Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Kansas EPA EPSCoR: Enhancement of Research on Fate and Impact Environmental Pollutants (SIP)

EPA Grant Number: R829418E01
Title: Kansas EPA EPSCoR: Enhancement of Research on Fate and Impact Environmental Pollutants (SIP)
Investigators: Rice, Charles W.
Institution: Kansas State University
EPA Project Officer: Chung, Serena
Project Period: September 24, 2001 through September 23, 2004 (Extended to February 23, 2005)
Project Amount: $373,487
RFA: EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) (2001) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: EPSCoR (The Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research)

Objective:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) provides a foundation upon which young faculty may build quality environmental programs by establishing a network of multidisciplinary, multiinstitutional research. Our program provides an excellent match between the young talent at our universities and the relevant environmental problems in the state. The goals of the State Improvement Plan were to: (1) elevate Kansas’ young scientists and engineers to competitiveness on a national level; (2) provide professional development; and (3) enhance communication among researchers at participating universities. The two research projects supported by the Kansas EPA EPSCoR Program were:

Evaluation of Chemical and Biological Assays as Indicators of Toxic Metal Bioavailability in Soils (R829418E02). The specific objectives of this research project were to: (1) examine a series of biological and chemical assays to compare their effectiveness in adequately including the effects of bioavailability in dose-response assessments; (2) explore the use of soil amendments for reducing metal bioavailability; and (3) evaluate the chemical assays for assessing metal bioavailability across a range of organisms. The results of this project are presented in a separate report.
Evaluation of Riparian Zones for Controlling Nonpoint Source Pollution in NE Kansas (R829418E03). The specific objectives of this research project were to: (1) calibrate the Riparian Ecosystem Management Model for Kansas conditions; and (2) provide a tool for assessing the efficiency of current buffers, designing new buffer systems for controlling nonpoint source pollution, and complying with total maximum daily load criteria. A sensitivity analysis will be performed on the model to determine the relative importance of input parameters and accuracy of the model output. The results of this project are presented in a separate report.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

We held several meetings for the Kansas State University (KSU) faculty; many were joint meetings with all the Kansas EPSCoR Programs. The final wrap-up meeting was a KSU EPA EPSCoR supported workshop on Environmental Benefits of Soil Carbon Management, followed by a public forum. The results of this workshop are being summarized in chapters for a book that will be published later this year.

Nine refereed publications were produced, as well as several proceedings papers. Faculty and graduate students received travel support to attend several national and international conferences. As a result of meeting collaborators at state national and international meetings, the faculty were able to develop several large projects across multiple universities. There has been good interaction with state agencies, including the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and State Conservation Commission. KDHE operates the EPA 319 program, which includes Kansas faculty. The faculty have successfully received $2.3 million in additional grant funds.

Supplemental Keywords:

water quality, riparian zones, metal toxicity, non-point pollution.,, Health, Scientific Discipline, TREATMENT/CONTROL, Waste, Water, POLLUTANTS/TOXICS, Remediation, Risk Assessments, Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Contaminated Sediments, Treatment Technologies, Chemicals, Environmental Engineering, Technology, heavy metals, catalysts, bioavailability, assessment methods, bioremediation of soils, contaminated sediment, biotechnology, metal contamination, water quality, human exposure, chemical contaminants, biological assay, remediation technologies, riparian buffer zones, biodegradation, bioremediation, environmental technology, dose-response, human health risk, metals

Relevant Websites:

http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/pr_kepa/ Exit

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.