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Program Summaries - 2006FREE-AIR CARBON DIOXIDE ENRICHMENT (FACE) FACILITY ENGINEERING AND OPERATIONS EE-159-EEDA
[KP1203020] The Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER) established the Free-Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) Facility as a scientific user facility. This Facility currently consists of four FACE experiments, the Forest Atmosphere Carbon Transfer and Storage-1 (FACTS-I) at Duke Research Forest, North Carolina, the Nevada Desert FACE Facility (NDFF) at the Nuclear Test Site in Nevada, the Aspen FACE experiment in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and the Oak Ridge FACE experiment in Tennessee. Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) provides support for the FACE Facility, other FACE experiments, and related research activities by providing the following services:
AMERIFLUX PROGRAM SUPPORT: EDDY-COVARIANCE FLUX TOWER AND TRACER TECHNOLOGY EE-544-EEDA
[KP1301010] Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 is measured by the eddy-covariance technique. This is the principal tool of the AmeriFlux/FluxNet research programs that seek to quantify NEE over a spectrum of biodiverse ecosystems exhibiting large spatial and temporal variability. Such measurements do not currently account very well for the biodiversity within the landscape mosaic encompassed by a typical tower (footprint) from which NEE is measured. This project, a collaboration with other AmeriFLux investigators, uses perfluorocarbon tracers (PFT) to track turbulent air flow from areas within the footprint of a 30-meter-tall tower that is instrumented with an array of anemometers and PFT samplers. Concentrations of PFT and data from the suite of anemometers are used by AmeriFLux collaborators to improve and validate transport models operating over the scale of the footprint. The collaborative team develops information on spatial and temporal variability of potential sources and sinks within landscape mosaics. NEE associated with the location of discrete sources and sinks of CO2, will be integrated into existing knowledge of carbon exchanged within the footprint domain. Temporal variability is a critical issue for the modeling effort and will be accounted for by 10-hz data from multiple sonic anemometers arrayed vertically from the ground level to twice the canopy height. This will allow the collaborating modellers to incorporate high-frequency wind profiles within and above the canopy on tower flux footprint analysis in a composite landscape, and to incorporate shrinking or expanding footprint domains with diurnal trends into the interpretation of NEE data. In this project, Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) will provide multiple PFT to be released simultaneously in a series of experiments to help define source/sink relationships in both horizontal and vertical planes. BNL provides support that includes the tracer studies, tower erection and removal, instrument installation and operation, and installation of data acquisition networks. Over several years the tower may be moved among other AmeriFlux sites and new towers may be erected on new sites. Finally, BNL will provide an improved data acquisition and display system and will develop a fast data link to the Internet for collaborating AmeriFLux sites.
FOREST-ATMOSPHERE CARBON TRANSFER AND STORAGE-I (FACTS-1) FACILITY OPERATIONS EE-423-EEDA
[KP1202020] Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) has established and manages the Forest-Atmosphere Carbon Transfer and Storage-I (FACTS-I) experiment in the Duke University Research Forest in collaboration with investigators at Duke University. FACTS-I utilizes Free-Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) technology developed by BNL and is one of four FACE experiments that currently make up the FACE User Facility of the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research (BER). BNL manages the FACTS-I site as a user facility, configured to support and augment the research activities of both the core research group and visiting scientists. BNL provides staff to operate and manage the site, purchases the carbon dioxide, and maintain the facility equipment. BNL personnel located at the site and at BNL work with site users to optimize research conducted at the site. The FACTS-I experiment presently consists of four CO2 enriched plots, four instrumented control plots and four ambient comparison plots. During FY 2005, a nutrient by CO2 interaction study was added to the research design by dividing each of the 12 plots in half and adding a nitrogen fertilizer treatment to one of the halves. Research conducted at the FACTS-I site covers structure and function of the forest ecosystem under CO2-enriched and ambient conditions at scales of integration ranging from sub-cellular to the ecosystem.
