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• 1. [Article] puddl: Gamifying Water Conservation

  As the global population surges, the demand for fresh water will only increase. With no technological breakthrough on the horizon, it is more important than ever to conserve water and not waste this precious ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: puddl: Gamifying Water Conservation Author: Assenberg, Quince, Chen, Jack, Glenn, Denny, Lam, Jessica Year: 2016 As the global population surges, the demand for fresh water will only increase. With no technological breakthrough on the horizon, it is more important than ever to conserve water and not waste this precious resource. Water conservation is a serious issue, and will only become more severe as global warming worsens. As the global temperature increases, and rainfall becomes more sporadic, it will be important for communities to find new ways to save water. This push has already been made in certain areas in the united states, California, where they were forced to reduce their water consumption by 25%. Through our fieldwork and other research, we discovered three important factors that would shape our project. The first was all about flow! The flow in a sewage system is integral to its ability to function. If the flow of a sewage system gets too low, you encounter a number of logistical problems. Additionally, if you use too much water, you could adversely affect the ecosystems from which you took the water. Salmon, and their food chain, are affected the most by the overuse of water. When talking with Catherine Howells, we also learned about water conservation. Certain areas in the world, like Perth, Australia, are very good at conserving water, whereas other areas, like Phoenix, Arizona are not.. However, no matter where you are, it is very hard to conserve more than thirty percent of water usage. The average American family of four uses 400 gallons of water per day. On average, approximately 70 percent of that water is used indoors, with the bathroom being the largest consumer. This leaves a large amount of water to be conserve, especially when you consider the average Australian family of the same size uses on 238 gallons of water per day! Also, certain applications use a huge portion of a person’s daily water usage, for instance the toilet and washer equal forty‐eight percent of a household' water consumption, and by learning new ways to reduce this, families could save a lot of water! Title: puddl: Gamifying Water Conservation Author: Assenberg, Quince, Chen, Jack, Glenn, Denny, Lam, Jessica Year: 2016 As the global population surges, the demand for fresh water will only increase. With no technological breakthrough on the horizon, it is more important than ever to conserve water and not waste this precious resource. Water conservation is a serious issue, and will only become more severe as global warming worsens. As the global temperature increases, and rainfall becomes more sporadic, it will be important for communities to find new ways to save water. This push has already been made in certain areas in the united states, California, where they were forced to reduce their water consumption by 25%. Through our fieldwork and other research, we discovered three important factors that would shape our project. The first was all about flow! The flow in a sewage system is integral to its ability to function. If the flow of a sewage system gets too low, you encounter a number of logistical problems. Additionally, if you use too much water, you could adversely affect the ecosystems from which you took the water. Salmon, and their food chain, are affected the most by the overuse of water. When talking with Catherine Howells, we also learned about water conservation. Certain areas in the world, like Perth, Australia, are very good at conserving water, whereas other areas, like Phoenix, Arizona are not.. However, no matter where you are, it is very hard to conserve more than thirty percent of water usage. The average American family of four uses 400 gallons of water per day. On average, approximately 70 percent of that water is used indoors, with the bathroom being the largest consumer. This leaves a large amount of water to be conserve, especially when you consider the average Australian family of the same size uses on 238 gallons of water per day! Also, certain applications use a huge portion of a person’s daily water usage, for instance the toilet and washer equal forty‐eight percent of a household' water consumption, and by learning new ways to reduce this, families could save a lot of water! Close

• 2. [Article] Estimation of Surface Water Temperature of the Tigris River System in Iraq

