Engineer Research and Development Center News Releases

FIMOFs: Fiber-Integrated Metal–Organic Frameworks through Electrospinning

Press Operations — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:29:00 GMT

Abstract: Green synthesis plays a crucial role in advancing sustainability within materials science. This study explores the integration of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), obtained through green synthesis, using an electrospinning post-processing technique to develop MOF-based composite materials. The resulting novel multifunctional composites demonstrate enhanced stability and functionality, compared to their control counterparts. The integration of four types of MOFs into an electrospun fiber network was investigated using a specific polymer solution. Characterization and preliminary adsorption studies were conducted to elucidate the chemistry, morphology, and adsorptive capabilities of the resulting MOF composites. Electrospinning MOFs into polymer fibers improved their stability and dye removal capabilities. More specifically, optimization of MOF-to-polymer ratios and processing conditions yielded composites that are thermally stable, with modified surface area and porosity. Post-processing MOFs resulted in a fiber diameter increase of 44 and 109%, enhancing the composites by providing more MOF active sites and improved mechanical strength. Zirconium-based post-processed MOFs demonstrated superior dye removal, different from the copper-based dyes. Electrospinning technology has demonstrated significant potential in the fabrication of high-performance multifunctional MOF composites. This has helped to create advanced sustainable composites with tailored properties, paving the way for more targeted and efficient applications. The applications of these composites show promise for military engineering where durable, light weight, and multifunctional materials are critical in contributing to improved performance, operational efficiency, and safety.

Evaluation of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) Response to Herbicides Using Unmanned Aerial System Imagery

Press Operations — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 19:59:00 GMT

Abstract: Water hyacinth is a highly invasive aquatic species in the southern United States that requires intensive management through frequent herbicide applications. Quantifying management success in large-scale operations is challenging with traditional survey methods that rely on boat-based teams and can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. In contrast, an unmanned aerial system (UAS) allows a single operator to survey a waterbody more efficiently and rapidly, enhancing both coverage and data collection. Therefore, the objective of this research was to develop remote sensing techniques to assess herbicide efficacy for water hyacinth control in an outdoor mesocosm study. Experiments were conducted in spring and summer 2023 to compare and correlate data from visual evaluations of herbicide efficacy against nine vegetation indices (VIs) derived from UAS-based red-green-blue imagery. Penoxsulam, carfentrazone, diquat, 2,4-D, florpyrauxifen-benzyl, and glyphosate were applied at two rates, and experimental units were evaluated for 6 wk. The carotenoid reflectance index (CRI) had the highest Spearman’s correlation coefficient with visually evaluated efficacy for 2,4-D, diquat, and florpyrauxifen benzyl (> −0.77). The visible atmospherically resistance index (VARI) had the highest correlation with carfentrazone and penoxsulam treatments (> −0.70), and the excess greenness minus redness index had the highest correlation for glyphosate treatments (> −0.83). CRI had the highest correlation coefficient with the most herbicide treatments, and it was the only VI tested that did not include the red band. These VIs were satisfactory predictors of mid-range visually evaluated herbicide efficacy values but were poorly correlated with extremely low and high values, corresponding to nontreated and necrotic plants. Future research should focus on applying findings to real-world (nonexperimental) field conditions and testing imagery with spectral bands beyond the visible range.

Evaluation of Elevated Band Height for Basal Bark Triclopyr Applications to Schinus terebinthifolia

Press Operations — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 19:05:00 GMT

Abstract: Basal bark application involves applying an oil-soluble herbicide in an oil carrier to the lower 0 to 45 cm of woody stems. For triclopyr, basal bark application typically requires the butoxyethyl ester formulation; however, this cannot be applied when standing water is present, which is common in seasonally flooded wetlands. Recently, the intermediate oil and water-soluble triclopyr acid formulation was registered for use in aquatic sites, allowing for basal bark applications in wetlands where standing water is present. Recent studies indicated that flooding after basal bark treatment can result in triclopyr release to surface waters and subsequent non-target injury. Elevated band application height (i.e., treating a higher band on each stem) may reduce non-target injury potential; however, this modified application technique has not been well tested on woody invasive species. To evaluate this approach, a field study on Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi) was conducted near Melbourne and Wimauma, FL, on well-established and juvenile rootstocks. Treatments included triclopyr acid at 17, 34, and 69 g L−1 applied in an oil carrier and treatment band heights of 0 to 45 cm and 61 to 107 cm from the groundline. At Melbourne, both band heights treated with 34 or 69 g L−1 resulted in 75% to 100% mortality of mature rootstocks. However, triclopyr applied at 17 g L−1 to the low and elevated band heights resulted in 70% and 11% mortality, respectively. All treatments resulted in 90% to 100% mortality at Wimauma, where the rootstocks were juvenile and much smaller. These findings indicate elevated band heights may be a useful approach for woody plant control and may support an effective management strategy in inundated wetlands that provides better prevention of non-target injury.

