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(Western Oregon University)

Western Oregon University (WOU) is a public liberal arts college located in Monmouth, Oregon, United States. It was originally established in 1856 by Oregon pioneers as Monmouth University. Subsequent names include Oregon Normal School, Oregon College of Education, and Western Oregon State College. Western Oregon University incorporates both the College of Education and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Enrollment is approximately 5,000 students.

More information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Oregon_University

Power of the Sun

Power of the Sun
NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY The Basics

NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY The Basics

Name: Marc DesJardin Organization: Environmental Geology Email: mdesjardin06@wou.edu Anthropogenic releases of chemical contaminants into the geologic environment can cause significant health effects in humans and degrade ecosystems as a whole. The destruction of our natural resources for the expansion of urbanization and the pollution that urbanization creates could eventually be the fatal blow for mankind. Toxic releases have been associated with cardiovascular disease, malignant tumors, trauma and genetic anomalies. Polluting agents such as pesticides, heavy metals, petroleum compounds and industrial residues stimulate negative health feedbacks in the environment. Mankind is poisoning itself through environmental manipulation that leads to toxic releases that eventually work their way through the food chain back to mankind. This project examines the range of human-induced health risks including radiation, chemical releases, electromagnetic fields, soil contamination, agricultural degradation, and pollution. Anthropogenic Factors And Human Health 7 Marc DesJardin Western Oregon University Mankind is poisoning the flora and fuana that it eats through the use of: Pesticides DDT-was used worldwide especially during WWII as an insecticide. DDT was heavily used until the 1960’s its toxicity was discovered and it was taken off the shelves. What made DDT so good at killing bugs is also what makes it so bad. DDT is a very stable compound and moves ve...

ABSTRACT Geophagy is the ingestion of soil, either involuntarily or deliberately. Foods can be contaminated, dust may be inhaled, or it can be a part of a person’s everyday diet. Deliberate geophagy has been in existence since before the evolution of Homo sapiens, however it was first recorded in the 1st century A.D. when terra sigillata was used for medicinal purposes. This composite substance was made from a soil that comes from the Greek island of Lemnos, mixed with goat’s blood and dried into a nickel-sized tablet. These tablets were used for many medicinal purposes and was listed in medical journals up through 1848. In the “New World” many natives practiced geophagy, though most only used it in times of great famine or for suicide. Geophagy in the U.S. today, though not widely admitted for obvious reasons, can be attributed to the practices of the slaves brought over from Africa in the early years of our nation’s history. Some reasons for modern day geophagy include: food or a food detoxifier, treatment of psychological disorders, use as a pharmaceutical, cultural tradition, or as a form of suicide. Claimed benefits of geophagy include relief of pregnancy symptoms or use as a mineral supplement. Side effects include elemental deficiencies, toxicities, and anxillary ingestion of soil-borne pathogens. This paper examines the history and practice of geophagy in medical applications. 20. Geophagy: The Effects of Soil Ingestion on Human Diet and Health Lindsey...

ABSTRACT Arsenic concentrations in groundwater of western Oregon commonly exceeds the maximum concentration limits (MCL) specified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Arsenic varies spatially according to composition of bedrock aquifer materials and temporally with seasonal changes in climate-driven recharge. Select aquifer systems in Lane and Linn Counties, the Tualatin basin, and the Sutherlin area are associated with anomalous arsenic concentrations in groundwater. Arsenic toxicity and long term health effects pose a risk to rural water users and well owners in these areas. This paper examines the geochemical conditions associated with arsenic distribution in western Oregon and considers mitigation strategies with respect to public health practice. 15. Arsenic Occurrence and Health Risks in Aquifer Systems of Western Oregon Von Blanchard ES473 Environmental Geology Earth and Physical Sciences Dept. Western Oregon University