HERMES: HIERARCHICAL EXPERIMENTAL RESPONSES AT MACROMOLECULAR TO ECOSYSTEM SCALES
EE-609-EEDA [KP1203010] The Principal Investigator proposes to modify nitrate reductase (NR) activity in Arabidopsis and follow the consequences of this modification through multiple levels of biological organization from cells to ecosystem. A combination of hydroponic and soil-based mesocosms will allow establishment of mechanistic links between adjacent levels using tools of molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, physiology, population genetics, microbiology, and ecology. A factorial study will involve wild type and NR-deficient Arabidopsis, and mixtures of the two, exposed to ambient and elevated CO2 concentrations. Elevated CO2 treatments will help identify causal associations among levels of biological organization by accentuating interactions between the carbon and nitrogen cycles. An overarching hypothesis of this project is that a single-gene change in an important biological process (i.e., nitrate assimilation) will translate across multiple levels of biological organization to produce detectable and predictable responses at the ecosystem level. Plant, soil, and microbial measurements will support an improved description of how various signals are translated from cells to organs, organs to organisms, and communities to ecosystems. Studies will contribute to a more mechanistic understanding of how structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems are influenced by global environmental change, a primary goal of the Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science Program for Ecosystem Research (PER).
CARBON SEQUESTRATION USING POPLAR GENOMICS
EE-591-EEDA [KP1102010] Because elevated [CO2] stimulates poplar growth, it is hypothesized that comparison of poplar gene expression under ambient and elevated [CO2] will allow identification and isolation of genes for superior growth and improved carbon sequestration. The overarching goals of this project are to (a) utilize parallel quantitative trait loci (QTL) and expressed sequence tags (ESTs)/gene expression studies to identify and isolate candidate genes for rapid growth; and (b) transform superior clones with complementary DNA from the selected candidate genes to increase carbon sequestration. It is anticipated that modified poplar clones will be capable of growing at unprecedented rates, and will be able to allocate more carbon below ground to roots and associated mycorrhizae, thus improving long-term carbon sequestration into both wood and soil carbon pools. This project is a collaboration among Michigan Technical University, The University of Southampton and Brookhaven National Laboratory.
IN SITU NON-INVASIVE SOIL CARBON MEASUREMENT (SCM)
EE-536-EEDA [KP1202020] This project is developing a robust, flexible, non-invasive, and practical method for monitoring and verifying temporal changes in soil carbon in situ. The objectives of this project are: (1) to finalize tests with an Alfa prototype and construct a Beta prototype for field measurements, and (2) to characterize, calibrate and test the soil carbon measurement system in Free-Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) facilities. The method is based on Inelastic Neutron Scattering (INS) of fast neutrons from a carbon nucleus and subsequent detection of the emitted 4.4 MeV gamma rays. Initial calibration of the system in a sand pit yielded very good results when field measurements were compared with chemical analysis of core samples taken from the same site. The results from feasibility studies suggested that the requirement to measure changes of 100 gC/M2 could be met with a precision of about 5%. During the last year of the study, the sensitivity of the instrument was improved six fold. An important goal is to produce an instrument that is field deployable, and can be operated safely with minimum shielding. Preparations are being made to replace the current counting system with a faster one with improved detection efficiency. At present the system can be operated in both static and dynamics modes requiring a safety area of about 3 feet. The proposed system improvements will enhance the deployment ability for multiple and sequential measurements of large areas in both static and scanning modes. Collaborators include A. Torbert at National Soil Dynamics Laboratory (NSDL), Auburn, AL, where calibrations will be carried out, and K. Johnsen, Duke Forest FACE. Plans are being made for long-term experiments at established and well characterized sites. This project for development and demonstration of novel techniques for quantitative measurement of carbon changes in the soil was initially funded in response to LAB 00-09, Carbon Sequestration Research Program.
