Aquatic nitrogen source elucidation using stable isotope analysis in the North Carolina Coastal Plain.

Eastern North Carolina has been subjected to widespread water quality degradation for decades, notably throughout the Cape Fear River Watershed, owing largely to the magnitude of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in the region. Long-term nutrient monitoring data from numerous locations throughout southeastern North Carolina have shown significantly elevated organic nitrogen (Org-N) concentrations starting around the year 2000-a concerning development, as labile Org-N can stimulate algal blooms and subsequent bacterial production, thus enhancing eutrophication in freshwater systems. By measuring the stable isotope signatures (δC, δN) of particulate organic matter sampled from a range of southeastern North Carolina waters, the predominant sources to the observed Org-N loadings were elucidated.

Quantitative Comparison of UAS-Borne LiDAR Systems for High-Resolution Forested Wetland Mapping.

Wetlands provide critical ecosystem services across a range of environmental gradients and are at heightened risk of degradation from anthropogenic pressures and continued development, especially in coastal regions. There is a growing need for high-resolution (spatially and temporally) habitat identification and precise delineation of wetlands across a variety of stakeholder groups, including wetlands loss mitigation programs. Traditional wetland delineations are costly, time-intensive and can physically degrade the systems that are being surveyed, while aerial surveys are relatively fast and relatively unobtrusive.