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1
Nordin, Emma, and Johnsson Emma Erlandsson. "Comparison of P, N and C in catchments sediments around Lake Victoria." Thesis, Linköpings universitet, Tema Miljöförändring, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-142742.
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Lake Victoria is the largest lake by area in Africa as well as the source of River Nile. The lake has undergone environmental changes during the last four decades, particularly rise in its trophic condition and decline in oxygen level, which affects the water quality and fish population. Carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are three vital elements required for algal growth that affect eutrophication in lakes. The aim of the study is to examine the P concentrations in sediment cores retrieved from the catchment around Lake Victoria, and compare this with data on N and C concentrations from the same samples. The results show that there is a difference in P levels between the urban versus rural sites. Moreover, concentrations for P, N and C are generally high in younger sediments (near surface samples), meaning that nutrients have most likely been added due to anthropogenic activities in the catchment. In addition, factors like erosion and weathering are also likely to have contributed to nutrient inputs, and thereby the eutrophic status in Lake Victoria.
2
Baker, Tagen Towsley. "The Farm as Place in a Changing Climate: Capturing Women Farmers' Experiences in Idaho, United States and Victoria, Australia." DigitalCommons@USU, 2019. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/7675.
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In Australia and the US, women play a vital role in the agricultural sector. However, historically farmwomen’s contributions to agriculture as well as their individual knowledge and social resilience to stressors like climate and climate change have been unrecognized and rendered invisible. Drawing on interdisciplinary scholarship from geography and the humanities, this dissertation explores the farm as place in a changing climate, drawing on women farmers’ experiences, under three distinct themes: identity, place, and photography. The dissertation research includes three distinct parts. First, incorporating non-fiction writing and photography, I explore my agricultural and religious heritage, as well as familial connections to the landscape of rural Idaho. Second, and in conjunction with The Invisible Farmer Project, the largest ever study of Australian women on the land, I analyze women’s photo voices, relying primarily on interview and Facebook data, as well as photographs, to understand women’s emotive connections to the farm as place, farmer identities, and roles in the agricultural sector. Analysis of the Facebook posts revealed how women are establishing a new dialog about what it means to be a woman farmer and how emotion is the foundation for establishing community and connection. Women's posted photo voices allow us to gain new insights into the women farmers' connections to the farm as place as well as their diversified perspectives and identities. Third, using integrative methods, I study women farmers and ranchers in Idaho, United States and Victoria, Australia through an environmental history lens. Examining the history of water in each region, and how the layering of social and environmental factors shapes the farm as place, resilience, and women’s work, I study how the identities of the women farmers and the farm as place cannot be separated. In both the second and third parts, I seek to redefine "farmer" by revealing experiences that have been invisible in the traditional agricultural sector. Rural women farmers have diverse identities and experiences, and their contributions to the agricultural sector are significant. They perceive and adapt to climate impacts and they are resilient. Their experiences with the farm as place is at the center of their identities, resilience, day-to-day work, and shapes their adaptation strategies and emotional well-being.
3
Webster, J. G. "Reason, character, evolution and environment : theory and policy in Victorian social science, c. 1860-c. 1895." Thesis, University of Oxford, 1993. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.358666.
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4
Ayorekire, Jim. "Planning for sustainable tourism development in the Lake Victoria shore region of Uganda : a physical environment planning approach." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/4826.
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Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 209-224).
This study examined whether sustainable tourism development could be achieved in the Lake Victoria shore region of southern Uganda, based on the physical environment indicators of sustainable tourism. This arose out of the observation that tourism in this region was developing in an unplanned manner which was likely to be environmentally destructive. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional descriptive survey involving an analytical research design. Its objectives include: to identify the spatial and temporal characteristics of the tourism sites; to assess their performance relative to the physical environment indicators of sustainable tourism; to examine the factors explaining the performance of the sites; and to develop a planning approach that will help attain sustainable tourism development. Data were collected using survey, non-survey and geo-spatial methods. The survey methods included interviews and questionnaires, which were administered to planning and environment officials, local residents and visitors selected using various sample methods. Documentary analysis, field observation, remote sensing and experimentation were among the nonsurvey and geo-spatial methods used. Data were analysed using qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques, which included documentary analysis, statistical techniques involving, chi square, data reduction, ANOVA, and correlation and regression analysis. Results indicate that lakeshore tourism sites are increasing in both number and size, which is gradually resulting in a clustered spatial patterning, especially in urban areas. Sites are receiving an increasing number of visitors, mainly nationals and day visitors. Apart from conservation areas, the contribution of the sites to nature conservation is concluded to be minimal and their management of solid and sewage waste, water quality and use intensity generally poor. Moreover, tourism planning and development control was found to either be limited or lacking, a situation that has resulted in unregulated tourism development. This poses a significant threat, not only to the fragile physical environment of the lakeshore region, but also to the future of lakeshore tourism itself. Analysis of the results show that there are significant relationships between spatial distribution of sites, their characteristics, site performance and factors explaining the performance and planning for sustainable tourism development in the region. Further analysis indicates that each of these variables may significantly predict planning, especially at site and local government level. Accordingly, a linear regression model-based planning approach is developed. This study explains how the model, when rooted in incremental planning theory, can be applied in order to plan for sustainable tourism in the lakeshore region. It highlights the variables and the sequence in which tourism planning efforts can be applied. The study concludes that, although this planning approach may not provide a panacea to the achievement of sustainable tourism development in the lakeshore region, it represents a valuable contribution towards the understanding of sustainable tourism planning. With the identification of critical tourism planning intervention points, the Lake Victoria shore region may be able to develop into a major tourism destination that is environmentally sustainable.
