MSc & MSc Funded Theses

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Open Access
Finite element analysis of laminated glass
(Cranfield University, 2009-09) Watson, Chris; Walton, A.; Skordos, Alexandros A.
In the road and rail industries, annealed float glass is combined with a thin polymeric layer to form a 3-ply glass/PVB/glass structure known as laminated glass. Amongst other characteristics, the PVB acts to retain fractured glass fragments, thus minimising injury from flying glass shards. Previous attempts at predicting the behaviour of laminated glass during impact have proven difficult due to complex stress fields caused by the large differences in moduli. The following research made an attempt at modelling laminated glass using the Laminated Glass model of LS-DYNA (MAT_32). Experimental results, used for model validation, displayed a large amount of scatter that may have been due to differences in manufacturing conditions. Numerical prediction results showed the model to be highly sensitive to mesh refinement. The resultant data showed poor correlation with experimental results predicting a much softer response.
Open Access
Determining the carbon footprint of a National Trust country estate
(Cranfield University, 2009-09) Slater, Dora; Burgess, Paul J.; Williams, Adrian
The UK Government aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 % by 2050 against a 1990 baseline. Agriculture makes up around 7 % of UK emissions and the industry is under pressure to meet these targets (and to produce more food). To achieve reductions it is necessary to be able to calculate emissions. This study looks at methods to calculate the carbon footprint of a National Trust estate with livestock, arable farming and a stately home. Methods explored include greenhouse gas inventories, life cycle analysis and carbon calculators. A carbon calculator designed for farms was selected (the CALM Calculator) and applied to Wimpole Hall, Cambridgeshire. Key greenhouse gas sources were identified and estate activity data gathered to calculate the footprint. A comparison was made between current arable practices and proposed organic methods. Emissions from estate energy and water consumption were also included. The arable non-organic farm emitted 1018 tCO2e, 73 % due to N2O emissions from nitrogen fertilizers. The livestock farm emitted 686 tCO2e, 44 % from cattle. Estate emissions from electricity, heating oil and water supply were 303 tCO2e. The total estate footprint was calculated as 2007 tCO2e. A change to organic arable methods was predicted to deliver an estate footprint of 1361 tCO2e but yields will be less (organic wheat is said to yield only 68 % of non-organic). The removal potential of conversion of areas of arable to grassland (41 tCO2e) and particularly of farm woodland (1430 tCO2e) was noticeable. Combined these can offset 73 % of total estate emissions using non-organic arable methods and 103 % of total estate emissions using proposed organic arable methods. Shortcomings of the method are identified along with the high level of uncertainty connected to the results. The issue of reduced yield expected under organic arable cultivation is highlighted and the implications of balancing reduced emissions with maintaining food production are explored.
Open Access
Assessment of an innovative soil aerator on soil physical disturbance and reducing runoff on compacted grassland
(Cranfield University, 2009-09) Shanahan, Peter; Simmons, Robert W.; Hann, M. J.
Poor grassland management practices increases compaction and reduces infiltration leading to increasing risk of poaching and runoff generation. On-site impacts of grassland compaction include the loss of topsoil structure which also reduces soil ecosystem functioning. In addition, ongoing diffuse water pollution from compacted grassland limits the ability of the UK’s authorities to meet EU water quality guidelines such as the Water Framework Directive and address flood risks in areas of extensive grassland management (e.g. Boscastle, 2004). This study investigates the effects of an innovative ground-driven rotary soil aerator at alleviating soil compaction and reducing overland flow (designed by Mr. Roger Clay, Herefordshire). The magnitude of soil disturbance from slotting was assessed at the Cranfield University Soil Dynamics Test Centre soil-bin. Draught and vertical force requirements and tillage efficiency were also determined for varying depth and horizontal and vertical angle combinations using an Extended Octagonal-Ring Transducer (EORT). The effect of various slotting treatments on runoff was then investigated on a steep compacted permanent pasture in Herefordshire using erosion plots and simulated rainfall. From the soil-bin assessment, soil disturbance was most efficient (lowest specific draught) at 100 mm depth, a vertical angle of 18° and with increasing horizontal angle (0° to 10°). The draught requirement for a single bladed disc at 18° vertical ranged from 0.88 to 1.24 kN (90-126 kg force) and a maximum vertical force or ballast requirement of 257 kg force per bladed disc. Slotting treatments reduced runoff by 75% as compared with the non-slotted control.
