Funded Grant Projects: 2005

Franco Basile
Department of Chemistry, University of Wyoming

"Rapidly Detecting Bacterial Pathogens in Drinking and Waste Water to Prevent Contaminated Water from Being Released for Human Consumption"

(Category: Health, water quality)

Quality drinking water is essential for the protection of human health and the environment. Currently, water treatment facilities use petri dish tests -- a process that takes 24-48 hours -- to detect E.coli and coliform as well as other harmful bacteria in drinking and waste water. Dr. Basile has developed a new method that uses mass spectrometry to rapidly detect and count the amount of E.coli and coliform in drinking water and wastewater in as little as 30 minutes. The ability to detect such contaminants quickly will allow corrective measures to take place before dangerous levels of bacteria are reached. This process also has the advantage of being able to detect low numbers of bacteria, which will enable preventative measures to be implemented to stop the distribution of contaminated water to the human population. While this study is focused on detecting two particularly harmful bacteria, Dr. Basile's method has the potential to be expanded for use in medical applications and the detection of biological warfare agents for homeland security. This Lindbergh/Lloyd grant in health and waste management was sponsored by Maureen Lloyd.

Laura E. Farrell
University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont

"Determining the Bobcat and Lynx Diet and Distribution in the Northern Forest of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont using DNA analysis and Scat Detecting Dogs"

(Category: Conservation of Animal Resources)

The Northern Forest of Maine and New Hampshire is a unique and extensive region of North America. Much effort is being made to find a balance between forest industry, recreation, and the ecosystem. Lynx and bobcats are essential components of this forest, controlling densities of smaller predators such as coyotes, raccoons, foxes, and skunks, which can transmit disease. The Northern Forest has suitable habitat for lynx and bobcat, and there is evidence that these cats can do well in areas devoted to forestry and other types of human use. However, the distribution and diet of these carnivores is unknown. Ms. Farrell plans to use scat-detecting dogs and DNA analysis to determine the range of habitats lynx and bobcats inhabit and the prey they consume. This data will enable her to create a GIS map illustrating where the cats exist and suggest corridors that would allow the animals to move throughout the forest into other equally suitable habitat. She also plans to distribute a report and brochure to the public, timber companies, and state, federal, and nongovernmental wildlife agencies and landowners including information about how they can make their property more hospitable to these carnivores. The methods used in this study can be used to help protect endangered carnivores around the world, especially where there is fragmented, but available habitat. This Lindbergh Grant in Conservation of Animal Resources has been sponsored by Reeve Lindbergh. It is further dedicated to the memory of Maureen Lloyd, who was a friend and a colleague and a wonderful human being, someone it was an honor and a joy to know.

Dr. Rebecca V. Ferrell
Department of Biology, Metropolitan State College of Denver and
Todd Bergren, Ph.D. , Department of Biotechnology, Community College of Aurora

"Protecting the Earth's Oceans by Improving Vacation Resort Sewage Systems with a Quick Start Nitrification System in the Existing Wetlands of Quintana Roo, Mexico"

(Category: Waste Minimization and Management)

Ineffective sewage disposal on the Riviera Maya of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is creating major pollution problems. This area, blessed with spectacular coral reefs, is enjoying a growing ecotourism business. Yet it remains particularly vulnerable to pollution of its drinking water and the ocean ecosystems on which it depends. Without a better system, this beautiful area will continue to be plagued by contaminated seafood, recreational and drinking water, as well as widespread destruction of coral reefs. Plans to add more than 50,000 hotel rooms and one million workers and their families to the Riviera Maya in the next few years make the need to develop effective sewage treatment urgent. Currently, some environmentally conscious residents and business owners use small concrete wetlands filled with a variety of plants that effectively extract nearly 100% of bacteria from septic tanks before the remaining water is released into the environment. However, the system has not been able to eliminate nitrogen-rich ammonia, which when released into the ocean, encourages algae growth and other plants that harm the reefs. Building on the current use of wetlands, Drs. Ferrell and Bergren plan to study, identify, and quantify native strains of nitrifying bacteria, which use ammonia as their energy source. These bacteria could then be included in existing wetlands to remove ammonia from the released water. Their work has an important and immediate application in Mexico and could be easily replicated elsewhere representing an appropriate, low-cost treatment of human and animal waste. This Lindbergh/Bridges Grant in Waste Minimization and Management has been sponsored by Knox Bridges.

Beth A. Hahn
School of Natural Resources & Environment, University of Michigan

"Using Song Playback Technology in Regions of Michigan's Hiawatha National Forest to determine its Influence on Migrating Songbirds' Choice of Nesting Habitats"

(Category: Conservation of Animal Resources)

The National Audubon Society reports that bird populations are declining throughout the U.S., and for many species, the loss of North American breeding habitat is believed to be a key factor in the decline. Songbirds are a critical component of forest habitats as seed disbursers, pollinators, insectivores, and prey for other animals. They are also an important component for ecotourism. Because of their sensitivity to habitat alteration, migratory bird species are excellent indicators of the cumulative effects of management actions on forests. Ms. Hahn will study how songbirds use the presence of other individuals of the same species to measure habitat quality and establish breeding territories. During spring arrivals she will broadcast birdsongs of the American redstart and the rare and declining Black-throated blue warbler to encourage settlement of these birds in selected forest stands within the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Understanding the relationship between forest characteristics and bird populations will allow managers to modify habitat and target cutting to balance forest productivity and healthy wildlife populations. Ms. Hahn will help wildlife biologists better manage breeding songbird populations by providing baseline data on their abundance and diversity in the area, and providing information to managers. A substantial timber harvest scheduled for the Lake Superior Highlands of the Hiawatha National Forest will make this research immediately useful to wildlife managers. This Lindbergh/Hallward Grant in Conservation of Animal Resources has been sponsored by Clare Hallward.

