Dann Sklarew
George Mason University, Environmental Science and Policy, Faculty Member
- Mutualism, Adaptive Environmental Management, Ecohydrology, Adaptation to Climate Change in the Coastal Zone, Environmental Education, Corporate Sustainability, and 31 moreMitigation and Adaptation, Energy and Environment, Millenium Development Goals, Climate Change In Aquatic Systems, Applied Ecology, Environmental Policy making, Sustainability in Higher Education, Aquatic Ecology, Ecological Facilitation, Ecosystem ecology, Environmental Sustainability, Resilience (Sustainability), Water Resource Stewardship Through Environmental Education, Human Ecology (Sustainability), Reconciliation Ecology, Systems Ecology, Paleoecology, Ecosystem Services, Sustainable Development, Interspecies Communication, Symbiosis, System Innovation For Sustainability, Impacts on Water Resources, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental science and policy, Sustainable Design, Green computing (Sustainability), Effects on Water Resources, Higher Education (Sustainability), Regional governance, and Behavioral Ecologyedit
- See https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdann ...edit
Numerous studies indicate a close interdependence between the water and energy industries given that energy production is usually characterized by high water-consuming capacity and that increasing water availability requires significant... more
Numerous studies indicate a close interdependence between the water and energy industries given that energy production is usually characterized by high water-consuming capacity and that increasing water availability requires significant energy costs. The integration of energy and water policies at the global and national levels is seen as a tool for achieving sustainable development goals. The paper analyzes the opportunities for countries to ensure equal access to clean water and electricity due to such integration. The case studies of India, Ghana, and Morocco illustrate how to achieve success when applying a nexus approach to water and energy policy.
This study offers unique contributions to the literature by providing a pioneering analysis of the relationship between global goals for energy and water access and national governments’ abilities to develop synergistic energy and water policies. The proposed approach to integrating energy and water use could be applied throughout the full range of sustainable development goals and will be crucial for the success of countries in their implementation.
This study offers unique contributions to the literature by providing a pioneering analysis of the relationship between global goals for energy and water access and national governments’ abilities to develop synergistic energy and water policies. The proposed approach to integrating energy and water use could be applied throughout the full range of sustainable development goals and will be crucial for the success of countries in their implementation.
Research Interests: Renewable Energy, Sustainable Development, Energy Policy, United Nations, Ghana, and 15 moreWater-Energy Nexus, Water and Energy, Environmental Sustainability, Energy efficiency, India, Electricity, Water Policy, Water use efficiency, Electrification, Morroco, Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), Water Use, intergrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), Sustainability, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Energy and water systems face numerous challenges to resilience. These include technological and infrastructure vulnerabilities, institutional struggles, and supply-demand balance uncertainties. The interdependence of these systems can... more
Energy and water systems face numerous challenges to resilience. These include technological and infrastructure vulnerabilities, institutional struggles, and supply-demand balance uncertainties. The interdependence of these systems can compound these challenges, particularly in communities facing severe energy and water insecurity. For instance, providing access to electricity can consume water to produce steam for power generation. It can pollute water with mining and power generation byproducts, and it also can alter aquatic habitats through water use, heating, and diversion. Providing access to clean water can use energy resources to divert flow and pump upstream. Water purification, desalination, and temperature control also use energy.
Highlighting the energy-water nexus as a critical area for future global growth and challenges, the 2016 IEA World Energy Outlook predicts that energy production will require more water due to the spread of advanced cooling technologies, as well as expanded biofuels, nuclear power, concentrated solar, and carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). The report projects at least a doubling of the amount of energy used in the water sector by 2040, due to rising demand for desalination and wastewater treatment. This growing interdependence of energy and water systems can threaten the resilience of both. It also can offer opportunities to jointly improve both systems’ resilience.
Highlighting the energy-water nexus as a critical area for future global growth and challenges, the 2016 IEA World Energy Outlook predicts that energy production will require more water due to the spread of advanced cooling technologies, as well as expanded biofuels, nuclear power, concentrated solar, and carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). The report projects at least a doubling of the amount of energy used in the water sector by 2040, due to rising demand for desalination and wastewater treatment. This growing interdependence of energy and water systems can threaten the resilience of both. It also can offer opportunities to jointly improve both systems’ resilience.
Research Interests:
This report presents a community greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) inventory for Fairfax County, Virginia. These emissions come from both stationary and mobile sources, as a result of commercial, residential, industrial, local government and... more
This report presents a community greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) inventory for
Fairfax County, Virginia. These emissions come from both stationary and mobile
sources, as a result of commercial, residential, industrial, local government and
transportation activities within the jurisdictional boundaries of the county. The inventory
establishes 2006 as its baseline year. It then tracks annual emissions for the five-year
period from 2006 through 2010.
Fairfax County, Virginia. These emissions come from both stationary and mobile
sources, as a result of commercial, residential, industrial, local government and
transportation activities within the jurisdictional boundaries of the county. The inventory
establishes 2006 as its baseline year. It then tracks annual emissions for the five-year
period from 2006 through 2010.
