@masterthesis{Marquardt, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Marquardt, Johanna}, title = {Biodiversity changes in vegetation and insects following the creation of a wildflower strip: A Case Study}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-7061}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {112}, abstract = {With the Global Climate Change, the loss of biodiversity is one of the most current and biggest crises of today and the future. The loss i.e., the decrease of biodiversity, does not only have negative effects on vegetation and animals, but also on humans. If nature is doing well, people are doing well. In order to counteract the loss, this bachelor thesis attempts to increase plant and insect biodiversity at a specific location with insect-friendly seed mixtures and by measuring the change using comparison areas. Accordingly, the two research questions were addressed: (1) "How does plant-biodiversity change in the backyard and front yard on the seed mixture plot compared to plant-biodiversity in the backyard and front yard next to the seed mixture plot?" and (2) "How does insect-biodiversity change in the backyard and front yard on the seed mixture plot compared to insect-biodiversity in the backyard and front yard next to the seed mixture plot?" To answer these research questions and to obtain more suitable data, a wildflower strip was established in the backyard and one in the front yard, each with an adjacent reference field, to ensure equal environmental conditions and to detect changes in flora and fauna. Plants and insects were observed and documented during the flowering period in order to determine differences in biodiversity sizes afterwards. The comparison of the different biodiversity sizes shows that an increase in insect and plant biodiversity can be achieved by planting insect-friendly wildflower strips. As the increase of plant biodiversity also leads to the increase of insect biodiversity. Further research in the field of biodiversity enhancement could be done by collecting more measurement points of the coefficients at additional locations to extend the data set and to improve the applied method of this bachelor thesis. Also, the recordings could be repeated over a longer time period of several years.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Li, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Li, Yeyang}, title = {Investigation of Acute Toxicity of Urban Surface Water Combined with Luminescent Bacteria Test, TOC and AAS}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-8118}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {70}, abstract = {With the acceleration of urbanization, the quality of urban water quality is a serious issue. In this study, three main analytical techniques were used to comprehensively analyse the urban surface water quality. Luminescent bacteria test is a rapid and sensitive bioassay for acute toxicity determination in water. Through the inhibition rate of bacteria, the toxicity of water quality is reflected in a short-term. In this study, Vibrio fischeri bioassay was used to determine the toxicity in urban surface water. However, when the luminescence results of samples have only a slight difference, AAS and TOC can be used as sensitive chemical analytical techniques. atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) can analyse the heavy metal concentration and total organic carbon (TOC) can determine the organic contamination in water. AAS and TOC can quantitatively and qualitatively analyse chemical parameters. In the study, although each technique has a certain limitation, the combination of these three experiments can be detailed explain the cause of toxicity of urban surface water. Therefore, the advantage of these three methods which are fast, highly sensitive, and easy to operate, makes the analysis of water quality more efficiently. In this study, the water samples were analysed after filtration. In case the toxicity being related to substances sorbed to the suspended matter has a significant effect on water quality, it is necessary to conduct unfiltered experiments in future research.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Tscherner, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Tscherner, Marie}, title = {Anthropogenic Impact on the Amphibian Population at the Ober-Lohberg-Allee in Dinslaken}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {The current rapid biodiversity loss results in a sped-up extinction of species worldwide. Human health and welfare depend on ecosystem functions and services which are interchangeably connected to biodiversity. Amphibians are one of the most sensitive and vulnerable species to anthropogenic impacts, because of their fast reactions to changing conditions in their surroundings they are often referred to as bioindicator species. Since year 2016 an amphibian population located in the district of Wesel in North-Rhine-Westphalia in Germany experiences drastic changes in population size and composition. To find out if anthropogenic impacts may influence the development of the amphibian population, different methods for assessing the population and biodiversity are used. Data was collected from year 2017 to 2023 with the help of a drift fence with pitfall traps. The amphibian population is evaluated regarding population size, age structure, sex ratio and migration behaviour. Additionally, biodiversity indices are used for a quantitative and qualitative analysis. As last step, the amphibian population is compared to another amphibian population with similar preconditions, but experiencing less anthropogenic pressure. A high reduction of population size and changes in age and sex composition were found for the assessed amphibian population. Moreover, the migration behaviour alternates over time. The found results strongly indicate that the main cause of the negative development is a high anthropogenic pressure. Further intensive conservation and monitoring actions are needed, to restore the amphibian population and avoid the complete destruction.