UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

The TRACY FARMER

INSTITUTE for SUSTAINABILITY & the ENVIRONMENT

Assessment of burn severity and response of non-native invasive species (Paulownia tomentosa) in an eastern deciduous forest using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery.

Suraj Upadhaya1, Mary Arthur1, Marco Contreras1, Claudia Cotton2, David Taylor2 1Department of Forestry, University of Kentucky ; 2USDA Forest Service, Daniel Boone National Forest

Eastern deciduous forests in the U.S. experience wildfire events at differing frequencies, intensities and se-

verities. The occurrence of a 673.8-ha wildfire ,Fish Trap Fire in the Daniel Boone National Forest (DBNF),

provided a rare opportunity on public land for research into the use of remotely sensed data for assessing

wildfire burn severity and ecological effects. In the Western U.S., researchers have used the differenced

Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) algorithm, derived from Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery, to quantify

burn severity. We used this same index to predict the severity of the Fish Trap wildfire in the DBNF, Ken-

tucky. With the use of dNBR calculated for the Fish Trap Fire and a control plot within the same landscape,

burn severity was categorized into four levels: unburned, low, moderate and high severity with dNBR val-

ues <56, 56-105,105-312 and >312 respectively. There was 70% agreement between Landsat-derived esti-

mates of burn severity and the qualitative burn severity assessment estimated from 30 circular plots placed

across the burned area. We also examined the relationship between a non-native invasive species

(Paulownia tomentosa), which spread rapidly across the burned area, with our assessment of burn severity.

Areas with high burn severity had the highest occurrences of P.tomentosa, 69.43% of total re-

corded P.tomentosa stems. The results show that Landsat (TM) data have great potential for assessing wild-

fire burn severity in eastern deciduous forests. Further, our results demonstrate that the ability to readily

identify areas of high burn severity may enhance capacity for finding and eradicating invading species.

Transforming a Detention Basin Overlying Bedrock into a Rain Garden: How Well Does It Perform Hydrologically?

Rachel Norton and Carmen Agouridis Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky

Rain gardens serve the natural environment by filtering stormwater runoff while creating a habitat for

plants, animals, insects and other life to thrive. This project consists primarily of monitoring the hydrologic

effectiveness of a rain garden constructed on the University of Kentucky’s campus. Discharge, water level,

and basic rainfall data were collected for a 6-month period post-construction and were analyzed. Inflow and

outflow discharge data were collected using flow meters. Water level data were collected using permanently

stationed pressure transducers located in each of three basins. Rainfall data were obtained from the U.S.

Geological Survey. Results indicated that the rain garden reduced discharge volumes by nearly 15% and

peak flows. Discharge durations were increased by about 89%. Small reductions in discharge were due to (1)

the presence of bedrock, (2) nearly equal inlet and outlet pipe inverts, and (3) clay loam soils surrounding the

rain garden. To increase stormwater volume reductions, consideration of additional plantings is recom-

mended. More plants will increase evapotranspiration rates thereby reducing the amount of water stored in

the soil in between storm events.

Developing a sustainable approach to emerald ash borer management through natural enemies

William Davidson and Lynne Rieske-Kinney Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky

The emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis (EAB), is an exotic buprestid native to Asia. Since its introduction

to North America EAB has spread to over 20 states and killed tens of millions of ash. Biological control is the

most promising management strategy, and efforts are underway to establish populations of classical bio-

logical control agents. Understanding the impact of native enemies on EAB population dynamics may also

be critical in developing a sustainable management strategy to combat EAB. My research aims to establish

populations of classical biological control agents in Kentucky, along with characterizing the assemblage of

native enemies present in this region. Throughout the summer and fall of 2013 and 2014 releases were made

at four sites in north-central Kentucky of three exotic hymenopteran parasitoids: Tetrastichus planipennisi

(Eulophidae), Spathius agrili (Braconidae), and Oobius agrili (Encyrtidae). In winter 2014, 25 ash across

these sites were felled and evaluated for recruitment of native enemies of EAB along with establishment of

the exotic parasitoids. We see signs of successful establishment T. planipennisi at three sites along with re-

cruitment of native enemies to EAB. Eleven morpho-types of hymenopteran parasitoids and one coleop-

teran parasitoid have been collected through debarking / rearing of the felled ash and an additional two

were collected from the trunks of dead ash. These parasitoids, some of which have not yet been reported

utilizing EAB, add to our knowledge of native natural enemies and will aid in developing a sustainable local-

ized management strategy for preserving ash in Kentucky.