IN FIELD, CONTINUOUS, NON-INVASIVE SOIL CARBON SCANNING SYSTEM EE-585-EEDA
[AA3010000] This project develops a robust, flexible, non-invasive, scanning system for monitoring and verifying temporal changes in soil carbon in situ over large areas. The objectives of this project are: 1) to design and construct a continuous Soil Carbon Analysis (SCA) system for field measurements, and 2) to characterize, calibrate and test the SCA system in a calibrated sand pit and in well characterized fields. The method is based on Inelastic Neutron Scattering (INS) of fast neutrons from the carbon nucleus and detection of the subsequently emitted 4.4 MeV gamma rays. Proof-of-principle has been demonstrated in double-blind studies at three different sites, where the results of an INS system compared favorably with chemical analysis of core samples taken from the same place. In addition, tests were run in Duke Forest, NC, and at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) / Agricultural Research Station (ARS) National Soil Dynamics Laboratory (NSDL) in Auburn, AL. The results from feasibility studies suggested that the requirement to measure changes of 100 gC/M2 could be met with a precision of about 5%. The proposed system will be towed in the field at normal speeds of 3 to 5 mph. Since the events of inducing carbon gamma radiation are very fast, below a microsecond, at these scanning speeds the soil is virtually stationary and is being analyzed continuously, resulting in a measurement of the true carbon mean value over the measured area. In the future, system performance can be improved by using tagged neutrons from a system that is being developed. The scanning times of large fields will depend on the final footprint that is covered by a single pass of the system. The anticipated benefit from such a system is its capability to monitor belowground carbon balances without disturbing the soil. Furthermore, the system enables continuous scanning of large areas, thus providing a true mean carbon concentration in soil. The proposed system enables for the first time repetitive measurement of the same site, resulting in sequential monitoring of large areas. Collaboration with soil scientists from the USDA/ARS, as recommended by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) staff, is being established for final system testing using their well characterized fields. This novel system for stationary measurements was initially funded by the Carbon Sequestration Research Program in the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC).
MOLECULAR-SCALE KINETIC CONTROLS ON METAL AND RADIONUCLIDE FATE AND TRANSPORT
EE-590-EEDA [AA13010000] Large volumes of soil and sediment within the Department of Energy (DOE) complex, minimally contaminated with radioactive, hazardous or mixed wastes, are not cost-effectively treated by contaminant extraction or excavation but instead necessitate in situ treatment. The spatial heterogeneity of natural systems and kinetics of biogeochemical processes present the greatest barriers to scaling up in situ remediation methods from laboratory model system studies to field-scale implementation. The experimental methodology developed during this research program is intended to bridge laboratory and field-scale studies by combining real-time synchrotron-based spectroscopic studies of contaminant speciation in model flow-thru systems with microspectroscopy studies of contaminant distribution and speciation in 'real-world' soil and sediment. As a test-case this research will focus on two hypotheses related to biogeochemical processes known to reduce soluble U(VI) species to the relatively insoluble U(IV) species: 1) U(IV) speciation and immobilization depend on the type and relative concentration of terminal electron acceptors (e.g., oxygen, nitrate, Mn(IV) and Fe(III)) present during U(VI) reduction, and, 2) within near-surface soil and sediment profiles contaminated groundwater may encounter steep chemical gradients capable of oxidizing U(IV). These results will be used to help evaluate implementation strategies and the long-term efficacy of proposed in situ remediation methods for treating uranium-contaminated soil and sediment.
COMPOSITION OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES USED FOR IN SITU RADIONUCLIDE IMMOBILIZATION: NATURAL GENE TRANSFER TO DEVELOP RESISTANCE TO METAL TOXICITY
EE-595-EEDA [KP1302000] The proposed research addresses the need to understand how natural gene transfer could be used to help naturally-occurring microbial communities adopt resistance to specific environmental stresses, such as heavy metals that inhibit their ability to reduce and immobilize metals and radionuclides. Nickel (Ni) will be used as a model system to demonstrate how natural gene transfer of a broad-host nickel-resistance marker will help a naturally-occurring microbial community adapt to nickel-toxicity imposed stress and as a result improve its ability to reduce and immobilize uranium(VI) (U(VI)) in sediments collected from Oak Ridge Reservation Field Research Center (ORR FRC). Specific objectives and accomplishments include: (i) identify individual species that accept the nickel resistance operon (nre). Using horizontal gene transfer, the nre marker was successfully introduced and expressed in several strains isolated from the ORR FRC site. Introduction of nre was either carried out with single-hopper transposons or on a broad-host range replicon,(ii) evaluate how the introduced nickel-resistance marker affects community composition and structure, (iii) demonstrate applicability of natural gene transfer to improve community function under increased levels of toxic metal stress, (iv) demonstrate ability to enhance uranium immobilization in ORR FRC sediments by indigenous microorganisms that have adopted the nickel resistance marker through natural gene transfer. To address these issues, column experiments have recently been started that compare control columns with setups to which different strains of Pseudomonas (Ni sensitive, nre on the chromosome, nre on plasmid) have been added. Synchrotron-based spectroscopic methods applied to columns simulating field conditions will be used to determine the rate and extent of uranium immobilization, and the potential for remobilization. This work will provide an improved understanding of how natural gene transfer can be incorporated into bioaugmentation strategies to enhance in situ immobilization of metals and radionuclides.