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Batson, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Batson, Adiel}, title = {INVESTIGATING SOIL BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY IN VARIABLE AGRICULTURAL SAMPLE SITES USING BAIT LAMINA METHODOLOGY}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {This research investigates the relationship between feeding activity and soil characteristics using Bait Lamina Methodology at six agricultural sample sites in western Germany. The ability to incorporate citizen science for data collection and evaluation is assessed and the quality of that data is compared using analysis of variance between group types. It was found that fertilization is strongly correlated with feeding activity (0.877). Positive correlations between temperature, soil moisture and soil organic matter content were also observed, although with varying degrees of influence. Mean feeding activities among different evaluating groups of students, staff, pupils, scout members and farming cooperative members (Solawi) did not deviate significantly from each other (p= 0.66 among students, Solawi and staff members, and p=0.52 among students, pupils and scout members, alpha= 0.05) . Data processing however for non staff and student groups was more arduous as more tallying mistakes were made than formerly mentioned groups. Results suggest that the bait lamina methodology is suited for citizen science, although data quality can easily be improved by digitizing evaluation handouts, with automation/formulas embedded for tallying.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Gehrmann, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Gehrmann, Bastian}, title = {The Impact of Planted Green Facades on Biodiversity and Tem perature in the immediate Surroundings of urban Buildings}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {People and nature are affected by climate change in different ways. The effects of diminishing green spaces, increasing sealed spaces, and higher summer temperatures are particularly noticeable in built-up and urban areas. The constant use of land and development means that insect habitats, which are essential to a functioning ecosystem, are being lost. But this development is not only problematic for insects: increased sealing also increases the potential risk of the heat island effect, which poses a threat to human health. One possible solution for providing habitat and food for insects in urban areas could be green fa{\c{c}}ade systems. These could partially restore ecosystem services lost to development and have a positive effect on ambient temperature through shading of the building and evaporation from the plants. In order to measure this effect of fa{\c{c}}ade greening on the environment, in particular on insect diversity and insect population, this work measured the number of insects using two different counting methods over several days on two external fa{\c{c}}ades, one with fa{\c{c}}ade greening and one without. In addition, to determine the effect of the green fa{\c{c}}ade on the ambient temperature, the temperature was measured at different parts of the fa{\c{c}}ades at both measurement locations. The result of the work is that the fa{\c{c}}ade with plants has a significantly higher insect biodiversity and insect density than the fa{\c{c}}ade without plants. Temperatures are cooler, in most cases, on a green fa{\c{c}}ade. However, they are not particularly significant and show large fluctuations. The paper also outlines a possible way of analysing demand and developing a possible sales concept.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Gauri, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Gauri, Kshama}, title = {Feasibility of Pfeiffer's Circular Chromatography for testing soil and compost quality in the Environmental Labs at HSRW.}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-18268}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {60}, abstract = {The utilization of a simple test, such as Pfeiffer's Circular Chromatography (PCC), has the potential to provide deeper insights into all the parameters affecting soil health. However, despite its promise, the method has yet to attain widespread adoption among farmers and universities, primarily due to challenges in interpreting its outcomes. This thesis investigates the application of PCC as a technique for soil analysis at Hochschule Rhein Waal University. The paper analyses compost and soil samples sourced from the Rhein Ruhr region, focusing on the potential of PCC in determining chemical parameters, including nitrate content, pH, and organic matter quantity. As a result, the aforementioned chemical parameters were documented and the economic viability of the methods were compared to PCC. The development of PCC is dependent on environmental conditions. To explore this aspect, the test was conducted under different lighting conditions and assessed by various researchers to gauge its interpretability. The paper evaluates the test's reliability based on its reproducibility. The PCC results were found to be sensitive to environmental conditions; nevertheless, the method displays potential in assessing overall soil and compost health on a relative scale. The paper suggests improvements to enhance the technique's quality and provides recommendations for further research to explore the various possibilities of PCC and its interpretation. In conclusion, with additional research and data collection on the PCC method coupled with the integration of existing technologies such as machine learning and AI, the potential exists to provide farmers with a rapid technique for assessing their soil.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Attallah, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Attallah, Osama Haiyl Attallah}, title = {Education for Sustainable Development: gamification of a concept on nitrate leaching from agricultural soils and identifying conflicts of interest.