Demonstration of a Remotely Operated Vehicle for Inspecting Holt Lock and Dam

Press Operations — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 18:17:00 GMT

Purpose: This report describes the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center–Environmental Laboratory (ERDC-EL), Robotic Characterization of Battlefield and Operational Environments (RCBOE) Team’s application of a small inspection-class remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to inspect underwater structures at the Holt Lock and Dam located near Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Water Quality and Sediment Dispersal from Placement of Dredged Material over Former Shell Mining Beds in Mobile Bay, Alabama

Press Operations — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 18:15:00 GMT

Abstract: The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) continues to advance regional sediment management practices including Beneficial Use of Dredged Material (BUDM) to reduce dredging costs while improving outcomes for coastal communities and ecosystems. This report describes two field studies conducted to better understand sediment retention and water quality implications associated with in-bay strategic placement of dredged material within former oyster-shell mining areas within Mobile Bay, Alabama. Deployed instrumentation and periodic campaigns of bed and water quality sampling provided data prior to dredged-sediment placement through more than a year after placement. Bed sampling and acoustic sub-bottom profiling indicated that the dredged material deposit was spatially variable in thickness and composition. Placed sediment accumulated quickly, within hours of placement, followed by a 2–4 month period with relatively small adjustments. Beyond 6 months, bed elevation changes became stable at near-background levels. Water quality data indicated that impacts to dissolved oxygen and turbidity associated with the dredged material placement are minor and short-lived. Notably, all water quality parameters remained within the normal range of variability observed within the dynamic Mobile Bay ecosystem. Collectively, these sediment bed and water quality studies support future data driven BUDM decision-making within the Mobile Bay region.

Environmental Fate of Monosodium Methanearsonate (MSMA)—Part 1: Conceptual Model

Press Operations — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:29:00 GMT

Abstract: Monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA), the sodium salt of monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), is used as a selective, broad‐spectrum contact herbicide to control weeds in cotton and a variety of turf. In water, MSMA dissociates into ions of sodium (Na+) and of MMA−, which is the herbicide's active component. Certain soil microorganisms can methylate MMA to dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) other microorganisms can demethylate MMA to inorganic arsenic (iAs). To predict the groundwater concentration of iAs that may result from MSMA application, the processes affecting the environmental behavior of MSMA must be quantiﬁed and modeled. There is an extensive body of literature regarding the environmental behavior of MSMA. There is a consensus among scientists that the fate of MMA in soil is controlled by microbial activity and sorption to solid surfaces and that iAs sorption is even more extensive than that of MMA. The sorption and transformation of MMA and its metabolites are affected by several factors including aeration condition, temperature, pH, and the availability of nutrients. The precise nature and extent of each of these processes vary depending on site‐speciﬁc conditions; however, such variability is constrained in typical MSMA use areas that are highly managed. Monomethylarsonic acid is strongly sorbed on mineral surfaces and becomes sequestered into the soil matrix. Over time, a greater portion of MMA and iAs becomes immobile and unavailable to soil microorganisms and to leaching. This review synthesizes the results of studies that are relevant for the behavior of MSMA used as a herbicide to reliably predict the fate of MSMA in its use conditions.

Natural vs. Genetically Engineered Microbiomes: Understanding Public Attitudes for Indoor Applications and Pathways for Future Engagement

Press Operations — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:27:00 GMT

Abstract: This study examines public preferences for natural microbiomes and support for genetically engineered (GE) microbiomes in the built environment, focusing on the demographic, sociographic, and attitudinal factors that inﬂuence these preferences. Using data from a nationally representative survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, we employed hierarchical regression analyses to assess the relative contribution of these variables. While demographic and sociographic factors explained limited variance, topic-speciﬁc attitudes, including positive perceptions of microbiome engineering’s potential to improve quality of life, were the most signiﬁcant predictors of support. Conversely, age, distrust in science, and perceived knowledge negatively inﬂuenced support for GE microbiomes, reﬂecting skepticism among some audiences. The ﬁndings highlight the potential of the Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) framework to align the development of microbiome engineering with societal values and to address diverse public perspectives. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers, researchers, and communicators seeking to navigate the complexities of public engagement with emerging biotechnologies.