Open Access
Low temperature ITO thin film deposition for solar cells
(Cranfield University, 2008-09) Seraffon, Maud; Impey, Susan A.; Lawson, K. J.; Rao, Jeff
The electrical and optical properties as well as the microstructure of indium tin oxide thin films deposited on glass and flexible substrates is demonstrated in this project report. This project is a part of an MSc in Advanced Materials at Cranfield University. The understanding and improvement of indium tin oxide coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering on both glass and polymer substrates has been an area of extensive research in the last decade. This technology appears to be very interesting in terms of money saving and efficiency in the solar cell domains where the coatings are used in thin film solar cells. Research into the thin film solar cells mechanism, the sputtering process and ITO coatings is reported, along with detailed consideration of the best results obtained in the past in terms of ITO films’ electrical and optical properties. ITO thin films were deposited on glass and different sputtering parameters were changed in order to investigate their influence on the coatings properties: film thickness, chamber pressure, rotation, oxygen amount and sputtering power. A decision was made to establish the best sputtering parameters. These parameters were set to deposit ITO on polyethylene terephthalate (flexible substrate). The samples were also annealed at 150°C and 370°C. An ITO thin film with a resistivity of 1x10-4 Ωcm and a 90% transmissivity was obtained. An Energy Dispersive Spectrometry analysis was finally made on samples showing a substoichiometric composition of the ITO films.
Open Access
Semantic based approach for knowledge management
(Cranfield University, 2009-09) Sanya, Isaac; Shehab, Essam; Roy, Rajkumar
Companies are beginning to understand the importance of the management and maintenance of knowledge resources. One of the main constraints that have hindered the solution to resolving technical problems has been the efficient access to knowledge and expertise. Currently, the problem of ‘understanding’ has been one of the main limitations that have hindered the robustness of conventional systems due to lack of ‘semantics’ in knowledge representation. Therefore, there is need for enhancing the management and maintenance of knowledge through a semantic based approach. Semantics is defined as the study of meaning in communication and it aims to identify relationships between syntactical elements through the use of ontologies. The aim of this thesis is to develop prototype tools utilising semantic based approach for knowledge management in order to demonstrate and quantify the potential capability of these technologies within the defence equipment support market. The development of these semantic based prototypes are based upon accomplishing certain objectives: (i) transform an existing Excel based cost model into a semantic based application (ii) capture complex knowledge about maintenance and diagnosis of equipments in one central knowledge base, (iii) incorporate within the prototype a two way dialogue to help in diagnosing a problem and allow for rapid discovery of appropriate solutions, (iv) evaluate and validate use of semantic based approach to manage knowledge within the defence equipment support market, (v) use of multiple cases to demonstrate the benefits of semantic technology. The aim and objectives of this research project was achieved by adopting a qualitative research approach and a fivephase research programme methodology. The research project has highlighted that the use of semantic technology enhances the reusability, flexibility and maintainability of knowledge and its management. The ability to represent functionalities graphically reinforces understanding and makes functionality editing easier. Semantic technology can also be deployed gradually which means it can mature with the problem. The definition of synonyms and ontologies gives semantic technology an advantage over other computer based knowledge representation techniques. This research project successfully demonstrates and quantifies the benefits of semantic technology.
