30-year life cycle using RETScreen4 software. Results suggest that most of these dams are not financially viable for energy production under current cost structures. Sensitivity and risk analyses (Monte Carlo simulations) suggest that financial viability is most influenced by electricity pricing. Up to 14 of the low-head dams studied may become viable if provided funding opportunities comparable to the current wind and solar markets.
Resource type:
Masters Paper
Academic Concentration:
Sustainable Water Resources
Affiliation Label Tesim:
Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Degree:
Master of Science in Public Health
Degree Granting Institution:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Deposit Record:
e00f1df6-6c31-41ba-867b-150d86a8c8cb
Type:
http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17615/p9r1-gg06
Graduation Year:
2011
Language Label:
English
ORCID:
Other Affiliation:
Person:
Hughes, Jeffrey, West, J. Jason, Doyle, Martin W., and Sandt, Christopher
Rights Statement Label:
In Copyright

623. A Method for Dilute Mixing of Reactants in an Outdoor Aerosol Chamber and the Application to an α-pinene/Ozone System

Title Tesim:
A Method for Dilute Mixing of Reactants in an Outdoor Aerosol Chamber and the Application to an α-pinene/Ozone System
Creator:
Wilson, Rebecca Leigh
Date Created:
June 30, 2016
Date of publication:
December 2008
Abstract Tesim:
Atmospheric aerosols have received increasing attention within the past few years as their role in global climate change is investigated. However, it remains difficult to capture and quantify nucleation events at ambient concentrations in a smog chamber setting. A novel method was developed to mix two dilute reactants at near-ambient concentrations. This method was tested using at the UNC 270m^3 Outdoor Aerosol Chamber in Pittsboro, NC with a dark α-pinene/ozone system at near-ambient concentrations. These results were compared against the UNC Particle Mechanism and scientific literature to test the validity of the method. Further experiments were conducted to examine the role water vapor and background ammonium sulfate seed have in aiding or inhibiting nucleation events.
Resource type:
Masters Paper
Academic Concentration:
Aquatic and Atmospheric Sciences
Affiliation Label Tesim:
Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Degree:
Master of Science in Public Health
Degree Granting Institution:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Deposit Record:
e00f1df6-6c31-41ba-867b-150d86a8c8cb
Type:
http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17615/8w4r-9f08
Graduation Year:
2008
Language Label:
English
ORCID:
Other Affiliation:
Person:
Sexton, Kenneth, Kamens, R. M., Fox, Donald L., and Wilson, Rebecca Leigh
Rights Statement Label:
In Copyright

624. THE STATUS OF WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE IN HEALTH CARE FACILITIES IN THE WHO EUROPEAN REGION

Title Tesim:
THE STATUS OF WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE IN HEALTH CARE FACILITIES IN THE WHO EUROPEAN REGION
Creator:
Joca, Lauren
Date Created:
December 6, 2018
Date of publication:
December 2018
Abstract Tesim:
Adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) infrastructure is an essential component of effective healthcare facilities (HCF). However, researchers have not adequately studied the status of WaSH in HCF in the World Health Organization European Region (WHO Euro). A systematic literature review and a qualitative questionnaire were used to begin characterization of WaSH in HCF in WHO Euro. The review revealed common deficiencies in WaSH, disease outcomes and cost implications of deficient WaSH, disease reservoirs in HCFs, and effective infection management (IM) techniques. The questionnaire provided an understanding of the legal framework, implementation strategies, and monitoring structures that allow for the adequate provision of WaSH in HCF. The two components of the project revealed significant gaps between knowledge and practice. Future policies should address these gaps: adequate WaSH to improve IM, enhanced treatment of hospital waste, and the impact of emerging issues (e.g. AMR, Legionella, and climate change resiliency) in HCFs.
Resource type:
Masters Paper
Academic Concentration:
Environmental Engineering
Affiliation Label Tesim:
Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Degree:
Master of Science in Public Health
Degree Granting Institution:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Deposit Record:
265e7e8e-b004-4f5b-9419-bc8818ca0047
Type:
http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17615/v438-q047
Graduation Year:
2018
Language Label:
English
ORCID:
Other Affiliation:
Person:
Bartram, Jamie, MacDonald-Gibson, Jacqueline, Tomaro, John, and Joca, Lauren