EcoHydraulic Modeling to Inform Sustainable Sediment Management: A Priori Modeling of Reservoir Sediment Release to Estimate Geomorphic and Ecological Response

Press Operations — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:16:00 GMT

Abstract: With decreasing storage capacity and increasing operational costs in reservoir management, sediment release is considered a potential alternative to traditional dredging. However, passing sediment through reservoirs may have unexpected effects on downstream river morphology and ecosystem resources. This study uses numerical modeling and a conceptual ecological model to assess the relative effects of sediment load, stream flow magnitude, and grain size distribution in downstream river morphology and aquatic habitat in a case study system of the Big Blue and Kansas Rivers downstream of Tuttle Creek Reservoir, Manhattan, Kansas. The effects of sediment grain size, clearwater flushing rate, and backwater effects from the Kansas River were all found to be relevant in affecting sediment transport and deposition patterns. High-volume water/sediment releases were found to be most effective at emulating historical conditions. Additionally, sediment release was found to increase desirable physical habitat areas that have been lost in the channel. Clearwater flushing further increased the distribution of sediment to support physical habitat creation. These findings can inform sediment release management decisions regarding the timing, duration, and magnitude of sediment releases, particularly in relation to flows at the downstream confluence and for target ecosystem function goals.

Adsorption of the Microbial Exopolysaccharide from Rhizobium Tropici (ATCC 49,672) on Birnessite Facilitates Mn Reduction and Dissolution: Structural Interactions and Morphological Transformation

Press Operations — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:04:00 GMT

Abstract: The study addresses the broader question of how microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) can modulate the reactivity and stability of manganese (Mn) oxides in environmental systems. The objective of this study is to investigate the adsorption process of EPS from Rhizobium tropici on birnessite (MnO2) and mechanisms of induced Mn reduction and dissolution and its further transformation. EPS adsorption isotherms and kinetics on birnessite and the induced dissolution of birnessite were analyzed. Adsorption kinetics could best be described with the Parabolic Diffusion Model while EPS adsorption isotherm was best ﬁtted with the Freundlich model. Adsorbed EPS facilitated Mn reduction and dissolution, releasing Mn²⁺ into the solution. This was also conﬁrmed by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results with the Mn-O vibrations, O–H groups and C = O carbonyl stretching. The pre-presence of EPS hindered the formation and growth of crystalline structure of birnessite and further hindered its transformation into more stable β-MnO2. The presence of Mn oxide signiﬁcantly aggregated EPS, forming large aggregates. This study reveals the importance of EPS in inﬂuencing both the adsorption behavior and the redox state of Mn, providing signiﬁcant insights into the interactions of EPS with birnessite in environmental systems.

Proceedings from the Great Lakes Engineering With Nature® Natural and Nature-Based Features Playbook Workshop

Press Operations — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:53:00 GMT

Abstract: Communities in the Great Lakes are experiencing increased frequency in coastal flooding and erosion, causing property damage, putting lives at risk, and disrupting local economies. To address these challenges, two workshops were conducted (18 February 2025 [virtual] and 26–27 February 2025 [in person]) to collect knowledge, insights, and feedback from community members, policymakers, and Tribal Nations representatives to inform the development of the Engineering With Nature® Great Lakes Playbook. This report documents the workshop outcomes. The playbook is being designed to advance coastal resilience efforts in the region by identifying natural and nature-based features and multiple lines of resilience strategies that address unique natural hazard-related challenges of the Great Lakes. During the workshops, sustainable, resilient, adaptable, and cost-effective solutions were explored and construction and implementation feasibility were discussed along with regulatory and community challenges that are applicable to coastal risks and opportunities around the Great Lakes. By providing location-appropriate examples and clear guidance on how these nature-based and engineered solutions can be implemented, the playbook will enhance understanding of their potential performance in the region and build confidence among federal, state, and local agencies and Tribal Nations in planning, designing, and implementing these sustainable, adaptable, and cost-effective solutions.

Considerations for Potential Use of an Agent-Based Model in a Petri Network Framework to Model Roost Tree Dynamics of Bats

Press Operations — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:36:00 GMT

Purpose: The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for numerous projects that involve altering or removing wildlife habitat, including habitat of species listed as threatened, endangered, or sensitive (TES). Before initiating a project that may affect TES species, USACE must determine the project’s impact to these species. Understanding the degree of impact, both positive and negative, allows USACE to compare alternatives to reduce negative effects. Because of this, USACE planners need tools to provide accurate assessments of project impacts. Conservation efforts for bats have focused on protecting habitat, especially diurnal roosting trees. Roost trees serve not only as daytime shelter for bats but also for rearing pups until they are able to fly (Barbour and Davis 1969). Determining the impact of habitat change by empirically testing the response of bats to habitat modification has proved difficult because of the effects it may have on TES bats as well as its cost. Simulating the effects of habitat change using computer models provides an excellent data alternative for USACE planners. This technical note explains how agent-based models within a petri network framework can provide USACE planners with information on how habitat modification will affect bat presence or absence.

