Literature

Abstracts

Evaluation of Climate Change Projections Using Open-Source Software Infrastructure across the Gulf Coast of the United States

Rocky Talchabhadel1,Daniel Bernard1, Kaile Johnson1, Saurav Bhattarai1, Sunil Bista1, Ramzi M Kafoury2

1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA

2 College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA

Abstract

In this study, we develop an open-source online computing infrastructure using a cloud-based computational platform, Google Earth Engine (GEE), and the NEX-GDDP-CMIP6, a downscaled global dataset at 25 km spatial resolution. This infrastructure is used to assess future projections of climate change and climate variability compared to hindcasts. The climate model outputs are analyzed using a series of spatiotemporal techniques to derive meaningful insights into the impacts of climate change. We compute projected deviations for various decision-relevant climate indices, including the maximum precipitation during the 5-day stretch of the year (RX5day), the one-day maximum precipitation of the year (RX1day), the total yearly precipitation (PRCPTOT), the hottest day of the year (TXx), the coldest day of the year (TNn), the number of frost days (FD), the number of summer days (SU), among other indices.

The primary objective of this study is to create an easily expandable training program for undergraduate students, with a specific focus on analyzing the effects of climate change. We incorporate both fundamental and advanced courses utilizing GEE and Google Collaboratory. While the case study is centered on the Gulf Coast of the United States (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida), the techniques and training materials can be applied and customized for other regions within the USA and internationally. The resulting tool offers opportunities for computational research. By providing students with hands-on skills and knowledge derived from detailed climate projections, the project aims to deepen their understanding of the impacts of climate change and empower them to address climate-related challenges.

[Presented at NOAA-UCAR Conference/Workshop, Jackson, Mississippi, July 22-26, 2024].

Vetiver Grass to Combat the Adverse Impacts of Climate Change on Infrastructures in Gulf of Mexico Region

Tyra-Nicole Whyte1, Fariha Rahman2, Sadik Khan, Ph.D., P.E3., Ramzi M. Kafoury, Ph. D.4

1 Undergraduate Student and Fellow of Gulf Scholars Program, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jackson State University

2 Graduate Student, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jackson State University

3Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jackson State University

4Professor, Department of Biology, Jackson State University

Abstract

Climate change has become an increasingly pressing issue, especially in the coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico. Sea level rise, increased rainfall, recurrences of extreme weather events and coastal erosion threaten infrastructural health. In the face of such challenges, there is an urgent need for sustainable and nature-based systems to protect and repair the infrastructure. This paper explores the potential of Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) as a nature-based solution to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on infrastructures. Vetiver grass, a perennial plant with a deep and fibrous root system, has demonstrated phenomenal performance in protecting infrastructural health against extreme weather events and soil degradation. The dense root system can go up to 3-4 m into the soil within the first year of its plantation without any adverse effect on the environment. It can withstand extreme climate changes, various soil types, a broad range of pH levels (3.3-12.5), and high concentrations of micropollutants. Vetiver can offer the potential to yield up to 120 tons of dry biomass per year per hectare. The current presentation summarizes the diverse applications of Vetiver grass including its ability to stabilize soil, control erosion, and prevent landslides. Field experiments involving planting and monitoring Vetiver grass on highway slopes in Mississippi were carried out to analyze the capacity of Vetiver to improve soil moisture content and provide soil shear strength. Through a comprehensive review of case studies and real-world applications, this research underscores Vetiver's potential as a low-cost, environmentally friendly, and sustainable solution for climate change adaptation in Infrastructure.

Climate Change and its Effects on Coastal Erosion in Gulf of Mexico Region

Steven Soublet Jr.1, Audrika Nahian2, Sadik Khan, Ph.D., P.E3., Ramzi M. Kafoury, Sc.D.4

1Undergraduate Student and Fellow of Gulf Scholars Program, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jackson State University.

2 Graduate Student, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jackson State University

3Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Coordinator of the Gulf Scholars Program, Jackson State University.

4College of Science, Engineering and Technology, and Director of the Gulf Scholars Program, Jackson State University.

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to coastal regions worldwide, intensifying the process of coastal erosion and challenging the field of civil engineering. This research paper focuses on developing an intricate relationship between climate change and coastal erosion, emphasizing the crucial role civil engineering plays in mitigating its adverse impacts. Rising global temperatures, melting polar ice, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events contribute to the accelerated erosion of coastal areas. Erosion is leading to the loss of valuable land, damaging buildings, and threatening coastal ecosystems due to rising sea levels and storm surges. In the Gulf of Mexico region, Louisiana is the most affected region by erosion, particularly along the barrier island and headland shores connected to the Mississippi delta. In this study, various climate change-induced factors, including sea level rise, storm surges, and changing precipitation patterns, are correlated with erosion rates of the affected areas of Louisiana. Erosion rates of the past 50 years are determined with DEM (Digital Elevation Model) data provided by USGS. By integrating cutting-edge engineering techniques with a holistic understanding of climate change impacts, civil engineers can proactively address the challenges posed by coastal erosion. This paper underscores the urgency of collaborative efforts between scientists, policymakers, and engineers to develop adaptive strategies that protect coastal environments and ensure the sustainable future of vulnerable coastal communities.

