Below the Limit of Detection: The Impact of Censored Data on Trinity River PFAS Assessments

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Portia Asare Environmental Sciences Md Simoon Nice Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Gehendra Kharel Environmental Sciences

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals that have become increasingly detected in surface waters worldwide, yet accurate interpretation of environmental monitoring data is often complicated by widespread non-detect observations. This study evaluated PFAS occurrence along the upper Trinity River in north-central Texas and examined how treatment of censored data influences contamination assessment. Ten surface water samples were analyzed using EPA Method 1633, with 31.7% of the measurements below the reporting limit. Multiple imputation was applied to estimate site-level concentrations and quantify uncertainty associated with censored observations. Spatial analysis revealed a 12.8-fold difference in PFAS concentrations between background sites (53.7 ng/L) and hotspot sites (684.9 ng/L). Three sites exhibited fluorotelomer sulfonate signatures consistent with potential influence from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Comparison with conventional RL/2 substitution methods revealed an underestimation of total PFAS concentrations by approximately 30–71 ng/L across sites, with the greatest bias occurring at background sites. All sampling sites exceeded current U.S. EPA drinking water standards for regulated PFAS compounds, suggesting potential implications for downstream drinking water systems. These findings demonstrate that statistical treatment of censored observations can substantially influence PFAS concentration estimates and the interpretation of contamination patterns.

Establishing baseline bat activity, diversity, and resource use in Tanglewood, Conservation Area, South Africa

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Katherine Davis Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Victoria Bennett Environmental Sciences

This study established baseline information on bat resource use within the Leopard Ridge property of the Tanglewood Conservation Area in the Eastern Cape of South Africa to support long-term monitoring of a proposed mosaic habitat corridor. We focused on two key bat resources: water sources and a cave roost. Behavioral surveys were conducted at two river sites and one cave from May to July 2025 using infrared video recording paired with ultrasonic acoustic detectors to simultaneously document bat activity and echolocation calls. At water sources, cameras recorded bat presence, drinking events, and foraging behavior within the field of view, while concurrent acoustic recordings were used to identify species and confirm behaviors such as feeding and drinking through characteristic call structures. Drinking events were defined as bats contacting the water surface during flight, while foraging activity was identified by characteristic zig-zagging flight patterns and feeding buzzes in the acoustic recordings. At the cave roost, infrared video footage and automated image analysis were used to estimate nightly emergence counts, while concurrent acoustic recordings were used to estimate species composition among emerging bats. Together, these surveys provide baseline estimates of bat activity, drinking behavior, foraging use of water resources, and roost emergence within the study area. These data establish a reference point for evaluating how bat resource use changes as ecological restoration and corridor development progress within the Tanglewood Conservation Area.

Spatial Patterns and Urban Adaptation of Coyotes in North Texas

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Emily Garza Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

Due to unprecedented urbanization in North Texas, coyotes have become more frequently observed in urban settings. The proposed project will examine the spatial distribution of coyote observations in North Texas, focusing on identifying spatial patterns. It also assesses whether these patterns are indicators of long-term adaptation in response to rapid urbanization in the region.  This study will use spatial analysis techniques to determine whether coyote observations are spatially clustered, identify potential hotspots, and assess whether the clustering is associated with a certain cover type. In addition, visual comparisons of multitemporal observations of data will be conducted to evaluate whether distribution patterns change over time. By integrating hotspot analysis and land cover data, the project aims to better understand how coyotes may be adapting to urban environments in North Texas.

A Multi-Criteria Spatial Analysis of Vegetation Zones at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge: Implications for Ecological Management

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Isaac Minero Aldrete Environmental Sciences Ava Delgado Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Environmental Sciences

Extraction-Free Quantification of Lignocellulosic Carbon and Temporal Dynamics in Managed Soil Using a 2D-DTG Mixing Ratio Approach

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Md Simoon Nice Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences Gehendra Kharel Environmental Sciences