Comparison of Regional Curves and Hydraulic Geometry Curves for Physiographic Provinces across the U.S.

Whitney Blackburn-Lynch and Carmen Agouridis Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky

Regional curves relate the bankfull parameters discharge, cross-sectional area, width and mean depth to

drainage area while hydraulic geometry curves relate the bankfull parameters cross-sectional area, width

and mean depth to bankfull discharge. These curves are useful when assessing incised streams, where bank-

full indicators are few or lacking, and in aiding in the natural channel design process. Presently, these curves

are used only within the study area for which they were developed (e.g. Bluegrass Region of Kentucky).

However, prior research on bankfull width suggests that regional curves within a physiographic province are

statistically similar, and thus their usefulness may extend beyond the study area for which they were devel-

oped. Such knowledge is particularly helpful when conducting assessments and designs in locations for

which regional and/or hydraulic geometry curves have not been developed or in drastically disturbed areas,

such as mined lands, where the presence of stable stream reaches is limited. The objective of this study was

to test the hypothesis that regional curves and hydraulic geometry curves do not differ within a physi-

ographic province and potentially between hydrologically and geologically similar physiographic provinces.

To test this hypothesis, a database, consisting of the bankfull parameters cross-sectional area, width, mean

depth, and discharge, and representing nearly 20 physiographic provinces from over 40 studies was devel-

oped and tested. Results of this effort will be presented.

Constructing a Low Permeability Barrier Using Mine Spoil

Sarah Smith1, Carmen Agouridis1, and Richard Warner2 Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering1 and Chemical Engineering2, University of Kentucky

Specific conductance and selenium are two water quality parameters of concern particularly in relation to

surface mining activities in the Appalachian Coalfields. During the mining process, high conductivity and/or

selenium producing strata may be exposed. One proposed method for minimizing the impacts of strata on

water quality is to isolate this problematic spoil using a low permeability barrier. Prior research by da Rosa et

al. (2013) found that, in a laboratory setting, saturated hydraulic conductivity values between 5.9 x 10-8 (low)

to 3.1 x 10-7 (high) cm s-1 were achievable using weathered sandstones (brown and gray). However, ques-

tions remained as to achievable field saturated hydraulic conductivity levels which are expected to be lower.

The objectives of this study were to 1) evaluate field saturated hydraulic conductivity levels on a low perme-

ability barrier constructed from weathered sandstone at a surface in eastern Kentucky, and 2) compare

these results to laboratory saturated hydraulic conductivity levels. Preliminary results will be presented

Rebecca Shelton1, Rebecca McCulley1, Krista Jacobsen2 1Department of Plant & Soil Sciences, 2Department of Horticulture, University of Kentucky

Unintentional nitrogen loss from agroecosystems is harmful to downstream environments and costly for

farmers; therefore, adoption of conservation agricultural management practices, such as no-till, cover crop-

ping, and inter-cropping, has increased recently among farmers of the United States. However, the ecosys-

tem consequences of adopting these practices has not been well-studied, and in practice, many different

species of cover crop and combinations of these conservation techniques are employed, complicating the

quantification of ecosystem benefits that they may provide. This project examines nitrogen dynamics and

loss associated with different agricultural management systems that vary in cover crop species (grass vs.

legume), type of cover crop termination (herbicide vs. mowing), type of fertilizer used, and quantity of fertil-

izer applied. Specifically, this project investigates nitrogen loss via leaching, volatilization, and denitrifica-

tion while evaluating the nitrogen dynamics of plant uptake and cover crop decomposition in organic and

conventional conservation agricultural corn systems with hairy vetch (a legume) and wheat (a grass) cover

crops. The overall objective of this research is to improve recommendations for best systemic management

practices on the farm in order to increase nitrogen use efficiency while decreasing nitrogen loss and environ-

mental impact.