}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {The consequences of climate change and their potential conflicts of interest concerning their amendment are widely portrayed and represented through education for sustainable development. the amount of information they need to digest to apply themselves. Gamebased Learning through Gamification can serve as a softer alternative to introduce and familiarize learners with, although due to technical limitations, games do not completely replace reliable passive learning methods of learning such as books, lectures, and field practices. The aim of Project Nitratscouts is to develop educational modules concerning Nitrate infiltration from agricultural soils such as the groundwater boardgame, which facilitates learning about nitrate in groundwater, compliance with environmental quality standards, animal husbandry and manure as fertilizer, while also introducing them to agricultural decision-making regarding crop production. The tool offers several ways for playing, enabling players to perceive underlying the issue of Nitrate in groundwater from different perspectives. The tool was tested with 44 participants, in 17 single and 8 competitive game modes. Feedback was collected through survey results, performance evaluation cards, and participants' verbal remarks and comments. The purpose of this bachelor thesis is to test the methods adopted to create the tool, describe feedback observations on collection by evaluating the learning effect about conflicts of interest based on quantitative and qualitative analyses of quantitative survey responses, performance evaluation cards, examine similarities of verbal feedback and cluster it into groups regarding multiple aspects such as relevance of random events, design and acquired perspective on conflict of interest, and discuss lessons from received feedback.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Larose, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Larose, Daphn{\´e}}, title = {Investigating plant diversity in former industrial areas converted to green spaces, namely in Zechenpark and Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {The initiative to redevelop former industrial sites into green spaces offers a compelling opportunity to restore biodiversity in urban areas. Within the context of Zechenpark, formerly known as the Bergwerk West, in Kamp-Lintfort and the Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord as case studies, these locations serve as prime examples of reclamation efforts. Both locations now stand as emblematic sites undergoing transformation from industrial ruins to ecologically vibrant zones. This thesis evaluates the diversity of flowering plant species in the two locations: Zechenpark and Landschaftspark, including a comparison of cultural landscape-orientated ecosystems in the traditional parks and the biodiversity growing on more post-industrial structures. The plant species composition of the biodiversity plots of the 2022 Sowing Campaign (Einsaat-Aktion 2022) by the F{\"o}rderverein Landesgartenschau (LaGa) were analyzed using biodiversity indices, as well as the species composition of Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the number of individuals of flowering plants and the number of insects in Zechenpark, as determined by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (Rs = 0.75, p < 0.05). This study offers valuable insights that could contribute to enhancing plant diversity within urban parks, thereby supporting the advancement of sustainable urban development.}, language = {en} } @misc{Swiderek, type = {Master Thesis}, author = {Swiderek, Paul}, title = {Can golf courses help in conserving and improving local biodiversity - a case study at the Elfrather M{\"u}hle, Krefeld}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {Habitat losses by fragmentation, agriculture, urbanization, and other causes have led to significant declines in biodiversity. Thus, green infrastructures like golf courses have emerged as a potential contributor to biodiversity conservation. Therefore, the research focuses on a golf course in Krefeld, Germany, by examining its role in supporting, conserving, and improving local biodiversity. The objectives include assessing the biotopes and habitats provided by the golf course, investigating the potential of an ecosystem analysis to enhance overall biodiversity, and evaluating the golf course's effectiveness in conserving local species of conservation concern. Through landscape analysis, significant differences between the golf course and surrounding areas were observed. The golf course was ascertained to exhibit a significantly higher biotope value compared to other land use systems except natural ones. Woody biotopes, including forests and tree groups, demonstrated the highest on-course biotope values, while short-kept grass, roughs, ponds, and non-native woody structures were less valuable. Theoretical enrichments of meadow-, pond-, and non-native biotopes as well as their relative size indicated potential for improving biotope value to support biodiversity. Combined enrichments were indicated to be the most effective. Despite the current presence of only a few habitat types, the golf course was found to support local fauna and flora species of conservation concern. Adaptations, such as creating meadow-, riparian-, copse-, and forest habitats, showed promise to further improve biodiversity. The study identified landscape context and prior land use as crucial factors influencing golf course's value. Overall, the golf course demonstrated potential in providing valuable biotopes, and habitats and supporting local and regional species of conservation concern. The findings suggest that golf courses, particularly in urban and suburban areas, can serve as effective contributors to biodiversity conservation by enhancing landscape connectivity and providing essential habitats. Enrichment strategies, coupled with a focus on specific habitat types, offer practical avenues for improving the conservation status of both local and regional flora and fauna species on golf courses. This research underscores the potential of golf courses as valuable tools in urban biodiversity conservation efforts.