Open Access
The relationship between UVT and turbidity, with respect to the disinfection of surface waters
(Cranfield University, 2009-09) Roussillon, Guillaume; Parsons, Simon
UV transmittance (UVT) is a parameter very closely related to the efficiency of any UV processes. Firstly a theoretical model of UVT proposed by Gregory (2006) was assessed and secondly an experimental approach was undertaken to find out any relationship between turbidity and UVT. UVT calculations were made for a range of particle diameter from 100nm to 5µm and to assess the impact of particle characteristics (particle size, particle number concentration and refractive index) on UVT. The theoretical model showed that the most important parameter affecting UVT was particle size and this was attenuated when the refractive index of the particle was small. The sensitivity of turbidity measurement required to show a 1% variation in UVT for UVT (for UVT above 90%) was calculated to be 0.01NTU which is below the level of sensitivity of most commercial system. Experiments with made solution containing one pollutant showed that turbidity is linearly related to the UVT (turbidity range between 0.14-5 NTU), but for real and non commercial water compositions UVT cannot be estimated using turbidity measurement. The nature of turbidity cannot be directly related to the particle characteristics which are particle size, chemical composition and hence absorbance and scattering coefficient. Finally from comparison between experimental results and theoretical calculation of UVT it appears that difference in UVT prediction (given values from 0% to 100% of UVT whereas measurement are between 90-99%) was mainly due to an error in theoretical determination of particle number concentration measurement. As an improvement of the theoretical model it was proposed to calculate the particle number concentration from 4 size particle fractionated solutions and then these solutions were diluted and UVT calculations and measurement were performed. Difference between predicted and measured UVT was still too important (but lower than 4%) to get a good correlation and use the theoretical model as a tool to predict UVT.
Open Access
The summer nutrient dynamics of Bosherston lakes, Pembrokeshire, and the potential impacts of future climate and policy change
(Cranfield University, 2008-09) Niciecki, Georgina; Holman, Ian P.
Bosherston Lakes, Pembrokeshire have had problems with high nutrient concentrations and algal blooms, particularly in the stream-fed Eastern Arm, leading to the loss of Chara within the Eastern Arm. Management in the last 25 years has led to a reduction in external nutrient loading, but the impact of internal loading during the summer has yet to be properly assessed. The potential impacts of climate and policy change on the nutrient dynamics need to be accounted for to be able to efficiently manage the site in the future to preserve the important Chara habitat. The streams and lake water were analysed for both Total Reactive Phosphorus (TRP) and Total Phosphorus (TP) and Nitrate and Total Nitrogen. The sediment in the lakes were analysed for TRP and TP only. Phosphorus release from sediments and the impact of future temperature changes were assessed through laboratory experiments. It was found that the lakes are still suffering from elevated nutrient levels during the summer. The main source of phosphorus to the lakes in the summer is probably through internal phosphorus release from the lake sediments. The Eastern Arm is the most affected by internal loading. The main sources of nitrates to the lakes are from the streams and groundwater. It was found that phosphorus release increased with increasing temperature. There are many uncertainties but future climate changes are likely to increase both nutrient and sediment loading and it is unlikely that the water quality in the Eastern Arm will improve sufficiently to accommodate Chara. The introduction of an NVZ is unlikely to be counterproductive in terms of reducing N:P ratios and will help decrease nitrate levels in the lakes and streams, some of which are nearing the safe drinking water limits. Future management should target phosphorus loaded sediment entering the lakes in the winter and contributing to the phosphorus concentration in the lake water during the summer when phosphorus is released. The sediment traps in the catchment should be maintained or enhanced and weed cutting should be continued if it is found to have no adverse ecological effects.