Alison Lipman
Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia

"Collaborating with Local Bolivian Communities to Develop a National Park Management Plan Designed to Halt the Decline of the Amazon River Turtles"

(Category: Conservation of Animal Resources)

Turtle populations are declining worldwide because they are especially vulnerable to overexploitation as a source of food and alteration of their habitat (largely stemming from deforestation, agriculture, timber extraction, and rural and urban development). In addition, energy development through hydroelectric dams is modifying the natural river flow patterns and altering the flood stage causing some prime nesting sites to become flooded. Ms. Lipman plans to study the population of the Yellow-spotted Amazon river turtle and the Giant South American river turtle, both threatened species, in the Noel Kempff Mercado National Park in Bolivia. She will initiate, research and develop a balanced approach to managing the future of these turtles by assessing the abundance, reproductive fitness, migration, and habitat health of the turtle population. Her management plan for the national park will help them succeed with their conservation goals, while incorporating a sustainable species harvest for the neighboring communities who depend on the turtles for food and oil. This collaborative effort will link the protection of nearby natural areas with improving the quality of local community life.

Sarah B. Lovern
Great Lakes WATER Institute, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

"Analyzing the Impact of the Production of Nanoparticles on the Physical and Behavioral Responses of the Small Crustacean, Daphnia, a Major Source of Food for Fish"

(Category: Conservation of Water Resources, Waste Minimization and Management)

Nanoparticles range in size from 1 - 100 billionth of a meter and comprise the latest technological advances designed to do everything from absorb environmental toxins to deliver drugs to a target organ. They are already being used in stain-resistant fabrics and may also be used in televisions, electronic paper, and disposable batteries for lap top computers in the near future. Nanoparticle production has drastically increased in the last several years; however, little is known about the environmental impact of releasing these particles as byproducts, medical waste, or as environmental tools. During this study, Lovern will use high tech video imaging to evaluate the effect of nanoparticles in the aquatic environment. Specifically she will evaluate the physiology of a model species Daphnia, an important link in the fish food chain. By studying smaller organisms such as Daphnia, which may be easily affected by such contamination, Lovern plans to determine the possible interaction of particle size and type with feeding behavior, growth and mortality of Daphnia. This information will help develop standards to limit harmful quantities from being released into the aquatic environment, bridging the gap between technological improvement and environmental safeguarding. Her study will also help determine the best nanoparticles with the least impact on wildlife and may be used to guide pharmaceutical companies toward focusing their development on eco-friendly drugs that help human health without hindering the environment. This project also may be used as a tool for the Water Security Program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in developing toxic cleanup tools, and will help the EPA and other environmental policy organizations in their ability to make proper legislation pertaining to water quality and nanoparticle manufacturing and release.

Steven W. Moore, Ph.D.
Division of Science and Environmental Policy, California State University, Monterey Bay

"Engaging Students in Video Technology Deployment and Experimental Design to Study Animals in the Wild"

(Category: Conservation of Animal Resources, Education)

Television and the Internet have dramatically increased public awareness of the wonderful diversity and interdependence of life on this planet and have played an obvious and important role in educating millions about the importance of environmental conservation. However, these same technologies may be undermining the long-term commitment of society to conservation as children are spending more time in front of the television or computer rather than developing a close relationship with nature through physical experience. During this study, Dr. Moore plans to bring middle- and high-school students up to date on the latest in wireless video and Internet technology while getting them outdoors and giving them a fun, safe way to connect on a deeper, more meaningful level with wildlife near their homes and schools. Students will design and conduct experiments in which they will use technology by positioning solar powered web cameras, infrared lights, long-range wireless Internet access equipment, and web-linked motion sensors outside in natural settings to answer their own questions about wildlife. This experience may strengthen their involvement and commitment to environmental preservation. This Lindbergh/Fried Grant in Conservation and Education has been sponsored by Albert Fried, Jr.

Dr. David Sands
Montana State University

"Producing Biolubricants from Common Vegetable Oils in Order to Reduce Costly and Toxic Petroleum Motor Oil Use"

(Category: Conservation of Plant Resources)

Approximately 8 billion quarts of motor oil lubricants are consumed in the United States annually. Nearly all of it is refined from petroleum. Reducing our dependency on petroleum and non-renewable energy sources would benefit the environment and the consumer. However, the current process for converting vegetables into bio-lubricants is costly and the chemical techniques cause considerable pollution, negating the positive benefits of bio-based materials. Using state of the art molecular techniques and mushrooms as the host organism, Dr. Sands plans to produce an enzyme that can convert ordinary vegetable oils like canola, safflower and others into special high value bio-based lubricants like axel grease and motor oil. This novel and non-toxic bio-refining technology will enable the oil to be produced at a lower cost, reducing environmental pollution, strengthening our rural agricultural economy, and offering the potential to move our fossil fuel dependent world toward a system where oil can be sustainably and renewably produced through agriculture.

This Lindbergh Grant in plant conservation is sponsored by the Laura Jane Musser Fund.