16 Jun 2025

Entropy-Based Guidance of Deep Neural Networks for Accelerated Convergence and Improved Performance

Abstract: Neural networks have dramatically increased our capacity to learn from large, high-dimensional datasets across innumerable disciplines. However, their decisions are not easily interpretable, their computational costs are high, and building and training them are not straightforward processes. To add structure to these efforts, we derive new mathematical results to efficiently measure the changes in entropy as fully-connected and convolutional neural networks process data. By measuring the change in entropy as networks process data effectively, patterns critical to a well-performing network can be visualized and identified. Entropy-based loss terms are developed to improve dense and convolutional model accuracy and efficiency by promoting the ideal entropy patterns. Experiments in image compression, image classification, and image segmentation on benchmark datasets demonstrate these losses guide neural networks to learn rich latent data representations in fewer dimensions, converge in fewer training epochs, and achieve higher accuracy.

16 Jun 2025

Development of Innovative Cyanophage-Based Biotechnology for Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms Mitigation: Interim Progress Report

Abstract: Freshwater harmful cyanobacteria blooms (HCBs) are caused by toxin-producing cyanobacteria. Current efforts to prevent and mitigate HCBs include physical and chemical treatments, as well as manipulating the nutrient input and biological ecosystem of impacted water bodies. However, the development of remediation technologies lags behind the increasing frequency, prevalence, and severity of HCBs and their associated adverse health effects and socioeconomic losses. It is difficult to control the side effects of these remediation technologies due to their interactions with nontarget species, including microbes, plants, and animals. This project proposed the use of cyanophages, an abundant natural resource, to control HCBs in a target-specific manner. Here, the results of Year 1 of this effort are reported. Environmental field samples were collected, processed, and characterized morphologically and molecularly. Assays were refined for isolating and characterizing lytic environmental cyanophages. Cryopreservation methods were tested on pure cyanobacteria cultures, while well-characterized cyanophages were used to verify methods to retain infectivity for over 1 year. Methods to induce lysogenic phages to enter their lytic cycle were also explored. The goal was to develop a novel cyanophage-based biotechnology for HCBs mitigation by turning field-collected cyanophages into genetically modified (GM) or non-GM biocontrol agents to disrupt HCBs.

11 Jun 2025

A Bellwether for Microplastic in Wetland Catchments in the Great Lakes Region

Abstract: This study is intended as a bellwether for the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in Great Lakes wetlands. In 2020, sediment, surface water, and atmospheric deposition samples were collected from wetland catchments in or near five National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) in the Great Lakes region: Horicon-WI, Seney-MI, Shiawassee-MI, Ottawa- OH, and Montezuma-NY. Sediment and surface water samples were taken from river, stream, and canal inflows and outflows to and from wetland areas. Atmospheric deposition samples were collected in carboys placed near established rain gauges. These sample sites were chosen as indicators of MP deposition into and out of the region’s wetland systems. MPs were extracted from each sample, enumerated, and categorized by particle morphology and polymer type. Average MP particle abundances in the sediment and surface water samples ranged from 344 to 538 particles kg⁻¹ (dry weight) and 2–68 particles m⁻³, respectively. Atmospheric MP deposition ranged from 5.8 to 22.6 particles m⁻² d⁻¹. Fibers were the most abundant MP particle type found in each sample type (sediment, surface water, and atmospheric deposition), followed by fragments. These results suggest that input and retention of MPs are pervasive in the Great Lakes region and surrounding wetland areas.

10 Jun 2025

Developing an Inventory of US Army Corps of Engineers’ Nature-Based Infrastructure Projects

Abstract: The purpose of this report is to recommend a framework for developing a comprehensive database of US Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) natural infrastructure (NI) projects. Natural infrastructure is defined as an area or system that is naturally occurring, naturalized, or constructed to mimic naturally occurring features and then intentionally managed to enhance ecosystem value and provide social and economic benefits. Examples include river floodplains, setback levees, forested water supply watersheds, freshwater and coastal wetlands, living shorelines, dune and beach systems, living breakwaters, and reefs. NI is dynamic, with landscape-level interactions occurring among different features as well as in tandem with conventional infrastructure. Specifically, we identify the Engineering With Nature (EWN) ProMap database is identified as an attractive candidate for expansion. We also develop a tool for collecting project data that will improve data quality by standardizing information across projects, adopting an ecosystem services approach to cataloging project benefits, and incorporating social benefits metrics.