}, language = {en} } @misc{Bhattarai, type = {Master Thesis}, author = {Bhattarai, Anish}, title = {Digitizing the Bait Lamina Method: Facilitating Autonomous Learning and Data Processing in Ecological Research}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, abstract = {In recent years, digital tools in soil science have evolved to modernize and streamline traditional approaches by fostering greater learning engagement and enhancing accessibility. The primary goal of this research is to create an application that intends to facilitate autonomous learning while streamlining data processing, visualization, and reporting for the Bait Lamina Method (BLM). Advanced technologies such as React.js, Tailwind CSS, Vite.js, and several Node.js modules were used to implement essential functionalities. Moreover, to ensure smooth and scalable app delivery, Docker was employed. Furthermore, thorough usability testing was carried out with students from both the school and university to create a sturdy app that satisfies the needs and standards of users. This research utilized a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the app's overall usability, emphasizing efficiency, learnability, dependability, and overall satisfaction. Quantitative analysis included phi coefficient correlation, chi-square testing, and multiple ordinary least squares (OLS) regression to measure overall usability and user satisfaction. Meanwhile, qualitative approaches such as theme and sentiment analysis were used to get insight into user experiences, preferences, difficulties, and ideas for improvement. The study demonstrated that understanding the method is a key driver influencing student satisfaction. Therefore, the Bait Lamina App (BLA) immensely facilitated autonomous learning while speeding up data processing, visualization, and administration for the BLM. However, a few small faults and student comments were integrated into the BLA, which improved its use and satisfaction.}, language = {en} } @misc{Regmi, type = {Master Thesis}, author = {Regmi, Khem Raj}, title = {Interactive Visualisation Tool for Teaching Environmental Data: A Guideline of how to set up the tool taking user feedback into account}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-21594}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {77}, abstract = {This thesis will study the creation of an interactive data visualization tool for environmental dataset that concentrates specifically on Nitrate concentrations in groundwater. This project is intended to create a tool for exploratory/experiential learning - one that allows learners to investigate regional data and pursue genuine learning opportunities. The plan is to use regional data in a specific user journey to create this interactive learning experience. The project uses open environmental data: Hygris dataset of LANUV(Landesamt f{\"u}r Natur, Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz) related to the regions Kleve and Wesel in Germany, and realizes this with help of python programming language and python streamlit framework, web development tools and data visualization libraries (pandas , plotly.express, streamlite.components.v1). This study explores tailored visualization strategies that address key challenges such as the inherent complexity of environmental datasets and the need for more engaging and comprehensible educational tools. These strategies include deploying interactive visualizations that allow hands-on data exploration, and temporal visualizations. The role of user feedback in refining educational tools for teaching environmental data is examined, particularly in designing effective visualization techniques like line char, bar chart, bubble chart, pie chart, scatter plot and intensity graph for representing groundwater nitrate concentrations. The impact of different visualization techniques on the understanding and interpretation of open environmental data among educators and students is analyzed, with an emphasis on the spatial distribution of groundwater nitrate concentrations over time. This approach aims to increase user engagement and deepen understanding of environmental data, facilitating a more profound embedding of information within learners' cognitive processes.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Zhong, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Zhong, Kaiwen}, title = {A comparative study on the plants' phenological response to climate change in China and Germany}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-12673}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {34}, abstract = {This study applied a total of over 100,000 phenological datasets from Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD), International Phenological Gardens (IPG) and LANUV in Germany and Chinese Phenological Observation Network (CPON) in China, as well as weather datasets from DWD and World Meteorological Organization (WMO), concluding that the beginning of flowering dates of flowering plants in China and Germany correlated with changes in local temperature. Germany has experienced a temperature increase of about 1.7 °C over 136 years (1881-2017) and the beginning of flowering date has advanced by about 17 days on average. In China, the temperature has increased by about 2 °C over 45 years (1963-2008), and the beginning of flowering date has advanced by about 9 days on average. Due to the large differences in the amount of data and recording time between the two countries, it is not possible to concretely conclude whether plants begin to flower is more sensitive to temperature changes in Germany or in China. However, it can still be concluded that temperature is an important factor in determining flowering time. In general, phenology is a very suitable tool for the study of effects of climate change, and climate change can also lead to a more detailed study of phenology. Overall, after evaluating the slopes of the same species in China and Germany, there was a surprising similarity of the slopes. And that it is surprising as well that all reliable datasets showed a tendency towards a shift of flowering in spring to an earlier DOY.}, language = {en} }