Considerations for Potential Use of an Agent-Based Model in a Petri Network Framework to Model Roost Tree Dynamics of Bats

Press Operations — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:51:00 GMT

Metabarcoding Stem Residue as a Novel Environmental DNA (eDNA) Tool to Identify Spread of Phragmites australis Biological Control Agents

Press Operations — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 20:46:00 GMT

Abstract: Detection and monitoring of biological control agents are critical for evaluating their establishment and spread yet remain challenging when species are cryptic, and densities are low. We assessed whether environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding of stem residues could be used to detect and distinguish the stem-boring noctuid moths Archanara neurica and Lenisa geminipuncta, biological control agents of introduced Phragmites australis released in Ontario, Canada. Using 16S rDNA metabarcoding supplemented with newly generated reference sequences, we analyzed stem residue samples spanning a gradient of quality, including laboratory culture stems (in which agent larvae were present at the time of sampling), conﬁrmed Canadian release sites, and degraded stems from un-managed Phragmites stands in western New York, USA. Target species were consistently detected in laboratory samples, where they comprised 76.7–100% (L. geminipuncta) and 79.2–100% (A. neurica) of Lepidoptera reads. At Canadian release sites, A. neurica was detected in 5 of 11 samples and L. geminipuncta in all 10 samples, with relative read abundances ranging from trace levels to > 90%. Among 27 damaged stems collected in the United States, A. neurica and L. geminipuncta DNA was detected in three samples at very low abundances (0.003–0.12% of total reads), representing the ﬁrst molecular evidence consistent with trans-border dispersal of these agents. Although detections were rare and do not conﬁrm population establishment, results demonstrate that stem-residue eDNA metabarcoding provides a sensitive, non-invasive tool for early detection and post-release monitoring of biological control agents for invasive plants.

Evaluating Migratory Fish Passage at Partial Migration Barriers in a Social-Ecological Riverscape

Press Operations — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:53:00 GMT

Abstract: Anthropogenic partial barriers, such as low-head locks and dams, fragment social-ecological riverscapes and limit migratory ﬁsh access to historical spawning habitats, creating trade-offs between ecological conservation and human needs. Fish passage mitigation strategies at three low-head locks and dams on the Cape Fear River, North Carolina, across two contrasting mitigation regimes included (i) a nature-like ﬁshway at LD1, (ii) conservation locking at LD2 and LD3, and (iii) environmental ﬂow prescriptions when locks were inoperable. We evaluated passage of American shad and striped bass using acoustic telemetry and multistate models within a Bayesian framework to estimate upstream passage probabilities under varying ﬂow conditions and management regimes. Passage probabilities for both species were higher in 2013–2015 when conservation locking was conducted. In contrast, passage declined when locks were inoperable and only e-ﬂows allowed passage during dam submergence events in 2022–2023. Flow positively inﬂuenced passage, with strongest effects for striped bass; however, the nature-like ﬁshway exhibited consistently low passage probability, and modiﬁcations did not improve passage probabilities. Given low passage probabilities during the recent mitigation period, improving longitudinal connectivity for diadromous ﬁsh in this river necessitates ﬂexible, integrated operational, structural, and ﬂow-based strategies. Possible future mitigation actions to improve ﬁsh passage could include resuming conservation locking, structural interventions such as bypass channel construction and dam height lowering that extends dam submergence, and continued use of e-ﬂows.

Multitemporal Change Detection in the Coastal Zone: Literature Review

Press Operations — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:33:00 GMT

Abstract: Beach volume change is a primary metric for quantifying coastal change due to physical and anthropogenic forces. Volumes provide key inputs for the creation and maintenance of regional sediment budgets that inform engineering decisions and ensure the effective management of sediment. This special report provides a comprehensive literature review of the state of the art for developing beach volume change metrics, including methods, software and tools, and common sources of error. The reviewed literature indicates that common proxy-based methods for developing volumes (e.g., shoreline change analysis and beach profile change analysis) are limited in their applicability for study areas with alongshore geomorphic variability. A digital elevation model (DEM) of difference method used with high-resolution (e.g., 1 m DEM) datasets captures volumes over spatially variable geomorphologies more accurately; however, the literature notes limitations related to elevation dataset coverage and geometries used for aggregating volume quantities. Space-time cube methods enable cell-by-cell comparisons of volumes over multiple time periods within defined neighborhoods and provide additional insights, efficiencies, and flexibilities to afore-mentioned methods. A new beach volume framework is required to address limitations related to geomorphic variability, aggregation units, and dataset coverage.