  Monitoring surface water temperatures (Tw) in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs is a key component of environmental management and influences water quality by affecting bio-geo chemical reaction rates, altering ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Estimation of Surface Water Temperature of the Tigris River System in Iraq Author: Al-Murib, M., Wells, Scott A., Talke, Stefan A. Year: 2017 Monitoring surface water temperatures (Tw) in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs is a key component of environmental management and influences water quality by affecting bio-geo chemical reaction rates, altering the saturation concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO), and influencing the susceptibility of fish to disease. Temperatures in the Tigris River, one of the largest rivers in the Middle East, are influenced by factors such as heat fluxes at the air-water and human activities such as direct discharge of water to the river. However, modeling and management of water temperature is limited by a paucity of in-situ data, which prevents calibration of models. In this study, we infill data gaps by estimating Tw using the thermal bands of both the Landsat 5 TM and Landsat 7 ETM+ sensors. These satellite-based estimates, typically measured once or twice a month with 60-120m resolution, are then used to develop a regression model that relates daily water temperature to daily air temperature and river flow. These estimates are used to define the Tw boundary conditions for a hydrodynamic and water quality model of the Tigris River based on a 2D implementation of the CE-QUAL-W2 (W2) numerical model. Initial results suggest that there is a significant agreement between modeled and remotely estimated data of Tw. Results suggest that short-wave solar radiation is the most important factor that controls seasonal Tw variations. However, anthropogenic influence is observed as a result of return irrigation flows and flows from Tharthar Lake. Title: Estimation of Surface Water Temperature of the Tigris River System in Iraq Author: Al-Murib, M., Wells, Scott A., Talke, Stefan A. Year: 2017 Monitoring surface water temperatures (Tw) in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs is a key component of environmental management and influences water quality by affecting bio-geo chemical reaction rates, altering the saturation concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO), and influencing the susceptibility of fish to disease. Temperatures in the Tigris River, one of the largest rivers in the Middle East, are influenced by factors such as heat fluxes at the air-water and human activities such as direct discharge of water to the river. However, modeling and management of water temperature is limited by a paucity of in-situ data, which prevents calibration of models. In this study, we infill data gaps by estimating Tw using the thermal bands of both the Landsat 5 TM and Landsat 7 ETM+ sensors. These satellite-based estimates, typically measured once or twice a month with 60-120m resolution, are then used to develop a regression model that relates daily water temperature to daily air temperature and river flow. These estimates are used to define the Tw boundary conditions for a hydrodynamic and water quality model of the Tigris River based on a 2D implementation of the CE-QUAL-W2 (W2) numerical model. Initial results suggest that there is a significant agreement between modeled and remotely estimated data of Tw. Results suggest that short-wave solar radiation is the most important factor that controls seasonal Tw variations. However, anthropogenic influence is observed as a result of return irrigation flows and flows from Tharthar Lake. Close

• 3. [Article] Estimating River Discharge Using Multiple-Tide Gauges Distributed Along a Channel