5
Oldham, Richard Cole. "Environmental differences affect the visual ecology of an African cichlid (Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor victoriae)." The Ohio State University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu152572108599038.
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6
von, Post Sofia. "Conflict, Environment and Poverty : A Minor Field Study from Yala Swamp, Kenya." Thesis, Linköping University, The Tema Institute, 2006. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-7229.
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In this master thesis, I have studied conflicts that have arisen because of a development project, in a wetland in the Lake Victoria region in Kenya. The aim of the project is to improve the standards of living for the local community by increased food production and employment, but it has developed into a conflict because of, among other things, competition over natural resources. The objective of this study is to analyse these conflicts and identify the causes behind them. A further aim is to analyse if the communication has been sufficient in Yala Swamp, from the stakeholders’ point of view, through out the implementation of the project. The stakeholders that were identified in the conflict are the local community that have been affected by the project, the county councils where the project is located, and the company Dominion, which is the exploiter. Conflict theory is the analytical tool used to identify causes to the conflict. Primary data was collected through qualitative research interviews and secondary data are various reports. The result of the conflict analysis shows that there is a conflict between the local community on one side, and Dominion and the county councils on the other side. The conflict is caused by incompatible goals. The goals that are incompatible, which depend on contested resources, have to the largest extent to do with land access and to some extent with employment. The reason for contested resources has its origin in that the local community feel they have been deprived the land they used to farm on and have not gained what they were promised. They also live in absolute poverty and therefore whish to have more land than they have now. Conflicts over land leads to environmental degradation when people are squeezed into limited areas and put more pressure on land. This issue needs immediate attention to not lead to violent conflicts and further environmental degradation. Foremost the local community is dissatisfied with how the communication between the stakeholders worked before the implementation of the development project and after. A committee was going to be set, but today it does not seem to work adequately from the community members’ point of view. A committee would, however, probably improve the communication and resolve some conflicts. This would reduce the conflict potential and lead to a more sustainable development for all stakeholders.
7
Bennett, Jessica. "New Zealand apartment living : developing a liveability evaluation index : a thesis submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Building Science /." ResearchArchive@Victoria e-Thesis, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10063/1242.
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Thesis (M.B.Sc.)--Victoria University of Wellington, 2010.Accompanying disc (on p. 371) contains: Appendix K: NZ ALI -- Working examples: NZ ALI for existing buildings ; NZ ALI for existing buildings. Includes bibliographical references.
8
Moy, Sina. "The importance of incorporating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into the secondary curriculum in order to minimise the problems of waste on South Tarawa : a thesis submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Geography /." ResearchArchive@Victoria e-Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10063/1017.
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Russell, Janine Mary. "Effects of ultraviolet raditation (UVR) and other environmental stressors on the development of intertital mollusc embryos : a thesis submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Marine Biology /." ResearchArchive@Victoria e-Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10063/349.
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10
Hunter, Angela Tamara. "Why volunteer for the environment?: an exploration of environmental volunteer motivation, satisfaction and retention." Thesis, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/1828/3105.
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The future of environmental conservation ultimately depends on the collective
impact of actions taken by individuals. While many people choose to engage in
environmentally responsible behaviours, such as recycling or using public transit, some people are going a step further by volunteering with environmental organizations. These environmental volunteers undertake a variety of roles that are essential to the overall functioning and program delivery of most nonprofit environmental organizations.
A major challenge of using volunteers can be the rate of volunteer turnover which increases the need to recruit and train new volunteers. Drawing on past volunteer motivation and satisfaction research, this study seeks to better understand what motivates environmental volunteers and to identify what factors contribute to volunteer satisfaction and retention. A questionnaire with Likert scale and
open ended questions was completed by 148 environmental volunteers in the Victoria
Capital Regional District. Factor analysis of the survey responses identified nine potential motives for volunteering with environmental organizations: Career, Environmental Values, Personal Growth, Protective, Social Norms, Social Interests, Efficacy, and Independence.
The identified motivational factors were used to develop a cluster analysis, which
identified six potential groupings or types of individuals attracted to volunteering with
environment and conservation organizations. The six groupings identified were Practical
Environmentalists, Concerned Environmentalist, Career Environmentalist, Budding Idealist, Social Environmentalist, and Other Helpers.
Questions regarding volunteer satisfaction identified six factors that affect volunteer
satisfaction: Organization Satisfaction, Individual Freedom, Personal Contribution,
Environmental Impact, Intrinsic Rewards, and Personal Benefits. Satisfaction with these
factors, however, was not enough to predict volunteer retention. Barriers to volunteering, such as health, location of volunteer activities, and other commitments also contribute to discontinuation of volunteer service. The results of this study can be useful for volunteer management and organization of volunteer programs in order to recruit and maintain satisfied volunteers.
