|   | 
Details
   web
Records
Author Bonroy, J.; Volckaert, M.; Seuntjens, P.
Title Rapid automated measurement system for simultaneous determination of effective air-filled porosity and soil gas diffusivity Type A1 Journal article
Year 2011 Publication Soil Science Society of America journal Abbreviated Journal
Volume 75 Issue 2 Pages 408-417
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The effective air-filled porosity and the gas diffusion coefficient are important soil parameters determining the success of soil bioremediation projects such as (bio)venting and (bio)sparging methods in combination with soil vapor extraction. We have developed a new method to sequentially measure the effective air-filled porosity and the soil gas diffusion coefficient of a soil sample. During the purging of the sample, a fast and accurate measurement of the effective air-filled porosity can be obtained. The subsequent diffusion measurement does not require a zero-O(2) concentration in the soil sample. The procedure further allows the calculation of the soil gas diffusion coefficient before an equilibrium O(2) concentration has been reached. The results are obtained by combining the data of the inlet and outlet compartment in a single equation. A stable reading is reached when the results for the inlet and outlet compartment coincide with the results from the combined equation. The analysis time is reduced by 89 to 96% compared with methods that run until an equilibrium concentration has been reached. Moreover, combining data from inlet and outlet compartments increases the accuracy of the diffusivity measurement by a factor of two compared with previous methods.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000288827000009 Publication Date 2012-09-19
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (up) Edition
ISSN 0361-5995 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:113062 Serial 8453
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Haest, P.J.; Springael, D.; Seuntjens, P.; Smolders, E.
Title Self-inhibition can limit biologically enhanced TCE dissolution from a TCE DNAPL Type A1 Journal article
Year 2012 Publication Chemosphere Abbreviated Journal
Volume 89 Issue 11 Pages 1369-1375
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Biodegradation of trichloroethene (TCE) near a Dense Non Aqueous Phase Liquid (DNAPL) can enhance the dissolution rate of the DNAPL by increasing the concentration gradient at the DNAPL-water interface. Two-dimensional flow-through sand boxes containing a ICE DNAPL and inoculated with a TCE dechlorinating consortium were set up to measure this bio-enhanced dissolution under anaerobic conditions. The total mass of TCE and daughter products in the effluent of the biotic boxes was 3-6 fold larger than in the effluent of the abiotic box. However, the mass of daughter products only accounted for 19-55% of the total mass of chlorinated compounds in the effluent, suggesting that bio-enhanced dissolution factors were maximally 1.3-2.2. The enhanced dissolution most likely primarily resulted from variable DNAPL distribution rather than biodegradation. Specific dechlorination rates previously determined in a stirred liquid medium were used in a reactive transport model to identify the rate limiting factors. The model adequately simulated the overall TCE degradation when predicted resident microbial numbers approached observed values and indicated an enhancement factor for TCE dissolution of 1.01. The model shows that dechlorination of TCE in the 20 box was limited due to the short residence time and the self-inhibition of the TCE degradation. A parameter sensitivity analysis predicts that the bio-enhanced dissolution factor for this TCE source zone can only exceed a value of 2 if the TCE self-inhibition is drastically reduced (when a TCE tolerant dehalogenating community is present) or if the DNAPL is located in a low-permeable layer with a small Darcy velocity. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000310112600015 Publication Date 2012-06-30
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (up) Edition
ISSN 0045-6535; 1879-1298 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:102142 Serial 8512
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Rezaei, M.; Seuntjens, P.; Joris, I.; Boenne, W.; Van Hoey, S.; Campling, P.; Cornelis, W.M.
Title Sensitivity of water stress in a two-layered sandy grassland soil to variations in groundwater depth and soil hydraulic parameters Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Hydrology and earth system sciences Abbreviated Journal
Volume 20 Issue 1 Pages 487-503
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Monitoring and modelling tools may improve irrigation strategies in precision agriculture. We used non-invasive soil moisture monitoring, a crop growth and a soil hydrological model to predict soil water content fluctuations and crop yield in a heterogeneous sandy grassland soil under supplementary irrigation. The sensitivity of the soil hydrological model to hydraulic parameters, water stress, crop yield and lower boundary conditions was assessed after integrating models. Free drainage and incremental constant head conditions were implemented in a lower boundary sensitivity analysis. A time-dependent sensitivity analysis of the hydraulic parameters showed that changes in soil water content are mainly affected by the soil saturated hydraulic conductivity K-s and the Mualem-van Genuchten retention curve shape parameters n and alpha. Results further showed that different parameter optimization strategies (two-, three-, four- or six-parameter optimizations) did not affect the calculated water stress and water content as significantly as does the bottom boundary. In this case, a two-parameter scenario, where K-s was optimized for each layer under the condition of a constant groundwater depth at 135-140 cm, performed best. A larger yield reduction, and a larger number and longer duration of stress conditions occurred in the free drainage condition as compared to constant boundary conditions. Numerical results showed that optimal irrigation scheduling using the aforementioned water stress calculations can save up to 12-22 % irrigation water as compared to the current irrigation regime. This resulted in a yield increase of 4.5-6.5 %, simulated by the crop growth model.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000369668400028 Publication Date 2016-01-29
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (up) Edition
ISSN 1027-5606; 1607-7938 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:132259 Serial 8514
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Beames, A.; Broekx, S.; Lookman, R.; Touchant, K.; Seuntjens, P.