625. Effects and Effectiveness of Proposed and Adopted Phase II Stormwater Management Policies in North Carolina

Title Tesim:
Effects and Effectiveness of Proposed and Adopted Phase II Stormwater Management Policies in North Carolina
Creator:
Mundt, Jennifer
Date Created:
June 30, 2016
Date of publication:
May 2007
Abstract Tesim:
To comply with federal regulatory requirements and to protect the quality and integrity of its surface waters, the State of North Carolina enacted legislation in August 2004 to expand the regulations on stormwater runoff. Under this law, the installation of post-construction best management practices (BMPs) is required only for development in and around 123 federally-designated municipalities. The law specifies the category of BMP that is necessary to manage increased stormwater runoff based upon the amount of impervious surface area on a developed site. Research has shown that receiving water impairments such as decreased channel stability, loss of biodiversity, and decreased water quality occur when roughly 10 percent or more of a contributing watershed is covered in impervious surfaces. There has been ongoing debate over whether this 2004 North Carolina stormwater law protects surface waters of the State. This research focuses on two specific issues of the debate: 1) the application of the law beyond the federally-designated municipalities to include whole county coverage as was recommended by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission; and 2) the percent of impervious surface area that triggers BMP installation. This study used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications to investigate these issues both Statewide and in selected counties with projected population growth rates in excess of the State average. Initial analyses reveal that the 2004 Phase II stormwater legislation is most effective in protecting surface water quality from polluted runoff in counties that are already built out vis-a-vis counties undergoing increased growth and subsequent development.
Resource type:
Masters Paper
Academic Concentration:
Environmental Management and Policy
Affiliation Label Tesim:
Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Degree:
Master of Science in Public Health
Degree Granting Institution:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Deposit Record:
8daa46ae-58bd-4ddf-8097-0c44062f7d48
Type:
http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17615/g9dj-0631
Graduation Year:
2007
Language Label:
English
ORCID:
Other Affiliation:
Person:
Andrews, Richard N. L., Moreau, David H., Characklis, Gregory, and Mundt, Jennifer
Rights Statement Label:
In Copyright

626. A Technical and Economic Feasibility Study of Using a Small-Scale Anaerobic Digester for Energy Production from Cafeteria Food Waste at a Local North Carolina School

Title Tesim:
A Technical and Economic Feasibility Study of Using a Small-Scale Anaerobic Digester for Energy Production from Cafeteria Food Waste at a Local North Carolina School
Creator:
Kominek, Byron
Date Created:
June 30, 2016
Date of publication:
August 2008
Abstract Tesim:
The purpose of this study was to determine the technical and economic feasibility of operating an anaerobic digester on food waste at a local North Carolina school. This study reviewed literature pertaining to the environmental and operational conditions affecting methane production during mesophilic anaerobic digestion of food waste. Students at Smith Middle School in Chapel Hill were observed to throwaway 0.64kg of food each month, which was estimated to produce 95L of methane. Three methane-to- energy conversion methods were analyzed. Using methane directly in a boiler was found to be most cost-effective. A food waste-to-energy system(FWTE) was designed to maximize methane production during anaerobic digestion and to inexpensively transfer it into a boiler. Regulatory procedures for the approval of FWTE use in North Carolina schools were also outlined. A cost/benefit analysis was conducted using the combination of Smith Middle School plus two neighboring schools. Construction and regulatory approval costs were estimated at $14,400. Financial benefits from offsetting natural gas usage were estimated at $1,100/year and unable to payback the initial investment before the end of the FWTE lifetime. Environmental benefits, based on the effect of CH4 on global warming in CO2 equivalents, varied greatly with the price per ton of CO2. Only a value of $37 or more per ton of CO2 prevention would allow the FWTE to break-even within 4 years.
Resource type:
Masters Paper
Academic Concentration:
Environmental Engineering
Affiliation Label Tesim:
Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Degree:
Master of Science in Environmental Engineering
Degree Granting Institution:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Deposit Record:
e00f1df6-6c31-41ba-867b-150d86a8c8cb
Type:
http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17615/wgce-fr47
Graduation Year:
2008
Language Label:
English
ORCID:
Other Affiliation:
Person:
Aitken, Michael, Walters, Glenn, Characklis, Gregory, and Kominek, Byron
Rights Statement Label:
In Copyright

627. Are water sector professionals worried about climate change? Examining the risk perceptions of water sector professionals through a systematic literature review and survey.