11
Saenko, Alla. "Assessment of wind energy resources for residential use in Victoria, BC, Canada." Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1828/317.
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Using the wind speed measurements
collected at the University of Victoria School-based Weather
Station Network over the last several years, an assessment
of the local wind power potential is presented focusing
on its residential use. It is found that, while the local winds are
generally characterized by relatively small mean values, their
spacial and temporal variability is large. More
wind power is potentially available during the winter
season compared to the summer season, and during daytime
compared to nighttime. The examination of wind characteristics at
32 stations in the network reveals areas with wind energy potential
1.5-2.3 times larger than that at the UVic location, which represents
a site with average wind power potential. The station with the
highest potential is found to be that of Lansdowne.
The probability distribution of the local wind speeds
can be reasonably well described by the Weibull probability
distribution, although it is recommended that seasonal variability
of local winds be taken into consideration when estimating
the Weibull fitting parameters. Based on a theoretical and
statistical analysis, wind power output and its dependence on
wind power density are estimated for five different locations
in Victoria, B.C. Overall, it is found that the largest amount
of power can be produced from the wind at Lansdowne during winter
where, among the micro and small turbines considered, the
FD2.5-300 and ARE10kW, respectively, would produce
the largest amounts of power.
12
Jarrett, Patricia. "A dendroclimatic investigation of moisture variability and drought in the Greater Victoria Water Supply Area, Vancouver Island, British Columbia." Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1828/883.
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A 616-year Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) chronology was developed to examine the history of drought and moisture variability in the Sooke Watershed, near Victoria, British Columbia. Ring-width chronologies were compared to historical precipitation, air temperature and drought variables (Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI)) to determine the climate/radial-growth response to moisture stress on the sampled stands. Correlations between the ring-width chronologies and climate variables revealed that May to July precipitation, May-June SPI and July PDSI were significant limiting factors to radial-width growth. A transfer function was established for each of these variables to create a proxy climate reconstruction of drought in the watershed. The summer precipitation model provided the most accurate representation of past moisture variability (R2 = 0.20) and reveals substantial variation in precipitation over the past six centuries. Evidence from the periodicity of the tree-ring record to suggest that some modes of atmospheric circulation are influencing precipitation supply to the watershed.
13
Lightowlers, Christy. "Spatial modelling of woodsmoke concentrations and health risk associated with residential wood burning." Thesis, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/1828/1278.
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Within the context of global climate change and soaring energy prices, people are
searching for inexpensive and renewable sources of energy; therefore, burning wood for
home heating is increasing. Woodsmoke contains substances known to harm human
health and is a major contributor to air pollution in many parts of the world; yet there is
limited research into the health effects of woodsmoke and existing research suffers from
methodological constraints. As a result, there is interest in producing robust woodsmoke
exposure estimates for health research and air quality management purposes. Studying
health and the environment is inherently spatial; however, research related to air pollution
and health tends to be aspatial. As investigators begin to understand the influence of
spatial processes on research findings, the importance of adopting a spatial approach to
modelling exposure and health risk is becoming apparent. This thesis describes a spatially
explicit model for predicting fine particulate matter (PM2.5) attributable to woodsmoke
from residential heating in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Spatially resolved
measurements of PM2.5 were collected for 32 evenings during the winter heating seasons
of 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07 using a nephelometer installed in a passenger vehicle.
Positional data were collected concurrently using a Global Positioning System (GPS).
Levoglucosan, a chemical unique to woodsmoke, was measured to confirm the presence
of woodsmoke in the measured PM2.5. The spatial scale for the analysis of woodsmoke
data was determined using semivariograms to identify the maximum distance of spatial
dependence in the data which typically occurred near 2700m. Different spatial
approaches for modelling woodsmoke concentrations were evaluated both qualitatively in
terms of transferability, meeting statistical assumptions, and potential for exposure
misclassification; and quantitatively to assess the association between the model’s
predicted PM2.5 concentrations and observed PM2.5. The baseline model characterized
exposure based on the PM2.5 value from the closest fixed monitor (R=0.51, α=0.05). The
Krigged model produced a seasonal average surface based on nephelometer
measurements and showed the weakest performance (R=0.25, α=0.05). The regression
models predicted concentrations of woodsmoke based on predictor variables available
from census data, typically used in health research, and spatial property assessment data
(SPAD), an underused data source at a finer spatial resolution. Different approaches to
regression modelling were investigated. A regression model already developed for
Victoria performed the best quantitatively (R=0.84, α=0.05); however, qualitative
considerations precluded it from being selected as an appropriate model. A quantitatively
(R=0.62, α=0.05) and qualitatively robust regression model was developed using SPAD
(M6). SPAD improved the spatial resolution and model performance over census data.
Removing spatial and temporal autocorrelation in the data prior to modelling produced
the most robust model as opposed to modelling spatial effects post regression. A
Bayesian approach to M6 was applied; however, model performance remained
unchanged (R=0.62, α=0.05). The spatial distribution of susceptibility to health problems
associated with woodsmoke was derived from census data relating to population, age and
income. Intersecting the exposure model with population susceptibility in a Geographic
Information System (GIS) identified areas at high risk for health effects attributable to
woodsmoke.
