Bioenergy: Examining the Efficient Utilization of Agricultural Biomass as a Source of Sustainable Renewable Energy in Louisiana

The use of renewable energy is steadily being adopted as a mitigative measure for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By assessing biomass production and consumption estimates from Louisiana parishes, this study examines the utilization of agricultural biomass as a convenient renewable energy source, and the potential of marginal lands for growing bioenergy crops in Louisiana. This was achieved by retrieving parish-level acreage production of some biofuel crops recorded in 2021 using the Quick Stats Database, to map out the spatial locations and distribution of the biofuel crops. To examine the potential of Louisiana’s marginal lands in bioenergy crop production, data was obtained from the Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database and mapped-out according to the eight Land Capability Classes numbered I-VIII. The results of the mapped-out acreage data revealed that 25% of the 64 parishes including Morehouse recorded high corn production estimates, while 43%, such as East Carroll, recorded high soybean production. Meanwhile, cotton production estimates were relatively low, as recorded in only 9 parishes, with one parish, Tensas, having the highest acreage production of around 23,000. Although the identified marginal lands in parishes such as Allen and Vernon had no records of corn, soybean, or cotton production, the soil survey database revealed that these marginal lands have high nutrient soils like Alfisols, Entisols and Inceptisols with optimal nutrient balance essential for high yield bioenergy crop production. Hence, this paper highlights Louisiana’s agricultural biomass to be leveraged as sustainable renewable sources while adhering to clear production guidelines, biofuel sustainability certification, and internationally agreed sustainability criteria.

Effect of stratification on current hydrodynamics over Louisiana shelf during Hurricane Katrina

Numerical experiments were conducted using the finite volume community ocean model(FVCOM) to study the impact of the initial density stratification on simulated currents over the Louisiana shelf during Hurricane Katrina. Model results for two simulation scenarios, including an initially stratified shelf and an initially non-stratified shelf, were examined. Comparison of two simulations for two-dimensional(2D) currents,the time series of current speed, and variations of cross-shore currents across different sections showed that the smallest differences between simulated currents for these two scenarios occurred over highly mixed regions within 1 radius of maximum wind(RMW) under the hurricane.For areas farther from the mixed zone, differences increased, reaching the maximum values off Terrebonne Bay. These large discrepancies correspond to significant differences between calculated vertical eddy viscosities for the two scenarios. The differences were addressed based on the contradictory behavior of turbulence in a stratified fluid, as compared to a non-stratified fluid. Incorporation of this behavior in the MellorYamada turbulent closure model established a Richardson number-based stability function that was used for estimation of the vertical eddy viscosity from the turbulent energy and macroscale. The results of this study demonstrate the necessity for inclusion of shelf stratification when circulation modeling is conducted using three-dimensional(3D) baroclinic models. To achieve high-accuracy currents, the parameters associated with the turbulence closures should be calibrated with field measurements of currents at different depths.

Use of GIS and Remote Sensing Technology as a Decision Support Tool in Flood Disaster Management: The Case of Southeast Louisiana, USA

The primary objective of this paper was to identify flood-prone areas in Southeast of Louisiana to help decision-makers to develop appropriate adaptation strategies and flood prediction, and mitigation of the effects on the community. In doing so, the paper uses satellite remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) data for this purpose. Elevation data was obtained from the National Elevation Dataset (NED) produced by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) seamless data warehouse. Satellite data was also acquired from USGS Earth explorer website. Topographical information on runoff characteristics such as slope, aspect and the digital elevation model was generated. Grid interpolation TIN (triangulated irregular network) was carried from the digital elevation model (DEM) to create slope map. Image Drape was performed using ERDAS IMAGINE Virtual GIS. The output image was then draped over the NED elevation data for visualization purposes with vertical exaggeration of 16 feet. Results of the study revealed that majority of the study area lies in low-lying and very low-lying terrain below sea level. Policy recommendation in the form of the need to design and build a comprehensive Regional Information Systems (RIS) in the form of periodic inventorying, monitoring and evaluation with full support of the governments was made for the study area.

