Over 30 experiment station faculty are actively engaged in research projects targeted at water quality problems within the state and of national concern. These on-going research projects are conducted on campus at Moscow and at various Research and Extension Centers located throughout the state. The following data on projects were provided by college faculty. For additional information on a specific project please contact individual principle investigators.

Research Projects:

Unit:	Agricultural Economics
Title:	Task Force on Salmon and the Columbia River System
Investigators:	J. R. Hamilton, Professor, Moscow J. O'Laughlin, Professor-FWR, Moscow E. Brannon, Director-Aquaculture Program, Moscow

Program Objectives:
The Task Force is a group of faculty from the University of Idaho, Oregon State University, and Washington State University with interest and expertise in issues related to possible endangered species classification of some runs of salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River System. They were appointed by the Agricultural Experiment Station and Extension Service Directors of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington and given the following charge: 1. to identify research and educational missions, capabilities, and resource bases, 2. to identify resources and create working networks in each state to address these issues, and 3. to develop a working plan to organize research and public education programs.

Unit:	Agricultural Economics
Title:	Irrigation and nutrient management in southern Idaho
Investigators:	I. McCann, Asst. Professor, Aberdeen

Program Objectives:
Irrigated agriculture is a major user of water and energy in southern Idaho, and a likely contributor to groundwater contamination by agricultural chemicals. Ongoing irrigation research projects at the University of Idaho Research and Extension Center in Aberdeen include: improving crop water use efficiency by better irrigation scheduling; automation of irrigation machinery for optimal irrigation management based on measurements and feedback control; and irrigation and nutrient management to control surface runoff and leaching while maintaining productivity and profitability.

Unit:	Bacteriology and Biochemistry
Title:	Biological destruction of nitroaromatic contaminants in large volumes of soil and sludge: novel anaerobic processes
Investigators:	R. L. Crawford, Professor, Moscow D. L. Crawford, Professor, Moscow

Program Objectives:
Soils at many agricultural sites in the Northwest USA are contaminated by nitroaromatic herbicides, particularly dinoseb. Vast amounts of soil and sludge nationwide are contaminated by wastes of the defense industry, particularly trinitrotoluene (TNT) and related molecules. We are field testing a novel anaerobic bioremediation process that degrades these contaminants to innocuous products like CO₂ and acetate. Experiments are being performed at the pilot plant scale.

Unit:	Bacteriology and Biochemistry
Title:	Stabilization of microorganisms for in situ degradation of toxic chemicals
Investigators:	R. L. Crawford, Professor, Moscow

Program Objectives:
Bacteria that might be used to degrade toxic chemicals that have contaminated subsurface environments often do not survive when introduced artificially into subsurface systems. We are developing methods to encapsulate bacteria into microspheres prior to their introduction into the subsurface. This will provide protection to the cells against unfavorable conditions that might otherwise decrease their effectiveness.

Unit:	Bacteriology and Biochemistry
Title:	New Approach to Enhance the Biodegradability of Azo Dyes and Polystyrene Polymers
Investigators:	R. L. Crawford, Professor, Moscow R. A. Korus Professor, Moscow

Program Objectives:
Azo dyes and polystyrenes are synthetic chemicals that are resistant to decomposition by microorganisms. Large amounts of these chemicals are disposed of and as a result introduced into the environment each year. Much of these wastes, particularly azo dye wastes, eventually contaminates surface waters and/or aquifers. Studies are being conducted to determine if minor chemical changes can be introduced into the azo dye and polystyrene molecular structures to make these chemicals more biodegradable by soil and aquatic bacteria and fungi.

Unit:	Bacteriology and Biochemistry
Title:	Containment of genetically engineered microorganism in subsurface environments
Investigators:	S. Kellogg, Asst. Professor, Moscow C. S. Orser, Asst. Professor, Moscow D. L. Crawford, Professor, Moscow R. L. Crawford, Professor, Moscow R. Ralston, Professor, Moscow

Program Objectives:
Our objective is to develop cell immobilization procedures that will contain genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMS) introduced into soils and/or waters. Ideally, these procedures will (a) prevent GEMS from physically entering subsurface environments, (b) prevent GEM DNA from being transferred to natural microbial populations, while (c) allowing the GEMS to interact metabolically (e.g., degrade pollutants) with their surrounding ecosystems. This research should lead to development of low-risk technologies using GEMS to remediate subsurface environments contaminated by hazardous chemicals.

Unit:	Bacteriology and Biochemistry/Plant Science/Entomology
Title:	Microbial detoxification of pesticide containers and rinseates
Investigators:	R. L. Crawford, Professor, Moscow D. Thill, Professor, Moscow H. Homan, Professor, Moscow

Program Objectives:
This is a research and development project intended to develop commercial preparations of immobilized microbial cells that can be used to destroy toxic residues of pesticides, herbicides, and carrier chemicals remaining in used chemical containers and/or agricultural industry rinse waters. These types of preparations will be inexpensive and an effective means to decrease non-point source pollution by agricultural chemicals. Users of the technology will include agricultural chemical applicators, particularly large service-based companies and aerial applicators. Initial target chemicals include the phenoxy alkanoic herbicides and the insecticide parathion.