Open Access
Enabling the development of a sustainability best practice library
(Cranfield University, 2009-09) Nazir, Amir; Al-Ahsaab, Ahmed
Global environmental problems, rising energy prices, lack of raw material availability, increasingly demanding legislation and costly environmental taxes are some of the reasons that drive company policy towards adopting sustainability concepts and practices. This MSc thesis project aimed to carry on the research of industrial sustainability best practices in order to have a detail documentation that will aid the development of digital library. This is to help companies like CEMEX and their stakeholders to increase their sustainability awareness and enabling them to embed best practices in their operational processes. The research lacked clear and coherent method for mapping best practices from the literature into the adopted sustainable development process without validation. Nevertheless recommendations included proposing a separate study for the implementation of the sustainable development process and a further pilot study into implementing a few key best practices within industry. Overall this study was successful in helping to identify and validate best practices that were most frequently mentioned by academics and to some extent reflected the existing state of affairs concerning sustainable development and the environment.
Open Access
Beyond narrative: modelling metaphor in environmental discourse
(Cranfield University, 2009-09) Naughton, Linda; Cook, Matthew
This project aims to bring together ideas from a wide range of disciplines with the objective of exploring the use of metaphor in environmental discourses. It looks beyond the narrative form of story-lines to construct models of discourses by representing processes as spatial arrangements of content. The subject to be explored is the competing discourses of economic growth and sustainability, an area which continues to generate much debate but little change in economic policy. The current dichotomy of views representing the pursuit of growth as somewhere between essential to social stability and the root of all evil has prevented a move towards consensus in the debate. This study aims to explore the ways in which an analysis of metaphor within the discourse could open up possible conduits towards the goals of sustainability.
Open Access
The water balance of Lake Victoria: towards an accessible and updateable model
(Cranfield University, 2009-09) Murray-Williams, Róisín; Carter, Richard C.
Lake Victoria is the world’s second largest fresh water lake and with a basin spanning five countries the livelihoods of 30 million people depend upon its waters. Many water balance studies have been carried out yet there are often great difficulties in accurate data collection. This study aims to provide an accessible and easily updateable tool for modelling the water balance of Lake Victoria using publically available data. The study also investigates possible future lake level behaviour and the impact that water level fluctuations has on key stakeholders in the basin. In this study lake levels are successfully modelled from 1948-present using rainfall data available publically from the WMO and the NOAA using an equation modified from one developed by Nicholson et al, 2000. This therefore provides a tool which is accessible and updateable. Modelled lake levels underestimated some of the peaks in the observed record, however the correlation between observed and modelled levels was good, R2 = 0.8. As a departure around 2007/8 was observed, the performance of the NOAA data needs to be monitored over the coming years. Modelled future lake level behaviour varied considerably. The data from one GCM resulted in a significant increase in lake levels from 2010-2099 whereas the other two showed a slight decline on present levels. A challenge is posed by a high occurrence of inter-model disparities in East Africa. Whether a rise or decline is to be expected there are many stakeholders who will be affected in particular; water supply, fishing and hydro-electric generation directly and industry indirectly through power supply. Although there are a number of limitations of the model, this study provides a useful step in assessing the water level behaviour of a lake which is so important to the region.
Open Access
Drinking water quality and treatment practices in Pabal, India
(Cranfield University, 2009-09) Mukadam, Aisha; Webster, James
The drought prone, rural village of Pabal is an example of improved access to water through a piped water system, however at times the villagers are also recipients of a poor water quality supply. Prevailing illnesses of diarrhoea and gastro-intestinal diseases, especially during the monsoons result in 40-50 % of villager‟s income being spent on medical bills. This research project provided by Engineers Without Borders – UK and EngINdia aims to form an investigative study into the current water quality and treatment methods in Pabal. This was achieved by analysing water samples using the DelAgua Water Testing Kit for microbial pathogens (faecal origins) at different points in their distribution system as well as carrying out a social survey through 22 questionnaires and a few target interviews. Results showed the reservoir water source to be highly contaminated but chlorination at the storage tank removed all traces of thermotolerant faecal coliforms. However all consumer points were also found to be contaminated as well as at the borehole hand-pump. Qualitative data collected through observations, sanitary surveys and the questionnaires provided possible reasons for contamination. The pipeline is in disrepair through lack of maintenance, pollutants and effluence (human and animal) are leached into groundwater and pipe supplies, as there are also no drainage or refuse systems in the village. Most villagers are aware and practice basic health, sanitation and water treatment however some only treat once they fall ill. Water treatment is essential in Pabal at all times and should be implemented at a cost-effective household level. The villager‟s health may be safe guarded by utilising traditional methods such as cloth filtering, copper pot storage (anti-bacterial properties) in addition to chlorination. Further education and future water treatment designs based on biosand and UV filtering can be produced locally via the community involving educational centre Vigyan Ashram.