Research Interests:
The development of with George Mason University's undergraduate sustainability programs has coincided with its adoption of a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) focused on greatly expanding opportunities for undergraduate research across the... more
The development of with George Mason University's undergraduate sustainability programs has coincided with its adoption of a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) focused on greatly expanding opportunities for undergraduate research across the university. With the support of a three-year curriculum development grant from the QEP-implementing Office of Student Scholarship, Creative Activities, and Research (OSCAR), we have integrated undergraduate sustainability studies research into our curriculum. This article details how we use the programs’ bookend courses—introductory Sustainable World and capstone Sustainability in Action—to scaffold students’ ascent of OSCAR’s three-level scholarly pyramid—Discovery, Inquiry, and Creation of Scholarship. We also describe our learning loop model: It provides students in the introductory course with opportunities to learn about design and execution of university-funded, campus-based action research projects directly from students who have completed the capstone. Reciprocally, project ideas from the introductory course are passed forward for potential implementation by subsequent capstone students.
Research Interests:
Due to the decline of Mid Atlantic brook trout populations coupled with diminishing budgets of relevant natural resource agencies who monitor the populations, a quick and cost effective assessment of brook trout streams or potential brook... more
Due to the decline of Mid Atlantic brook trout populations coupled with diminishing budgets of relevant natural resource agencies who monitor the populations, a quick and cost effective assessment of brook trout streams or potential brook trout streams in the Mid-Atlantic United States is warranted. Using five core metrics-- two watershed metrics (percent land use in agriculture and distance to the nearest road from the survey site) and three in-stream metrics (riffle/run quality, dissolved oxygen content and water temperature), a classification model has been developed, useful as preliminary indication as to a stream’s suitability to sustain brook trout populations. Developed via discriminant analysis using Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ historical stream data, two classification equations (Smith-Sklarew equations) can be simplified into one equation, which produces a sustainability statistic (S). Should the five field measurements from the metrics produce a positive “S” value at a given site, then the stream reach most likely favors conditions suitable for sustainable brook trout populations. Conversely, negative “S” values indicate less than adequate conditions for sustainable brook trout populations.
A Mid-Atlantic multimetric index provides a quick and cost effective assessment of brook trout streams or potential brook trout streams in the Mid-Atlantic United States. Using five core metrics – three in-stream metrics (riffle/run... more
A Mid-Atlantic multimetric index provides a quick and cost effective assessment of brook trout streams or potential brook trout streams in the Mid-Atlantic United States. Using five core metrics – three in-stream metrics (riffle/run quality, dissolved oxygen content and water temperature) and two watershed metrics (percent land use in agriculture and distance to the nearest road from the survey site), the index can be calculated in the field by professional natural resource managers or trained volunteers. The index should be used in concert with other assessment tools, including a classification model designed to allow resource managers to quickly screen a given stream reach in order to determine its potential for supporting sustainable populations of brook trout. Used in tandem, the classification model could provide a preliminary assessment of a stream, followed by a secondary assessment using an index rating to further evaluate stream quality and potential.
"Water resources management is the aggregate of policies and activities used to provide clean water to meet human needs across sectors and jurisdictions and to sustain the water-related ecological systems upon which we depend. Knowledge... more
"Water resources management is the aggregate of policies and activities used to provide clean water to meet human needs across sectors and jurisdictions and to sustain the water-related ecological systems upon which we depend. Knowledge that is crucial for water management is distributed across governments, non-governmental organizations and the water users themselves.
In most circumstances, water management aims to address the interests of and integrate usage across hydrologically meaningful units, such as watersheds. Some management aspects, however, such as transboundary flows across multiple basins and inter-basin water transfers via channels or virtual water, may necessitate a broader geographical scope. The authors identify successful mechanisms, approaches and practices for promoting public involvement in water resources management, including both conventional approaches and those based on information
technology."
In most circumstances, water management aims to address the interests of and integrate usage across hydrologically meaningful units, such as watersheds. Some management aspects, however, such as transboundary flows across multiple basins and inter-basin water transfers via channels or virtual water, may necessitate a broader geographical scope. The authors identify successful mechanisms, approaches and practices for promoting public involvement in water resources management, including both conventional approaches and those based on information
technology."
Research Interests:
Public involvement initiatives should be based on a set of culturally and politically relevant principles. With respect to public participation in international waters (IW) management, in particular, there is a need for transboundary... more
Public involvement initiatives should be based on a set of culturally and politically relevant principles. With respect to public participation in international waters (IW) management, in particular, there is a need for transboundary legal frameworks and institutions to determine when and how to integrate public participation into design and implementation.
The International Waters Learning Exchange and Resource Network (IW:LEARN) has established a collaborative platform for the international waters community, which is accessible in person and on-line, to support development of such frameworks.
Building upon prior studies and relevant public participation experiences from other domains, the agenda includes a series of workshops developed within and for different geographical and cultural regions of the world. These peer-to-peer workshops iteratively vet, derive and incorporate lessons from the varied IW initiatives in each region. This is a collaborative process, involving both governments and civil society. Together, successive regional cohorts of participants develop an overall framework for evaluating, applying and strengthening public participation throughout an adaptive IW management process. Features and prospects are examined."