Time Series Analysis on Selected Rainfall Stations Data in Louisiana Using ARIMA Approach

Precipitation is very important for both the environment and its inhabitants. Agricultural activities mostly depend on precipitation and its availability. Therefore, the ability to predict future precipitation values at specific stations is key for environmental and agricultural decision making. This research developed Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models for selected stations with Integrated component and Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) for selected stations without Integrated component at Louisiana State. The ARIMA module is represented as ARIMA(p, d, q)(P,D,Q). The selected lag order for the Autoregressive (AR) component is represented with p and P for seasonal AR component, while the integrated form (number of times data were differenced) is d and D for seasonal differencing, and the Moving Average (MA) lag order is q and Q for seasonal MA component. Data from 1950 to 2020 were employed in this research. Results of the analysis indicated that Baton Rouge (ARIMA (0,1,1) (0,0,2)12), Abbeville (ARMA (0,0,1) (0,0,2)12), Monroe Regional (ARMA (0,0,1) (0,0,0)12), New Orleans Airport (ARMA (1,0,0) (0,0,2)12), Alexandria (ARMA (1,0,1) (0,0,0)12), Logansport (ARIMA (0,1,2) (0,0,0)12), New Orleans Audubon (ARMA (1,0,0) (0,0,0)12), Lake Charles Airport (ARMA (2,0,2) (0,0,0)12) are the best ARIMA models for predicting precipitation in Louisiana. The models were used to predict the average monthly rainfall at each station. The highest precipitation observed in Louisiana was recorded in 1991. The Precipitation in Louisiana fluctuated over the years but has adopted a decreasing trend from the year 2000 to 2020. It was recommended that the government, researchers, and individuals take note of these models to make future plans to help increase the production of agricultural commodities and prevent destructions caused by excessive precipitation.

Spatial Distribution of Toxic Sites in Louisiana, USA: The GIS Perspectives

This study uses geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to spatially geocode the affected toxic site areas in Louisiana and use the results to help policy-makers plan for removal. Data for this study was acquired from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website including names and locations of National Priorities List (NPL). Also, publicly available EPA database that contains information on toxic chemical releases and other waste management activities reported annually by regulated industry groups and federal facilities was acquired. Data obtained from EPA website was converted to geographic co-ordinates (latitude and longitude). Results showed geocoded toxic wastes maps in Louisiana. Results also revealed that most of the toxic sites were clustered around major waterways in both southern and northern Louisiana. Policy recommendations include strict enforcement of the State laws that deal with fracking and flaring, use of emission inventories and air quality reports to assist policy makers in developing cost-effective emission control strategies that are necessary for tracking the progress of policies towards gas emissions reduction and finally, the need to increase funding for the clean-up of the chemical waste.

Bio-Based Paths to Prosperity for Small and Medium Forest Landowners: A Pilot Study in Southwest Louisiana

Forest biomass has great potential as a biofuel feedstock, but information on forest owner perceptions of using forest biomass to produce bioenergy is lacking. In this case study, we surveyed 3500 small to medium private forest landowners in southwestern Louisiana to better understand their attitudes and perceptions towards harvesting forest biomass for bioenergy production. Results indicate that landowners: 1) were positive about utilizing biomass for bioenergy, 2) believe viable biomass conversion technologies exist, 3) had antagonistic or neutral attitudes towards some technological, economic, and policy issues associated with using forest biomass for bioenergy due in part to lack of information or knowledge, and 4) felt biomass is a low-value product compared to traditional products. Landowners’ perceptions of participating in bio-based activities and markets vary among age and ownership size, and 51% of forest landowners were willing to participate in management activities specifically geared for bioenergy production.