14
Tonge, Jonathan Bruce. "Self-regulating or self-serving : market liberalisation and the environment : the case of Mobil's Altona refinery." Thesis, 1995. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/32991/.
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This thesis examines how the balancing of economics, the market, individual
participation and the environment is difficult in terms of trying to achieve
emancipatory outcomes for all. There is no definite resolution, and none was
expected for a topic such as this, as the outcomes are all compromises, but
with possibilities for action through a pragmatic political system.
Emancipation must be worked for in order to be reached and maintained via
this pragmatism, with the hardest outcomes being that for the environment and
participation by individuals. What is resolved, though, is that market
liberalisation and strict regulation are not equitable solutions for the State to
follow.
15
Rahman, Fashiur. "Hydraulic conductivity and chemical compatibility of some Victorian soils used as liners for waste containment." Thesis, 2000. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/15668/.
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Wastes generated due to human activities pose a threat to the environment, and their safe and economical disposal is warranted. Landfilling of these wastes is still the most widely practised and viable alternative for their disposal. This is usually accomplished by using engineered waste containment systems in which compacted liners of predominantly clay soils are employed between waste and natural ground to act as barrier to chemical leaching. It follows that the design hydraulic conductivity of the clay is a governing parameter and many environmental regulations require this parameter to be less than 1x10"' m/s. Therefore, the precise assessment of hydraulic conductivity and the compatibility of the liner material with the permeant or leachate encountered, is paramount to ensure the effective performance of the clay liner. This thesis reports the test results of the compatibility and hydraulic conductivity of some Victorian soils used for liner construction.
16
Kormos, Christine. "Anticipated changes to quality of life and the impact of divergent social normative information: a field experiment on sustainable transportation behaviour." Thesis, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/1828/3109.
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This study evaluated anticipated changes to quality of life (QoL) from a reduction in private vehicle use, and the impact of social normative information on willingness to change transportation behaviour. Staff and students at the University of Victoria completed transport journals for a month, and participants in the low or high social norm condition received divergent information about the percentage of others who had switched to sustainable commuting. Unexpectedly, message content did not predict behavioural change, but mere receipt of a message, versus the control condition, did predict change. The results suggest that sustainable transport campaigns should highlight others‟ cooperation, regardless of their rate of cooperation, and target commuting behavior. Also, participants expected decreases to individually relevant QoL items and improvements to collectively relevant QoL items under a hypothetical reduction in private vehicle use. The findings may be employed by policy-makers to increase acceptance of transportation policies.
17
Inglis, Judi. "Using human-environment theory to investigate human valuing in protected area management." Thesis, 2008. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/1513/.
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Caring for the environment has become a global issue, and the role of national parks in preserving species and environments has taken on renewed importance. Many consider that national parks are places to learn and experience nature, and from this experience can come positive conservation behaviour. A dilemma facing park agencies is their capacity to manage the park system with limited resources and funding. A park system that allows human access as well as preservation of biotic communities requires planning and resources. The view that the community may assist with conservation or management of discrete areas was cited in the literature, and assessing the possibility of community involvement is the focus for this study. The research used a case study strategy to examine Human-Environment theory, which refers to the study of humans and their environment. The theory encompasses both the built and natural environment, and the concepts of place attachment and environmental ethics. Although the theory takes in both the built and the natural environment this study did not include the built environment. The study examined the Human Natural World Relationship and conservation behaviour and was placed within an ecosystem management framework. This framework allowed the human-environment interaction to be examined so that human values could be assessed alongside economic, environmental and other values. The study examined the Human Natural World Relationship and conservation activism to establish if the community could contribute to the conservation and management of the national park. The community’s views, values and place attachments were gathered through focus groups, interviews, and the distribution of a self-administered survey to the whole community. The location for the study was Croajingolong National Park and Biosphere Reserve in Gippsland, Victoria. The location was chosen because there was minimal research on the community from the towns of Mallacoota, Cann River and Bemm River, who are the main users of the park. The study found that the identity of the community was deeply connected with the identity of the national park and that several aspects related to the town and the national park affected the community. This has implications for management to ensure that the status of the national park as well of the town of Mallacoota is protected so that the unique identity of the community and the bond they have to the park is preserved. A suggestion by one participant, who expressed the sentiment of many in the community, was that the town should be zoned as a park town has much merit. The study also found that the majority in the community held ecocentric views and were suited to involvement in conservation and management of the national park. Management can use the results of this study to inform strategies for policy and decisions making that take into account the views and values of the community in the validation of park classification, governance, funding, marketing, conflict resolution and communication with the community
18
Shanmugasundram, Sithranjan. "Statistical analysis to detect climate change and its implications on water resources." Thesis, 2012. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/21305/.
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Climate change has affected diverse physical and biological systems worldwide. The impact of climate change on water resources is one of the most important. Even though the world’s water resources are rapidly deteriorating due to the combined effects of climate change, population growth and fast urban development, climate change has been posing new challenges to water resources managers. Uncertainty of the climatic pattern is a major challenge for water authorities to formulate effective water management policies according to the prevailing and future climatic conditions.
19
Leskiw, Michael P. "Victoria’s street trees : planning for climate change through species selection and arboricultural maintenance practices." 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10170/102.
