Browsing by Author "University of Minnesota, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering"
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Item Comprehensive screening of quaternary ammonium surfactants and ionic liquids in wastewater effluents and lake sediments(2019-11-25) Pati, Sarah G; Arnold, William A; arnol032@umn.edu; Arnold, William A; University of Minnesota, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- EngineeringQuaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are widely used as surfactants and biocides and also comprise the cations in ionic liquids. QACs have the potential to reach the environment via household, agricultural, and industrial use, and it is important to understand the distribution and sources of these compounds in aquatic systems. In this study, QACs were found in both wastewater effluents and sediments, with compounds containing twelve or more carbons in the side-chain being more prevalent in both matrices. Data from wastewater treatment plants with different unit operations and from sediment cores point to wastewater treatment practices and usage rates being important factors in dictating the environmental prevalence of QACs.Item Measurement of Antibiotics in Water and Sediment: Determining Minnesota's Antibiotic Footprint(2020-05-22) Frankson, Lara E; Arnold, William A; arnol032@umn.edu; Arnold, William A; University of Minnesota, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- EngineeringAntimicrobial resistance is considered to be one of the greatest global public health threats of the 21st century. The discharge of antibiotics into the environment may increase antimicrobial resistance as well as disrupt proper ecosystem functioning. Thus, evaluating the antibiotics present in the environment as well as the contributing factors to their presence in the environment will provide invaluable information for improving water quality and protecting human and ecosystem health. This dissertation investigates the presence of antibiotics in water and sediment in both wastewater treatment effluent and agricultural animal affected areas throughout Minnesota. This is to provide a fine scale as well as a broadscale approach with multiple samples at each site at sites across Minnesota. Additionally, a snapshot of the antibiotics present and long term trends of antibiotics in the environment are investigated through water and sediment samples, respectively.