Modeling the Risks of Climate Change and Global Warming to Humans Settled in Low Elevation Coastal Zones in Louisiana, USA

This paper seeks to identify high risk areas that are prone to flooding, caused by sea level rise because of high impacts of global climate change resulting from global warming and human settlements in low-lying coastal elevation areas in Louisiana, and model and understand the ramifications of predicted sea-level rise. To accomplish these objectives, the study made use of accessible public datasets to assess the potential risk faced by residents of coastal lowlands of Southern Louisiana in the United States. Elevation data was obtained from the Louisiana Statewide Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) with resolution of 16.4 feet (5 m) distributed by Atlas. The data was downloaded from Atlas website and imported into Environmental Systems Research Institute’s (ESRI’s) ArcMap software to create a single mosaic elevation image map of the study area. After mosaicking the elevation data in ArcMap, Spatial Analyst extension software was used to classify areas with low and high elevation. Also, data was derived from United States Geological Survey (USGS) Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and absolute sea level rise data covering the period 1880 to 2015 was acquired from United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website. In addition, population data from U.S. Census Bureau was obtained and coupled with elevation data for assessing the risks of the population residing in low lying areas. Models of population trend and cumulative sea level rise were developed using statistical methods and software were applied to reveal the national trends and local deviations from the trends. The trends of population changes with respect to sea level rise and time in years were modeled for the low land coastal parishes of Louisiana. The expected years for the populations in the study area to be at risk due to rising sea level were estimated by models. The geographic information systems (GIS) results indicate that areas of low elevation were mostly located along the coastal Parishes in the study area. Further results of the study revealed that, if the sea level continued to rise at the present rate, a population of approximately 1.8 million people in Louisiana’s coastal lands would be at risk of suffering from flooding associated with the sea level having risen to about 740 inches by 2040. The population in high risk flood zone was modeled by the following equation: y = 6.6667x - 12,864, with R squared equal to 0.9964. The rate of sea level rise was found to increase as years progressed. The slopes of models for data for time periods, 1880-2015 (entire data) and 1970-2015 were found to be, 4.2653 and 6.6667, respectively. The increase reflects impacts of climate change and land management on rate of sea level rise, respectively. A model for the variation of years with respect to cumulative sea level was developed for use in predicting the year when the cumulative sea level would equal the elevation above sea level of study area parishes. The model is given by the following equation: y = 0.1219x + 1944.1 with R square equal to 0.9995.

An Assessment of the Potential Use of Forest Residues for the Production of Bio-Oils in the Urban-Rural Interface of Louisiana

Louisiana is endowed with forest resources. Forest wastes generated after thinning, land clearing, and logging operations, such as wood debris, tree trimmings, barks, sawdust, wood chips, and black liquor, among others, can serve as potential fuels for energy production in Louisiana. This paper aims to evaluate the potential annual volumes of forest wastes established on detailed and existing data on the forest structure in the rural-urban interface of Louisiana. It also demonstrates the state’s prospects of utilizing forest wastes to produce bio-oils. The data specific to the study was deduced from secondary data sources to obtain the annual average total residue production in Louisiana and estimate the number of logging residues available for procurement for bioenergy production. The total biomass production per year was modeled versus years by polynomial regression curve fitting using Microsoft Excel. Results of the model show that the cumulative annual total biomass production for 2025 and 2030 in Louisiana is projected to be 80000000 Bone Dry Ton (BDT) and 16000000 (BDT) respectively. The findings of the study depict that Louisiana has a massive biomass supply from forest wastes for bioenergy production. Thus, the potential for Louisiana to become an influential player in the production of bio-based products from forest residues is evident. The author recommends that future research can use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create maps displaying the potential locations and utilization centers of forest wastes for bioenergy production in the state.