Investigating nitrogen dynamics and loss in conventionally and organically managed agricultural conservation systems with wheat and hairy vetch cover crops

Determining Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Winter Wheat to Combat Heat Stress Caused by Climate Change

Katlyn Hitz, David Van Sanford Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky

Nitrogen use efficient (NUE) wheat genotypes may be more adapted to heat stress caused by climate

change since they are able to pull from their stem reserves and continue grain filling when photosynthesis is

compromised. Breeding for NUE in a changing climate may be important to maximize yields in the future.

The main objectives of this study were to identify genotypes that have sufficient NUE across environments,

estimate the effect of warming on NUE among the genotypes, and determine whether NUE is associated

with heat stress resistance. In a 2012-2013 preliminary study, eight winter wheat genotypes were grown in

replicated hill plots at Spindletop Farm in Lexington, KY under 3 N environments. Planting dates were stag-

gered to simulate climate change effects. Results showed NUE had a significant (p<0.01) correlation to tem-

perature and planting date. In 2013-14, 40 wheat genotypes were planted in a randomized complete block

design under warmed and controlled conditions at Spindletop Farm in Lexington, KY. Buried heating cables

were used to warm the rhizosphere 3-5 ° C above ambient temperature. A Campbell weather station at the

site monitored soil and air temperature in both control and warmed treatments. Warming had a significant

(P<0.05) effect on most traits measured: under warming, plants headed 4 days earlier, reached harvest ma-

turity one week earlier and yielded 12% less grain, on average. Grain N at maturity was lower, as was N utili-

zation efficiency and overall NUE, under warming, though several genotypes showed increased NUE in the

warmed treatment.

Parasite Prevalence in Kentucky Elk as Determined Through Abomasal Parasites and Fecal Egg Counts

Rebecca Schwager1, Alejandra Betancourt2, John Cox2, Eugene Lyons3, Martin Nielsen3 1Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, 2Department of Forestry, 3Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Vet-erinary Science, University of Kentucky

Elk were extirpated from Kentucky in the mid-1800's, but a successful translocation of the Rocky mountain

subspecies from 5 western states has successfully reintroduced the species back to the Commonwealth.

High reproductive and survival rates have allowed the elk to grow from 1500 to nearly 12,000 in the past dec-

ade. With elk numbers steadily increasing, it is important to be aware of potential pathogens that can have

an effect on Kentucky herd health. Studies have shown that parasite prevalence is directly related to Ken-

tucky Elk population health and density, and thus assessment of gastrointestinal parasite species in the cur-

rent elk population will be an important monitoring tool to determining long-term population viability and

general health. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of select parasite species in Ken-

tucky elk, based on abomasal parasite and fecal egg counts. During the Kentucky elk hunt of 2012, abomasal

and fecal samples were collected from 40 hunter-killed elk (20 cows and 20 bulls). Abomasal contents were

used to quantify the luminal parasite burden, and fecal samples were used to quantitate the parasite eggs in

each individual specimen. After examining the Elk fecal matter it was determined that the parasite species

present were, Trichuris, Moniezia, Strongyloides, and Nematodirus. These results provide a baseline assess-

ment of the most prevalent parasite species, and downstream analysis will also analyze the possible correla-

tion between luminal parasite counts and fecal egg counts.

Nucleotide Excision Repair and Lung Cancer in Appalachian Kentucky

Nathaniel Holcomb, Mamta Goswami, Gary Gairola, David Orren, Isabel Mellon, Eric Durbin, Tamas Gal, Issac Hands, Bront Davis, Brent Hallahan, Brent Shelton, Susanne Arnold Department of Toxicology, University of Kentucky