Open Access
Water supply in Ndirande : a case study of a peri-urban community in Blantyre, Malaw
(Cranfield University, 2012-09) McVeigh, Nina; Parker, Alison
Access to water and sanitation can lift people out of poverty by improving health and releasing resources to engage in income generating activity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the current water supply situation in the peri-urban community of Ndirande in Blantyre, Malawi and make recommendations for action by a small NGO. Within the specific context of water supply in Blantyre, the research aimed to identify key stakeholders both in the profit and non-profit sector, understand demand by discovering what water sources were being used and what for and finally to identify feasible water supply solutions. The research strategy is that of a case study to gain an understanding of the complex water and sanitation issues facing the people of Ndirande and assist in developing a strategy of water intervention that has both impact and sustainability. The study carried out a transect walk, 4 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, surveyed 48 households and conducted 12 Water Source Assessment & Sanitation surveys. It was found that 85% of those surveyed had access to water kiosks though unimproved water sources were still in use. Both sources have a high risk of contamination due to poor sanitation, drainage and animal waste. Most water is sourced from Blantyre Water Board (BWB), however the current infrastructure is struggling to keep up with demand and there are periods where water is not available. The community has developed a number of coping strategies to manage periods without water and perceived poorer water quality. BWB faces growing pressures from a growing population, demands to increase coverage, increasing consumption associated with rising living standards and water losses. Under this scenario, water scarcity is likely to increase and areas increasingly affected by water rationing and disrupted supply. Key recommendations of this study are that further support is provided for water storage at both the community and household level and for water treatment at the point of consumption.
Open Access
An evaluation of the restoration programme for a cut over section of Wedholme Flow raised mire
(Cranfield University, 2008-09) Lewis, Graham; Howden, Nicholas J. K.
Wedholme Flow, Cumbria is the site of the largest lowland raised mire remaining in the UK. It forms part of a group of ombrotrophic mires known as the Solway mosses, situated in the north west of England. As with all remaining raised mires in the UK, Wedholme Flow has suffered some historical degradation largely caused by cutting of peat at the site’s periphery for fuel. More recently large sections of the mire surface have been commercially mined mainly for horticultural use. These include sections which have been cut over by hand leaving baulks or upstanding strips of unmolested peat between cuttings but also sections of the mire surface that have been strip mined or milled using machinery. Because of the complete loss of Sphagnum the sections of the mire surface that have been milled represent a particular challenge in terms of restoration. The reinstatement of the Sphagnum layer or acrotelm typical of raised mire sites is an important restoration objective. In order for Sphagnum to re-colonise a cut over mire site the water table must remain in close proximity to the surface of the peat throughout the year. The absence of an acrotelm however contributes to seasonal water table fluctuation by decreasing surface storage and allowing increased evaporation from the surface .On cutover mire sites primary restoration efforts centre on raising the water table sufficiently to facilitate Sphagnum re-colonisation and growth with a view to restoring a functioning acrotelm. This study provides a critical appraisal of a restoration programme that aims to raise water levels on a cutover section of Wedholme Flow in Cumbria. The restoration programme was undertaken by Natural England who own and manage the site. Since acquiring the cut-over section of the site bunds and peat plugs have been installed to reduce drainage and raise the water table. Boreholes have been installed on site to monitor changes in water level during and after the restoration. The progress of the restoration programme is evaluated through examination of the water balance, available groundwater data and a review of contemporary literature. Recommendations for further restoration and monitoring are made.
