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Liebens,Johan_211

Dr. Johan Liebens

Biography

Dr. Johan Liebens studies soil and sediment pollution to characterize the origin, level and spatial distribution of the pollution. His projects include examining the effects of high-intensity grazing on soil quality indicators and seeking ways to develop stream bank erosion prediction curves for Northwest Florida. Liebens is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. He has a Ph.D. in Geography from Michigan State University, and a Master’s degree in Quaternary Geology and a Bachelor’s degree in Geography, both from Free University Brussels, Belgium.

A UWF faculty member since 1996, Liebens has received university-wide awards for his teaching (2000) and his research (2012). He has published findings on soil organic carbon stocks, debris flows, environmental forensics and soil and sediment pollution. In his research Liebens often uses GIS-based spatial analyses, surveying and physical and chemical analyses of soil and sediment samples. He also is experienced in geomorphological and geological field mapping. Among the groups which have funded his work are: National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency and Florida Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management. Articles by Liebens have appeared in Environmental Forensics, Environmental Geology, Environmental Practice, Geomorphology, Water Air and Soil Pollution, Soil and Sediment Contamination, Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, and Soil Use and Management.

Degrees & Institutions

Ph.D. Geography, Michigan State University
M.S. Quaternary Geology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
B.S. Geography, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium

Research

I am a broad-based physical geographer with research interests in environmental soil science and geomorphology. I study soil and sediment pollution to characterize the origin, level and spatial distribution of the pollution. Most recently I have assessed organic and inorganic pollution of surface soils, estuarine sediments, and stormwater retention ponds. Currently, I have a project that seeks to develop streambank erosion prediction curves for the Florida Panhandle. I also have publications on soil organic carbon stocks, debris flows, and surveying methods. GIS-based spatial analyses are part of most of my research, as are surveying and physical and chemical analyses of soil and sediment samples. Earlier in my career I gained valuable experience with geomorphological and geological field mapping. I have international university-level teaching experience and have presented my research results at national and international conferences. My research has been funded, among others, by NSF, GSA, USDA, EPA, and Florida Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management. I have published in Environmental Forensics, Environmental Geology, Environmental Practice, Geomorphology, Water Air and Soil Pollution, Soil and Sediment Contamination, Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, and Soil Use and Management. At the University of West Florida I have received university-wide teaching (2000) and research (2012) awards.

Visit Dr. Liebens' profile on ResearchGate

 

Classes Taught

  • Earth Science
  • Geography of Soils with lab
  • Environmental Soil Science with lab
  • Sampling and Analysis in Environmental Science

Publications

2017   McMillan, M.C., Liebens, J. and Metcalf, C. Evaluating the BANCS streambank erosion framework on the northern Gulf of Mexico coastal plain. Journal of the American Resources Association, DOI:10.1111/1752-1688.12572.

2015   Liebens, J. and Mohrherr, C.J. DDT, dioxins and PCBs in sediments in a historically polluted estuary along the Gulf of Mexico. Environmental Practice, 17(2):89-101.

2012   Mohrherr, C.J., Liebens J., and Rao, K.R. PCB profiles, degradation and origin in sediments of Escambia Bay, FL. Environmental Forensics, 13(2):164-174.

2011   Liebens J., Mohrherr, C.J. and Rao, K.R. Trace metal assessment in soils in a small city and its rural surroundings. Environmental Earth Sciences, 65(6):1781-1793.

2011   Liebens J., Mohrherr, C.J., Karouna-Renier, N.K., Snyder, R.A. and Rao, K.R. Associations between dioxins/furans and PCBs in estuarine sediments and blue crab. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 222(1-4):403-419.

2011   Somerville, M.F. and Liebens J. DDT in soils affected by mosquito fumigation in Belize. Soil and Sediment Contamination, 20(3):289-305.

For a complete list of publications, check out the UWF Repository for Dr. Liebens.


Keywords: soil pollution, sediment pollution, soil quality, soil health, stream banks, erosion, soil organic carbon, heavy metals, DDT, PCB