| In the field of environmental engineering, concern is growing regarding trace chemical contaminants that disrupt the natural functions of hormonal systems, known as endocrine disruptors. Two potent endocrine disruptors, the natural estrogens, estrone and estradiol, are present in wastewater effluents. However, the concentration of estrogens in wastewater influents and effluents is not routinely measured.; Estrogens are known to cause endocrine responses in aquatic species. Wastewater effluent is known to contain estrogens, and has been shown to cause endocrine responses in aquatic species. Models developed for the removal of estrogens in wastewater treatment systems are dependant upon the accuracy of estimates of wastewater influent estrogen concentrations.; The primary goal of this research was determining the pseudo-first order kinetic constants for the biodegradation of both estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2) in sewers, and development of a model for the degradation/transformation of E1 and E2 within sewage collection systems.; The model predicts influent aqueous E1 and E2 concentrations at wastewater treatment plants based on the following inputs and mechanisms: (1) Population distribution within age and gender; (2) Excretion data for each population group; (3) Sewer flows and residence times or collection system maps; (4) Deconjugation of estrogens; (5) Biodegradation of estrogens; (6) Transformation between estrogens; (7) Sorption to solids; (8) Temperature within sewer systems.; As engineers, we should be concerned with creating a more sustainable society. The release of known endocrine disruptors into our surface waters through wastewater effluent directly affects the ability of aquatic species to reproduce. Thus, this work also includes an examination of the current framework for regulating chemical releases into surface waters within the US. It argues the case for the regulation of EEDCs within wastewater effluents through use of the current National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).; Engineering education has long been neglected in the studies and preparation of engineering Ph.D. students. The inclusion of engineering education articles in the appendices to this dissertation reflects a shift in the preparation of today's engineering educators, recognizing the importance of pedagogical knowledge. Active and collaborative learning techniques are at the fore front of strategies to improve the engineering classroom experience. Thus, Appendix C: Restructuring of CE4506 (Environmental Policy and Pollution Prevention Design) and Student Response Survey, was published in the peer-reviewed proceedings of the 2006 American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) annual conference. This paper details the format change of a senior level environmental policy and pollution prevention class. The new format included class room strategies for active and collaborative learning. The paper includes qualitative results from a survey regarding student preferences for the new class structure in comparison to the previous structure.; Engineering has traditionally been dominated by white males within the United States. Certain disciplines, such as environmental engineering, are more successful than others at attracting women. However, recruitment of minority students remains a concern. Modern engineering educators must also recognize the importance of recruitment to under represented minorities within engineering disciplines. Appendix D: Minority Student Enrollment in Environmental Engineering, General Student Perceptions of the Discipline, and Strategies to Attract and Retain a More Diverse Student Body, was accepted for publication in the peer-reviewed proceedings of the 2007 American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) annual conference. This paper takes a closer look at the data pertaining to the enrollment of minorities in environmental engineering programs, which indicates that just a few schools across the nation are e... |