Assessment and cost-effectiveness of using Nerium oleander for extraction and cleaning of Heavy metals and Lithium along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi (MS)

Madison Mcline a,b; Christina Sutton a,b ; Naira IbrahimbIbrahima; Ramzi M. Kafourya, cb

a Jackson State University, Department of Biology and Environmental Science program, , School College of Science, Engineering and Technology and Engineering, Jackson State University, Jackson MS 39217Environmental Science program.

a Jackson State University, Department of Biology School of Science, Technology and Engineering, PhD in Environmental Science program.

b Jackson State University, Assistant professor at Department of Biology School of Science, Technology and Engineering, Environmental Science program.

cb Jackson State University, Associate Dean and GSP Director, School of Science, Technology and Engineering, Environmental Science program.Gulf Scholars Program, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217

Abstract

Lately, the wetland soil sediment within the Gulf of Mississippi's regions exhibits notably elevated concentrations of heavy metals and trace elements. This phenomenon arises from the extensive transportation of heavy metals over considerable distances, ultimately depositing them in the sediments. (Ip et al., 2007). Phytoremediation is a relatively new technique that is characterized as an eco-friendly technology reliant on plants for the purification and remediation of soil from pollutants such as heavy metals and trace elements. Different kinds of plants can have the capability and efficiency to remediate and clean up the soil, but our research will use one of the ornamental plants that the author examined which is Nerium oleander. N. oleander is one of the most efficient plants due to its ability to remediate soil sediment from HMs and accumulate in its tissues, especially leaves. (Naira et al., 2019 & Ibrahim and ElAfandi, 2021). Therefore, the main goals are to 1) Extract and recover the soil sediment of wetlands in the Gulf of Mississippi from contamination e.g., HMs and trace elements such as Lithium,. 2) Examine the effectiveness and efficiency of N. oleander to remediate the soil of wetlands from contamination. 3) Study the uptake and accumulation of HMs and lithium in various tissues of N. oleander (leaves, stems, and roots). In our study, twenty (number of plants) plants of N. oleander will be planted and distributed over[NAI1] (how many points over the wetland areas). The samples will be collected every three months (Spring, and Winter) to notice assess the effect of changing weather on the amounts of HMs that accumulate in soil and plant tissues). The samples either tissues or soil sediment will be dried in the oven at temperatures ranging between 70-100 ℃ then will be ground to be ready for digestion using wet digestion with HNO3 / H2 O2 (Jones et al., 1991). Following this procedure, the samples were filtered and run through ICP-OES. We hypothesize: 1) Higher levels of HMs and Lithium will accumulate more in shoots compared to roots (Ibrahim et al., 2020 & 2021),. 2) The amounts of HMs will be reduced in soil and sedimentthe soil (Naira et al., 2019), and. 3) The mounts of HMs and Lithium will be higher in tissues in spring compared to winter (Liu, 2007). We may conclude, that N. oleander will have the efficiency and capability to be used in remediate remediation and recovery of metals and Lithium in the soil of wetlands in the Gulf Coast area of Mississippi.

Keywords: Heavy metals, Lithium, Phytoremediation, Nerium oleander, Wetland soil, Gulf of Mississippi

Gulf Scholars Program, Collage of Science, Technology and Engineering, JSU, MS. 39217.

Supported by NSF, Excellent Research Intelligent Program

Impact of Extreme Event Coastal Infrastructure and Community along the Mississippi Coast

Spencer Ballenger1, Md Fahimuzzaman Khan2, Sadik Khan3, Ramzi M. Kafoury4

1Undergraduate Student and Fellow of Gulf Scholars Program, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217

2Graduate Student, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jackson State University

3Associate Professor and GSP Coordinator, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jackson State University

4Associate Dean and GSP program director, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Jackson State University

Abstract

The rising sea level and storm surges significantly challenge coastal infrastructures and the coastal communities. Sea level rise is a direct consequence of climate change, which heightens the risk of storm surges in coastal Mississippi. Extreme weather events have occurred more frequently as climate change continues. Storm surges and subsequent flooding in coastal areas relate to a complex web of challenges for construction projects, primarily driven by higher costs associated with infrastructure resilience and protective measures, which affects the livelihood of vulnerable coastal communities. Possible flooding areas could be deemed at risk of damage from a future weather event higher than expected intensity. In this study, different extreme events are considered in different locations along the Mississippi Coast. Over the past 25 years the frequency of extreme events increased which made significant financial toll to the coastal communities. The major flooding locations within Mississippi coast during the extreme events are identified using Geographic Information System (GIS). The damage of the infrastructures during the flooding events and extreme events are determined based on the historical NHERI reconnaissance data available in design safe. Socio Economic Vulnerability of the coastal communities has been determined using the available census datasets. The impact of the extreme events on infrastructure and community and its effect on the socio-economic condition has been assessed for the past 25 years along the Mississippi Coast.