Bioenergy Crops as a Promising Alternative to Fossil Fuels in Louisiana: A Geographic Information System (GIS) Perspective

Rising greenhouse gas emissions are causing climate change, and the world’s focus has shifted to the need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. There has been a rise in the published literature on the utilization of crops for bioenergy production in Louisiana. However, very few scholarly documents have used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map the distribution of potential bioenergy crops in Louisiana. This study seeks to fill the void by evaluating the potential of bioenergy crops in Louisiana for energy production using GIS. Given this objective, the agricultural census data for 1999, 2009, 2019, and 2020 obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture were used in the analysis. The quantities of various crops produced in the state were loaded into an attribute table and joined to a shapefile using ArcGIS software. The symbology tool’s graduated option was used to create five maps representing each of the bioenergy crops in Louisiana. The findings of the GIS analysis show that some of the parishes, such as Franklin produced the most bushels of corn (13,795,416), Iberia produced the most tons of sugarcane (1,697,980), East Carroll produced the most bushels of soybean (8,237,991), Tensas harvested the most bales of cotton (80,898) and Avoyelles produced the most bushels of sorghum (630,694). The abundance and availability of crops as raw materials for energy production will translate into lower prices in terms of energy use, making bioenergy crops a promising alternative to fossil fuels. In addition, gasoline price data from 1993-2022 was obtained from U.S. Energy Information Administration. A regression model for the average annual gasoline price over the years was constructed. The results show that the average annual gasoline price variation with respect to years is statistically significant (p 0.05). This suggests that gasoline prices will generally rise despite a price drop over the years. The paper concludes by outlining policy recommendations in the form of assessing the availability and viability of other crop types, such as wheat, oats, and rice, for energy production in the state.

Analysis of Precipitation Trends and Prediction in Selected Cities in the Southeast Louisiana

The impacts of climate change are being felt in Louisiana, in the form of changing weather patterns that have resulted in changes in floods, hurricanes, tornadoes frequencies of occurrence, and magnitudes, among others resulting in, flooding. The variabilities in rainfall in a drainage basin affect water availability and sustainability. This study analyzed the precipitation data of Southeastern Louisiana, United States, for the period 1990 to 2020. Data used in the study was from, Donaldsonville, Galliano, Lafourche, Gonzales, Ascension, Morgan, New Orleans, Audubon, Plaquemine, and Ponchatoula, Tangipahoa, weather stations. These stations were selected because the differences between each of their highest and lowest average annual rainfall data were greater than 20 inches. To investigate climate patterns and trends for the given weather stations in Southeastern Louisiana, precipitation data were analyzed on annual time scales using data collected from the World Bank Group Climate Change Knowledge Portal for Development Practitioners and Policy Makers and the Applied Climate Information System (ACIS) of the National Weather Service Prediction Center. The data were further aggregated using annual average blocks of 4 years, and linear and polynomial regression was performed to establish trends. The highest and lowest average annual rainfall data for Donaldsonville, Galliano, Lafourche, Gonzales, Ascension, Morgan, New Orleans, Audubon, Plaquemine, and Ponchatoula, Tangipahoa, weather stations were, 75 and 48, 71 and 44, 73.5 and 52.7, 75 and 46.4, 72 and 41.3, 94 and 55.3, Ponchatoula, and 78.6 and 44, respectively. Plaquemine recorded the highest average annual average rainfall while New Orleans, Audubon station recorded the lowest. The projection of the precipitation in 2030 has been carried out to inform scientists and stakeholders about the approximate quantity of rainfall expected and enable them to make their expected impacts on agriculture, economy, etc. The precipitation for 2030 was predicted by extrapolating models for the weather stations. The data used for the modeling was selected based on the data entries most representative. Hence, the coefficient of correlation and the number of data entries were both considered. Extrapolating results for 2030 precipitation in Donaldsonville, Galliano, Gonzales, Morgan, New Orleans, Audubon, and Plaquemine were found to be within the ranges, (85.6 - 86.7), (75.55 - 76.60), (89.7 - 90.67), (99.9 - 100.5), (71.68 - 72.66), and (107.7 - 108.8) inches, respectively. Hence, the average annual precipitations in areas covered by these stations except for Plaquemine station are expected to significantly increase. A restively low increase in average precipitation is expected for Plaquemine station. The increase could impact agriculture negatively or positively depending on the crop’s soil moisture tolerance.