By leveraging a two-dimensional derivative thermogravimetric (2D-DTG) mixing ratio framework, my research measures distinct lignocellulosic carbon fractions and assesses their dynamics under different soil management over 19-month period (Jan 2023-Jul 2024). The 2D-DTG mixing ratio technique offers a quick, extraction-free method for delineating lignocellulosic fractions and management-induced alterations in soil organic carbon quality. The result shows that cellulose thermal peaks occurred at 330 ± 10 °C, while lignin peaks were detected at 490 ± 10 °C in NT, CC, and COMP soils but shifted to ~401 °C in CC+C soils. Thermal separation between cellulose and lignin domains decreased from ~180 °C (18 min) in NT to ~70 °C (7 min) in CC+C, indicating stronger coupling of lignocellulosic degradation. Cellulose peak intensity increased from 0.2 × 10⁻⁵ (NT) to 1.1 × 10⁻⁵ (COMP and CC+C), while lignin intensity increased from 0.3 × 10⁻⁶ (NT) to 5.4 × 10⁻⁶ (CC+C). Mixing-ratio analysis showed cellulose contributions of 51–58% and lignin contributions of 42–49% across treatments. Mean SOC increased from 1.95% (NT) to 2.17% (CC+C), with cellulose-derived carbon increasing from 1.01% to 1.27%, indicating enhanced lignocellulosic carbon integration under combined cover crop and compost management. Temporal analysis further showed that Lignin-derived carbon increased in later months, rising from ~38–40% to ~45–49%, indicating progressive labilization of recalcitrant lignin and greater incorporation into SOC pools. These results suggest organic amendments enhance lignin retention and long-term soil carbon storage with benefits for nutrient cycling and soil stability.

Wind Farms and Animal Mortality

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Ryan Nicholl Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Asayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences

This project will examine the correlation between wind farms and animal deaths. Bird and bat fatalities will be analyzed in regions with high densities of wind farms using spatial data in ArcGIS Pro. GIS hotspot analysis and spatial modeling will be applied to identify areas where collision risks are greatest, resulting in higher mortality rates. Based on these findings, recommendations will be made for locations where wind energy development can occur while minimizing impacts on wildlife. By mapping areas of mortality alongside existing wind farms, renewable energy companies can be guided to sites that allow wind energy production with reduced bird and bat fatalities.

My Bipolar Auditorium

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Sahana Talwar Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Brendan Lavy Environmental Sciences

Students find it difficult to work in uncomfortable temperatures. The temperature of the Paschal High School auditorium has been a complaint of students and staff for years. A recent survey found that 75% of students and teachers find the auditorium either uncomfortably cold or uncomfortably hot. This research explores the temperature fluctuations in the auditorium in the context of events taking place in the auditorium. Six sensors were placed around the Paschal High School auditorium and recorded the temperature and humidity every couple of seconds from December 19 to March 1st. From this data, I was able to calculate “feel’s like” temperature, and graph this against time, taking note of any significant events that may have affected temperature.

Public expectations for medical professionals and education institutions in planetary health education

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Cao Sam Tran Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Alexander Gina Interdisciplinary

As climate-related health effects become increasingly more visible, the public perceptions of planetary health education may change. This study explored public expectations for the role of health professionals in planetary health advocacy, education, and clinical practice. A link to an online Qualtrics survey was sent to potential participants through community service events, coalition meetings, and websites. Responses were validated for a final analytical sample of 88 adults aged 18 and older. Results indicate that a large majority of participants have a positive view on environmental conservation, reflected by a mean score of 54.7 (SD 7.8) out of a possible 75 on the New Ecological Paradigm Scale. A majority of respondents indicated they were already observing health impacts of climate change in their daily lives, most commonly as increased allergy-related symptoms (70.2%), injuries due to severe weather events such as storms or floods (64.3%), and heat-related illnesses (57.1%). Respondents indicated that health professionals and professional organizations should play an active role in educating the public and advocating for policy responses to the health effects of climate change. The most frequent responses were found for health professionals bringing climate-health effects to public attention (88.1%), professional organizations engaging in significant advocacy (86.9%), and clinicians leading sustainability efforts in hospitals and clinics (85.7%). Significantly, 78.6% of participants expressed that health professionals have a responsibility to discuss these health effects directly with their patients. Overall, this sample of adults perceives that human health is already negatively affected by environmental changes and strongly supports health professionals to take advocacy and educational roles to address planetary health problems.