INTRODUCTION The Lower Coast Fork of the Willamette River is the southern-most part of the Willamette. Much of the land is used for agriculture. Damming the river has changed the river. Habitats have changed and flow volume has decreased. Watershed Location The Lower Coast of the Willamette is located in central Lane County. Statewide, it located roughly in the middle part of the Willamette Valley. Figures: 1. Map of Oregon with watershed location General Geology The bedrock of the watershed mostly consists of recent alluvium (Qal) and rocks from the Fisher or Eugene Formation (Tfe). Other types of bedrock include basaltic rock (Tfeb), sedimentary and volcaniclastic rocks (Tus), and Marine Eugene Formation (Tfee). Figures 2. Geologic Map 3. Soil Map Hydrologic Summary The Lower Coast Fork of the Willamette River contains a total drainage area of 360 sq km. It has a total length of 22.8 km and a total width of 22.5 km. The watershed includes 13 subbasins, which have an average area of 27 sq km. 1248 stream segments and tributaries are included in the watershed, 632 are first order stream segments and 323 are second order stream segments. Figures 9. Watershed outlines and stream overlays Conclusions The Lower Coast of the Willamette is located in central Lane County. It contains a total drainage area of 360 sq km. The majority of the watershed gets 40-52 inches per year. The vegetation in this area is mostly agricultural. Other common vegetation types include ...
Energy Basics

Energy Basics
Splitting The Atom Nuclear Fission

Splitting The Atom Nuclear Fission
Using the State Adopted Textbook Collection to find Curriculum Materials

Using the State Adopted Textbook Collection to find Curriculum Materials

This theme session involves presentation by 19 WOU Earth Science students enrolled in ES473 Environmental Geology, spring term 2010. The focus of the session is on the emerging specialty discipline of medical geology, the study of the effect of geological phenomena on animal and human health. Since 2001, this branch of geological science has experienced a renaissance and transformation from studies that were heretofore generically referred to as “environmental health”. The geological community has rightfully staked a claim to its component of the public health field with representation of the discipline in international scientific societies (e.g. International Association of Medical Geologists, Geologic Society of America Health Division), the National Academies of Science (National Research Council, 2007, “Earth Materials and Health: Research Priorities for Earth Science and Public Health), and prominent scientific publications (e.g. Oxford University Press, 2003, “Geology and Health: Closing the Gap”; Elsevier, 2005, “Essentials of Medical Geology”). The health effects of Earth materials and geological processes are well established. Recent newsworthy examples include the disease effects spawned in the aftermath of the January 2010 Haitian earthquake, arsenic toxicity associated with groundwater supplies in the vicinity of Roseburg, Oregon, and increased cancer rates in uranium-bearing terrains of the southwestern U.S. This theme session provides an overview of th...

Name: Joni Osborn Organization: Western Oregon University Dept. of Earth and Physical Sciences Email: jeggleston09@wou.edu Radon: A Deadly Carcinogen in the Geologic Environment   Radon is a naturally occurring noble gas that results from radioactive decay in uranium-bearing bedrock and regolith. Radon occurs in a variety of geologic settings around the world, including the United States. Bedrock sources most associated with radon include metamorphic rocks and granites, black shales, feldspathic glacial deposits, and uranium ores. Health hazards associated with this gas include lung and stomach cancers, caused primarily by inhalation or ingestion. Radon exposure increases chances of lung cancer deaths in smokers and miners who work in underground enclosures. Radon hazard mapping helps locate risk areas and guides public health protection. Global hot spots for radon exposure include the Sierra Nevada-Rocky-Appalachian mountain regions of the U.S. , glacial terrains of the upper Midwest, Great Britain, Norway, and the Czech Republic. This paper provides an overview of the geochemistry behind radon occurrence and presents examples of mitigation projects from around the world. 13 Radon: A Deadly Carcinogen in the Geologic Environment Joni Osborn, Western Oregon University Faculty Advisor: Steve Taylor, PhD The radioactivity decay of Uranium produces the radioactive decay of radium which radon gas is the result. Radon gas (222Rn) is one of three rado...

ABSTRACT One field of study in medical geology examines the effects of atmospheric dust on human health. These effects can have significant health consequences, but are not widely recognized in the literature. Dust inhalation and lung accumulation is known to cause long term chronic health conditions. Sources in the atmosphere include wind deflation, burning of vegetation, volcanic eruptions, and anthropogenic disturbance. Classic locations associated with dust-related lung complications include the great dry lands of the northern hemisphere, the U.S. Great Basin, and southern hemisphere arid regions of Australia, South America and southern Africa. These locations are notoriously associated with high rates of silicosis and asbestosis, and attendant lung disease. Factors that influence the severity of these conditions include duration of exposure, the size of particles inhaled, and the toxicity of minerals comprising the particles. One detrimental element found in dust particles that is linked to a significant number of these conditions is silica. Although dust-related lung disease is a significant problem in underdeveloped countries and desert regions, few public health actions are being implemented to mitigate harmful effects of dust inhalation. This paper presents an overview of the geological influences on global dust flux and case examples of chronic health effects associated with excessive inhalation. Introduction Loess and Dust-Loess is windblown silt. C...

