Researchers
Paul Wiegand
About the research
The objective of this research is to develop best management practices specifications for stormwater quality.
Researchers
Song-Charng Kong
Dennis Kroeger
Massiel Orellana
Abhisek Mudgal
About the research
Biodiesels are often marketed as being cleaner than regular diesel for emissions. Emission test results depend on the biodiesel blend, but laboratory tests suggest that biodiesels decrease particulate matter, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and air toxins when compared to regular diesel. Results for the amount of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) have been less conclusive.
Tests have not evaluated the commonly available ranges of biodiesel blends in the laboratory. Additionally, little information is available from on-road studies, so the effectiveness of using biodiesels to reduce actual emissions is unknown. A more complex relationship exists between engine operation and the rate of emission production than is typically evaluated using engine or chassis dynamometer tests. On-road emissions can vary dramatically because emissions are correlated to engine mode. Additionally, activity such as idling, acceleration, deceleration, and operation against a grade can produce higher emissions than more stable engine operating modes. Since these modes are not well captured in a laboratory environment, understanding on-road relationships is critical in evaluating the emissions reductions that may be possible with biodiesels. More tests and quantifications of the effects of different blends on engine and vehicle performance are required to promote widespread use of biodiesel.
The objective of this research was to conduct on-road and laboratory tests to compare the emission impacts of different blends of biodiesel to regular diesel fuel under different operating conditions. The team conducted engine dynamometer tests as well as on-road tests that utilized a portable emissions monitoring system that was used to instrument transit buses. Regular diesel and different blends of biodiesel were evaluated during on-road engine operation by instrumenting three in-use transit buses, from the CyRide system of Ames, Iowa, along existing transit routes. Evaluation of transit buses was selected for this study rather than heavy-duty trucks since transit buses have a regular route. This way, emissions for each of the biodiesel blends could be compared across the same operating conditions.
Researchers
David Plazak
Randy Boeckenstedt
About the research
Refine the beta version of the Iowa Produce Market Potential Calculator and develop it into a web-based tool from recommendations received from an advisory committee assembled in cooperation with the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Develop a second market sizing (i.e., demand only) calculator for the range of food products listed by USDA/ERS, which includes meats, dairy, and other products.
Researchers
Paul Wiegand
Larry Stevens
About the research
Develop and present three two-day workshops to provide professional training to design engineers, city staff, builders, and the general public concerning erosion and sediment control practices contained in the Statewide Urban Design and Specifications Manual.
Project Details
04/01/05
11/30/06
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Researchers
LaDon Jones
Paul Wiegand
Vern Schaefer
Muhannad Suleiman
About the research
The overall goal of integrated pervious pavement systems is two-fold: 1) to reduce volume of direct runoff from the pavement surface by direct infiltration of the water through the pavement surface and into the subbase/subgrade; and 2) to provide enhancement of stormwater quality by directing the sheet flow of water through the pervious concrete and underlying porous subbase structure. This project is focused on the design of PC pervious concrete for use in the cold wet-freeze environment found in Iowa and the Upper Midwest. It will evaluate the mix design for durability, porosity, and improved stormwater runoff management.
Researchers
LaDon Jones
About the research
Develop a statewide urban design and specifications manual for stormwater quality management to help Iowa communities comply with NPDES Phase II and improve water quality throughout the state.