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Street tree health in the City of Victoria, British Columbia has declined in the last decade. Using the health condition of six tree genera representing 72 % of the total 17,601 COV street trees inventory in 2005 this trend is likely in large part due to lack of moisture from June to October. Declining health is evident in branch die back and early leaf drop especially on species with a medium to high water requirement. The Prunus genus (cherries and plums) in particular, which comprises 29% of all COV street trees,
was rated at 54% fair to dead condition which is 20% higher than all COV street trees. Current summer precipitation from June to early October totals 105 mm and evapotranspiration for the same period totals -382 mm leaving a moisture deficit of 277 mm. This deficit is projected to increase (based on extreme models) to 362 mm by 2050 and 420 mm by 2080 which will have a devastating impact on street trees which will not able to withstand the intense moisture deficit interval. Recommendations on species selection and maintenance alternatives include: regular monitoring with site specific information, changing the list of trees used for selection and planting, increase watering, and increased maintenance. The results and recommendations of this study may be of value to other jurisdictions that will be affected by the impacts of moisture deficit related to climate change.
20
McKenzie, Michael. "The determination of the bio-limiting factors in the control of algal blooms in the Maribyrnong River estuary." Thesis, 1994. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/32997/.
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Wijesuriya, Wipulal Sardha. "Investigation of the relationships between biomass reduction, soil disturbance, soil nutrients and weed invasion in basalt plains native grassland remnants in Victoria, Australia." Thesis, 1999. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/15240/.
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The investigations reported in this thesis examined the relationships between biomass reduction (burning and mowing), soil disturbance, soil nutrient levels (N, P and K) and weed invasion in native grassland remnants in Victoria, Australia.
The study was carried out at three native grassland remnant sites, Derrimut grassland reserve, Laverton grassland reserve and Victoria University of Technology, St. Albans campus grassland reserve on the westem edge of Melboume, Australia.
These grassland remnants belong to the Western Basalt Plains grassland community which is listed as threatened in Victoria, and which forms part of the lowland temperate grasslands which once extended across south eastern Australia. A major threat to the survival of these communities is invasion by a variety of weeds. Weed
invasion is often markedly enhanced by disturbance of the soil due to ploughing and overgrazing. It is known that some type of biomass reduction (burning, mowing or
grazing) is required to prevent the dominant native perennial tussock grasses from over shadowing the diversity of forbs that grow between the tussocks, but the effects of
various biomass reduction methods on weediness, and the underlying causes of weediness, have not been studied in any depth.
The outcomes of the investigation are currently being applied to the management and rehabilitation of lowland grassland remnants. Most previous studies of lowland grassland rehabilitation and management have assumed that the key determinant of competition between native and exotic plant species in lowland grasslands is above-ground cover. The results reported in this thesis clearly show that
below-ground competition for nutrients is also important in determining the extent of exotic and native plant growth in intact and disturbed areas. The successful establishment of native species during revegetation, with low levels of weed growth, will depend on the extent to which below ground growth of natives is achieved to lower available nutrient levels quickly, and prevent large scale growth of exotics. The management of lowland grassland remnants with low levels of flatweeds and annual grasses will likewise depend on the maintenance of a healthy sward of native vegetation which can keep available nutrients in the soil at low levels, especially when above-ground cover is removed by biomass reduction actions such as burning, mowing and grazing.
22
Huang, Guangyan. "Semantics orientated spatial temporal data mining for water resource decision support." Thesis, 2011. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/18971/.
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Water resource management is becoming more complex and relies heavily on computer
software processing to help data queries for common and rare patterns for analyzing critical
water events. For example, it is vital for decision makers to know if certain types of
water quality problems are isolated (e.g. rare) or ubiquitous (e.g. common) and whether
the conditions are changing spatially or temporally for a proper management plan. This thesis aims to automatically detect spatiotemporal common and rare patterns by
significantly addressing the uncertainty and heterogeneity in water quality data, in order to
enhance the accuracy and efficiency of common and rare pattern mining models underpinning
many of the water resource management strategies and planning decisions. Therefore,
we propose two novel semantics-oriented mining methods: the Correcting Imprecise
Readings and Compressing Excrescent Points (CIRCE) method and the Exceptional Object
Analysis for Finding Rare Environmental Events (EOAFREE) method. The CIRCE method
resolves uncertainty problems in retrieving common patterns based on spatiotemporal semantic
points, such as inflexions. The EOAFREE method tackles the heterogeneity problem
by summarizing raw water data into a water quality index, that is, water semantics, in discovering
rare patterns. We demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the two methods by
using simulation and real world datasets, and then implement them in a Semantics-Oriented
Mining Application for Detecting Water Quality Events (SOMAwater) prototype system,
which is used to query spatiotemporal common and rare patterns for a real world water quality
dataset of 93 sites in 10 river basins in Victoria, Australia from 1975 to 2010.
23
Azhar, Aftab H. "Short term planning and operation of irrigation systems." Thesis, 2001. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/15766/.
