A wetland system made up of linked basins was investigated to determine its role in local flood control and contaminant filtration. The study focused on a wetland basin that is dominated by the Celtis laevigata plant and is underlain by clay, with a small sandy layer approximately 1 m below surface. Field and laboratory data were collected to understand the transport and filtration of phosphate, iron, and nitrate. Field results showed the wetland to effectively reduce iron and phosphates from runoff via groundwater flow. These results also showed an increase in the phosphate concentration of surface water while within the basin, resulting from agitation of wetland sediments. Laboratory column experiments showed more than 90% reduction in phosphorus and iron while nitrate concentrations increased above the input concentration. Phosphate and iron were high in wetland water immediately after a rain event. Nitrate concentrations increased as the water filtered through the sediments due to desorption of previously adsorbed nitrates. This wetland could potentially act as a temporal hot spot and rain events as hot moments for these substances. Therefore, the best flood control measure for this site would be to increase residence time in the wetland. This would help to better manage/control the concentration of phosphate, iron and nitrate pollution in surface waters.

Regulatory bodies in the dental profession often include members of the public as a way to ensure that patient interests are represented. With student selection for admission to dental school being a multifaceted, highly competitive process, this study was motivated by curiosity about the value of involving members of the public in the admissions process. At Newcastle University School of Dental Sciences, UK, semi-structured selection interviews conducted by two members of the faculty staf are part of the process. In the 2016-17 and 2017-18 admissions cycles, four lay representatives joined a number of the interview sessions. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of having a lay person present during the selection interview and whether this could become an integral part of the admissions process. A secondary purpose was to internally validate the processes in place for the interviews by considering the alignment of judgments of the panel and lay representatives. This study followed a two-stage, mixed-methods design. Quantitative analysis compared numerical interview scores awarded by the panel and lay representative when present. Scores for each question domain and overall interview score were compared. Qualitative analysis was carried out by conducting a focus group with lay representatives to seek insight into their experience and relections on the interview processes. Thematic analysis was used, and overarching themes identiied. The results showed no statistically signiicant diference between the interview panel and lay persons' scores for each domain or overall score awarded for the interview. The thematic analysis identiied three overarching themes: reason for volunteering, process and training, and thoughts on style of interview used. These results suggest that involvement of lay people from the local community was feasible, and there was interest in continuing this involvement from the volunteers themselves.