Ecological Engineering

Ecological engineering is the design of sustainable ecosystems that integrate human society with its natural environment for the benefit of both. It involves the design, construction and management of ecosystems that have value to both humans and the environment. Ecological engineering combines basic and applied science from engineering, ecology, economics, and natural sciences for the restoration and construction of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The field is increasing in breadth and depth as more opportunities to design and use ecosystems as interfaces between technology and environment are explored.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Ecological Stormwater Management
Non-point sources of pollution have increasingly become the focus of attention of environmental agencies as point sources such as sewage treatment outfalls and industrial plants have been eliminated from surface water bodies. Over the past decade, while great improvement of surface water quality was achieved with elimination of direct discharge of wastes, non-point sources have became more obvious as an important contributor to surface water quality degradation. The Center has been actively involved in all areas of research related to the ecological engineering of stormwater management systems including:
* Design and construction
* Modeling and nutrient dynamics
* Geographic Information Systems modeling of watersheds
* Implementation of policies and regulatory frameworks that encourage ecological stromwater management

Dr. Mark T. Brown (Environmental Engineering Sciences)

Wastewater Treatment
Wastewater Treatment The State of Florida has embraced the principles of sustainable use being developed by the Center as one of the few viable options for meeting the rapidly expanding need for waste water treatment. Building upon the experimental results from treatment wetlands in northern Florida, the State now encourages utilization of natural and constructed wetlands for waste water treatment. Orlando has two major sites, one of which is also used as a conservation and recreational area called Orlando Wilderness Park. Industry, including Anheuser-Busch in Jacksonville, has also learned that utilization of wetlands as waste water treatment options is not only cost effective, but valuable marketable side products can be developed as part of the treatment process.
Dr. Mark T. Brown (Environmental Engineering Sciences)

Wetland Reclamation/Restoration
The State of Florida currently uses natural and constructed wetlands as valuable tools in major environmental management and restoration schemes. The Center has worked for years with the phosphate industry and the Florida Institute for Phosphate Research in the design and placement of constructed wetlands and lakes as mitigation options for the reclamation of mined lands in central and northern Florida. The St. John's River Water Management District has reclaimed a former wetland that was drained for agricultural purposes as a keystone element in the restoration of Lake Apopka. Finally, the grand scheme being developed for the restoration of the Everglades hinges on the use of reclaimed wetlands for treatment of nutrient rich waters from agricultural areas.
Dr. Mark T. Brown (Environmental Engineering Sciences)