Development of Breeding and Husbandry Protocols for the Texas Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys elator)

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Abi Welch Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Tory Bennett Environmental Sciences

The Texas kangaroo rat (Dipodomys elator) is a candidate endangered rodent species whose range has declined substantially across north-central Texas and southwestern Oklahoma. In this study, we conducted behavioral observation surveys focused on identifying signs of mating readiness among the individuals currently housed in the Fort Worth Zoo. Specifically, we compared the behaviors and frequency of behaviors exhibited by isolated individual Texas kangaroo rats with those of paired individuals and among different combinations of paired individuals, including same sex and mixed sex. We identified 18 unique behaviors over the course of our study. Results showed that while a wide range of behaviors were consistently exhibited across trials, clear behavioral indicators of mating readiness were not identified. The behavioral baseline established in this study provides guidance for future studies and contributes to the development of husbandry protocols for the Texas kangaroo rat. Ultimately, this work supports ongoing conservation efforts aimed at maintaining a viable captive population and facilitating future reintroduction initiatives.

Assessing the Impact of Land Use Change on Water Quality in Lake Worth, Texas

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Portia Asare Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Environmental Sciences Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: SecondFloor, Table 7, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

Rapid urbanization in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area is increasing pressure on water resources, including Lake Worth. This project will investigate the relationship between land use, land cover change, and water quality degradation in Lake Worth, a reservoir facing increasing development pressure near Fort Worth. The project will use historical land data to quantify land use/land cover change (LULC) within the watershed between 2000 and 2023. This land use data will be integrated with the publicly available water quality data from the Surface Water Quality Monitoring Program and locations of permitted industrial discharge points from the Texas Commission on Water Quality. GIS techniques will be used to analyze the correlation between LULC and water quality parameters and identify pollution hotspots. The expected outcomes include detailed land use maps, analysis quantifying the land use-water quality relationship, and identifying areas requiring management intervention.

Development and Socioeconomic Drivers of Permitted Tree Removals in Austin, Texas

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Adam Buckmeier Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Brendan Lavy Environmental Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 9, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

In urban environments, trees provide a range of services including pollution removal, temperature regulation, and increased property values. In an effort to accrue these services, municipalities enact tree preservation ordinances that seek to protect public and private trees. Despite the protections of these ordinances, many trees are removed legally each year due to urban (re)development, risks associated with tree growth, and tree death. This research examines the spatiotemporal trends of permitted tree removals in the City of Austin, Texas, from 2013 to 2023. Specifically, we created a geographic information system to explore the differences between development-related and non-development-related removals, as well as between healthy and unhealthy removals. We also explored the extent to which sociodemographic characteristics explained differences in tree removals. Preliminary findings reveal that most trees removed are healthy and for development-related reasons, a reflection of Austin’s accelerating urban growth. We identified areas with high to moderate development pressure, high health impacts, and low activity. Our analysis also revealed significant patterns in tree removals associated with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Areas with higher proportions of non-White populations experience fewer tree removals. This, however, correlates with lower overall canopy cover, suggesting these areas have fewer trees to begin with. Conversely, neighborhoods with higher household incomes show more tree removals but also higher canopy cover, indicating more active tree management in wealthier areas with greater tree resources. Our research highlights location-specific tree removal patterns to inform strategies that account for both environmental and socioeconomic factors.

Canopies vs. Clearings: Investigating Microclimates and Vegetation Health Throughout the Day

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Audrey Haffner Environmental Sciences Sloan Malleck Environmental Sciences Emma Taylor Environmental Sciences Julia Vasquez Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Brendan Lavy Environmental Sciences
Location: SecondFloor, Table 5, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

Microclimates, which refer to the localized atmospheric conditions within small-scale environments, can be influenced by a variety of factors such as vegetation, topography, and human activity. One of the key elements that affect microclimates is the type of canopy cover present in an area. Open areas, where there is little vegetation and more exposure to the elements, often experience different conditions compared to areas with dense canopy cover, where the vegetation provides more shelter and shade. Understanding the differences in microclimatic conditions between these two types of environments helps us understand how these environmental conditions affect people, plants, and animals. The purpose of this study is to explore how microclimates vary between open areas and areas with closed canopy cover, focusing on factors such as temperature, humidity, and NDVI to better understand how canopy cover influences environmental conditions.

Do Income-Driven Differences Between Urban Neighborhoods Shape Prey Availability and Bat Foraging Activity?