Title Tesim:
Are water sector professionals worried about climate change? Examining the risk perceptions of water sector professionals through a systematic literature review and survey.
Creator:
Connolly, Katherine
Date Created:
May 8, 2017
Date of publication:
May 2017
Abstract Tesim:
For water and wastewater utilities to adapt to climate change, water sector professionals must perceive risk from the associated impacts. In order to better understand water sector professionals’ risk perceptions, a systematic literature review was conducted, which revealed that risk perceptions toward climate change have increased over time and are linked to behavior and decision-making in the water sector. No identified papers in the peer-reviewed literature have studied professionals from sub-Saharan Africa, therefore, a survey was implemented to examine the perceptions of professionals in this region. We surveyed 90 participants at the African Water Association’s Congress in Nairobi, Kenya, and found that water sector professionals are concerned about climate change impacts on utilities, but are also worried about non-climate risks facing utilities. These findings highlight the multiple, competing risks utilities face and the need for adaptation strategies that simultaneously address climate and non-climate concerns of utilities.
Resource type:
Masters Paper
Academic Concentration:
Environmental Health Sciences
Affiliation Label Tesim:
Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Degree:
Master of Science in Public Health
Degree Granting Institution:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Deposit Record:
50523ea7-60fb-48cc-94df-141d23c094b8
Type:
http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17615/p6jj-v145
Graduation Year:
2017
Keyword:
climate change, water utility, wastewater utility, and risk perception
Language Label:
English
ORCID:
Other Affiliation:
Person:
Bartram, Jamie, Kolsky, Pete, MacDonald Gibson, Jackie, and Connolly, Katherine
Rights Statement Label:
In Copyright

628. Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment and Reuse in North Carolina Case Study and Community Perceptions

Title Tesim:
Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment and Reuse in North Carolina Case Study and Community Perceptions
Creator:
Casanova, Jennifer
Date Created:
June 30, 2016
Date of publication:
August 2013
Abstract Tesim:
In the U. S. about 20% of the population is decentralized from wastewater treatment and disposal. The majority of decentralized populations (65%) are located in rural areas where most households rely on the use of conventional onsite treatment such as septic systems for the disposal of their wastewater. Alternative wastewater treatment systems, such as constructed wetlands (CWs) aim to replace conventional systems by offering improved options for onsite wastewater treatment. This includes water reuse which is mainly practiced at centralized communities; however, with population growth and climate change both threatening to reduce water quantity and quality, saving water of highest quality for potable needs should be encouraged and reclaimed wastewater could plug the gap in water demand. Water reuse projects often face barriers related to a negative public perception but these could be mitigated by including impacted stake holders at the early stages of project design and implementation through community participation and education strategies. This report provides a review of wastewater treatment and reuse with CWs and a case study on the state of CWs as a water reuse and wastewater management tool in North Carolina. An assessment of community perception from 5 decentralized, resource-poor communities in North Carolina using a qualitative research tool and key informant interviews is presented. The results from this project demonstrate CWs as an emerging approach in the decentralized wastewater sector of North Carolina. Perception towards acceptance of water reuse is varied within and across the communities interviewed and dependent on the following factors: trust in water officials, water availability, cost, economic gain and proposed endpoint use of reclaimed water. Nevertheless, community representatives tended to perceive CWs somewhat positively in terms of their attractive features for community wastewater management and reuse capabilities. It becomes clear, however, that CWs can only evolve as a viable alternative to onsite treatment with a program of education and outreach.
Resource type:
Masters Paper
Academic Concentration:
Sustainable Water Resources
Affiliation Label Tesim:
Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Degree:
Master of Science in Public Health
Degree Granting Institution:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Deposit Record:
5edc2a5d-0dd3-4d26-87fc-ca03080ac860
Type:
http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17615/z9vj-v922
Graduation Year:
2013
Language Label:
English
ORCID:
Other Affiliation:
Person:
Woods, Courtney, Weinberg, Howard, Wing, Steve, and Casanova, Jennifer
Rights Statement Label:
In Copyright