Persistent DNA damage can result in mutations that drive carcinogenesis. Cellular repair pathways act to

remove DNA damage, minimizing genetic changes and suppressing cancer development. Exposure to to-

bacco smoke generates DNA damage causative for development of lung and other cancers; many of the le-

sions are targeted specifically by the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway. Thus, the efficiency of an in-

dividual’s NER system is likely to impact cancer susceptibility, particularly in regards to tobacco smoke expo-

sure and lung cancer development. Although most lung cancers are related to tobacco smoke exposure,

many smokers never develop lung cancer, suggesting additional factors involved in smoking-induced lung

cancer. Chronic arsenic exposure has been linked to lung cancer in humans. Our lab has discovered that ex-

posure to arsenic or cigarette smoke condensate inhibits NER efficiency in vitro and significantly reduced

the abundance of a key NER protein, XPC. Appalachian Kentucky has an extremely high incidence of lung

cancer, not fully explained by smoking rates. Individuals in the region have elevated exposure to trace met-

als (arsenic, chromium, and nickel). An epidemiological lung cancer case-control study was initiated to col-

lect biological and environmental samples and personal data. We hypothesize that NER is suppressed in in-

dividuals who develop lung cancer and we are testing this hypothesis by measuring and comparing NER effi-

ciency in lymphocytes isolated from subjects in the study. We also hypothesize that exposure to trace met-

als and/or tobacco smoke can inhibit the NER pathway in individuals which in turn can lead to the develop-

ment of lung cancer.

Development of a Methodology to Determine Antibiotic Concentrations in Runoff Samples

Tahnee Qualls, Carmen Agouridis, Manish Kulshrestha Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky

Typically, antibiotic concentrations are measured using solid-phase extraction along with liquid chromatog-

raphy. However, when a study requires the analysis of a large number of samples, solid-phase extraction is

not practical due to the large number of man hours involved. The use of a lyophilizer with high pressure liq-

uid chromatography (HPLC) may be a method of accurately and cost-effectively analyzing antibiotics in wa-

ter samples. An initial antibiotic analysis methodology was developed in the Biosystems and Agricultural

Engineering Department; however, it was observed that the methodology required additional refinement to

improve accuracy, particularly when manure was present in the water samples. It was hypothesized that a

secondary filtration step, larger sample volumes, and different wavelengths on the HPLC could potentially

improve antibiotic recovery rates. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of (1) a secondary

sample preparation step (filtration), (2) buffer solution, (3) HPLC column (4) sample volumes, (5) wave-

lengths, and (6) manure concentrations on the recovery rates of three common antibiotics, specifically

chlortetracycline (CT), tetracycline (T), and oxytetracycline (OT). The study examined three filtration meth-

ods (solid phase extraction, lyophilization, and a combination of both); two buffer solutions (0.05% acetic

acid solution in methanol (MeOH) and 0.05% formic acid in acetonitrile); two HPLC columns (RSLC PA2 and

Acclaim 120); five sample volumes (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mL); three wavelengths (230, 290 and 356

nm), and four manure concentrations (1, 5, 15, and 25%).

Honey

Travis Klondike, Meg Maloney, Ryan Hargrove Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Kentucky

This design calls for using vacant lots in Louisville’s West End to create visually-pleasing spaces for humans, and sanctuaries for bees. Since 2006, widespread reports of diminishing beehives across the U.S. have sur-faced. This rampant decline, coined "Colony Collapse Disorder," if not addressed will become detrimental to our food chain and ecosystem. Dually, the West End of Louisville has also fallen subject to vacancy concerns, as seen amongst many cities of its size. While this design calls for the transformation of vacant lots to urban beekeeping stations – it also provides the West of End of Louisville with an innovative and sustainable ap-proach to addressing multiple global issues on a local scale. The benefits of this design are wide-reaching. For adjacent property owners, the blight caused by the abut-ting vacated lots would be converted into a space that is not only visually pleasing, but also proven to raise neighboring property values. Growing in scope, this concept has the potential for educational research and job creation through the care of the plants and bees, and the production of honey - all while instilling a sense of communal pride in an area that is currently lacking a true identity.