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Elizabeth Hargis Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Victoria Bennett Environmental Sciences
Location: SecondFloor, Table 7, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Urbanization alters habitat structure and resource availability, influencing wildlife distribution and behavior. In particular, invertebrates are affected by the differences in urban landscape that are caused by distinct socio-economic differences throughout urban areas. These changes in invertebrate abundance and diversity may affect bat populations that rely on these invertebrates as a food source. This study investigates how neighborhood income influences invertebrate diversity and bat foraging activity in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. We hypothesize that variations in landscape management and the income-driven use of pesticides can alter invertebrate diversity and subsequently bat activity. We conducted invertebrate sampling and acoustic bat monitoring across ten urban greenspaces; five high-income and five low-income neighborhoods in Tarrant County, TX, USA. We then quantified invertebrate and bat abundance and diversity using Shannon’s and Simpson’s diversity indices and examined correlations between invertebrate diversity, bat activity, and household income. This study will help to understand the ecological consequences of socio-economic disparities in urban habitats, which can inform conservation strategies to enhance urban biodiversity and bat conservation efforts.

Assessing Soil Carbon Dynamics in Amended Urban Farms in Fort Worth Using Thermal Analysis

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Md Simoon Nice Environmental Sciences Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences Brendan L. Lavy Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences Gehendra Kharel Environmental Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 4, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Fort Worth, the fastest-growing city in Texas, contains many vacant land plots suitable for urban agriculture—an opportunity to address local food deserts. However, unsustainable farming can degrade soil organic carbon and reduce productivity. This study assessed soil carbon dynamics in a food waste compost–amended urban farm in Fort Worth. Experimental plots, including compost-amended and control treatments (triplicated), were established and monitored monthly from January 2023 to July 2024. Thermo-gravimetric Analysis (TGA) was used to calculate the recalcitrance index (R50), indicating carbon stability. Results showed compost-treated soils had more stable carbon and structured lignin degradation. In contrast, untreated soils exhibited unstructured decomposition and faster carbon loss. Compost enhances soil health and carbon cycling, and future research should explore combining compost with cover crops to maximize carbon sequestration and microbial activity in urban farming systems.

Bring on the Heat: How the Percentage of Tree Coverage affects the LST of Public Elementary Schools in Tarrant County

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Sahana Talwar Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Brendan Lavy Environmental Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 13, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

Increases in city size and frequency have correspondingly led to increases in Urban Heat Island (UHI) strength and frequency. These urban heat islands have had serious implications for both children’s health and education. One widely accepted UHI mitigation strategy is green spaces. However, these have mainly been studied in the context of parks. This study aims to fill in a necessary gap of knowledge by studying the effect of green spaces at elementary schools. This was done by looking at the percentage of tree coverage at 273 public elementary schools in Tarrant County and comparing them to the Land Surface Temperatures (LSTs) of those schools. Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS Pro, and Google Spreadsheets were the three main software systems used to accomplish this. This study found that the percentage canopy cover and LST were inversely proportional at elementary schools in Tarrant County. It also found that other factors apart from trees effect LST.

Fish Community Monitoring as part of the Trinity River Authority's Clean Rivers Program

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Logan Tidwell Environmental Sciences Angela Kilpatrick Environmental Sciences Ryan Seymour Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Michele Birmingham Environmental Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 1, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

With only four species of fish collected in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex as recently as the 1970’s, it is no surprise that the Trinity River was once referred to as the “mythological river of death”. Since then, coordinated improvements in water quality have led to the recovery of fish assemblages within the Trinity, becoming a well-documented environmental success story. To monitor that recovery, the Trinity River Authority has conducted Aquatic Life Monitoring surveys on one or more Trinity Basin waterbodies biannually since 2013. These surveys have targeted waterbodies with documented concerns or impairments for one or more water quality parameters, capturing conditions in both the Index (March 15-Oct 15) and Critical (July 1-Sept 30) periods. At each site, whole community fish data was collected via backpack electroshocking and seine netting, alongside benthic macroinvertebrate and habitat data. As of 2025, 30 surveys have been conducted on 13 waterbodies throughout the Upper Trinity basin. Although these surveys have targeted streams with water quality concerns, 90% of sites have scored as either High or Exceptional on the State of Texas Regionalized Nekton Index of Biotic Integrity. Here we will characterize the collected fish communities with over 12,500 individuals from 41 unique species collected during these surveys, while also describing the vision of the program over the next decade.