The International Waters Learning Exchange and Resource Network (IW:LEARN) has established a collaborative platform for the international waters community, which is accessible in person and on-line, to support development of such frameworks.
Building upon prior studies and relevant public participation experiences from other domains, the agenda includes a series of workshops developed within and for different geographical and cultural regions of the world. These peer-to-peer workshops iteratively vet, derive and incorporate lessons from the varied IW initiatives in each region. This is a collaborative process, involving both governments and civil society. Together, successive regional cohorts of participants develop an overall framework for evaluating, applying and strengthening public participation throughout an adaptive IW management process. Features and prospects are examined."
"While the Latin American and Caribbean region (LAC) is relatively rich in water resources, it continues to face serious challenges as a result of localized pollution problems and uneven spatial and temporal availability of water. Issues... more
"While the Latin American and Caribbean region (LAC) is relatively rich in water resources, it continues to face serious challenges as a result of localized pollution problems and uneven spatial and temporal availability of water. Issues such as inadequate institutional frameworks, insufficient financial resources and conflicting stakeholder interests augment the difficulty of defining and implementing solutions, particularly in the case of international waters (IW).1 Despite the commonality of challenges, little exchange of experiences among IW managers in LAC has occurred to date.
Seeking to create opportunities for interaction among transboundary water managers, the GEF, IW:LEARN, UNEP, the World Bank, UNDP, and OAS supported the establishment of two complementary knowledge sharing forums for practitioners: an electronic forum and a face-to-face meeting (September 1-2, 2001). The purpose of these forums was to identify common needs, share lessons learned, discuss opportunities to improve water resources management, and provide “on the ground” insights to international water policy meetings. Over fifty practitioners actively contributed to the discussions. Main recommendations are presented."
Seeking to create opportunities for interaction among transboundary water managers, the GEF, IW:LEARN, UNEP, the World Bank, UNDP, and OAS supported the establishment of two complementary knowledge sharing forums for practitioners: an electronic forum and a face-to-face meeting (September 1-2, 2001). The purpose of these forums was to identify common needs, share lessons learned, discuss opportunities to improve water resources management, and provide “on the ground” insights to international water policy meetings. Over fifty practitioners actively contributed to the discussions. Main recommendations are presented."
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) launched IW:LEARN in order to build a global knowledge community to protect lakes, rivers, coasts, and oceans. To facilitate the creation of this community of practice, IW:LEARN: (1) provides training... more
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) launched IW:LEARN in order to build a global knowledge community to protect lakes, rivers, coasts, and oceans. To facilitate the creation of this community of practice, IW:LEARN: (1) provides training for strategic use of cost-effective communications technologies in international water resources management, (2) identifies and develops relevant distance learning opportunities, (3) fosters peer-to-peer (P2P) knowledge sharing among water resources managers, and (4) serves as a focal point for those in search of solutions to international water resources problems.
IW:LEARN's activities flow from the convergence of three global trends: (1) emerging awareness of the transboundary, transnational nature of potential water resource crises and of cooperative efforts to address them; (2) the “greening” of donor agencies international development activities, promoting sustainable progress t h rough integration of environmental and economic issues; and (3) the proliferation of access to affordable in f o rmation and telecommunications technologies indeveloping countries.
We introduce below how this confluence led to the emergence of IW:LEARN as a convener for the international waters knowledge community. We then highlight specific activities IW:LEARN has been facilitating within and for the benefit of this community. The article concludes by proposing ways in which water resources managers and organizations in developed as well as developing countries could benefit from and contribute to the IW:LEARN-sponsored international waters knowledge.
IW:LEARN's activities flow from the convergence of three global trends: (1) emerging awareness of the transboundary, transnational nature of potential water resource crises and of cooperative efforts to address them; (2) the “greening” of donor agencies international development activities, promoting sustainable progress t h rough integration of environmental and economic issues; and (3) the proliferation of access to affordable in f o rmation and telecommunications technologies indeveloping countries.
We introduce below how this confluence led to the emergence of IW:LEARN as a convener for the international waters knowledge community. We then highlight specific activities IW:LEARN has been facilitating within and for the benefit of this community. The article concludes by proposing ways in which water resources managers and organizations in developed as well as developing countries could benefit from and contribute to the IW:LEARN-sponsored international waters knowledge.
Research Interests:
Eutrophication, the transition of an aquatic ecosystem from nutrient-scarce to nutrient enriched conditions, is a water quality concern for rivers and coastal zones globally. The tidal freshwater (TFW) Potomac River, in particular, was... more
Eutrophication, the transition of an aquatic ecosystem from nutrient-scarce to nutrient enriched conditions, is a water quality concern for rivers and coastal zones globally. The tidal freshwater (TFW) Potomac River, in particular, was strongly impacted by anthropogenic eutrophication throughout the twentieth century. Hydrometeorological and in situ biogeochemical factors may contribute to the persistence of eutrophic conditions in the TFW Potomac River, despite advancing nutrient management initiatives.