Temporal Dynamics and Stability of Spatially Measured Soil Water Status Across Two Land Use Systems

Yang Yang, Ole Wendroth, Riley J Walton Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky

Spatial variability of soil water status and its change in time are of primary importance to hydrological modeling and

agricultural management. Changes in atmospheric conditions such as precipitation usually cause large temporal dy-

namics in soil water status; whereas, inherent soil properties such as soil texture and topography maintain their spatial

pattern with time. The objective of this study was to analyze the temporal dynamics and stability of spatial field soil

water status distribution and to identify the relevant underlying spatial and temporal processes. Along a 48- by 3-m

transect evenly across two land use systems, cropland and grassland, soil matric potentials (ψ_m) at the depths of 10,

30, 50, 70, 90 and 110 cm were investigated measured at 1-m spatial intervals on a weekly basis from May to October,

2013. The standard deviation (STD) and spatial correlation length of ψ_m at 10 cm depth decreased with weekly pre-

cipitation and the spatial mean of ψ_m, owing to the enhancement of lateral water redistribution by elevated soil wet-

ness. Temporal dynamics in both STD and covariance structure diminished with soil depth. Nevertheless, STD was

found to positively correlate with mean ψ_m at 110 cm, which was caused by preferential flow events developed spo-

radically along the transect during heavy precipitations. In contrast, ψ_m’s temporal stability generally increased with

soil depth because of the decreased impact exerted by atmospheric conditions. According to spearman’s Spearman’s

rank correlation coefficients, the stable spatial distribution of ψ_m was more strongly correlated with relative eleva-

tion, rather than with soil texture. The significant negative rank correlations and reversed spatial patterns manifested

between some spatial series with distinct ψ_m at either 10 or 30 cm depth suggested that the magnitude of ψ_m

needs to be taken into account when characterizing its temporal stability.

Euonymus fortunei (purple wintercreeper) influences soil bacterial community and leaf decomposition

Andy Hoyt1, Sarah Bray2, Mary Arthur1 1Department of Forestry, University of Kentucky; 2Department of Biology, Transylvania University

The impacts of non-native invasive plants on resident plant communities are well known. Less obvious are

their impacts on soil communities and ecosystem processes. We examined the effects of wintercreeper on

leaf decomposition and the soil bacterial community in paired plots at two sites. Paired plots were invaded/

removal (UK Arboretum) and invaded/native (Scotts Grove). Leaf litter bags containing 10 g of leaves of two

non-native species, wintercreeper and Amur honeysuckle, and two native species, frost grape and coral-

berry, were incubated for 6 months, and rates of decomposition were determined. We extracted DNA from

five pooled 10 cm depth cores from each plot and sequenced 300 base pairs to the 16S ribosomal subunit to

identify bacteria. All species decomposed more quickly when incubated under a mat of wintercreeper

(p=0.0007). Leaves decomposed at different rates (p<0.0001), with wintercreeper decomposing most

quickly. Soil bacterial community composition at paired invaded/removal plots (Arboretum) were not differ-

ent from one another (F = 0.56, p = 0.8), but paired invaded/native plots (Scotts Grove) did differ in bacterial

community composition (F = 2.34, p = 0.025). Our study reveals that wintercreeper alters the soil environ-

ment, leading to higher rates of decomposition. Bacterial community results suggest that invasion of win-

tercreeper alters soil bacterial communities which are not restored to pre-invasion composition with re-

moval of wintercreeper.

How aging impacts the toxicogenomic response of Caenorhabditis elegans to silver nanoparticles.

Daniel Starnes, Stuart Lichtenberg, Olga Tsyusko, Jason Unrine, Paul Bertsch Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky

There are >2000 products containing manufactured nanoparticles (MNPs) available. One of the MNPs of

concern is silver nanoparticles (Ag-MNPs). During wastewater treatment, Ag-MNPs undergo transforma-

tions resulting in sulfidized AgNPs (sAg-MNPs). We aim to understand the bioavailability, toxicity and ge-

nomic responses of polyvinylpyrrolidone coated AgNPs (pAg-MNP) and sAg-MNP to the model organism

