Shrimp waste-water (SWW) is rich in nutrients that include both phosphorus and nitrogen. A significant amount of money is spent by aqua culturists to eliminate these macronutrients before the water is released into the environment. In this study, we determined whether algae, which need phosphorus and nitrogen to grow, of commercial value (e.g., for biofuel, aqua feeds or neutraceutical production) can be maintained in this waste-water stream. Experiments tested for the ability of SWW to support algal growth when these organisms were grown in: (1) COREs media (control) as well as (2) SWW media (experimental) that contain: (a) no phosphate, (b) no nitrate, or (c) no nitrate or phosphate addition(s). Three algae that grow in marine waters were tested: B. chromulina, UWC 695, and Isochrysis galbana (UWC635) in each of the medium types listed above. Cell counts were taken regularly throughout the course of algal culture growth using a BD Flow cytometer. Neutral lipids and lipid profiles were measured using BODIPY 505/515 dye and Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis respectively.

Currently, freight models at the state level use a four-step modeling approach, which generates trips based on origins, destinations, and land use. In the personal travel sector, models have started taking into consideration entire tours based on household demographics. Freight modeling uses this same approach despite situational differences. In an effort to improve freight modeling, this research aims to identify characteristics of freight carrier companies that determine distinct freight movements. A survey of licensed motor carriers was designed and conducted in Washington State and Oregon State. The identical surveys conducted in both states consisted of 33 questions. Respondents were asked questions regarding their vehicle fleet, locations served, times traveled, types of deliveries, and commodities. A total of 614 complete responses were gathered. An analysis of the data, using statistical software R and Excel, aims to reveal clusters of company types that can be distinguished by determining characteristics such as company size, commodity, and role in a supply chain. By identifying unique patterns among the dependent variable such as travel distance, travel times, and delivery style, the results can then be integrated into state models to more accurately predict freight vehicle routes.

Storm water pollution is a growing problem for the people of the Puget Sound. When contaminants are released into our environment they collect in storm drains and, for the most part, flow untreated into our precious streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Contaminants like copper from brake dust, nutrients from fertilizers, and detergents from washing cars, can cause adverse problems to the aquatic life in these water bodies. “Low Impact Development” designs like rain gardens and bio-retention systems are a viable option to reduce harmful effects, by filtering out many of the pollutants before they enter our aquatic systems. In order to improve the performance of rain gardens we propose adding various waste products from other treatment processes which have the potential to remove common storm water contaminants. In this research, we compared various soil mixes commonly used in systems with various amendments such as “Lodge Pole Pine and Water Treatment Residual (WTR)” to determine their ability to capture heavy metals and nutrients. To test the amended soil mixes we designed a series of columns packed with these mixes, saturated the columns with synthetic storm water, and monitored the concentrations of pollutants in the influent and effluent to determine contaminant removal capabilities. The constituents tested in this experiment include hydrologic conductivity, forms of Nitrogen and Phosphorus along with metals such as Aluminum, Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Nickel and Zinc. Our preliminary results have been very promising, with our WTR amendments showing an improvement of up to approximately 20% reduction in both total and dissolved forms of phosphorus and up to a 10% reduction in metals over standard soil mixes.

My research examines fairness and equity in the distribution of three wastewater treatment types across seven counties in the Puget Sound region. I begin my analysis with a thorough exploration into the concepts of fairness and equity, within the context of a variety of disciplines. Drawing on this analysis, I then look into the costs of these different systems, making sure to take into account all applicable considerations, including implementation, maintenance, and repair costs. Specifically, I investigate the costs of combined-sewer systems, separated sewer systems, and onsite septic systems at the household scale. Lastly, I use Geographical Information Systems and spatial analysis to compare the costs of these systems to their spatial distribution through the subject counties, and to the household median income within their respective census tracts. This methodology allows me to uncover any inequities in the way that the costs of these treatment types are distributed, and address a specific instance of fairness within urban planning that has yet to be investigated.

In the last decade, Seattle, like many other cities across the world, has tried to encourage bicycling by developing new bicycle infrastructures, cultures, and policies. In many cities, these efforts often start nearly from ‘scratch’. However, in The Netherlands, bicycling has been an important part of the transportation network for more than 100 years, with comprehensive infrastructure in place from policies developed during the 1960’s and 70’s. Our team, composed of two members, spent several months in Groningen, The Netherlands, on an exchange where we collected data on the bicycle infrastructure success that this region of the world is renowned for. Working with the Multimodal Project Development team at Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we brought the lessons-learned and design of the Netherlands to our home, Seattle. We have evaluated the design of four critical Seattle intersections: 43rd Ave NE and University Way, 7th Ave NE and NE 40th St., 25th Ave NE and the Burke Gilman Trail, and 34th Ave N and N Fremont Ave. and compared them to successful infrastructure in Groningen. Through background research, interviews, and observation, we have assessed the comfort, safety, and directness of these selected intersections using quantitative and qualitative measures. Based on this data, we have suggested two alternatives for each intersection: one based on Dutch design which is novel to Seattle and very ambitious, and one of which is more practical and less expensive. The possible results of this study are far-reaching and significant. Whether our designs are adopted in some form by SDOT or not, our final designs have influenced SDOT employees. We are taking a step towards making our community a safer, healthier, and more enjoyable place for all street users.