This study investigated the patterns of TFW Potomac River eutrophication and examined water quality relations to nutrient inputs, climate change, and in situ factors over the 1985-1997 period. Eutrophication indicators included total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and algal biomass as Chlorophyll a (Chl a). Nutrient inputs from the nontidal river and nearby wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were examined separately and in aggregate. Climatic factors, such as solar energy, air temperature, wind, precipitation, and freshwater inflow, were also considered. In situ factors comprised both abiotic (e.g., pH) and biotic (e.g., the Asiatic clam, Corbicula fluminea) variables.
Statistical parametric, non-parametric and graphical methods were used to analyze historical data from various federal, state, and local monitoring agencies, both before and after a basin-wide ban on phosphate in laundry detergents. A field study over summer
1997 further clarified effects of partial effluent denitrification at Blue Plains, the region’s largest WWTP. Data analysis examined patterns and relations longitudinally, across various temporal scales (multi-day, seasonal, annual, and inter-annual).
Ambient nutrient concentrations were generally an attenuated function of upstream source nutrient concentrations. TP was longitudinally stable, while TN crested near the outfall pipes from the largest WWTPs. Below this area, Chl a increased substantially. Chl a varied directly with 14-day solar energy, 4-day temperature and, in upper segments, wind speed; and inversely to freshwater inflow and, in lower segments, 4-day wind speed. Chl a also increased with TP during warm, dry weather, consistent with pH-related sediment TP release. No clear relation was established between Corbicula and algal biomass, however. Both the phosphate detergent ban and Blue Plains denitrification were found to have limited impact on TFW Potomac eutrophication. Season-specific and year-to-year patterns and relations are also discussed.
This study investigated the patterns of TFW Potomac River eutrophication and examined water quality relations to nutrient inputs, climate change, and in situ factors over the 1985-1997 period. Eutrophication indicators included total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and algal biomass as Chlorophyll a (Chl a). Nutrient inputs from the nontidal river and nearby wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were examined separately and in aggregate. Climatic factors, such as solar energy, air temperature, wind, precipitation, and freshwater inflow, were also considered. In situ factors comprised both abiotic (e.g., pH) and biotic (e.g., the Asiatic clam, Corbicula fluminea) variables.
Statistical parametric, non-parametric and graphical methods were used to analyze historical data from various federal, state, and local monitoring agencies, both before and after a basin-wide ban on phosphate in laundry detergents. A field study over summer
1997 further clarified effects of partial effluent denitrification at Blue Plains, the region’s largest WWTP. Data analysis examined patterns and relations longitudinally, across various temporal scales (multi-day, seasonal, annual, and inter-annual).
Ambient nutrient concentrations were generally an attenuated function of upstream source nutrient concentrations. TP was longitudinally stable, while TN crested near the outfall pipes from the largest WWTPs. Below this area, Chl a increased substantially. Chl a varied directly with 14-day solar energy, 4-day temperature and, in upper segments, wind speed; and inversely to freshwater inflow and, in lower segments, 4-day wind speed. Chl a also increased with TP during warm, dry weather, consistent with pH-related sediment TP release. No clear relation was established between Corbicula and algal biomass, however. Both the phosphate detergent ban and Blue Plains denitrification were found to have limited impact on TFW Potomac eutrophication. Season-specific and year-to-year patterns and relations are also discussed.
With the support of a three-year curriculum development grant from the Office of Student Scholarship, Creative Activities, and Research (OSCAR), we have integrated undergraduate research in sustainability studies into our curriculum. This... more
With the support of a three-year curriculum development grant from the Office of Student Scholarship, Creative Activities, and Research (OSCAR), we have integrated undergraduate research in sustainability studies into our curriculum. This presentation details how we use the program's bookend courses, the introductory Sustainable World and capstone Sustainability in Action courses, to scaffold students' ascent of OSCAR's three-level scholarly pyramid: discovery, inquiry, and creation of scholarship.
We also describe our learning loop model, which provides students in the introductory course with opportunities to learn about design and execution of university-funded, campus action research projects directly from students who have completed the capstone. Reciprocally, project ideas from the introductory course are passed forward for potential implementation by subsequent capstone students.
Finally, we share the results of our research into the impact of our curricular approach on our students. In particular, we share our findings regarding how the pyramid and loop affected their individual emergence as sustainability practitioners and scholars as well as their forging of a community of practice among peers and alumni, extending beyond the classroom.
We also describe our learning loop model, which provides students in the introductory course with opportunities to learn about design and execution of university-funded, campus action research projects directly from students who have completed the capstone. Reciprocally, project ideas from the introductory course are passed forward for potential implementation by subsequent capstone students.
Finally, we share the results of our research into the impact of our curricular approach on our students. In particular, we share our findings regarding how the pyramid and loop affected their individual emergence as sustainability practitioners and scholars as well as their forging of a community of practice among peers and alumni, extending beyond the classroom.
Research Interests:
This session examines emerging "flipped classroom" techniques to promote active learning about sustainability and well-being. First, presenters share a few pedagogical tools for active, mobile learning among sustainability studies... more
This session examines emerging "flipped classroom" techniques to promote active learning about sustainability and well-being. First, presenters share a few pedagogical tools for active, mobile learning among sustainability studies practitioners, including a few illustrations for each. These tools include social learning, living laboratories, service learning, and action research. Opportunities to enhance these activities through use of Mason's Patriot Green Fund will also be shared. Presenters will then explore how these tools could be adapted and used to foster learning and practice related to sustainability and well-being across the curricula of session participants.