DEVELOPING ENVIROSUITE RESOURCES AT THE NATIONAL SYNCHROTRON LIGHT SOURCE
EE-599-EEDA [KP1302000] Synchrotron-based molecular environmental science (MES) research supports the Department of Energy’s (DOE) mission of protecting the environment by helping to provide the fundamental understanding required to develop and deploy cost-effective remediation strategies for the nation’s most pressing contamination issues. The EnviroSuite Initiative establishes a unified voice for this diverse community and is taking the lead in developing resources at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) required to conduct world-class MES research. The NSLS has begun operation of a new microprobe beamline at X27A and has committed a staff scientist to design and supervise upgrades, maintain and operate the beamline and train users who receive beamtime through the general user program. An EnviroSuite staff scientist with a background in both MES and synchrotron-based methods will assist in optimizing the beamline for MES research and support both affiliates of EnviroSuite and general users. Together, the NSLS and EnviroSuite scientists will promote collaborations with both general users and EnviroSuite affiliates, and therefore, will provide significant benefit to the NSLS and the DOE effort to develop a world-class user facility for conducting MES research. In addition, capital equipment additions including state-of-the-art detectors for beamlines X11A and X27A, beamline control system upgrade at beamline X15B, microprobe x-ray diffraction capabilities at beamline X27A and auxiliary wet chemistry laboratory systems (e.g., electrochemical system) will contribute to the EnviroSuite mission by providing the tools required to conduct world-class MES research at the NSLS and for establishing more beamtime available to environmental science users.
MICROBIAL TRANSFORMATIONS OF TRANSURANIC (TRU) AND MIXED WASTES: ACTINIDES SPECIATION AND WASTE VOLUME REDUCTION
EE-581-EEDA [KP1302000] The overall objective of this research is to determine the mechanisms of microbial transformations of Pu, Np, and Am in selected transuranic (TRU) and mixed wastes. In this study, Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) will investigate in a systematic manner the biotransformation of known chemical forms of actinides followed by more complex materials found in TRU wastes so that the mechanisms of biotransformation of complex mixtures of TRU wastes can be properly understood. Specifically, BNL will investigate (i) the mechanisms of microbial dissolution and stabilization of transuranics (Pu, Np, and Am), (ii) the biodegradation of representative bulk organic constituents of the waste, such as, contaminated cellulose-based materials, organic extractants, and chelating agents, (iii) the biotransformation of selected TRU wastes forms (Pu, Np, and Am contaminated sludge, materials, and soils), and, (iv) microbial transformations that result in reduction in waste volume and the removal of selected actinides with the potential for reclassification of the waste. Initial studies will focus on the transformations of several chemical forms of Pu, commonly present in TRU waste. The mechanisms of microbial dissolution or precipitation of Pu in the presence of electron donors and acceptors under various microbial process conditions will be investigated. The chemical speciation of Pu before and after microbial action will be determined by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS). This is a collaborative research effort involving BNL, University at Las Vegas (UNLV), State University of New York at Stony Brook (SUNY SB) and the Center for Environmental and Molecular Sciences (CEMS) at SUNY SB and BNL. The basic information derived from this research can pave the way for (i) treatment of TRU and mixed wastes resulting in the stabilization of actinides with reduction in waste volume, (ii) remediation of contaminated sediments, soils, sludges, and wastes, and, (iii) reclassification from TRU to low-level or hazardous waste category with considerable savings in disposal cost.
BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLING AND ENVIRONMENTAL STABILITY OF PU RELEVANT TO LONG-TERM STEWARDSHIP OF DOE SITES EE-608-EEDA [KP1302000] Plutonium (Pu) contamination is widespread in surface soils and subsurface sediments throughout the Department of Energy (DOE) complex. Pu is generally considered to be relatively immobile in the terrestrial environment, with the exception of transport via aeolian and erosional mechanisms. More recently, however, the transport of colloidal forms of Pu has been invoked as a mobilization pathway from surface and subsurface contaminated soils and sediments. Central to understanding the environmental behavior of Pu in vadose- and saturated-zones, as well as waste streams, is the contribution of microbial communities to Pu speciation. This research addresses the principal mechanisms by which naturally occurring microbial communities regulate transformations of Pu by altering its chemical speciation; such changes may lead to either enhanced Pu immobilization or mobilization (its release from immobile phases) and subsequent transport. The overall objective of this research is to understand the biogeochemical cycling of Pu in environments of interest to long-term DOE stewardship issues. Microorganisms play a major role in Pu cycling (dissolution, immobilization) in the environment. The hypothesis is that microbial activity is the causative agent in initiating the mobilization of Pu in near surface environments: through the transformation of Pu associated with solid phases, production of extracellular polymeric substances carrier phases, and the creation of microenvironments. Also, microbial processes are central to the immobilization of Pu species, through the metabolism of organically complexed Pu species and Pu associated with extracellular carrier phases and the creation of environments favorable for retardation of Pu transport. This is a multi-disciplinary joint research project involving expertise in actinide microbiology Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), surface chemistry/radiochemistry (Colorado School of Mines) and environmental radiochemistry/biogeochemistry and radiocolloids (Texas A&M).
MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF URANIUM REDUCTION BY CLOSTRIDIA AND ITS MANIPULATION
EE-610-EEDA [KP1302000] Subsurface contamination by radionuclides and toxic metals is a major problem across the Department of Energy (DOE) complex. Removal of contaminated media is financially prohibitive. Consequently, innovative, cost effective, in situ stabilization technology by exploiting the natural attenuation processes must be developed. Microbial stabilization of actinides (U, Pu, Np) and fission products (Tc) in the subsurface environments is currently being investigated at DOE sites. A wide variety of bacteria, including the strict anaerobic spore forming Clostridia, are involved in the reductive precipitation of uranium (U) and Tc in the subsurface environments. Although the mechanisms of U reduction by dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria Geobacter, and Shewanella, and sulfate-reducing bacteria Desulfovibrio, have been extensively investigated, little is known of the mechanisms of U reduction by fermentative bacteria such as Clostridia. It is postulated that the excess of electrons generated during fermentation of organic materials are used in U reduction process. This research addresses the need for detailed studies of the enzymatic mechanisms for reduction of radionuclides and/or metals by fermentative microorganisms. The overall objective of this research is to elucidate systematically the molecular mechanisms involved in the reduction of U by Clostridia. Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) proposes to; (i) determine the role of hydrogenases in U reduction; (ii) purify the enzymes involved in U reduction; (iii) determine the mechanisms of reduction, e.g., one or two electron transfer reactions; and, (v) elucidate the genetic control of the enzymes and cellular factors involved in U reduction. Speciation and intermediate oxidation states of U will be determined electrochemically and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS). Fundamental knowledge of molecular assessment of radionuclide and metal reduction will allow us to exploit the naturally occurring processes to attenuate radionuclide and metal contaminants in situ in the subsurface dominated by low and high pH, high nitrate, and / or organic matter where the dissimilatory metal reducing bacterial activity will be limited. This is a collaborative study between BNL and Stanford University involving expertise in bimolecular science, biochemistry, microbiology and electrochemistry.