Caenorhabditis elegans. Since Ag-MNP toxicity can also be determined by the release of Ag+, AgNO3 was

included as a treatment. Our results showed that sAg-MNPs are less toxic to C. elegans than pAg-MNP due

in part to their lower bioavailability as evidenced by synchrotron-based x-ray microscopy. It appears as

though the toxicity of the sAg-MNPs is primarily caused neither by absorption and internalization of the par-

ticles, nor release of Ag ions, but perhaps by damaging the cuticle. Evidence suggests that the observed

toxicity is partially particle specific for both pAg-MNP and sAg-MNP because nematodes exposed to particle

free supernatants showed lower mortality. The toxicity determined by the release of Ag+ is concentration-

dependent and decreases with increased NP concentrations. Among endpoints screened, reproduction was

the most sensitive and was used for microarray experiments. Each treatment produced a distinct transcrip-

tomic response. A suite of genes involved in cuticle function was up-regulated in response to sAg-MNPs. The

genomic data supports the hypothesis that the responses are partially particle specific, since both pAg-MNP

and sAg-MNP have a unique set of genes that are not shared with the Ag+ treatment. Our results indicate

that both pAg-MNP and sAg-MNPs cause toxicity through distinct mechanisms.

Phosphorus Sorption Behavior for Manure and Biosolid Amended Soils of the Inner and Outer Bluegrass Regions in Kentucky

Kristi Meier, Tasios Karathanasis, Yvonne Thompson Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky

It is well established that increased P saturation of agricultural soils is associated with P enrichment and po-

tential eutrophication of fresh waters. Compared to typical Kentucky soils, Inner and Outer Bluegrass region

soils have a higher than average soil test P. Establishing a relationship between soil test P levels and poten-

tial P losses can improve P amendment recommendations and minimize negative environmental impacts.

Two soils from the Outer Bluegrass and two from the Inner Bluegrass region of Kentucky, with soil test P val-

ues ranging from 48 to 485 mg/kg, were selected as representative agricultural soils. These selected sites

had no recent history of organic P amendment applications. Surface soil samples, air dried, and ground to

pass a 2mm sieve, were amended with cattle manure, horse manure, and a municipal biosolid for 108 days at

25oC. Incubated samples were collected at 0, 3, 7, 14, 28, 58, and 108 days to determine the effect of amend-

ment additions to inorganic P and phosphorus sorption index (PSI) over time. The PSI values were deter-

mined from single point P sorption isotherms. Integrating current soil test methods with reliable estimates

of fluctuations in the liable soil P pools could greatly improve soil management recommendations for waste

applications.

Topography and land use influence variation of surface soil bulk density.

Anne Radintz1, Brad Lee1, Sam Indorante2, Tanya Williamson3, Philip Owens4; W. Matt McCauley5 1Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky; 2USDA/NRCS Soil Science Division, DuQuoin, IL; 3USGS Hadenfield NJ; 4Pur-due University/Agronomy, West LaFayette, IN; 5USDA-NRCS, Owensboro, KY

Soil surface bulk density measured at any point in time connects measured mass to volume. Thus, soil bulk

density estimation is potentially a major source of uncertainty in the estimation of soil properties such as soil

carbon content that depend upon it. This study evaluated the influence of topography with differing land

use (forest or grassed) on variability of bulk density measurements.

Dry soil bulk density and related measures, including gravel/rock content and dry color, were determined on

pairs of cores of upper 1-7 cm of soil. Pairs of cores were collected with a soil corer (5.7 cm diameter x 6 cm)

for at least ten random points within each major slope position in each catchment of three pairs of catch-

ments. Pair members were matched in proximity and thickness of loess, and differ primarily in land use (one

grassed, one forested in each pair). Land use is the single most significant influence on bulk density; Bulk

density decreases on average, and increases in variability with wooded land management. Decreasing thick-

ness of current loess soil is associated with a statistically significant monotonic increase in bulk density vari-

ance . Overall bulk density variation is small (CV< 15%), such that sparse sampling may be adequate to char-

acterize large spaces. However, shifting variance associated with gross differences in parent matter warns

against excessively broad generalization of sparse bulk density measurements to characterize large spaces

without checking the assumption of spatial similarity.

White-nose syndrome and conservation of bats in North America

Mary McKenna1 and Tad Mutersbaugh2 1Department of Biology and Department of Environmental and Sustainable Studies; 2Department of Geography, University of Kentucky

Since white-nose syndrome (WNS) emerged in 2006, it has killed over 6 million hibernating insectivorous

bats across the eastern United States and Canada. WNS is caused by the psychrophilic fungus Pseudogym-

noascus destructans or Geomyces destructans. The disease was found in Kentucky in the winter of 2010.