Unit:	Bacteriology and Biochemistry
Title:	Promoting in situ dechlorination of aromatic compounds through catalysis by extracellular enzymes
Investigators:	C. S. Orser, Asst. Professor, Moscow M. Morra, Asst. Professor, Moscow B. Trumble, Asst. Professor, Moscow

Program Objectives:
Chlorinated aromatic compounds present at superfund sites are relatively resistant to degradation by the natural microbial component of the contaminated soils. Genetically engineered microorganisms may be potentially useful in the degradation of these compounds, but restrictions limit their introduction. The overall project objective is to enhance the degradation of chlorinated aromatics in situ through the promotion of dechlorination reactions. Enzymes responsible for the dechlorination of aromatic compounds will be produced in large quantities through innovative recombinant DNA techniques. The in situ dechlorination of aromatic compounds will be catalyzed by amendment of extracellular enzymes to contaminated soils, exclusive of the engineered organism.

Unit:	Entomology
Title:	Effects of Agricultural Nonpoint Source Poluution Impacts on Biology and Ecology of Aquatic Benthic Communities
Investigators:	M. A. Brusven, Professor, Moscow

Program Objectives:
1) Inventroy land-use practices (especially agricultural) in selected nonirrigated watersheds in the Palouse region of Idaho for the purpose of relating these uses to water quality parameter. 2) Determine the temporal and spatial nonpoint pollution loads of selected parameters in receiving waters. 3) Determine the effects of nonpoint source perturbations from agricultural lands on aquatic benthic communities and the general health and productivity of receiving waters.

Unit:	Entomology/Agricultural Economics
Title:	Offsite Ecologic-Economic Impact Assessment of a Nonpoint Source Polluted Stream
Investigators:	M. A. Brusven, Professor, Moscow D. Walker, Professor, Moscow

Program Objectives:
1. Conduct water quality analysis for nonpoint source agricultural pollution, especially nutrients, and develop descriptive models of community structure and ecosystem processing for the purpose of determining levels of departure from the river continuum model for a nonperturbed stream. 2. Develop and apply economic models which will assess offsite benefits for nonpoint source pollution mitigation.

Unit:	Plant Science
Title:	Alternatives to Burning Grass Residue for Continued Seed Production of Kentucky Bluegrass
Investigators:	G. A. Murray, Professor, Moscow

Program Objectives:
Kentucky bluegrass and other grasses are produced on 60,000 acres in northern Idaho and eastern Washington. These grasses provide continuous ground cover which reduces soil losses and improves quality of surface water compared to annual cropping systems. If alternative methods of residue removal and/or production practices allowing economical seed production without burning are not found, this valuable, environmentally sound crop may be lost from this area. The general objectives of this study are: 1) to evaluate bluegrass cultivar response to burning. If cultivars are identified that require less or no burning, techniques allowing incorporation of those genetic traits will be studies. 2) To utilize existing and develop new techniques of residue removal, including enhanced microbial decomposition.

Unit:	Plant Science/Agricultural Egineering/Soils
Title:	Minimizing Potential Groundwater Contamination by Nitrogen-Irrigation of High Nutrient Demand Crops
Investigators:	J. C. Stark, Assoc. Professor, Moscow I. R. McCann, Asst. Professor, Moscow B. Izadi, Asst. Professor, Moscow T. A. Tindall, Asst. Professor, Moscow D. T. Westermann, Soil Scientist-USDA-ARS, Kimberly

Program Objectives:
There currently is a great deal of interest in identifying irrigation and fertilizer management practices which minimize the potential for nitrate pollution of groundwater. This is of particular concern with a shallow-rooted, high nutrient-demand crop such as potatoes. The primary objectives of this study are to (1) determine the effects of irrigation management on nitrogen uptake, yield, and quality of Russet Burbank potatoes, (2) determine the interactive effects of irrigation and nitrogen management on the potential for nitrate leaching below the root zone of potatoes and (3) develop a data base for future development and validation of computer models which will aid in the identification of Best Management Practices to maintain profitable potato production while minimizing the potential for groundwater contamination.

Unit:	Soils
Title:	Ion Speciation in Low Redox Soils
Investigators:	D. V. Naylor, Professor, Moscow

Program Objectives:
The transport, bioavailability, and fate of soil constituents depends upon the composition of the soil solution. Composition of the soil solution involves both total amount of material present and the ionic species of its constituents. The ionic species depends upon many properties, including pH, soil mineral composition, soil organic constituents, and their metabolism by soil organisms, soil moisture content, and soil aeration. Soil aeration is usually represented by the oxygen (O₂) content of the soil or the oxidation/reduction potential (redox). The general objective of this project is to evaluate changes in ionic species in soil under reducing conditions as it would influence the movement of inorganic chemical materials through soils into ground or surface water supplies.