629. Modeling Control Measures for Air Pollutant and Greenhouse Gas Reduction in the US Cement Industry

Title Tesim:
Modeling Control Measures for Air Pollutant and Greenhouse Gas Reduction in the US Cement Industry
Creator:
Lewis, Jessica Jaslow
Date Created:
June 30, 2016
Date of publication:
August 2009
Abstract Tesim:
Air pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs) share many similar sources, suggesting that simultaneous emission reductions may be possible. We quantify the changes in emissions of GHGs and criteria air pollutants and associated costs resulting from 40 control measures for the U.S. cement industry, and use this data base of measures to analyze the co-control of air pollutant and GHG emissions. The U.S. cement industry is selected since it releases 5% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions, 1.5% of national CO2 emissions, and 1% of national NO, and SO2 emissions. Emissions data bases for GHGs and criteria air pollutants were merged to create a combined cement industry inventory with kiln-level specificity. A data base of control measures was developed based on the literature, which included a set of measures targeting air pollutant reduction, and a distinct set targeting GHG emissions, mainly through energy-efficiency improvements. We quantify the annual capital costs and savings from reduced electricity and fuel use of these control actions and their co-impact on other pollutant emissions using consistent methods for all measures. We implement a policy analysis program, the Control Strategy Tool (CoST), to determine the annual costs and emission reductions resulting from national applications of individual technologies for all relevant cement facilities in the U.S. We determine that actions to reduce GHG emissions have limited potential to reduce criteria air pollutant emissions, and that actions to reduce air pollutants have minimal impact on CO2 emissions. Therefore, it is likely that separate sets of measures targeting GHG and air pollutant reduction goals would be necessary to accomplish reduction goals for both pollutants. Blending additives into cement, replacing the kiln with a more energy efficient unit, and the use of industrial waste as a fuel source are the measures that cause the greatest CO2 reduction. High pressure rollers, co-power generation, and adjustable speed drives reduce CO2 most cost-effectively. Maximum NOx reductions are generated with selective catalytic reduction or low NO, burners, although the most cost effective controls are combustion system improvements and reduction of kiln heat loss. This analysis can inform the development of cost-effective strategies for meeting criteria air pollutant and GHG reduction goals, and anticipate how the cement industry may respond to possible GHG regulation.
Resource type:
Masters Paper
Academic Concentration:
Aquatic and Atmospheric Sciences
Affiliation Label Tesim:
Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Degree:
Master of Science in Public Health
Degree Granting Institution:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Deposit Record:
e00f1df6-6c31-41ba-867b-150d86a8c8cb
Type:
http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17615/qtnm-pp43
Graduation Year:
2009
Language Label:
English
ORCID:
Other Affiliation:
Person:
Leith, David, Eyth, Alison, West, J. Jason, and Lewis, Jessica Jaslow
Rights Statement Label:
In Copyright

630. Lifecycle Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Infant Formula

Title Tesim:
Lifecycle Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Infant Formula
Creator:
Tinling, Melissa
Date Created:
June 30, 2016
Date of publication:
April 2011
Abstract Tesim:
Infant formula contributes to greenhouse gas emissions at all stages of the life cycle, from dairy farm to landfill. Although the health concerns of infant formula are well documented the environmental impacts have not been examined. This study is a partial life cycle assessment of the total greenhouse gas emissions from all stages in a model US infant formula lifecycle. 14.7 kg CO2-eq are emitted per kg of infant formula consumed, or over 2.6 million tons CO2-eq for total US production in 2005. Offsetting these emissions would cost about $8 per infant per year of consumption. Greatest contributing sectors to the lifecycle are raw milk production at the dairy farm (55.4%) and consumer preparation activities (17.4%). The results of this preliminary LCA suggest that breast milk substitution is a significant source of anthropogenic greenhouse gases. Evidence-based advocacy for breastfeeding may benefit from understanding the environmental consequences of infant formula.
Resource type:
Masters Paper
Academic Concentration:
Environmental Health Sciences
Affiliation Label Tesim:
Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Degree Granting Institution:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Deposit Record:
e00f1df6-6c31-41ba-867b-150d86a8c8cb
Type:
http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17615/8xcn-aa51
Graduation Year:
2011
Language Label:
English
ORCID:
Other Affiliation:
Person:
West, J. Jason, Labbok, Miriam, Whalen, Stephen, and Tinling, Melissa
Rights Statement Label:
In Copyright