WNS is thought to be fatal in that it disrupts the hibernation patterns and torpor in bats resulting in deple-

tion of resources and dehydration. One of the most abundant species in eastern North America, the little

brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) is also the most affected by WNS. Insectivorous bats can be valuable allies in

ecosystems and agriculture as removers of destructive pests. Studying the effects of WNS and how it

spreads is important for maintaining populations of these valuable predators. Research regarding WNS is

ongoing. This is a review of the most recent research of the disease and how it can be used in current conser-

vation practices.

Synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoparticles

Zeinah Elhaj baddar, Jason Unrine Department of Plant & Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky

The main objective of this research is to investigate the potential of using ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) as a

means of biofrotifying wheat with Zn. Here we explore several possible methods of synthesizing coated and

uncoated ZnO NPs for this purpose. We synthesized ZnO NPs in the laboratory where ZnCl2 was dissolved

in an alkaline aqueous medium to form ZnO NPs. Stabilization of synthesized ZnO NPs against aggregation

and/or dissolution can be achieved electrostatically by conferring a charge to the particles using (poly)

electrolytes or sterically by adding a nonionic coating material. Surface tailoring of nanoparticles will help us

in understanding the effects of ZnO NP surface chemistry in the subsequent stages of this research where

ZnO NPs will be introduced to the soil or to wheat seeds. Synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized using

several analytical techniques, such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) for the determination of the hydrody-

namic diameter, electrophoretic mobility to approximate the zeta potential of the particles, transmission

electron microscopy (TEM) to determine primary particle size and shape, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)

to quantify the amount of coating material sorbed to the surface of the particles and X-ray diffraction (XRD)

to investigate crystal structure. TEM images showed that the primary particle size of ZnO NPs (coated and

uncoated) is between (10-40) nm. XRD analysis showed that the particles were zincite structured ZnO. Sub-

tle to fair effects of different coating materials on the colloidal stability of ZnO NPs were reported and are

currently being investigated for further optimization.

Sulfidated Silver Nanoparticles Induce Toxicogenomic Effects Distinct from Pristine Silver Nanoparticles and Silver Ions

Stuart Lichtenberg, Daniel Starnes, Jason Unrine, Olga Tsyusko Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky

Manufactured silver nanoparticles (Ag-MNPs) are finding increasingly frequent use in medicine and con-

sumer products for their anti-microbial properties. It has been previously demonstrated that Ag-MNPs are

leachable from their parent materials, and when released a majority of them will enter the wastewater

stream and find their way to wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). Once in the WWTP the Ag-MNP un-

dergo sulfidation to form Ag2S. With nearly 75% of US households serviced by WWTP, the Ag-MNP laden

biosolids from WWTPs is the primary route that Ag-MNPs will enter terrestrial environments. Though or-

ganisms are most likely to be exposed tosulfidated Ag-MNPs (sAg-MNPs), the effects of exposure are not

well understood, and few studies have investigated the ecotoxicological effects of these transformed parti-

cles. To this end, we have explored the toxicogenomic effects of sAg-MNP, and compared these effects to

those of pristine Ag MNPs and silver ions (AgNO3). Caenorhabditis Elegans were exposed to Ag+, pristine

Ag-MNPs, and sAg-MNPs. Microarray analysis was then performed to investigate differentially expressed

genes in each treatment. Based upon these results, we then conducted functional tests of two genes impli-

cated using mutant strains and two genes using RNAi knockdown methods. Our results indicate that there

are distinct toxicogenomic effects associated with each treatment, and that this distinctiveness could indi-

cate that the different treatments are causing toxic effects through different mechanisms.