Brief Overview and Guide to Developing Monitoring and Adaptive Management Plans

Press Operations — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:31:00 GMT

Purpose: The purpose of this technical note is to summarizes key points on monitoring and adaptive management from the more detailed US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) report ERDC/EL SR-19-9, “A Systems Approach to Ecosystem Adaptive Management: A USACE Technical Guide” and to provide a quick guide to developing monitoring and adaptive management plans (MAMPs) relevant to ecosystem restoration and mitigation projects. Although this report was written specifically for USACE projects, it is applicable to most restoration and mitigation projects. This guide does not supersede current or future USACE policy or guidance, nor is it applicable to private mitigation projects regulated by USACE.

PFAS Interactions with ASTM Fat Clay and ASTM Ottawa Sand: Implications for Contamination from High-Concentration PFAS Sources Using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy

Press Operations — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:29:00 GMT

Purpose: This technical note seeks to understand the impact of high per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations on soils, specifically fat clay and Ottawa F-65 sand. This technical note also aims to understand the absorption and retention behaviors of PFAS in these two soil types and how the behaviors may vary because of the soil’s distinct properties.

Efficacy of UVC Treatment on Hydrilla verticillata and Trapa spp.

Press Operations — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:27:00 GMT

Abstract: Hydrilla verticillata and Trapa spp. are invasive aquatic plants that pose serious challenges to freshwater ecosystems. In search of a nonchemical method to eradicate H. verticillata and Trapa spp., this study explores the application of UVC light to target the adult plant forms and the dormant turions of H. verticillata as well as the seedlings of Trapa spp. Contrary to our expectations, the experimental results demonstrated that UVC exposure had no significant effect on reducing the viability of either adult hydrilla plants or their turions. Despite treatment with a range of UVC doses, the plants remained viable and the turions were able to germinate successfully. UVC exposure did, however, cause a significant reduction in biomass for both Trapa species tested. These findings suggest that UVC light, at least under the conditions tested, is not an effective standalone strategy for controlling hydrilla but may be a useful nonchemical tool for controlling Trapa spp. Further research is required to explore alternative nonchemical methods or to refine the application parameters of UVC if it is to be further considered for eradication of these two invasive aquatic plants

Financing Natural Infrastructure: Hunter’s Point South, Queens, New York

Press Operations — Tue, 26 May 2026 19:50:00 GMT

Purpose: Greater application of natural infrastructure (NI) approaches calls for more widely accessible information about leveraging resources and opportunities to design, construct, monitor, and adaptively manage projects that incorporate natural features. Because NI techniques vary widely by location, purpose, and scale, no standard process currently exists for securing funds and establishing financing mechanisms. This document is part of a series sharing lessons learned and showcasing successful examples of developing and implementing NI projects through innovative partnerships, funding, and financing strategies. The series is intended for federal and nonfederal practitioners who play a role in the planning and management of NI projects worldwide. This technical note describes the development and funding process for the Hunter’s Point South waterfront park development, a community-driven initiative that transformed an abandoned postindustrial site into a multipurpose recreational space with enhanced coastal flood protection and affordable housing. Hunter’s Point South achieves a long-standing vision for Long Island City’s waterfront and serves as a model for accessible, climate-resilient design. This research effort is a collaboration between the Engineering With Nature® (EWN®) and Systems Approach to Geomorphic Engineering (SAGE) programs of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

Application of Rapid Response Reporting Tools to Improve Harmful Algal Bloom Management: US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)–Omaha District

Press Operations — Fri, 15 May 2026 14:29:00 GMT

Abstract: Harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose significant threats to critical water resources, including potable water supply, fish and wildlife propagation, recreation, and overall water quality, managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). To address these challenges, USACE needs innovative technologies that can enhance monitoring and management across the diverse portfolio of inland waterbodies they oversee. This technical report presents a case study from the Omaha District in which open-source software (R), satellite imagery, and traditional water quality parameters were integrated to produce near-real-time reports to improve HAB monitoring and management. The approach enabled timely identification of the areas most susceptible to HABs and provided actionable data to inform management strategies, such as hypolimnetic withdrawal, and other management actions. The findings demonstrate that combining remote sensing with open-source analytics can serve as a proof of concept for improving the efficiency of HAB monitoring programs. Ultimately, these tools facilitate more responsive decision-making by reducing resource demands and establishing a foundation for broader adoption of open-source tools in HAB management across USACE districts.