17 Jul 2026

Improved Beneficial Use of Dredged Material (BUDM) Laboratory Methods for Low-Stress Consolidation

Abstract: The purpose of this Dredging Operations and Environmental Research (DOER) Program technical note (TN) is to present the improved laboratory methods for low-stress consolidation to support the beneficial use of dredged material (BUDM). Despite the growing practice of BUDM to support coastal environments, significant knowledge gaps persist in the behavior (e.g., consolidation and erodibility) of hydraulically placed cohesive sediments. The consolidation of deposited sediment dictates the resultant surface elevation, a key design component controlling the hydroperiod and shear strength of wetland ecosystems, which are key indicators of the long-term health and stability of the wetland. The existing US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) consolidation testing of ultrasoft materials utilizes settling columns that rely on highly time-consuming, experimental laboratory methods that are prone to human-induced errors. Therefore, an updated laboratory methodology that incorporates scientific advancements to manage consolidation and erodibility measurements is essential to providing practical testing with a higher degree of certainty for BUDM designers and ultimately helping to support USACE’s goal of reaching 70% BUDM.

17 Jul 2026

Application of GPS/GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) Tag Technology to Investigate Seasonal Habitat Use by a Coastal Bird: A Pilot Study Using the Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus)

Purpose: This technical note was developed by personnel from the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center–Environmental Laboratory (ERDC-EL) to describe the application of GPS/GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) technology to wildlife studies to assess the effects of coastal engineering operations. GPS/GSM tags utilize cell tower transmissions to accurately locate animal positions in the landscape. While some satellite-based wildlife tags use Doppler technology, the GPS/GSM tags rely on GPS-based technology, which improves level position accuracy (e.g., ±30 m GPS/GSM tags versus ±300 m Doppler tags) in the landscape.* Doppler satellite tags break down distance accuracy into six location categories that range from ≤150 m to over 1,000 m, with a general average location accuracy of ≥300 m. The level of position accuracy with GPS/GSM tag technology permits researchers to determine if tagged birds are utilizing recently engineered coastal habitats (e.g., renourished beaches, dredged material islands, and restored wetlands), natural habitats, or minimally engineered coastal habitats. GPS/GSM tags could also be used to assess the frequency and seasonal changes of habitat use. Many coastal birds are known to breed on coastal dredged-material islands, often in response to coastal habitat loss wrought by dredging operations and other engineering actions (Soots and Landin 1978). In these same coastal areas, habitat degradation can occur through increased erosion and increased storm frequency and severity. The resulting habitat loss contributes to observed declines in coastal bird populations (Iglecia and Winn 2021; Newton 2004). These long-term population declines are not solely affecting coastal breeding species (Rosenberg et al. 2016). Habitat loss and population declines are also affecting many long-distance migrants that are seasonally transient and, thus, found along coastal habitats of the conterminous United States (Winn et al. 2013). The federally threatened Red Knot (Calidris canutus) is an example of a coastal transient species. Numerous other coastal birds currently experiencing population declines are potential candidates for future federal listing (Winn et al. 2013; Iglecia and Winn 2021). Interestingly, survey data suggested the Snowy Plover (Charadrius nivosus) avoids beaches that have been subjected to renourishment (Lott 2009; Lott and Fischer 2011), indicating that there may be variable, species-specific seasonal responses to coastal engineered habitats that remain poorly understood for many coastal birds. Therefore, there is a growing interest in determining the seasonal habitat needs of resident and migrant coastal birds and in approaches to beneficial uses of dredged material (BUDM) that could be used to design and construct year-round habitats (Guilfoyle et al. 2019, 2024).* However, much more research is required to determine the basic ecology, seasonal distribution, and seasonal habitat requirements of North American coastal birds to facilitate improved coastal habitat restoration and conservation. This technical note describes a pilot study in which 10 GPS/GSM tags were affixed to breeding Royal Terns (Thalasseus maximus; Figure 1) captured on South Island of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel in coastal Virginia. This study was part of a larger project to compile best management practices (Guilfoyle et al. 2019) and suggested management strategies† and was funded through the Ecosystem Management and Restoration Research Program (EMRRP). The Royal Tern was selected for this effort due to its relatively large size, which was suitable for a GPS/GSM tag, its known dependence on dredged-material islands for breeding, and its use of open beach habitats in the Southeastern United States and along the Gulf Coast during the wintering season.

7 Jul 2026

FIMOFs: Fiber-Integrated Metal–Organic Frameworks through Electrospinning

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.

29 Jun 2026

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

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.

26 Jun 2026

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

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.

26 Jun 2026

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

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.

26 Jun 2026

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

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.

15 Jun 2026

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

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.

15 Jun 2026

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

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.

12 Jun 2026

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

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.