Open Access
Agricultural challenges today and in the future: the beneficial role of agroecology
(Cranfield University, 2009-09) Keay, Gordon; Villa, Raffaella
Interest in agroecology is growing as evidence mounts that conventional agricultural methods are unsustainable, degrading the resource base (e.g. soil, water, crop diversity, biodiversity etc.) on which they depend. Alternative ways to produce foods that build soil fertility, protect ecosystems, conserve biodiversity and reduce energy inputs, provide the possibility of long-term productivity and ecological sustainability. The International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD) have supported agroecology as a key set of solutions for world agriculture, which synergistically tackle development, sustainability and conservation goals. This study presents indicators to measure the sustainability of an agricultural practice which, placed in a hierarchical pyramid, demonstrates their importance and interconnected relationships. A comparative evaluation of agroecological and conventional systems is shown to assess the effects of management practices on the indicators. Agroecological approaches differ from conventional ones as they aim to sustain the soil and ecosystems by reducing synthetic inputs and creating alternative natural processes to maintain soil fertility and manage pests. Soil fertility is the essential indicator of sustainable agriculture, it was shown to improve in agroecological systems, indicated through increased soil microbial biomass (60% higher than in conventional agriculture) and earthworm abundance (up to 88% higher than in conventional agriculture). The loss of biodiversity due to current intensive farming practices is an indicator of unsustainability. In the agroecological systems biodiversity was shown to be comparatively higher. The diversity of bird and beetle species were recorded to be 50% and 38% more abundant respectively, and bat activity was shown to be 60% higher. These are bio-indicators of sustainable agriculture. The reduced chemical inputs led to an average of 50% less energy used on the agroecological systems. The resulting effects on yields showed great variation. One long term trial showed a 20% yield reduction in the agroecological system. Yet in times of drought, when advanced cropping systems were implemented, in developing countries yields were shown to be comparable, often significantly higher. This study provides solid evidence that the world’s future food security lies in the hands of sustainable agricultural practices. Agroecology demonstrates techniques that can be used towards reaching this vital goal.
Open Access
Development of a framework for assessing the economic benefit of remanufacturing
(Cranfield University, 2009-09) Jakpa, Onome, E.; Xu, Yuchun
Product waste is becoming a big problem in our life. In order to reduce waste and efficiently use resources, product can be remanufactured, and its materials can be recycled to achieve better sustainability. In comparison with recycling materials, remanufacturing products can retain all the value added, so potentially it has high profitability and sustainability. Despite its main advantage of retaining the value of the products, remanufacturing is an area that is not widely practiced due to the high costs of remanufacturing and reverse logistics facilities. As a result of this, the cost components had to be researched in order to ascertain the costs involved in the process of remanufacturing. The identification the cost drivers in each of the process provided the basis for a generic framework to be developed which gives remanufacturers a template to determine the economic benefits of remanufacturing from a whole systems point of view including the reverse logistics. Through the use of a specified methodology, this research aims to capture all the costs involved in the whole systems remanufacturing process given that the previous models that exist do not propose a costing model for both reverse logistics and remanufacturing. Ready to Use Additive Manufacturing – RUAM is a technique for creating robust three dimensional metal objects. It is application in the framework allows for the refabrication of EOL products.