Louisiana 通过展览刻画生活

生活,就是实践梦想。改变社会结构,比如单身者的人数增加、通信形式的新兴、美好生活理念的工业化,都会影响我们的生活。丹麦露西安娜现代艺术馆的展览以建筑为焦点。

路易斯安那鸢尾叶部病害病原鉴定和防治药剂筛选

为精准防控路易斯安那鸢尾叶部病害,开展了路易斯安那鸢尾叶部病害发生情况调查、病原鉴定和防治药剂筛选研究。以路易斯安那鸢尾的感病植株为调查对象,感病叶片为病原鉴定试材,11种杀菌剂为抑菌药剂,采用机械抽样法进行不同品种抗病性评价,采用组织分离法、柯赫氏法则、形态学观察分析和分子生物学鉴定进行病原种类鉴定,扩散法进行抑菌药剂筛选。结果表明,路易斯安那鸢尾品种Noble Moment抗病能力最强,品种Colorific、Sea knight较为抗病,Heather Stream、Kristi G、News Brief、Pegaletta抗病性较差。造成鸢尾叶部病害的病原为藤仓镰刀菌(Fusarium fujikuroi)、粗糙枝孢菌(Cladosporium asperulatum)、枝状枝孢菌(Cladosporium cladosporioides)、皮落青霉菌(Penicillium solitum)。室内抑菌试验测定结果表明,供试11种杀菌剂对4种病原菌均有不同程度的抑菌毒力,其中综合抑菌效果较好的是47%王铜(WP),其次是43%戊唑醇(SC),平均半数效应质量浓度(EC_(50))分别为0.999、2.395µg/mL。

The Role of Rivers in the United States 19th Century Territorial Expansion from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean

This study explores the key role of rivers in the westward expansion of the United States during the 19th century. In the early 1800s, President Jefferson envisioned a United States that extended from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. At the time, the entire United States territory was located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mississippi River. Much of the land west of the Mississippi River was claimed by Spain, France, or Canada. In 1803, President Jefferson was able to purchase the Missouri River watershed from France via the Louisiana Purchase. This allowed the United States to extend its land claim west from the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers to the head waters of the Missouri River at the continental divide in the Rocky Mountains. President Jefferson commissioned William Clark and Meriwether Lewis, in 1803, to explore, discover and describe the Missouri River watershed and find a water route to the Pacific Ocean. The Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery trip found no such waterway link but did continue to explore the Pacific Northwest lands north and west of the continental divide. The only way that the Pacific Northwest could be claimed as part of the United States was for Americans to settle there before the Canadians did. Starting in the 1820s, many Americans traveled via the Oregon Trail to the Willamette Valley (Land of Flowing Milk and Honey) in Oregon. The primary objectives of this study are to document how the United States: 1) extended its land claims west from the Mississippi River to the North American continental drainage divide;2) established an American claim to the Pacific North West territory;and 3) fulfilled President Jefferson’s vision of a United States extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.

不同品种路易斯安娜鸢尾对水体氮磷的削减和耐淹能力研究

为使路易斯安娜鸢尾在河湖堤岸生态建设和面源氮磷污染拦截修复中更好地发挥优势,对不同品种路易斯安那鸢尾的氮磷净化、拦截及耐淹能力进行评价研究。结果表明:不同路易斯安娜鸢尾品种在富营养化水体中的适应性、氮磷削减能力和耐淹能力存在不同程度差异,其中被调查的15个品种中L4和L9无论从生长适应性、氮磷削减率还是耐淹能力方面均表现最优。本研究旨在为在不同河湖生态环境修复时,有针对性地选择路易斯安娜鸢尾进行实际应用提供理论和应用依据。