9 Jun 2025

Review of Remote-Sensing Methods for Mapping Riparian and Submerged Aquatic Vegetation: Support for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring and Flood Risk Management

Abstract: Riparian vegetation, defined as multilayered herbaceous and woody plant communities along river margins or bank edges, and freshwater submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), described as rooted aquatic plants in shallow rivers, lakes, and estuaries, are key factors influencing the connection between river and floodplain systems. These vegetation types are often used as indicators of riparian health. Current data on riparian vegetation and SAV are essential for addressing future water resource needs, particularly for restoration monitoring and flood risk management. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), as the federal government’s largest water resources development and management agency, requires updated monitoring and assessment methods to support the development, utilization, and conservation of water and related resources. Assessing large riparian corridors involves characterizing baseline conditions, habitat extents, vegetation patterns, and health. Vegetation and habitat data are critical for evaluating the effects of project operations, resource management, and restoration outcomes downstream from USACE dams. However, obtaining such data across large, dynamic, and inaccessible river reaches is challenging. Integrating field-based techniques with remote-sensing technology offers opportunities to map larger areas comprehensively and adapt to future water resource needs. This report reviews re-mote sensing methods for mapping riparian and SAV habitats with emphasis on vegetation characteristics.

5 Jun 2025

Incorporating Natural and Nature-Based Features in an Urban California Creek Through Application of Engineering With Nature® Principles

Purpose: Since its launch in 2021, the Engineering With Nature® (EWN®) program has funded research focused in a variety of environments, particularly along marine and freshwater coasts and fluvial (riverine) systems. Until recently, there has been less focus on applying EWN principles in urban landscapes and watersheds to help manage flood risk, a main civil works mission of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Natural hazard challenges, including intense rainfall events, are contributing to flooding and prompting the need for more sustainable infrastructure to reduce flood risks in urban areas. This is especially relevant when such nature-based solutions (NBS) are desired by stakeholders who stand to benefit from the project. This technical note documents a USACE Chicago District (LRC) project that supports USACE Los Angeles District (SPL) to incorporate EWN principles in an urban ephemeral creek to reduce flood risk while providing other environmental, social, and economic benefits.

4 Jun 2025

Floridan Aquifer System (FAS) Aquifer Material Collection and Screening: Investigating Arsenic Fate and Transport Under Lab-Simulated Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Conditions in the FAS—Task A Report

Abstract: The US Army Engineer Research Development Center is leading a laboratory study to quantify arsenic release that could occur during large-scale aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) operations in the anoxic Floridan Aquifer System (FAS). FAS materials containing arsenic must be collected and preserved under anoxic conditions to complete the laboratory study. This report describes collection, preservation, and initial characterization results of FAS material collected. Analysis of water surrounding the FAS material during storage detected some arsenic, suggesting arsenic presence in the solids. In-depth characterization of a single sample confirmed storage conditions were anoxic; no arsenic was detected in surface scrapings collected from the sample solids. Initial characterization results suggested FAS materials collected were suitable for use in the planned laboratory study and that storage methods were suitable for preserving collected materials.

4 Jun 2025

Comprehensive Marsh Model Demonstration—Seven Mile Island Innovation Laboratory: Integrating Hydrodynamic, Morphodynamic, and Vegetation Modeling Components Using the Landlab Toolkit

Abstract: Marshes are highly dynamic landscapes that are shaped through feedbacks between hydrodynamic, morphodynamic, and ecological processes. Future marsh resilience is therefore dependent on the interaction between these different drivers rather than any individual piece. Marshes face a variety of threats, both natural and anthropogenic, resulting in a need for restoration actions that increase survivability. Because many of these threats are unprecedented or acting at unprecedented rates, statistical models do not adequately represent future conditions and require process-based models to better capture the complex interactions between both physical and ecological processes. This report demonstrates how to develop a comprehensive marsh model that integrates tidal flow, morphodynamics, and vegetation growth using the Python based Landlab toolkit. The model was applied to a site within the Seven Mile Island Innovation Laboratory complex in coastal New Jersey.

4 Jun 2025

Developing an Ecosystem Goods and Services Assessment Framework: Products and Resources

Purpose: The Environmental Research Area Review Group has long recognized a need to understand the role of Ecosystem Goods and Services (EGS) in US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) civil works planning. An EGS Work Unit, funded by the Ecosystem Management and Restoration Research Program (EMRRP), has collaborated for more than a decade to develop many products and resources useful to USACE planners and policy makers. This technical note reviews the body of work produced by this large, diverse, and dedicated team.

20 May 2025

Guidance for Managers of USACE Waterbodies: Deploying the ERDC CyanoSTUN™ for Suppression of Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms

Purpose: The purpose of this document is to guide US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) district personnel in using the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) CyanoSTUN™ (Cyanobacterial Suppression Through Ultraviolet-Light-C Neutralization) vessel for suppression of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs). This document describes CyanoSTUN’s capabilities and components, intended operating conditions, and instructions for safe and effective operation of the vessel.