Open Access
The restoration of an urban still water fishery: monitoring for success at Tom Thumb Lake
(Cranfield University, 2008-09) Hughes, Stephen; Gill, Andrew
Tom Thumb Lake is a former gravel pit and carp fishery situated in East London. In 2005 the Lake was restored as an accessible, self-sustaining fishery. The objectives of this study were to outline a monitoring plan to assess the success of the restoration, this included: monitoring water quality in relation to the requirements of fish, monitoring the macroinvertebrate communities in areas of the lake that will be newly vegetated, an angler survey to assess basic demographics (such as age, sex, ethnicity) and whether or not the priority groups identified by the Environment Agency were using the Lake. In addition, a basic topographic survey was conducted. Basic water quality parameters (temperature, pH, DO, N and P) were monitored at Impact sites (those to be vegetated) and Reference sites (an area of the Lake already well vegetated), macroinvertebrate samples were also taken at these locations. The water quality requirements of fish were based on Incipient Lethal Levels (ILL) taken from fish physiology publications. The survey was completed and handed out to anglers but numbers returned were not sufficient for inclusion in this report. The topographic survey identified a depth range of 0-2.4m, with shallow areas predominantly close to known gravel bars in the centre of the lake. Based on the monitoring data collected, water quality was generally well within the limits researched from literature, although temperature and pH were occasionally close to the upper limits. Macroinvertebrate samples showed some differences, particularly in total abundance, between the Impact and Reference sites. An outline set of monitoring guidelines were constructed for future managers of the Lake to follow, which should enable them to reliably gauge the success of the project. Recommendations for refining the ILL method and potential uses for other lakes were made.
Open Access
House buyer perceptions on the value of water and grey water recycling systems
(Cranfield University, 2009-08) Horton, David; Jeffery, Paul
The population of the East of England is set to increase and climate change predictions suggest that the region will become drier; water resources will therefore come under increasing pressure. In order to meet future water demand and deliver a reliable supply in the years to come, Cambridge Water is assessing the feasibility of installing grey water recycling systems in future housing developments. Grey water is wastewater from showers, baths, and wash basins. Recycling this water is an innovative way to conserve water. Treated grey water is used principally for toilet flushing- which represents about a third of water use in a typical UK household- but also for watering gardens and washing cars. This study investigated house buyer perceptions on the value of water and grey water recycling systems. For this purpose 2000 customers were surveyed using a questionnaire. The aim was to inform Cambridge Water as a water supplier of how receptive their customers would be to receiving a secondary supply of treated grey water for non-potable use. All those sampled had moved into a newly built home in the past two years. Since investing in grey water recycling systems would have little or no financial benefit for the homeowner, the study focused on other potential benefits. The response rate for the survey was 22 per cent and the quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The results show that there was widespread support for the domestic use of grey water. The overwhelming majority of respondents would be willing to invest in grey water recycling systems because they are concerned about the environment, and to ensure a reliable supply at times of water scarcity. Many of those that objected stated that they would need further information before giving their consent.
Open Access
Investigation into the spatial distribution of salt loads into the Upper Thurne SAC and likely timescales for response to management controls
(Cranfield University, 2013-08) Heward-Mills, Christine; Holman, Ian P.
The Upper Thurne Broads (shallow lakes) in the Norfolk Broads are sites of international conservation importance. The protected aquatic species of these lakes are currently threatened by poor water quality, largely due to discharges of saline water from the Brograve land drainage pump, which maintains groundwater levels on adjacent marshlands below sea level. The lowering of water table levels by drainage has caused seawater to intrude into the coastal aquifer and salinise the groundwater and drain network. Through surveying salt concentrations and flow regimes in the drains of the coastal marshes and analysis of telemetry data from the land drainage pumps, this thesis investigates 1) the spatial distribution of the salt loading into the drain system in order to identify where management changes should be targeted and 2) assesses whether changes to the water level management in a nearby drainage area have had any impact on the salt load that is discharged from the pump. Research has shown an uneven distribution of salt loading across the coastal marshes. These differences appear to be driven by the nature of the drain-aquifer interaction in the individual marshes and the relative gradient differential produced between the marsh drainage ditches and the main drain at times of pump activity. The research indicates that restoration of the Upper Thurne water quality will necessitate scaling down water table level management to individual marshlands in order to ensure efficacy of measures. It also makes recommendations for further research to be carried out in the study area. There is insufficient data at the time of writing to suggest that raising water levels in an adjacent marshland has conclusively reduced saline discharges from the pumps since management controls were implemented. However, some lowering of salt concentrations was observed which appear to be distinct from climatic influences.