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In recent times, with regards to rural water supplies in Victoria and most other parts of Australia, emphasis is placed more on efficient use of existing water resources than on new resource developments. This is especially true for irrigation systems. This emphasis is mainly due to limited funds available for construction works, lack of
suitable hydrologic sites, and the spirited and justifiable lobbying of enviromnental groups against construction of new projects. Hence to meet the increased water demands, efficient operation of existing irrigation systems is required. Recently with the high computational power of personal computers, irrigation scheduling based on an accounting of soil water budget components has become popular around the world. This research project focuses on such irrigation scheduling techniques, with the aim of improving the efficiency of water use, thus leading to conservation of water resources.
24
Reynolds, Deborah Michelle. "Factors affecting recruitment in populations of Spiny Rice-flower (Pimelea spinescens Rye subspecies spinescens) in Victoria’s natural temperate grasslands: relationships with management practices, biological and ecological characteristics." Thesis, 2013. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/25922/.
Full textAbstract:
Pimelea spinescens Rye subspecies spinescens is an endemic subshrub found within temperate grasslands of the Victorian volcanic plains. It is listed as critically endangered under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Efforts to bolster populations using horticultural techniques have been largely unsuccessful. For long-term survival it is necessary to successfully germinate seed and employ methods which encourage wild populations to reproduce in situ.
The aim of this research was to identify which factors of the biology, ecology and management of P. spinescens populations, significantly affect the species’ in situ recruitment potential.
25
Mason, Bram. "The study of pollutant removal from urban stormwater using a constructed wetland." Thesis, 1994. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/32998/.
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The purpose of this investigation was to examine the Shankland Valley Wetland
for its ability to treat urban stormwater pollutants. Monitoring was conducted
during two moderate storm events and two non-storm events. Pollutant
concentration was measured at 24 hour intervals over periods of approximately
one week.
26
Taysom, Alice Jo. "The occurrence of hybridisation between the Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa) and other dabbling ducks (Genus: Anas) in Australia." Thesis, 2016. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/31040/.
Full textAbstract:
Hybridisation between closely-related species is an ongoing threat to many species that can be exacerbated by anthropogenic practices. The Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa) is a dabbling duck native to the southwest Pacific that is currently under threat of hybridisation with introduced Mallard (A. platyrhynchos). Mallard are known to hybridise with and threaten many other dabbling duck species throughout the world. To evaluate the threat posed by hybridisation with introduced domestic Mallards to the Australian subspecies of the Pacific Black Duck (A. s. rogersi), a set of nine microsatellite markers were selected to genetically differentiate these species and detect hybrids. The use of these microsatellite markers on putative Pacific Black Ducks found that the overall frequency of hybridisation in Australia is currently low (1.5%) and also revealed that the frequency of hybridisation tended to be higher in urban compared to rural Victoria. Behavioural observations suggested that while Mallards are dominant over Pacific Black Ducks, the latter have not been excluded from parks inhabited by Mallards. In contrast to mainland Australia, most birds on Lord Howe Island appear to be Mallards of New Zealand stock descent. It’s unclear whether hybrids resident were bred locally or whether they emigrated from New Zealand. The lack of Pacific Black Duck phenotypes on Lord Howe Island suggests that this species has been outcompeted by Mallards. In addition to hybridisation with Mallards, anecdotal reports have suggested that Pacific Black Ducks are also hybridising with Chestnut Teals (A. castanea). Based on microsatellite analysis, Chestnut Teal - Pacific Black Duck hybrids were detected, albeit at a low frequency (0.5%), among a sample of putative Pacific Black Ducks sampled throughout Australia
Overall, Mallard – Pacific Black Duck hybridisation does not currently seem to be widespread. However, the precautionary principle would advise eradication methods to be put into place to prevent the spread of the Mallard genome throughout Australia’s Pacific Black Duck population to protect the genetic integrity of the Australian subspecies.
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Venables, Anne. "Ecological and biological modeling for natural resource management: applications to wetland classification and evaluation." Thesis, 2014. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/25869/.
Full textAbstract:
The goal of wetland assessment is to identify and quantify the condition of wetlands, taking into account the presences of threats likely to impact the services and functions the wetlands provide. There are a wide variety of methods available for undertaking wetland assessment; most rely on data collection across a broad range of attributes at wetland sites to gauge wetland condition. This thesis examines the practice of wetland assessment in West Gippsland, south-eastern Australia and it investigates the contribution, and potencies, of component biological, chemical, hydrological and physical data inputs, individually and collectively, to the identification of high social, economic and environmental value wetlands in the region. A systematic analysis using statistics and data-mining techniques was undertaken of the inventory data for 163 representative wetlands to discover pertinent relationships between the values of different site characteristics and the classification of high-value wetlands. Binary logistic regression and neural networks were used to build models mimicking the wetland assessment process, and an assessment of their abilities to do so was conducted. The influences of two wetland classification schemes: Corrick and Norman (1980) scheme, and Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs), on the naming of high-value wetlands were also investigated.
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Ibrahimi, Farshad. "Lagoon effluent treatment using grass filtration bays." Thesis, 2001. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/18180/.
Full textAbstract:
The Western Treatment Plant (WTP), operated by Melbourne Water, is identified as a
major contributor of nutrient to Port Phillip Bay, especially in winter. To minimise
eutrophication and maximise beneficial uses of the receiving waters of the Bay, the
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of Victoria has issued a more stringent
waste discharge licence for WTP. Therefore, Melbourne Water has proposed a
number of strategies to improve effluent quality into the bay and meet its new waste
discharge licence requirements. These strategies include provision of lagoon treatment
followed by grass filtration of all dry weather flows in winter.