Faculty who desire to enhance their pedagogy through active learning and address real-world community challenges should discover several valuable methods, a few pitfalls, and lots of lessons learned. Applications may span single sessions or entire courses. Those teaching upper-level undergraduate synthesis or graduate capstone courses with a focus on practical scholarship may find this session particularly useful to their teaching.
Faculty who desire to enhance their pedagogy through active learning and address real-world community challenges should discover several valuable methods, a few pitfalls, and lots of lessons learned. Applications may span single sessions or entire courses. Those teaching upper-level undergraduate synthesis or graduate capstone courses with a focus on practical scholarship may find this session particularly useful to their teaching.
Research Interests:
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (2015) established 17 targets — such as “no hunger,” “clean water” and “climate action” — to unite humanity in pursuit of a shared, prosperous future. These diverse global goals provide a... more
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (2015) established 17 targets — such as “no hunger,” “clean water” and “climate action” — to unite humanity in pursuit of a shared, prosperous future. These diverse global goals provide a universal agenda to enlist today’s learners in creatively ensuring our collective well-bring throughout their careers. How can higher education foster effective, intentional learning across courses and curricula to prepare our students to realize these global goals? George Mason University has established a diverse set of over 130 “green leaf” courses, along with regular co-curricular activities, to help our students develop their sustainability skills and practical expertise. These span a new 18-credit “sustainability pathway” through our Mason Core general education requirements and a score of undergraduate and graduate academic programs. Together, these curricula – and others Mason faculty might opt to deliver — permit students to move from first year through accelerated graduate programs while continuously building their sustainability understanding, reflection and intentionality. Meanwhile, co-curricular activities like Mason Earth Month, organic food gardening and Patriot Green Fund projects provide students opportunities to develop and apply “critical doing” skills far beyond the classroom as well.
Research Interests:
Advanced undergraduates often seek a capstone learning experience to demonstrate the skills and understanding they have honed in college. Learning to apply both to a global challenge, such as realizing one of the United Nations... more
Advanced undergraduates often seek a capstone learning experience to demonstrate the skills and understanding they have honed in college. Learning to apply both to a global challenge, such as realizing one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, provides students a pathway from learning to contributing professionally to their own distinct social concerns. This session demonstrates how students can rapidly coalesce around a subset of these 17 global goals, then develop “novums” and test “theories of change” as they learn to contribute to the goals at campus to community scales. Participants are then introduced to this approach as implemented through collaborative learning across an entire semester. This is followed by discussion of how to adapt the approach to other courses promoting experiential learning through social changemaking.
Research Interests:
Prince William County, Virginia is a rapidly developing suburb of Washington DC. It is home to an ethnically and economically diverse population and the Virginia’s second largest school district. The first two years of a new... more
Prince William County, Virginia is a rapidly developing suburb of Washington DC. It is home to an ethnically and economically diverse population and the Virginia’s second largest school district. The first two years of a new K-12/University partnership provided “Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences” to over 10,000 Middle and High School Students across Prince William County Schools. Their teachers were trained to deliver, in partnership with university students and faculty, MWEEs which include schoolyard stewardship projects, inquiry-driven outdoor field studies and computer-based analysis of environmental conditions Occoquan Bay sub-basin of the Chesapeake Bay. Impacts on students’ watershed understanding, stewardship values and activities were assessed through pro forma and post-learning surveys. Semi-annual professional learning community meetings allowed teachers’ to share and regularly improve their experience with lesson plans developed. Results support benefit to sustaining this sort of program beyond its current 3-year grant period, scaling up to include other jurisdictions, and adapting such methods to foster similar watershed stewardship in other bay and coastal sea basins.
As the second largest sub-estuary of the Chesapeake Bay and home to the United States’ capital city, the Potomac River historically delivered tremendous nutrient loads to receiving waters of the Bay. This led to massive, pervasive summer... more
As the second largest sub-estuary of the Chesapeake Bay and home to the United States’ capital city, the Potomac River historically delivered tremendous nutrient loads to receiving waters of the Bay. This led to massive, pervasive summer algal blooms as far upstream as the tidal freshwater portion of the river.
Nutrient management over the past 40 years led to remarkable decline in anthropogenic nutrient loads, despite burgeoning populations throughout the Washington DC metropolitan region. Over the period since 1984, a basin-wide phosphate detergent ban and costly nitrogen removal upgrades at the Chesapeake’s largest wastewater treatment plant, Blue Plains, have created conditions for potential decline in water quality impairment. Meanwhile, inter-annual variability in hydrometerological conditions obscure underlying trends in recovery from eutrophication even in the upper tidal freshwater zone.