Unit:	Soils
Title:	Modification of Phosphorus Transport Through Soil Materials
Investigators:	D. V. Naylor, Professor, Moscow

Program Objectives:
The numerous pristine lakes and streams in Idaho are an important natural resource. Low population density makes many parts of Idaho well suited to land application of wastes. A major concern associated with this method of waste disposal is the control of phosphorus (P) leaching. Shoreline and regional development place this resource at risk due to the generation and disposal of associated waste materials. Septic tank drainfields and land application of liquid and solid wastes from municipal and industrial sources have, at times, diminished water quality. This investigation will evaluate the factors which control the rate and extent of P transport through various soil types. The soil and wastewater properties which influence the movement of P through the soils will be identified and management practices which alter transport will be determined.

Unit:	Soils
Title:	Characterization of Physical, Chemical, and Colloidal Phenomena of the Lateral Lakes of the Coeur d'Alene River in North Idaho for Future Possible In Situ Remediation Procedures
Investigators:	V. E. Chamberlain, Assoc. Professor, Moscow K. F. Sprenke, Assoc. Professor, Moscow D. V. Naylor, Professor, Moscow

Program Objectives:
The lateral lakes of the Coeur d'Alene River have a long history of exposure to heavy metal pollution by dissolved load and solid load from the Coeur d'Alene mining area. Premining lake-bottom sediments may contain metals eroded from naturally exposed sulphide veins. Research is required to determine the amount, distribution, and heavy metal content of contaminated sediments in the lateral lakes in order to analyze potential metal pollution problems in the Coeur d'Alene surface and subsurface hydrologic system. The general objective of this study is to characterize the physical, chemical, and colloidal or adsorption phenomena and parameters of the lake bottom environment (soil/water/strate) that may affect future remediation and/or management of the lateral lakes.

Unit:	Soils
Title:	Plant and Soil Test Calibration for Irrigated Crops in Southern Idaho
Investigators:	B. D. Brown, Assoc. Professor, Moscow

Program Objectives:
Nitrogen fertilization is frequently essential for optimum crop growth in the highly productive irrigated Snake River Basin. However, nitrogen applied for irrigated crops can move into and contaminate groundwater when the nitrogen and/or irrigation system are not managed properly. The project has the general objective of determining the nitrogen management practices for irrigated crops that are the most effective for reducing the risk of groundwater contamination while providing for optimum production and economic returns to producers. The project involves the study of (1) nitrogen application rate, method, timing, and source, (2) the development of soil and plant analysis procedures for identifying nitrogen requirements, and (3) the cultural practice influence on nitrogen use by crops.

Unit:	Soils/Bacteriology and Biochemistry
Title:	In situ dehalogenation of synthetic organic compounds
Investigators:	M. Morra, Asst. Professor, Moscow C. S. Orser, Asst. Professor, Moscow P. Griffiths, Professor, Moscow L. Czuchajowski, Professor, Moscow

Program Objectives:
One of the major obstacles for in situ remediation of halogenated synthetic organic compounds that contaminate soils and groundwaters throughout the U.S., is the inability to control unexpected reactions of the contaminant with soil or ground water matrices. This may result in incomplete degradation of the pollutant and the creation of hazardous byproducts. We will use two model systems directed towards the in situ remediation of halogenated aliphatic and aromatic compounds to develop the analytical methods for monitoring degradative products in complex matrices. The developed analytical methods will play a key role in assessing the effectiveness of any in situ remediation scheme involving soils contaminated with halogenated synthetic organic compounds.

Unit:	Soils/Plant Science/Agricultural Engineering
Title:	Nitrogen and irrigation management to decrease nitrate leaching in a potato cropping system
Investigators:	T. A. Tindall, Asst. Professor, Twin Falls J. Stark, Assoc. Professor, Aberdeen I. McCann, Asst. Professor, Aberdeen D. Westermann, Soil Scientist-USDA-ARS, Kimberley

Program Objectives:
Nitrate leaching out of potato cropping systems is a potential contributor to groundwater contamination. In the Snake River Plain of southern Idaho, irrigation management and N management can be correlated to decreasing leaching problems. Objectives of this study include: (1) to determine N rates and timing in correlation to irrigation level on minimizing N loss to leaching in potatoes, and (2) Determine N cycling and necessary N budgets in potatoes.

Unit:	Soils/District IV
Title:	Decreasing sedimentation in riparian zones from adjacent arable land with vegetative filter strips
Investigators:	T. A. Tindall, Asst. Professor, Twin Falls D. Lucas, Asst. Professor, Clark County J. Mosely, Asst. Professor, Moscow

Program Objectives:
Riparian zones are those vegetative areas associated with free flowing water over a period of time during the growing season. Because these areas are used heavily by wildlife, livestock, recreationists, and farmers their management is of a high priority. The greatest pollutant of these zones is due to sedimentation from adjacent soils. The objective of this study was to develop an effective vegetative filter strip established between an agronomic field and the riparian zone.

Comments to webmistress: karenl@uidaho.edu

All contents copyright © 1997-2003.
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho.
All rights reserved.

Revised: January 3, 2003

URL: http://www.uidaho.edu/wq/wqu/attach2.html