Tri-colored bat Potential roosting sites: A GIS analysis of Tarrant County culverts

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Lexi Foster Environmental Sciences Liam Slattery Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Victoria Bennett Environmental Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 5, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Tri-colored bats are on track to be listed as an endangered species, however insufficient information is available on their roost sites. The aim of this project is to determine which culverts in Texas, more specifically Tarrant County, are likely to be used as winter roosts for the Tri-colored bat species. The project will utilize available culvert data from TxDOT and data on the potential ranges of Tri-colored bats. Analysis will begin by categorizing the culverts into individual layers by features such as height, length, and material.

Ecosystem Services of TCU Campus Trees

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Megan Boneck Environmental Sciences Audrey Haffner Environmental Sciences Gisela Pacheco Environmental Sciences Zoey Suasnovar Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Bredan Lavy Environmental Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 12, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Urban trees provide a variety of ecosystem services to an area that allows both humans and animals to thrive in their vicinity. The ecosystem services provided are able to be determined through specific aspects of a tree and their location in relation to buildings and ground cover. These ecosystem services include carbon sequestration, air quality improvement, avoided runoff, and energy effects. Texas Christian University (TCU) was designated a tree campus by the Arbor Day Foundation meaning they commit to making sure that they are planting and preserving the trees that are in their care. This study’s purpose was to determine the ecosystem services provided by the trees in TCU’s care, including the costs of each tree and the services that they provide. By surveying the diameter at breast height (DBH), total height, crown base height, species, crown health and exposure, canopy size, ground cover, and health we are able to determine what services are being provided by the TCU trees. Determining the services is possible through the service iTree Eco where the data was inputted allowing its use in the estimation of the services that the trees provide.

The Effect of Urban Development-Driven Tree Removals on Land Surface Temperature in a Growing City

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Hannah Buckhalter Environmental Sciences Brendan Lavy Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Brendan Lavy Environmental Sciences
Location: Second Floor, Table 3, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

In the United States, instances of heat-related illnesses are increasing in urban areas. Trees help mitigate urban heat and reduce heat-related illnesses by providing cooling effects through evapotranspiration and shade. Research has found that trees cool areas by as much as 2°C. Urban development is a primary driver of urban forest loss. To preserve the urban forest, municipalities often enact tree ordinances. The city of Austin, Texas, adopted a tree preservation ordinance in 1984 to protect trees on private and public property. To remove a protected tree, property owners must apply for a tree removal permit. Austin city staff conduct a site visit and approve or deny the request. The amount of approved tree removals, however, has increased as Austin remains one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. The purpose of this research is to examine the effect of tree removals on urban heat from 2013 to 2023. We created a geographic information system to analyze the impact of over 58,000 tree removals on land surface temperature (LST) across Austin’s city limits. Our results indicate that development-related removals significantly impact the cities changing LST. The impact of these removals on LST also varies by scale with neighborhood areas experiencing the greatest heat increases due to tree loss from development. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on urban forests and microclimates, providing information to support the conservation of urban trees and healthy environments for urban residents.

Assessing populations vulnerable to the urban heat island effect in Dallas County, Texas

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Adam Buckmeier Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Location: Second Floor, Table 8, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

Urbanization disrupts local climates by replacing natural land cover with impervious surfaces. These surfaces such as concrete and asphalt retain more heat than vegetated cover, therefore, putting these areas at risk for the urban heat island effect. This is when urban areas become significantly hotter than outlying areas and exhibit high temperature anomalies, therefore, putting its residents at risk. Another contributing factor is anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases from industries and automobiles. The purpose of this research is to assess areas vulnerable to the urban heat island effect in Dallas County, Texas by looking at the heat severity index (The Trust for Public Lands) and land cover data (NLCD 2021). This study aims to provide insights for planning and policies that enhance resilience to urban heat island risks in Dallas County.