ABSTRACT 6. Biogeochemical Cycling and Interactions: Implications for Human Health Kailey Clarno Western Oregon University Figure 2. Periodic table of elements showing major, minor, and essential trace elements. REFERENCES CITED GEOCHEMISTRY AND THE FOOD CHAIN Element Uptake by Plants Element Uptake by Humans ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOCUS ON IRON Figure 1. Mechanisms of transport across a membrane (Lindh, Ulf. 2005). Table 1. Abundance of major and minor elements in human body mass. Table 2. Abundance of trace elements in human body mass. Figure 3. Essential trace element response to dose (Lindh, Ulf. 2005). Figure 4. Iron is absorbed into the enterocytes from dietary iron and blood plasma (Lindh, Ulf. 2005). Iron is an essential trace element that is vital to all living organisms. The most well known metabolic process involving iron is oxygen transport, but other processes include DNA synthesis and electron transport (Lindh, Ulf. 2005). Uptake by plants: Iron is abundant in nature but usually found as Fe3+ hydroxide (Fe(OH)3) which is insoluble. Plants must find a way to make Fe3+ soluble in order to take it up. Plants, bacteria, and some fungi secrete siderophores (low molecular weight molecules that bind to iron) which can make Fe3+ soluble for uptake. Uptake by humans: Humans, as well as other mammals, use absorption of iron as a major control point for altering the iron content of the body and of individual cells. The ...

Jody Berg Dept. Earth and Physical Sciences Western Oregon University jberg08@wou.edu The Earth’s crust is comprised of rock materials, which in turn is composed of inorganic silicate minerals. Rock material decomposes at the Earth’s surface to form regolith via chemical and physical weathering. Regolith forms the basis of soil and the fundamental framework for life in the critical zone, at the interface of the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere. Soil forms via physical, chemical, and biological transformations over time. As a result of pedogenic process, elements are released into surface and groundwater, and subsequently become available as part of macro- and micro- nutrients in the food chain with plants at the foundation. Essential macro-elements derived from the lithologic environment include Ca, Mg, Na, Cl, K, P, and S. Lesser abundant, but still important nutrients include Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, and Se. Deficiencies and surpluses of nutrients in the food chain effect physiological function of both animals and humans. Thus an understanding of geological variables in terrestrial ecosystems is essential for regional public health studies. This paper examines the effects of Earth materials and related near- surface processes on human health. 4 : Earth Materials at the Foundation : Geologic Factors that Effect Human Health Jody Berg, Western Oregon University Faculty Sponser : Steve Taylor, PhD INSERT YOUR ORGANIZATION’S LOGO HERE Soi...

Name: Caitlin Morris Organization: Western Oregon University Email: cmorris06@wou.edu Recent advances in medical geology have improved scientific understanding of the role of selenium (Se) as an essential trace element in human health. Even though selenium is an essential element, it has one of the narrowest concentration ranges between physiological deficiency and toxicity, either of which is potentially detrimental to bodily function. Se deficiency is directly correlated with Keshan Disease (KD), a heart ailment mainly affecting women and children, and Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD), which leads to deformity of the feet and hands. The effects of Se toxicity are less dramatic than those associated with deficiency, but just as efficient in causing health-related discomfort. This project examines the role of selenium geochemistry in human health, and provides case examples of public health issues from around the world. 16. Geochemical Controls on Selenium Occurrence in the Environment: Dietary Balancing Between Deficiency and Toxicity Caitlin Morris Western Oregon University, Earth Science Department Selenium is found in almost all of the natural materials on earth, including soils, rocks, waters, air, and plant and animal tissues (Fordyce). It is constantly being recycled within the environment, but vary rarely will you find Selenium by itself in its elemental form. Rocks and volcanoes produce more Selenium than any other natura...

