Browsing by Author "Bryant, Lee Davis"

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    Dynamic forcing of oxygen, iron, and manganese fluxes at the sediment-water interface in lakes and reservoirs
    Bryant, Lee Davis (Virginia Tech, 2010-03-23)
    The National Research Council recently called for a more interdisciplinary approach to drinking water research to address the critical issue of global drinking water supplies. Hypolimnetic oxygenation systems (HOₓ) are being increasingly used to improve water quality in stratified reservoirs by increasing dissolved oxygen (O₂) concentrations and subsequently suppressing the release of soluble species such as iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) from the sediment into the water. However, while the influence of HOx on the water column has been established, little work has been done on how oxygenation affects sediment O₂ uptake (i.e., sediment oxygen demand) and other sediment-water fluxes. In response to the growing need for alternative approaches for improving water quality, we conducted highly interdisciplinary research to evaluate how O₂, Fe, and Mn cycling at the sediment-water interface is influenced by both natural and HOx-induced variations in water column dynamics, chemical redox processes, and microbial activity within the sediment, all of which may govern sediment-water fluxes. Studies were performed in an alpine lake in Switzerland and in an HOₓ-equipped drinking-water-supply reservoir in Virginia. This research was based on in situ field campaigns paired with laboratory experiments, microbial analyses, and computer simulation to elucidate variable sediment O₂ uptake and corresponding Fe and Mn cycling. This work is unique in that sediment-water fluxes were assessed using in situ data from both sides of the sediment-water interface. Results show that sediment O₂ uptake flux is strongly controlled by both wind- and HOₓ-induced dynamic forcing. Our findings reveal that Fe and Mn fluxes were suppressed from the bulk hypolimnion via biogeochemical cycling in the oxic benthic region. Results also indicate that the sediment microbial community structure may directly respond to HOₓ-induced variation in sediment O₂ availability. Additionally, based on an analysis of the robustness of several commonly used methods for flux calculations, we show that flux estimates are not strongly dependent on the method chosen for analysis. Ultimately, by emphasizing the highly transient nature of sediment O₂ uptake, this research will aid in accurate characterization of various sediment-water fluxes and corresponding water quality. Our results will also directly contribute to the optimization of HOₓ operations and lake and reservoir management.
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    Geotechnical Problems with Pyritic Rock and Soil
    Bryant, Lee Davis (Virginia Tech, 2003-05-08)
    Oxidation of pyrite can significantly affect properties and the behavior of soil and rock in civil construction. Problems with pyritic rock and soil extend globally and across many disciplines. Consequences of pyrite oxidation include heave, concrete degradation, steel corrosion, environmental damage, acid mine drainage, and accelerated weathering of rock with concomitant effects on strength and stability. Affected disciplines include soil science, mining, engineering geology, geochemistry, environmental engineering, and geotechnical engineering. While pyrite problems may be well known in their respective disciplines, there has been to date relatively little cross-disciplinary communication regarding problems with pyritic geomaterials. Thus, there is a need to establish an inter-disciplinary and inter-regional awareness regarding the effects of pyrite oxidation and their prevention or mitigation. This engineering research is a compilation of information about geotechnical problems and engineering behavior of pyritic rock and soil, the underlying physicochemical processes, site investigation strategies, and known problematic formations. Several case histories documenting consequences of pyrite oxidation are provided. The results of chemical analyses performed on pyritic shale samples from a formation with acknowledged heave problems are presented. Digital data and ESRI's ArcGIS digital mapping program were used to create maps showing results of sampling and testing performed during this study. Appendices include mitigation options, results of a practitioner survey, chemical test procedures, a glossary, a visual identification key for sulfidic geomaterials, and a summary table of the literature review for this research.