This thesis presents the results of a project established to determine the waste
treatment efficiency, especially for nitrogen removal, and an optimal hydraulic loading
rate for the proposed winter grass filtration system when fed with effluent from
lagoons at WTP. The project involved hydraulic data acquisition and twice-weekly
monitoring of influent, effluent, and wastewater quality within the bays for seven trial
Italian Ryegrass filtration bays during a 22-week winter period from May to early
October 1997. Four hydraulic loading rates of 20, 30, 40, and 50 mm/day, were used
in the trials.
There was a significant amount of cross flow between some ofthe grass filtration bays
used in the trials. Also, infiltration losses were higher than the values expected on the
basis of hydraulic conductivity values from studies conducted on soils in the area of
the trials. On average, about 5.8 mm/day of flow was lost through infiltration while
the net effects of rainfall and evapotranspiration account for about 1.2 mm/day of
losses. The high infiltration losses may be due to the root channelling and cracks in
the soil.
The trials showed a temporal trend in most of the monitored parameters. Ammonia,
total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and BOD removals were generally higher during the
first half of the trial period, while effluent colour was poorer during the first three and
last five weeks of the monitoring period. The relatively higher ammonia and
phosphorus removals during the first half of the trials were attributed to higher plant
uptake and lower influent mass loading. Although nitrification/denitrification is
identified as generally the most important nitrogen transformation and removal
mechanism on the bays, its relative importance does not vary significantly with time
during the entire grass filtration period. The poor colour levels are due to decaying
organic matter left on the bays during present or previous grass filtration treatment.
Dissolved oxygen concentration ofthe effluent also showed a temporal trend similar to
that observed for ammonia, total nitrogen and phosphorus. This is due to ageing and
reduced photosynthetic activity by the Italian Ryegrass, resulting in a lower rate of
oxygen production on the bays during the second half of the trials. Apart from the first
three weeks of the trials, most of the other effluent parameters generally remained
fairly constant throughout the trials.
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Gamage, Nilantha. "Daily streamflow estimation using remote sensing data." Thesis, 2015. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/34843/.
Full textAbstract:
Streamflow data are critical for water resource investigations, and their development
projects. However, the scarcity of such data, particularly measured streamflow through
streamflow gauges, constitutes a serious impediment to the successful implementation of
development projects. In the absence of such measured streamflow data, streamflow
estimation using measured meteorological data represents a viable alternative.
Nevertheless, this alternative is not always possible due to the unavailability of required
meteorological data. In the face of such data limitations, many have advocated the use of
remote sensing (RS) data to estimate streamflow. The aim of this study was to generate
daily streamflow time series data using remote sensing data through catchment process
modelling and statistical modelling.
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Robinson, Alice. "Landfall: reading and writing Australia through climate change." Thesis, 2012. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/24440/.
Full textAbstract:
This creative writing thesis begins with the premise that climate change poses critical outcomes for the Australian continent, and asks what the consequences of this are as the precariousness of Australia’s future in relation to climate change continues to gather pace.
Comprising a novel (70%) and exegesis (30%), the thesis as a whole seeks to explore the connections between climate change, land and culture in Australia, and to investigate settler Australian understandings regarding ‘place’, ‘belonging’ and ‘home’ in relation to both settlement and unsettledness in contemporary times.
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Campbell, Stuart John. "The eco-physiology of macroalgae from a temperate marine embayment in southern Australia." Thesis, 1999. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/15579/.
Full textAbstract:
This study investigated the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus on the growth and ecophysiology of a number of dominant species of macroalgae at a site in Port Phillip
Bay (PPB), a large shallow water marine embayment located on the central southern coast of Victoria, Australia.
This thesis investigated the physiological processes (i.e. photosynthesis, growth, nutrient uptake) of three species
of macroalgae, Hincksia sordida (Harvey) Clayton (Phaeophyta), Polysiphonia decipiens Montague (Rhodophyta) and Ulva sp. (Chlorophyta) in response to a range of environmental regimes.
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Wallace, Heather D. "Authentic Learning in the Kitchen and Garden: Synthesising planning, practice and pedagogy." Thesis, 2014. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/25923/.
Full textAbstract:
This study identifies and articulates the interrelationships between six key components
essential for authentic learning to maximise the student-centred learning opportunities in
kitchen and garden-based learning projects. Interpretative case study methodology using
multiple qualitative methods for data analysis were used to direct three layers of inquiry
around kitchen and garden-based learning: the context, content and characteristics of
kitchen and the garden-based learning, the student learning, and the teachers’ work.
Review of the literature indicated significant gaps in understanding how teachers can
foster children’s interest in nature, and plan for effective authentic learning experiences in
the garden. Through analysis of the literature, together with the perspectives of the
Grades 4, 5 and 6 children, and their teachers, key components for authentic,
contextualised learning were identified. These included: a real-world context, the
opportunity for working as professionals, within a collaborative learning community,
work requiring higher-order thinking, ownership of learning and authentic integrated
assessment.