Open Access
An investigation into illegal discharge of sewage from boats in the broads
(Cranfield University, 2008-09) Hardwick, Susannah; Holman, Ian P.
In response to concerns expressed by the Environment Agency and Broads Authority, this project aimed to assess the risk of illegal sewage discharge from boats into the waterways of the Broads, East Anglia. The Broads are an internationally important wetland, consisting of marshes, fenland, rivers and shallow lakes. A popular area for boating, sewage discharge from boats could have deleterious impacts on the environment, health and public perception. Water was tested for evidence of faecal pollution at a mooring site at Thorpe Island, River Yare, identified as at risk from illegal sewage disposal from boats. Continuous monitoring of ammonia, ammonium and dissolved oxygen up and downstream of the moorings took place at half hourly intervals over six weeks. Thermotolerant coliforms, ammonia, phosphorous and dissolved oxygen were manually sampled at Thorpe Island and nearby Whitlingham sewage treatment works. Definitive evidence of pollution from boats was not found, either sewage was not illegally discharged during the study period, or methods were inadequate to identify the occurrence of faecal pollution with certainty. The distribution of sewage disposal facilities available for boats was also analysed. The navigable waterways of the Broads were categorised in terms of the risk of illegal sewage disposal due to distance from disposal facilities. The south eastern reaches of the River Bure and western reaches of the River Waveney were identified as being at most risk. Recommendations are made to identify areas of the Broads at risk from pollution due to factors other than distance from sewage disposal facilities. Any further water quality studies should be carried out in these areas and improvements to the methods are suggested. Future management should include raising awareness of boaters about issues surrounding sewage disposal and the consideration of the provision of either mobile or static sewage disposal facilities in areas where current provision is deemed inadequate.
Open Access
An investigation into whether a BTCC racing car can be shown to emit no more carbon dioxide than its showroom equivalent
(Cranfield University, 2008-09) Hannington, Lee; Blackburn, Kim
The British Touring Car Championship’s emissions initiative aims to demonstrate a BTCC racing car can emit no more CO2than its showroom equivalent, (the standard road car that racing cars are based upon) for publicity purposes. This research project investigates options, which might achieve this aim, although this may not be possible. A series of initial concepts were considered and rejected. A drive-cycle option was investigated. Well-known, existing drive-cycles were considered unsuitable in the present context as unlikely to provide the desired results. In-race operating conditions data for a typical BTCC racing car was collected and analysed for drive-cycle development. Further data was collected on the specifications and performance of a BTCC racing car and its showroom equivalent. The cars’ CO2 emissions were subsequently estimated. Statistical analysis was carried out on the in-race operating conditions data. The BTCC race data commonly included operating conditions beyond the limitations of the BTCC’s dynamometer and the racing cars showroom equivalent. Under wide-open throttle operation at steady engine speeds between 5500rpm and 6000rpm, the mass of CO2emitted per second, by a BTCC racing car, is predicted to be less than that emitted by its showroom equivalent under the same conditions. However, since these engine speeds are infrequently reached during BTCC races such a comparison could be open to criticism through focussing on unrepresentative data. Further, such an emissions ‘window’, may not apply to all BTCC racing cars and their respective showroom equivalents. At corresponding points across a range of race representative engine speeds (5500-8500rpm for the racing car and 3500-6000rpm for the showroom equivalent), under wide-open throttle operation, steady engine speed emissions tests are predicted to show the BTCC racing car emitting a similar or lesser mass of CO2per kWh than its showroom equivalent. This last comparison is the recommended solution.