The current study examines 25 years of intensive water quality monitoring in the tidal Potomac River near Gunston Cove for signs of sustained water quality improvement. Visualization methods associated with exploratory data analysis are utilized to distinguish impacts of inter-annual climate variability and nutrient
management factors. Results show an overall trajectory towards improved trophic status in recent years. Nonetheless, any sustained climatic change which creates longer, drier growing seasons could create conditions which once again favor massive algal blooms. Also discussed are implications for sustained monitoring of the river; implementation of new, ultra-advanced nitrogen removal at a Blue Plains, and development of climate-corrected trends in water quality in other embayments and coastal seas.
Nutrient management over the past 40 years led to remarkable decline in anthropogenic nutrient loads, despite burgeoning populations throughout the Washington DC metropolitan region. Over the period since 1984, a basin-wide phosphate detergent ban and costly nitrogen removal upgrades at the Chesapeake’s largest wastewater treatment plant, Blue Plains, have created conditions for potential decline in water quality impairment. Meanwhile, inter-annual variability in hydrometerological conditions obscure underlying trends in recovery from eutrophication even in the upper tidal freshwater zone.
The current study examines 25 years of intensive water quality monitoring in the tidal Potomac River near Gunston Cove for signs of sustained water quality improvement. Visualization methods associated with exploratory data analysis are utilized to distinguish impacts of inter-annual climate variability and nutrient
management factors. Results show an overall trajectory towards improved trophic status in recent years. Nonetheless, any sustained climatic change which creates longer, drier growing seasons could create conditions which once again favor massive algal blooms. Also discussed are implications for sustained monitoring of the river; implementation of new, ultra-advanced nitrogen removal at a Blue Plains, and development of climate-corrected trends in water quality in other embayments and coastal seas.
In 1995, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council included the concept of Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) in its Operational Strategy as a vehicle to foster ecosystem-based approaches to the management of coastal and marine resources... more
In 1995, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council included the concept of Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) in its Operational Strategy as a vehicle to foster ecosystem-based approaches to the management of coastal and marine resources and address the land-sea interface. LMEs encompass coastal areas from river
basins and estuaries to the seaward boundaries of continental shelves, enclosed and semi-enclosed seas, and the outer margins
of the major current systems. LMEs are typically 200,000 square kilometers or greater, and are charac terized by distinct
bathymetry, hydrography, productivity, and
trophically dependent populations. To date, 64 LMEs have been identified in the global oceans. The GEF uses LMEs as
units for facilitating integration across sectors, developing adaptive management frameworks with site-specific targets, and providing tools for engaging stakeholders. At least 110 different nations are cooperating to improve place-based management for 17
LMEs. This report assessed progress made in LMEs, challenges to managing LMEs, and provide guidance for the enhanced management of LMEs.
basins and estuaries to the seaward boundaries of continental shelves, enclosed and semi-enclosed seas, and the outer margins
of the major current systems. LMEs are typically 200,000 square kilometers or greater, and are charac terized by distinct
bathymetry, hydrography, productivity, and
trophically dependent populations. To date, 64 LMEs have been identified in the global oceans. The GEF uses LMEs as
units for facilitating integration across sectors, developing adaptive management frameworks with site-specific targets, and providing tools for engaging stakeholders. At least 110 different nations are cooperating to improve place-based management for 17
LMEs. This report assessed progress made in LMEs, challenges to managing LMEs, and provide guidance for the enhanced management of LMEs.
Research Interests:
"Pauly (1990) observed increasing technological advances facilitating a Mathusian scenario of our population growth over-exploiting and destabilizing that of our fisheries. He demonstrated how those with more modernized, efficient gear... more
"Pauly (1990) observed increasing technological advances facilitating a Mathusian scenario of our population growth over-exploiting and destabilizing that of our fisheries. He demonstrated how those with more modernized, efficient gear competitively exclude subsistence fisherfolk and drive fisheries toward collapse. This scenario has since expanded globally: From a high of 800,000 tons four decades ago, fish landings have dropped by an order of magnitude every 20 years (MEA 2005).
Malthusian overfishing approaches nearly every coast. Industrialized peoples are increasingly served by fisheries from further and further abroad. In provider regions, food-deficit nations still receive nearly 20% of their total animal protein from fish (WHO 2008). Nonetheless, several such nations in Africa and Asia are net fish exporters even as their own populations are underfed.
Mercantile marine exploitation and lack of proactive international cooperation perpetuates this injustice. Still, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) highlights three other development strategies which offer a brighter future through increased international collaboration, localized fisheries management, and targeted investments in green technology and ecosystem engineering.
Beyond mitigating Malthusian overfishing, do any of these strategies effectively address the fundamental challenge of competitive cultural exclusion by those with the most advanced fishing gear? More specifically, to what extent could these approaches guide a path forward from today's fisheries competition towards mutualism among various marine fishing populations? The current presentation explores our potential to transition from fisheries competition to marine mutualism, introducing several recent illustrations and innovations from a few food-deficient, fish-exporting areas."
Malthusian overfishing approaches nearly every coast. Industrialized peoples are increasingly served by fisheries from further and further abroad. In provider regions, food-deficit nations still receive nearly 20% of their total animal protein from fish (WHO 2008). Nonetheless, several such nations in Africa and Asia are net fish exporters even as their own populations are underfed.