This poster examines relationships between regional bedrock geology, soil composition, and plant nutrient quality. Animals are affected by changes in bedrock composition and attendant soil mineralogy. Mineral deficiencies and poisonings occur due to geochemical anomalies in a given region. Mineral imbalances can also cause diseases as the excessive uptake of one element blocks absorption of other necessary nutrients. Changes in soil moisture, organic matter content, clay content, ph levels, and cation exchange capacity affect bulk soil chemistry and hence plant nutrient uptake. Plants in turn absorb these elements and sicken foraging animals if they do not contain the proper mineral balance. Deficiencies are further exacerbated by droughts, excessive snowfall, and temperature extremes that restrict animal diets to less efficient food sources. Case studies are presented to illustrate bedrock-plant nutrient associations. Farmers have experienced ruminants succumbing to molybdenosis and copper deficiency. Molybdenum creates an endocrine imbalance leading to weight loss, lethargy, emaciation, and behavioral Disturbances. Wild herbivores are most affected by excessive or deficient mineral quantities in plants. For example, Swedish moose commonly develop type-2 diabetes due to chronic molybdenosis and elevated glucose levels. In Africa, animal migration patterns follow the availability of plants that contain essential trace elements that are endemic to a particular geologic terr...
Acid Mine Drainage

Acid Mine Drainage

The Lower Coquille Watershed, part of the Coquille Basin is located in Southwest Oregon in Coos county (see figure 1). The Coquille River is the major river system which includes four stems: South Fork, Middle Fork, North Fork and East Fork. They join to become the Main Stem or Lower Coquille River. Figure 7. Digital Elevation Model Quadrangles map (UTM Coordinate System) Reference: Lower Coquille Watershed Maps: Geographic Information Systems: Oregon 1:24,000 Quadrangle Names http://libweb.uoregon.edu/map/map_section/quad_list.htm Database: USGS: SAGEMAP http://sagemap.wr.usgs.gov/SearchData.aspx Database: Oregon Geospatial Enterprise Office (GEO) http://www.oregon.gov/DAS/EISPD/GEO/alphalist.shtml#O Lower Coquille Watershed Information site: Coquille Watershed (HUC 17100305) http://www.or.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp/watershed-coquille.html Lower Coquille Watershed Information site: Coquille Watershed Association http://www.coquillewatershed.org/ Lower Coquille Watershed Information site: Welcome to Inforain: Coquille Subbasin Working Atlas http://www.inforain.org/coquille_atlas/index.html Theme: Class Web Site http://www.wou.edu/las/physci/taylor/es341/es341_w09.htm http://terra.geo.orst.edu/ucgis/datasoft.html http://www.blm.gov/nstc/gis/GISsites.html http://www.fws.gov/data/statdata/ordata.html http://data.geocomm.com/catalog/US/61056/index.html http://or.water.usgs.gov/pubs_dir/Online/Cd/WRIR99-4036/GIS_FILES/index.html http://data.geocomm.com/catalo...

An increase of population and growth in economic development is causing adverse reactions with the surrounding environment of many areas. This population growth is responsible for changing the natural landscape and is also releasing a variety of pollutants. The combination of human-introduced chemicals, as well as those that occur geologically, have caused toxic elements to become more abundant and pose increased health risks. These pollutants can be studied using geochemical analysis of a given area, a combination of geological and chemical techniques applied in the context of public health. The chemicals found in the Earth have been directly linked to a multitude of health problems ranging in scale from allergies to cancer fatalities. Even minimal exposures over long periods of time can have adverse effects by allowing toxic elements, such as arsenic, to build up in the body. By taking the proper steps in monitoring geochemical parameters in the environment, it is possible to mitigate exposure and reduce health risks. This paper examines a variety of techniques that are used to determine the level of potentially dangerous chemicals occurring in the hydrosphere and geosphere. This work is placed in the context of case studies associated with agricultural and forestry practices. 8. Applied Geochemistry as a Tool in Medical Geology Dan Dziekan, Earth and Physical Sciences Department Western Oregon University Exposure to elements, both harmless and toxic, can result in heal...
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