Teachers’ pedagogy and practices are often hidden but were nevertheless significant
factors affecting student outcomes. Teachers made the learning experiences more
meaningful by ensuring student reflection was embedded in learning tasks. Planning and
providing arenas or “safe platforms” for discursive reflection was an essential step in
transforming tacit understandings to explicit knowledge enabling children to connect
their personal experiences with the experiences of others. From this discourse deeper
understanding of ecoliteracy emerged with one cohort, and understandings about the
intricacies of collaborative teamwork with another. The focus group discussions about
common experiential learning experiences had wider implications for teaching; they were
a key step in making the children’s tacit understandings explicit. Examination of the staff
and students’ immersive experiences within a kitchen garden learning environment, led to
the development of a model of learning that provides educators with a comprehensive
approach to scaffold authentic learning opportunities.
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Das, S. K. "Management of Agricultural Non-point Source Pollution: A Case Study on Yarra River." Thesis, 2016. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/33599/.
Full textAbstract:
The development and use of any specific model depend on the availability of data
and the hydrological settings of a country. Because of data limitations (especially water
quality and land management data), the water quality models developed for Australian
catchments are lumped/semi-distributed conceptual models. Even within these modelling
frameworks, water quality component is empirical or generation rates-based. In this
context, developing an effective water quality management plan in the data-poor
conditions of Australia still remains as a major challenge for water catchment managers,
despite huge investment on river health improvement programs.
Physics-based distributed water quality models such as SWAT are most suitable
for agricultural non-point source pollution studies. However, because of high data
requirement and processing, the applications of these models are limited in many datapoor
catchments. In this study, relevant input data sources and analysis techniques were
addressed especially for sparsely available water quality data to assemble, and to
rigorously calibrate and validate the SWAT based Middle Yarra Water Quality Model
(MYWQM) for the case study area - Middle Yarra Catchment (MYC) of Victoria,
Australia. The regression based model LOADEST was used for estimating sediment, and
nutrient observed loads from monthly water quality grab sample data. The MYWQM was
then used to develop a water quality management plan for agricultural non-point source
pollution in the MYC.
In general, the MYWQM was found capable of predicting streamflow, sediment
and nutrient loads in the MYC. The model was also found effective for simulating
individual and integrated effects of several Best Management Practices (BMPs) in the
MYC. Moreover, the model showed that the in-stream processes if not considered can
result in incorrect estimates when simulating BMPs in the model. Overall, the
performance of the MYWQM on evaluating the BMPs in the MYC demonstrated that
data-intensive physics-based models can be applied in the data-poor conditions of
Australia.
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Godoy, W. R. "Multi-Objective Optimisation of Water Resources Systems: a Shared Vision." Thesis, 2015. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/29722/.
Full textAbstract:
Water resources systems are operated for many uses such as for municipal water supply, irrigation, hydro-electric power generation, flood mitigation, storm drainage, and for recreation. Water resources systems may also serve as places of cultural and spiritual significance. Decision-making in this context is inherently multicriterial, often requiring multi-disciplinary participation with a view to seeking an optimal solution or, at best, a compromise between conflicting interests for water. Water resources planning involves a thorough understanding of not only the quantitative aspects such as the volumes of water harvested and released from reservoirs but also of the qualitative factors that underpin the shared vision for the operation of water resources systems for the benefit of all stakeholders. The aim of this study was to develop a structured multi-objective optimisation procedure for the optimisation of operation of water resources systems considering climate change. For this purpose, the integration of quantitative and qualitative information of water resources systems was achieved using a combined multi-objective optimisation and sustainability assessment approach as part of a three-phase procedure. This procedure was tested through the preparation of optimal operating plans for a case study of the Wimmera-Glenelg Water Supply System (WGWSS), assuming a range of hydro-climatic conditions. The WGWSS is located in north-western Victoria in Australia and is a multi-purpose, multi-reservoir system which is operated as a single water resources system; with many possible combinations of operating rules.
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Scarr, Mark J. "The use of stomatal frequency from three Australian evergreen tree species as a proxy indicator of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration." Thesis, 2011. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/16044/.
Full textAbstract:
Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) is the main contributing factor to anthropogenically derived global climate change. The impact of climate change upon terrestrial ecosystems is still uncertain. If information can be obtained on how past fluctuations in [CO2] and temperature has affected terrestrial communities this knowledge can increase our understanding as to how future climate change may impact upon modern-day ecosystems.
Foliar stomatal frequency analysis is a proxy-CO2 measure that may provide estimates of atmospheric [CO2] from subfossil or fossil leaf material. Currently, the majority of the research in this field has been conducted on deciduous Northern Hemisphere species including extant and fossil material. Southern Hemisphere fossil species are
currently under-represented in the fossil proxy-CO2 database. The rate of climate change in the Southern Hemisphere is less than that experienced in the Northern
Hemisphere, so using Northern Hemisphere derived training sets to provide Southern Hemisphere CO2 estimates may introduce confounding errors. Therefore, the use of
Southern Hemisphere training sets on Southern Hemisphere fossil material will provide more accurate atmospheric CO2 estimations. This thesis will contribute to the field of knowledge by determining the applicability of three Southern Hemisphere evergreen tree species to be used as potential proxy-CO2 indicator species.