Mercantile marine exploitation and lack of proactive international cooperation perpetuates this injustice. Still, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) highlights three other development strategies which offer a brighter future through increased international collaboration, localized fisheries management, and targeted investments in green technology and ecosystem engineering.
Beyond mitigating Malthusian overfishing, do any of these strategies effectively address the fundamental challenge of competitive cultural exclusion by those with the most advanced fishing gear? More specifically, to what extent could these approaches guide a path forward from today's fisheries competition towards mutualism among various marine fishing populations? The current presentation explores our potential to transition from fisheries competition to marine mutualism, introducing several recent illustrations and innovations from a few food-deficient, fish-exporting areas."
Research Interests:
As currently designed, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) limits are based on the assumptions that there is a direct correspondence between the total mass of waste loads and ambient water quality and that an annual cap on total wasteload... more
As currently designed, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) limits are based on the assumptions that there is a direct correspondence between the total mass of waste loads and ambient water quality and that an annual cap on total wasteload allocations (WLAs) can sufficiently maintain water quality. This study of the nutrient loads and water quality tidal freshwater Potomac River over the period 1985-1995 suggests that hydrology is an important factor to consider in developing adequate WLAs for metropolitan tidal rivers. Furthermore, the hydrograph could be a vital tool in designing flexible and adaptive TMDLs for such areas.
Research Interests:
"The Cook Inlet Information Management/Monitoring System (CIIMMS) provides an interactive website that links to a geographically distributed system of information providers. Through the CIIMMS website, users are able to identify and... more
"The Cook Inlet Information Management/Monitoring System (CIIMMS) provides an interactive website that links to a geographically distributed system of information providers. Through the CIIMMS website, users are able to identify and access (e.g., download and print) information ranging from primary data (geospatial and tabular) to reports, project descriptions, and other documents across a variety of themes, such as habitat, land use, resource management, pollution, and water-quality information. CIIMMS will also provide (on-line) tools to make it easy to contribute information to the CIIMMS network. In the long term, CIIMMS will use integrated information resources and tools to create a virtual community center for Cook Inlet learning, resource management, and related activities.
CIIMMS not only comprises the hardware, software, and information contact components of the Cook Inlet information management system; it also establishes a framework for managing information resources more efficiently. Two important components of CIIMMS development are (1) establish an advisory group made up of data providers and users to oversee implementation and (2) publish guidelines on how to implement various aspects of the framework (e.g., compile metadata). By providing the tools and the framework that enable a unified approach to information management throughout the watershed, CIIMMS will help agencies and organizations use existing resources more effectively."
CIIMMS not only comprises the hardware, software, and information contact components of the Cook Inlet information management system; it also establishes a framework for managing information resources more efficiently. Two important components of CIIMMS development are (1) establish an advisory group made up of data providers and users to oversee implementation and (2) publish guidelines on how to implement various aspects of the framework (e.g., compile metadata). By providing the tools and the framework that enable a unified approach to information management throughout the watershed, CIIMMS will help agencies and organizations use existing resources more effectively."
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To help restore and preserve the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, basin governments (DC PA, MD, VA) agreed in 2000 that all of their students should have a "Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience" (MWEE) before graduating high school. With... more
To help restore and preserve the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, basin governments (DC PA, MD, VA) agreed in 2000 that all of their students should have a "Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience" (MWEE) before graduating high school. With support from NOAA, this four-year project increased dozens of teachers' capacity to deliver MWEEs and supported MWEE field investigations for over 20,000 secondary school students' in Prince William County, Virginia, USA. Associated curriculum guides addressed Virginia Standards of Learning to contribute to students science achievement. This award-winning multisectoral partnership, led by George Mason University and Prince William County Schools, has since integrated MWEEs into the PWCS curriculum and adapted lessons plans to benefit science teacher training and MWEE delivery across Northern Virginia. Project methods and results are presented, along with links to lesson plans and other materials pertinent to scaling-up or replicating this successful approach elsewhere.
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This report presents a community greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) inventory for Fairfax County, Virginia. These emissions come from both stationary and mobile sources, as a result of commercial, residential, industrial, local government and... more
This report presents a community greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) inventory for Fairfax County, Virginia. These emissions come from both stationary and mobile sources, as a result of commercial, residential, industrial, local government and transportation activities within the jurisdictional boundaries of the county. The inventory
establishes 2006 as its baseline year. It then tracks annual emissions for the five-year period from 2006 through 2010. Total energy-related GHG emissions in 2006 were 11.83 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (Million MTCO2e), or about 11.41 MTCO2e per county resident.
Stationary sources accounted for 63% of the county’s total GHG emissions, primarily from electricity use in residential and commercial sectors. Mobile sources accounted for 37% of total GHG emissions in the county. Of that, 46% was from transient on-road vehicles and 43% from locally-registered on-road vehicles.
As county population grew from 2006 to 2010, yearly GHG emissions rose by 3%, while emissions per resident declined by 1%. Thus, local population trends are an important consideration for tracking and anticipating the trajectory of GHG emissions over time.
establishes 2006 as its baseline year. It then tracks annual emissions for the five-year period from 2006 through 2010. Total energy-related GHG emissions in 2006 were 11.83 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (Million MTCO2e), or about 11.41 MTCO2e per county resident.