Title Sustainability appraisal tools for soil and groundwater remediation : how is the choice of remediation alternative influenced by different sets of sustainability indicators and tool structures? Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication The science of the total environment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 470 Issue Pages 954-966
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The state-of-the-science in sustainability assessment of soil and groundwater remediation is evaluated with the application of four decision support systems (DSSs) to a large-scale brownfield revitalization case study. The DSSs were used to perform sustainability appraisals of four technically feasible remediation alternatives proposed for the site. The first stage of the review compares the scope of each tool's sustainability indicators, how these indicators are measured and how the tools differ in terms of standardization and weighting procedures. The second stage of the review compares the outputs from the tools and determines the key factors that result in differing results between tools. The evaluation of indicator sets and tool structures explains why the tools generate differing results. Not all crucial impact areas, as identified by sustainable remediation forums, are thoroughly considered by the tools, particularly with regard to the social and economic aspects of sustainability. Variations in boundary conditions defined between technologies, produce distorted environmental impact results, especially when in-situ and ex-situ technologies are compared. The review draws attention to the need for end users to be aware of which aspects of sustainability are considered, how the aspects are measured and how all aspects are ultimately balanced in the evaluation of potential remediation strategies. Existing tools can be improved by considering different technologies within the same boundary conditions and by expanding indicator sets to include indicators deemed to be relevant by remediation forums. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000331415600102 Publication Date 2013-11-14
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (up) Edition
ISSN 0048-9697; 1879-1026 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:115827 Serial 8628
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Rezaei, M.; Seuntjens, P.; Shahidi, R.; Joris, I.; Boenne, W.; Al-Barri, B.; Cornelis, W.
Title The relevance of in-situ and laboratory characterization of sandy soil hydraulic properties for soil water simulations Type A1 Journal article
Year 2016 Publication Journal of hydrology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 534 Issue Pages 251-265
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Field water flow processes can be precisely delineated with proper sets of soil hydraulic properties derived from in situ and/or laboratory experiments. In this study we analyzed and compared soil hydraulic properties obtained by traditional laboratory experiments and inverse optimization tension infiltrometer data along the vertical direction within two typical Podzol profiles with sand texture in a potato field. The main goal was to identify proper sets of hydraulic parameters and to evaluate their relevance on hydrological model performance for irrigation management purposes. Tension disc infiltration experiments were carried out at four and five different depths for both profiles at consecutive negative pressure heads of 12, 6, 3 and 0.1 cm. At the same locations and depths undisturbed samples were taken to determine Mualem-van Genuchten (MVG) hydraulic parameters (theta(r), residual water content, theta(s), saturated water content, alpha and n, shape parameters and K-ls, saturated hydraulic conductivity) in the laboratory. Results demonstrated horizontal differences and vertical variability of hydraulic properties. The tension disc infiltration data fitted well in inverse modeling using Hydrus 2D/3D in combination with final water content at the end of the experiment, theta(f). Four MVG parameters (theta(s), alpha, n and field saturated hydraulic conductivity K-fs) were estimated (theta(r) set to zero), with estimated K-ls and alpha values being relatively similar to values from Wooding's solution which used as initial value and estimated theta(s) corresponded to (effective) field saturated water content, theta(f). The laboratory measurement of K-ls yielded 2-30 times higher values than the field method K-fs from top to subsoil layers, while there was a significant correlation between both K-s values (r = 0.75). We found significant differences of MVG parameters theta(s), n and alpha values between laboratory and field measurements, but again a significant correlation was observed between laboratory and field MVG parameters namely K-s, n, theta(s) (r >= 0.59). Assessment of the parameter relevance in 1-D model simulations, illustrated that the model over predicted and under predicted top soil-water content using laboratory and field experiments data sets respectively. The field MVG parameter data set resulted in better agreement to observed soil-water content as compared to the laboratory data set at nodes 10 and 20 cm. However, better simulation results were achieved using the laboratory data set at 30-60 cm depths. Results of our study do not confirm whether laboratory or field experiments data sets are most appropriate to predict soil water fluctuations in a complete soil profile, while field experiments are preferred in many studies. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000371940900022 Publication Date 2016-01-11
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (up) Edition
ISSN 0022-1694 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:133161 Serial 8657
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Van de Vijver, E.; Van Meirvenne, M.; Vandenhaute, L.; Delefortrie, S.; De Smedt, P.; Saey, T.; Seuntjens, P.