  Reliable estimation of freshwater inflow to the ocean from large tidal rivers is vital for water resources management and climate analyses. Discharge gauging stations are typically located beyond the tidal ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Estimating River Discharge Using Multiple-Tide Gauges Distributed Along a Channel Author: Moftakhari, Hamed R., Jay, David A, Talke, Stefan Year: 2016 Reliable estimation of freshwater inflow to the ocean from large tidal rivers is vital for water resources management and climate analyses. Discharge gauging stations are typically located beyond the tidal intrusion reach, such that inputs and losses occurring closer to the ocean are not included. Here, we develop a method of estimating river discharge using multiple gauges and time-dependent tidal statistics determined via wavelet analysis. The Multiple-gauge Tidal Discharge Estimate (MTDE) method is developed using data from the Columbia River and Fraser River estuaries and calibrated against river discharge. Next, we evaluate the general applicability of MTDE by testing an idealized two-dimensional numerical model, with a convergent cross-sectional profile, for eighty-one cases in which nondimensional numbers for friction, river flow, and convergence length scale are varied. The simulations suggest that MTDE is applicable to a variety of tidal systems. Model results and data analyses together suggest that MTDE works best with at least three gauges: a reference station near the river mouth, and two upstream gauges that respond strongly to distinct portions of the observed range of flow. The balance between tidal damping and amplifying factors determines the favorable location of the gauges. Compared to previous studies, the MTDE method improves the time resolution of estimates (from 2.5 to < 1 week) and is applicable to systems with mixed diurnal/semidiurnal tides. However, model results suggest that tide-induced residual flows such as the Stokes drift may still affect the accuracy of MTDE at seaward locations during periods of low river discharge. Title: Estimating River Discharge Using Multiple-Tide Gauges Distributed Along a Channel Author: Moftakhari, Hamed R., Jay, David A, Talke, Stefan Year: 2016 Reliable estimation of freshwater inflow to the ocean from large tidal rivers is vital for water resources management and climate analyses. Discharge gauging stations are typically located beyond the tidal intrusion reach, such that inputs and losses occurring closer to the ocean are not included. Here, we develop a method of estimating river discharge using multiple gauges and time-dependent tidal statistics determined via wavelet analysis. The Multiple-gauge Tidal Discharge Estimate (MTDE) method is developed using data from the Columbia River and Fraser River estuaries and calibrated against river discharge. Next, we evaluate the general applicability of MTDE by testing an idealized two-dimensional numerical model, with a convergent cross-sectional profile, for eighty-one cases in which nondimensional numbers for friction, river flow, and convergence length scale are varied. The simulations suggest that MTDE is applicable to a variety of tidal systems. Model results and data analyses together suggest that MTDE works best with at least three gauges: a reference station near the river mouth, and two upstream gauges that respond strongly to distinct portions of the observed range of flow. The balance between tidal damping and amplifying factors determines the favorable location of the gauges. Compared to previous studies, the MTDE method improves the time resolution of estimates (from 2.5 to < 1 week) and is applicable to systems with mixed diurnal/semidiurnal tides. However, model results suggest that tide-induced residual flows such as the Stokes drift may still affect the accuracy of MTDE at seaward locations during periods of low river discharge. Close

• 4. [Article] Modeling Density Currents in a Typical Tributary of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China

  The initial filling of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), China, has caused serious phytoplankton blooms in its tributary bays. A two-dimensional, laterally averaged, hydrodynamic and water quality CE-QUAL-W2 ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Modeling Density Currents in a Typical Tributary of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China Author: Ma, Jun, Liu, Defu, Wells, Scott A., Tang, Hongwu, Ji, Daobin, Yang, Zhengjian Year: 2015 The initial filling of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), China, has caused serious phytoplankton blooms in its tributary bays. A two-dimensional, laterally averaged, hydrodynamic and water quality CE-QUAL-W2 model was used to simulate the hydrodynamics and water temperature of a typical tributary (Xiangxi Bay XXB) of the TGR to study the relationship between phytoplankton and density currents. The CE-QUAL-W2 model was calibrated to data collected in XXB (depth profiles of velocity and water temperature at three locations) from January 2008 through December 2008. The model performed well in simulating (1) flow velocity profiles, (2) unusual water temperature profiles, (3) the plunge point location of the intrusion layer, (4) propagation speed, and (5) the travel distance of the density currents. The model was then used to examine potential factors that affect the density currents, such as water level fluctuations in the mainstem of the TGR, water temperature differences between the mainstem and XXB, and inflow rates to XXB. Therefore, a better understanding of the hydrodynamics of tributaries in the TGR can be used to understand the aquatic ecosystem dynamics of these tributaries. Title: Modeling Density Currents in a Typical Tributary of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China Author: Ma, Jun, Liu, Defu, Wells, Scott A., Tang, Hongwu, Ji, Daobin, Yang, Zhengjian Year: 2015 The initial filling of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), China, has caused serious phytoplankton blooms in its tributary bays. A two-dimensional, laterally averaged, hydrodynamic and water quality CE-QUAL-W2 model was used to simulate the hydrodynamics and water temperature of a typical tributary (Xiangxi Bay XXB) of the TGR to study the relationship between phytoplankton and density currents. The CE-QUAL-W2 model was calibrated to data collected in XXB (depth profiles of velocity and water temperature at three locations) from January 2008 through December 2008. The model performed well in simulating (1) flow velocity profiles, (2) unusual water temperature profiles, (3) the plunge point location of the intrusion layer, (4) propagation speed, and (5) the travel distance of the density currents. The model was then used to examine potential factors that affect the density currents, such as water level fluctuations in the mainstem of the TGR, water temperature differences between the mainstem and XXB, and inflow rates to XXB. Therefore, a better understanding of the hydrodynamics of tributaries in the TGR can be used to understand the aquatic ecosystem dynamics of these tributaries. Close