ENVIRONMENTAL MOLECULAR SCIENCE INSTITUTE (EMSI) SUPPORT FOR THE CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MOLECULAR SCIENCE
EE-598-EEDA [KP1302000] Although much of the waste at the Department of Energy (DOE) sites has been treated and disposed, large volumes of contaminants remain in place because they are relatively low in concentration, and thus, represent limited risk. Some of these contaminants may be subject to in situ treatment. In each case, evaluating long-term performance of contaminants in the environment is one of the major challenges facing DOE. In support of this broad theme, the individual research efforts identified in this Field Work Proposal (FWP) explore basic mechanisms that govern the transport of actinides and other problematic radionuclides with a particular focus on uranium, the role of organic ligands, the impact of microbial activity in accelerating or decelerating contaminant mobility, and methods to evaluate the long-term performance of treated waste. This work will be conducted in connection with the Center for Environmental Molecular Science (CEMS), an Environmental Molecular Science Institute (EMSI) collaboration between Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and Stony Brook University (SBU), with contributions from Temple and Penn State Universities, co-funded by DOE and National Science Foundation (NSF). The primary focus of CEMS is the investigation of molecular-scale mechanisms that govern sequestration in natural systems, with particular emphasis on the coordination and stability of contaminant species and coordinative aspects of surfaces that affect sequestration and long-term fate of contaminants.
EVALUATING LOCAL DEPOSITION OF MECURY FROM COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS
EE-332-EEDA [AA2025200] Mercury (Hg) emissions from coal-fired plants will be limited by regulations enforced by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). However, there is debate over whether the limits specified by USEPA are stringent enough as several states have brought suit against the regulation. There is also debate over the cap and trade provision in the USEPA rule. A major issue in this debate is whether coal-fired power plants cause excess local deposition that leads to 'hot-spots' of Hg. If they do, regulations on a plant-specific basis may be required. If they do not, cap and trade measures become feasible. It is believed by many that a cap and trade program will be protective of human health while being more economically efficient than limiting releases from all power plants to a fraction of their current release rates. The intent of this program is to collect information to prove or disprove that excessive local deposition of Hg causes hot-spots near coal-fired power plants. As part of the FY 2006 program, data collected from a ten mile region around a coal-fired power plant were analyzed and interpreted. Results from this sampling campaign were compared to two previous studies conducted at other sites in FY 2003 and FY 2004. These three studies emphasized large coal plants in farming regions where deposition was primarily to the soil. This program will focus on characterizing the increase in local deposition in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants in forested regions through measurement of deposition in vegetation (tree leafs) and soils near a coal-fired power plant. In addition, literature review of deposition processes and amounts from other Hg sources will be conducted. All of this information will be used to evaluate the potential for hot-spots of Hg from coal-fired power plants.
Development and Demonstration of A Methodology and Software for Risk-Based Landuse Planning and Decision Support
P.I.: Terrence Sullivan Environmental contamination has occurred at a large number of military and industrial sites in the world including the Former Soviet Union. Future land use options depend on a number of site-specific metrics such as human and ecological risks, remedial options and their technical feasibility, land use options, time required to remediate the land, and costs. Selection of the appropriate choice for future land use often requires a balance between these different measures. A new project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s International Proliferation Prevention program teams scientists from the Former Soviet Union and the U.S. to address this problem. This project will develop risk-based protocols for systematically and reproducibly assessing the environmental value of sites having varying degrees of anthropogenic disturbance and contamination. The methodology will be implemented as a comprehensive but modular software package focused on supporting decisions for land use with multiple and often conflicting measures of success. The software will be designed such that the applications will be focused on the processes and events at the site without the overhead of incorporating all processes as is typically done in most software packages. It is anticipated that parts of many of the software programs discussed in this section will be incorporated into this risk-based decision support tool. The multi-attribute framework will allow for the comparison of alternatives based on established criteria of efficiency, response time, spatial and temporal disturbance of habitats, resulting environmental exposures, ecological risks and costs. Such multi-attribute comparisons will form the foundation for ranking response strategies. After development, the risk-based decision protocol will be applied to assess the environmental and economic value of two sites in the Former Soviet Union that are in the process of deciding future land use options. The sites selected for assessment in this project will be open to not only ecological preservation, but also multiple land reuse alternatives. The application of the protocols will allow testing and validation of ecological assessment methodology and allow exploration of their ability to select cost-efficient and economically viable land use alternatives.
Last Modified: November 12, 2009 |
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