Stationary sources accounted for 63% of the county’s total GHG emissions, primarily from electricity use in residential and commercial sectors. Mobile sources accounted for 37% of total GHG emissions in the county. Of that, 46% was from transient on-road vehicles and 43% from locally-registered on-road vehicles.
As county population grew from 2006 to 2010, yearly GHG emissions rose by 3%, while emissions per resident declined by 1%. Thus, local population trends are an important consideration for tracking and anticipating the trajectory of GHG emissions over time.
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AASHE's Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS) is "a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance." Evidence herein supports George Mason... more
AASHE's Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System™ (STARS) is "a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance." Evidence herein supports George Mason University's designation at "STARS Silver" level for it sustainability accomplishments and reporting. Achievements span diverse aspects of education, operations, planning, administration and engagement. Innovations highlighted include a conservation education partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, ContainerSpace - a net zero energy exhibit area, STEP - an environmental leadership training programs, and Virginia's first LEED Gold conference center.
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There must be a better way than countless hours of traditional lectures and slides to pursue a more ecological approach to graduate students’ learning ecology in the 21st Century. This project tested whether a distance education (DE) or... more
There must be a better way than countless hours of traditional lectures and slides to pursue a more ecological approach to graduate students’ learning ecology in the 21st Century. This project tested whether a distance education (DE) or hybrid course could reduce the ecological footprint of learning, permit more flexible niches for learning,and free up commuting time for students to explore ecology outside. A well-designed and delivered DE ecology course should foster interactivity among students and with their local habitats in ecological ways. It should also facilitate student understanding at least as successfully and enjoyably as classroom‐based learning-by-lecture. Findings, lessons and recommendations from the constructivist DE approach developed here are presented for adaptation to similar pedagogical contexts.
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This Climate Action Plan completes Mason’s first cycle to measure the progression of the its greenhouse gas emissions then chart the path to climate neutrality beginning in academic year 2010-2011. To meet emissions reduction targets,... more
This Climate Action Plan completes Mason’s first cycle to
measure the progression of the its greenhouse gas emissions then chart the path to climate neutrality beginning in academic year 2010-2011. To meet emissions reduction targets, the Office of Sustainability and the Core Planning Committee (CPC) of the Climate Action Planning Team present an approach that combines the creation of a solid foundation to manage ongoing climate planning efforts with a set of specific policies, projects, and research in nine overarching categories.
measure the progression of the its greenhouse gas emissions then chart the path to climate neutrality beginning in academic year 2010-2011. To meet emissions reduction targets, the Office of Sustainability and the Core Planning Committee (CPC) of the Climate Action Planning Team present an approach that combines the creation of a solid foundation to manage ongoing climate planning efforts with a set of specific policies, projects, and research in nine overarching categories.
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"In September 2007, George Mason University President Alan Merten signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), dedicating the university to becoming climate neutral. After taking several required... more
"In September 2007, George Mason University President Alan Merten signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), dedicating the university to becoming climate neutral. After taking several required preliminary steps to reduce Mason’s emissions through policy changes, the university began the path toward climate neutrality by generating a baseline greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory. Total GHG emissions from all estimated sources averaged 107,617 (MT) eCO2 over the six-year period examined. This amount equates to 5513 kg eCO2 per full-time equivalent student; 26 kg eCO2 per sq. ft. of building space; and 0.22 kg eCO2 per operating dollar ($) spent by the university. Trends and implications for reducing the university's energy and GHG emissions intensity are presented and discussed."
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This report characterizes land-use change models, their function and capabilities, as determined largely through independent research of published materials such as users’ manuals and Internet sites. The model developers have reviewed and... more
This report characterizes land-use change models, their function and capabilities, as determined largely through independent research of published materials such as users’ manuals and Internet sites. The model developers have reviewed and verified the information compiled for their specific products, ensuring the accuracy of the material presented in this report. Significant efforts were made to explore and incorporate all land-use models currently available for public use during the project period. However, the population of such models is continually changing and it is recognized that any compilation will ultimately exclude one or more relevant models.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
As the Ebola outbreak in West Africa wanes, it is time for the international scientific community to reflect on how to improve the detection of and coordinated response to future epidemics. Our interdisciplinary team identified key... more
As the Ebola outbreak in West Africa wanes, it is time for the international scientific community to reflect on how to improve the detection of and coordinated response to future epidemics. Our interdisciplinary team identified key lessons learned from the Ebola outbreak that can be clustered into three areas: environmental conditions related to early warning systems, host characteristics related to public health, and agent issues that can be addressed through the laboratory sciences. In particular, we need to increase zoonotic surveillance activities, implement more effective ecological health interventions, expand prediction modeling, support medical and public health systems in order to improve local and international responses to epidemics, improve risk communication, better understand the role of social media in outbreak awareness and response, produce better diagnostic tools, create better therapeutic medications, and design better vaccines. This list highlights research priorities and policy actions the global community can take now to be better prepared for future emerging infectious disease outbreaks that threaten global public health and security.