• 5. [Article] Osmosis Alive – Algae Water Filtration System

  Goals: Our goals of this project was to: Obtain an energy efficient, self-sufficient system to help reduce waste and money, and reuse and recycle water. To have a successful, natural, and more self-sufficient ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Osmosis Alive – Algae Water Filtration System Author: Gurganus, Adrik, Soe, Htet Htet, Baird, Jonathan, Beckett, Liam, Vautravers, Nick, Swensen, Parker, Johnson, Tucker Year: 2015 Goals: Our goals of this project was to: Obtain an energy efficient, self-sufficient system to help reduce waste and money, and reuse and recycle water. To have a successful, natural, and more self-sufficient filtration system, using algae. To use algae and other plants as an efficient way to filter water. To create a water filtration system that is organic and would have 0 waste. To use the water in the best and most efficient way possible, and to reduce energy and coal/oil consumption (water turbine) To make our community cleaner and greener, and reduce carbon footprint, pollution, and environmental impact. When we started this project, our first thought was renewable energy. We wanted to create a self-sustaining urban habitat for Humans to live in. We eventually began to gravitate towards a more specific concept which would involve grey water treatment. While gray water is known to be used for in home appliances such as toilets, it's not really used to generate electricity. What we have created is a system that utilizes the kinetic energy of grey water to help power the system itself. The system includes both standard filters and a less common non-photosynthetic algae filter to allow better use of the recycled city rainwater. If one spends time in our fine city, they will certainly notice the many old buildings around Portland. Though, they have majesty and charm flowing out of the rafters, they are also often inefficient in many regards. The other thing they will likely notice is the consistent downpour Portland has during the winter months, and even an occasional trickle during the summer months. The Peaceful Penguins team also manages to be this observant. We saw in our tours that many of the greener buildings in Portland make use of grey water run offs, i.e. rain, and recycle it for use around the facility. We aim to truly re-envision the way we think about grey water and it’s recycling. Title: Osmosis Alive – Algae Water Filtration System Author: Gurganus, Adrik, Soe, Htet Htet, Baird, Jonathan, Beckett, Liam, Vautravers, Nick, Swensen, Parker, Johnson, Tucker Year: 2015 Goals: Our goals of this project was to: Obtain an energy efficient, self-sufficient system to help reduce waste and money, and reuse and recycle water. To have a successful, natural, and more self-sufficient filtration system, using algae. To use algae and other plants as an efficient way to filter water. To create a water filtration system that is organic and would have 0 waste. To use the water in the best and most efficient way possible, and to reduce energy and coal/oil consumption (water turbine) To make our community cleaner and greener, and reduce carbon footprint, pollution, and environmental impact. When we started this project, our first thought was renewable energy. We wanted to create a self-sustaining urban habitat for Humans to live in. We eventually began to gravitate towards a more specific concept which would involve grey water treatment. While gray water is known to be used for in home appliances such as toilets, it's not really used to generate electricity. What we have created is a system that utilizes the kinetic energy of grey water to help power the system itself. The system includes both standard filters and a less common non-photosynthetic algae filter to allow better use of the recycled city rainwater. If one spends time in our fine city, they will certainly notice the many old buildings around Portland. Though, they have majesty and charm flowing out of the rafters, they are also often inefficient in many regards. The other thing they will likely notice is the consistent downpour Portland has during the winter months, and even an occasional trickle during the summer months. The Peaceful Penguins team also manages to be this observant. We saw in our tours that many of the greener buildings in Portland make use of grey water run offs, i.e. rain, and recycle it for use around the facility. We aim to truly re-envision the way we think about grey water and it’s recycling. Close