Title Urban soil exploration through multi-receiver electromagnetic induction and stepped-frequency ground penetrating radar Type A1 Journal article
Year 2015 Publication Environmental science : processes & impacts Abbreviated Journal
Volume 17 Issue 7 Pages 1271-1281
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract In environmental assessments, the characterization of urban soils relies heavily on invasive investigation, which is often insufficient to capture their full spatial heterogeneity. Non-invasive geophysical techniques enable rapid collection of high-resolution data and provide a cost-effective alternative to investigate soil in a spatially comprehensive way. This paper presents the results of combining multi-receiver electromagnetic induction and stepped-frequency ground penetrating radar to characterize a former garage site contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. The sensor combination showed the ability to identify and accurately locate building remains and a high-density soil layer, thus demonstrating the high potential to investigate anthropogenic disturbances of physical nature. In addition, a correspondence was found between an area of lower electrical conductivity and elevated concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons, suggesting the potential to detect specific chemical disturbances. We conclude that the sensor combination provides valuable information for preliminary assessment of urban soils.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000357793300008 Publication Date 2015-06-04
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (up) Edition
ISSN 2050-7887; 2050-7895 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:127130 Serial 8715
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Boënne, W.; Desmet, N.; Van Looy, S.; Seuntjens, P.
Title Use of online water quality monitoring for assessing the effects of WWTP overflows in rivers Type A1 Journal article
Year 2014 Publication Environmental science : processes & impacts Abbreviated Journal
Volume 16 Issue 6 Pages 1510-1518
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract The effects on river water quality of sewer overflows are not well known. Since the duration of the overflow is in the order of magnitude of minutes to hours, continuous measurements of water quality are needed and traditional grab sampling is unable to quantify the pollution loads. The objective of this paper was to demonstrate the applicability of high frequency measurements for assessing the impacts of waste water treatment plants on the water quality of the receiving surface water. In our in situ water quality monitoring setup, two types of multiparameter sensors mounted on a floating fixed platform were used to determine the dynamics of dissolved oxygen, specific conductivity, ammonium-N, nitrate-N and dissolved organic carbon downstream of a waste water treatment plant (WWTP), in combination with data on rainfall, river discharge and WWTP overflow discharge. The monitoring data for water quantity and water quality were used to estimate the pollution load from waste water overflow events and to assess the impact of waste water overflows on the river water quality. The effect of sewer overflow on a small river in terms of N load was shown to be significant. The WWTP overflow events accounted for about 1/3 of the river discharge. The NH4-N loads during overflow events contributed 29% and 21% to the August 2010 and June 2011 load, respectively, in only 8% and 3% of the monthly time span. The results indicate that continuous monitoring is needed to accurately represent the effects of sewer overflows in river systems.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000336841600031 Publication Date 2014-03-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (up) Edition
ISSN 2050-7887; 2050-7895 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:118390 Serial 8722
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De Valck, J.; Beames, A.; Liekens, I.; Bettens, M.; Seuntjens, P.; Broekx, S.
Title Valuing urban ecosystem services in sustainable brownfield redevelopment Type A1 Journal article
Year 2019 Publication Ecosystem services Abbreviated Journal
Volume 35 Issue Pages 139-149
Keywords A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Abstract Urban environments provide opportunities for greater resource efficiency and the fostering of urban ecosystems. Brownfield areas are a typical example of underused land resources. Brownfield redevelopment projects that include green infrastructure allow for further ecosystems to be accommodated in urban environments. Green infrastructure also deliver important urban ecosystem services (UES) to local residents, which can greatly contribute to improving quality of life in cities. In this case study, we quantify and assess the economic value of five UES for a brownfield redevelopment project in Antwerp, Belgium. The assessment is carried out using the “Nature Value Explorer” modelling tool. The case includes three types of green infrastructure (green corridor, infiltration gullies and green roofs) primarily intended to connect nature reserves on the urban periphery and to avoid surface runoff. The green infrastructure also provides air filtration, climate regulation, carbon sequestration and recreation ecosystem services. The value of recreation far exceeds other values, including the value of avoided runoff. The case study raises crucial questions as to whether existing UES valuation approaches adequately account for the range of UES provided and whether such approaches can be improved to achieve more accurate and reliable value estimates in future analyses.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Wos 000457119300016 Publication Date 2018-12-18
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue (up) Edition
ISSN 2212-0416 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor Times cited Open Access
Notes Approved no
Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:157539 Serial 8733
Permanent link to this record