Pore Space and Concretion Distribution in a Prairie Mound Fragipan

Grace Pelton1, Brad Lee2, Judith Turk3, Robert Graham4 Department of 1Plant Pathology, 2Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky; 3Richard Stockton College, Galloway, NJ; 4University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA

Prairie mounds are unique soil landscape features distributed across the Arkansas River Valley in eastern

Oklahoma and western Arkansas. Mounds in this area can be as large as one-meter in height and fifteen- to

thirty- meters in diameter. They commonly have a fragipan below an overthickened A horizon and above a

lithologic discontinuity between loess and fine-textured alluvium or residuum. A study of the characteristics

of these fragipans could lend interesting insights into prairie mound genesis. A mound was bisected and the

exposed mound-center profile was described and sampled according to standard methods. Intact peds

from the Bx1 (D­­b­ = 1.79 g cm-3) and Bx2 (D­­b­ = 1.77 g cm-3) were analyzed for bulk density using a 3D

laser scanner. Concretion content as well as abundance of vesicular, vugh and interconnected pore space as

evaluated using X-ray computed tomography (CT) will be discussed.

The Campus Tree Initiative: Enhancing Sustainability Through Engagement with the Urban Tree Canopy on UK Campus and Beyond

Nic Williamson1, Mary Arthur1, Lynne Rieske-Kinney2, Jerry Hart3, Mariah Lewis4, Mercedes Murphy1 Department of 1Forestry, 2Entomology, 3Physical Plant Division, 4Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Kentucky

Urban trees on the campus of the University of Kentucky (UK) contribute a suite of environmental, eco-nomic, and social benefits, significantly enhancing the quality of campus life. Tree canopy cover on UK cam-pus is approximately 17% (including canopy cover provided by the UK Lexington-Fayette Arboretum), fluctu-ating with current campus redevelopment and tree planting initiatives, in a city with about 25% canopy cover. Increasing the quality and quantity of campus canopy cover will contribute to the plethora of ecosys-tem services provided by urban trees, including decreased energy usage through shading, interception of stormwater providing relief to municipal systems, and promoting human health and use of outdoor spaces, among others. This multi-faceted outreach project entails (1) creating and hosting an Adopt-a-Campus-Tree program in collaboration with the UK Eco-Rep Program; (2) developing an interactive campus map showing the ecosystem services provided by trees around specific UK campus buildings; (3) expanding the Tree Campus USA mission and associated activities at UK; and (4) developing a web presence highlighting the campus ‘forest’ and documenting the growth, development and value of the campus tree canopy. The overarching goal of the project is to increase awareness of campus trees and their contributions to the Uni-versity of Kentucky campus sustainability. Success will be measured in terms of direct involvement of stu-dents, faculty and staff; engagement with campus tree educational materials and social media; and engage-ment with the greater Lexington – Bluegrass region.

A Pilot Study Promoting Healthy Lifestyles in a Targeted Minority Setting

Maja Redzik, Evan Cassity, Corey Hawes Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky

Obesity rates have increased drastically over the past two decades, and African American women have the highest rates of being overweight and obese in the U.S. Many outreach programs currently exist to educate and encourage healthy lifestyle changes. However, there is a need for novel and creative nutrition interven-tion methods that are easily integrated into everyday settings. The purpose of this pilot trial was to assess the effects of a novel nutrition and healthy lifestyle education intervention at a hair salon waiting area of pri-marily African American women. The 3-month intervention consisted of educational videos, created by Nu-tritional Sciences graduate students, played in the salon waiting area and interactive group sessions (a gro-cery store visit and cooking class) hosted by Nutritional Sciences graduate students. A nutritional knowledge and lifestyle behavior questionnaire was administered at baseline and endpoint to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Twenty-five individuals completed the questionnaire at baseline and 11 followed up to complete the questionnaire at endpoint. A total of 10 individuals participated in the interactive group ses-sions. No statistically significant differences were observed between baseline and endpoint questionnaire scores (n=11), although an improvement in average score was seen (2.90 ± 6.41; p = 0.38). Individuals 55 years and older (n=7) significantly increased knowledge scores compared to those younger than 55 (n=4; p=0.02). This significant difference between age groups may be attributed to the fact that only 3 partici-pants watched the educational videos and all 3 participants were greater than 55 years of age. These data suggest a modified version of this intervention may be an effective method of increasing nutrition knowl-edge and promoting healthy behaviors in adults. Future intervention trials should focus on increasing sam-ple size, improving follow up with participants throughout the intervention, and expanding to additional community settings and clinical waiting areas.