路易斯安娜鸢尾对重金属镉的吸收、积累及其抗性的研究

采用溶液培养法,研究0、10、100、500μmol·L-1浓度CdCl2处理对路易斯安娜鸢尾外部形态、镉积累量、叶绿素含量、光合参数以及抗氧化酶活性等各项指标的影响。结果表明:低浓度Cd2+处理对路易斯安娜鸢尾生长无明显影响,随着Cd2+胁迫强度上升,根长显著降低,叶绿素和光合速率显著下降,POD、SOD活性显著上升,CAT活性下降。此外,根内POD、SOD酶活性明显高于叶,而根内MDA含量低于叶。说明路易斯安娜鸢尾对100μmol·L-1以下Cd2+毒害具有较强的抗性和吸收、积累能力,且根是主要积累部位。

^(60)Co-γ射线对路易斯安那鸢尾种子的辐射效应研究

为探索路易斯安那鸢尾育种的新途径,利用0(CK)、100、200、300 Gy 4个不同剂量的^(60)Co-γ射线对6个路易斯安那鸢尾品种的自交种子进行辐射处理,研究^(60)Co-γ射线对路易斯安那鸢尾种子的辐射效应。结果表明,与CK相比,100 Gy辐射处理可以提高路易斯安那鸢尾种子萌发率和成苗率,并有效促进F1M1花茎伸长和花朵直径增加;200 Gy的辐射处理具有明显的致死效应,种子成苗率显著下降;低于200 Gy的^(60)Co-γ射线辐射对其中5个品种F1M1的花色分离具有促进作用,剂量越高,花色分离率越高;300 Gy辐射处理下,6个品种种子成苗率均低于2%,表明300 Gy具有强烈的致死效应。由此可知,100 Gy辐射处理可以促进种子萌发,用于种苗生产;200 Gy可以作为诱变剂量用于诱变育种;300 Gy则不适宜选作辐射育种剂量。本研究结果为路易斯安那鸢尾的辐射育种技术的应用提供了一定的理论依据和技术参考。

Pb胁迫对路易斯安那鸢尾幼苗生长和生理生化特性的影响

采用液体培养法研究了0（CK）、200、400、600和800 mg·L-1Pb胁迫条件下路易斯安那鸢尾（Louisiana Iris）品种‘Professor Neil’幼苗生长,叶片叶绿素含量,叶片和根系的丙二醛（MDA）和脯氨酸（Pro）含量、超氧阴离子自由基（O-·2）产生速率以及超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化物酶（POD）和过氧化氢酶（CAT）活性的变化。结果表明：随Pb质量浓度的提高,幼苗的株高、根长、叶片和根系干质量以及耐性指数总体呈逐渐下降的趋势,且总体上显著低于对照（P〈0.05）,但各处理组间差异不显著。幼苗叶片的叶绿素a和b含量均随Pb质量浓度提高而缓慢下降,但仅在800 mg·L-1Pb胁迫条件下叶绿素a含量显著低于对照（P〈0.05）,其余处理组的叶绿素a和b含量及叶绿素a/b比值均与对照无显著差异。叶片和根系的MDA和Pro含量及POD活性均随Pb质量浓度提高逐渐增加,根系的SOD活性则随Pb质量浓度提高逐渐降低;而叶片的SOD活性以及叶片和根系的CAT活性和O-·2产生速率均在200~600 mg·L-1Pb胁迫条件下随Pb质量浓度提高逐渐增加,但在800 mg·L-1Pb胁迫下均不同程度降低,表明路易斯安那鸢尾可通过体内抗氧化酶和相关物质的诱导及合成缓解低浓度Pb胁迫对其造成的毒害作用,而高浓度Pb胁迫对路易斯安那鸢尾的伤害较重。综合分析结果表明：路易斯安那鸢尾具有一定的耐Pb特性和修复Pb污染水体的潜能。

美国路易斯安那州的克氏原螯虾产业发展概述

阐述了美国路易斯安那州的克氏原螯虾产业的概况,包括路易斯安那州的螯虾养殖业发展简史、螯虾历年的渔获状况、近十年来的螯虾批发价格统计及典型的养殖模式等,为国内克氏原螯虾业发展提供借鉴。