PERCEPTIONS OF CONSERVATION EDUCATORS ON PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS: A MIXED METHODS STUDY

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Camden Butterworth Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Brendan Lavy Environmental Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 9, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

Environmental education is gaining popularity and recognition as a critical strategy to reduce environmental harm, biodiversity loss, and habitat degradation. Education has been identified as a top factor contributing to people’s willingness to engage in environmentally positive conservation behaviors. Non-formal learning institutions such as zoos and aquariums have the unique ability to create and engage learned in species specific education programming. Species-specific education programs can generate high public appeal and contribute to overall environmental conservation outcomes. Research on nonformal environmental education is limited, but most often reports that short-term or single experiences may not be successful in increasing knowledge or contributing to behavior changes. The purpose of this research is to assess the perceptions of educators at non-formal institutions about the success of their conservation education programs. To do this, we conducted a mixed-methods study with educators at marine conservation centers to report on their perceived strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of education programming as well as on how they define and measure their program success. Our results revealed that educators believe their short-term education programs can be impactful and report on the factors that must be considered to maximize successful program outcomes.

Water availability for winged residents: geospatial analysis of drinking water for bats in the Lower West Fort Trinity watershed of Fort Worth

Type: Undergraduate
Author(s): Katherine Davis Biology
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremichael Environmental Sciences Victoria Bennett Environmental Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 7, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

Although bats are extremely important ecosystem service providers, they face challenges accessing suitable drinking resources in urban environments. The objective is to conduct a comprehensive geospatial analysis to assess water sources within Tarrant County. Factors such as tree cover, surface area, and proximity to roads will be evaluated and mapped to determine the suitability of these water sources for bats. The resulting data will contribute valuable insights into the spatial distribution of drinking resources for local bat populations, aiding in conservation efforts and habitat management in the region.

An Evaluation of Water and Sediment Quality in a Mine-impacted Watershed: Case Study of Elm Creek, Picher, Oklahoma

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Colin Dixon Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Michael Slattery Environmental Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 6, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Across the U.S. there are 1335 Superfund sites that range from abandoned mines to old military bases that pose serious risk to the public if not remediated properly. The Tar Creek Superfund site, located in Picher, OK, is one example which could contaminate downstream water supplies via contaminated water and sediment due to the heavy metals, such as Cd and Pb, left behind from the mining activities. This study seeks to determine if the ongoing remediation is effective at Tar Creek which is located within the Tar Creek Superfund site, and whether contaminated sediment is migrating downstream through the watershed.

Using Socio-economic Status and Greenspace to Locate Potential Survey Sites for Bat Foraging

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Elizabeth Hargis Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Victoria Bennett Environmental Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 5, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

Urbanization refers to the process of converting natural habitats into human-friendly areas, consisting of concrete structures like buildings and roads that are not typically conducive to wildlife. Despite this, many animals, including bats, are able to adapt to urban landscapes and even provide crucial ecosystem services. Bats, in particular, play a vital role in controlling pests in both agricultural and urban areas. Thus, it is imperative to understand the factors that affect their foraging activity. The aim of this project is to identify potential survey sites that can provide insight into the factors that influence prey availability and abundance.

Investigating Bat Drinking Activity in Response to Variability in Water Surface Area

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Peyton Harper Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Victoria Bennett Environmental Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 3, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

With species facing extinction due to human-induced disturbances, conservation efforts aim to protect wildlife and ecosystems. Urban areas, despite their modifications, can provide essential ecosystem services and support biodiversity. However, ensuring wildlife presence requires understanding resource availability and accessibility. Accessibility, defined by an individual's ability to locate and utilize resources, is influenced by landscape features such as permeability and connectivity, which can impede movement. Species-specific traits, including ecology and mode of locomotion, also play significant roles in resource access. For instance, volant species like birds and bats rely on flight to forage and drink, with their ability to maneuver affecting whether they can access a water source or not. Moreover, access may not only be dependent on the size of a water source but also by clutter (i.e., vegetation, exposed rocks and litter), which can reduce the amount of surface area that is actually available. Additionally, seasonal variations in precipitation and evapotranspiration rates can alter water levels, affecting both the size of the water source and the amount of clutter (i.e., exposing more rocks and enabling more aquatic vegetation to grow). Understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics of water surface area is crucial for effective resource management aimed at making urban environments more suitable for wildlife. Thus, we investigated the influence of variation in water surface area on bat drinking activity in an urban environment. Our study focused on six water sources in Tarrant County, Texas, using drone surveillance, thermal technology, and acoustic monitoring from March to September 2023. We hypothesized that as surface area decreased during summer, bat drinking activity would decline. By addressing one potential aspect of water resource availability and accessibility, our study contributes to to more accurate assessments of urban water resource availability and the development of sustainable conservation practices for wildlife.