Event Title
Applying Anthropology to Water Quality Assessment: An Investigation of pH and Nitrates in Drinking Water
Presentation Type
Oral and/or Visual Presentation
Presenter Major(s)
Anthropology
Mentor Information
Elizabeth Arnold, arnoleli@gvsu.edu; Heather Van Wormer, vanwormh@gvsu.edu
Department
Anthropology
Location
Kirkhof Center 2201
Start Date
13-4-2011 10:30 AM
End Date
13-4-2011 11:00 AM
Keywords
Health, Illness, and Healing, Social Science
Abstract
This study examines demographic factors that influence perception of drinking water quality. A goal of the research was to assess pH and nitrates in drinking water, compare the results to both regional and national levels and critique current public policies in an effort to improve water quality awareness. There are three hypotheses: 1) pH and nitrate levels will exceed the maximum contaminant level, 2) households will be satisfied with their drinking water and 3) perception of water quality is positively correlated with educational level and household income. Drinking water samples (n=105) and demographic data were collected in West Michigan. Six samples exceeded a pH of 8.5 with only one nitrate sample above the safety range. The second and third hypotheses were not supported. Many people had no comment on their drinking water. Most respondents had the same college educational level. Household income did not have an influence on people's perception of their water quality.
Applying Anthropology to Water Quality Assessment: An Investigation of pH and Nitrates in Drinking Water
Kirkhof Center 2201
This study examines demographic factors that influence perception of drinking water quality. A goal of the research was to assess pH and nitrates in drinking water, compare the results to both regional and national levels and critique current public policies in an effort to improve water quality awareness. There are three hypotheses: 1) pH and nitrate levels will exceed the maximum contaminant level, 2) households will be satisfied with their drinking water and 3) perception of water quality is positively correlated with educational level and household income. Drinking water samples (n=105) and demographic data were collected in West Michigan. Six samples exceeded a pH of 8.5 with only one nitrate sample above the safety range. The second and third hypotheses were not supported. Many people had no comment on their drinking water. Most respondents had the same college educational level. Household income did not have an influence on people's perception of their water quality.