The Relationships between Bacteria Concentration in Connecticut Rivers and Socioeconomic Parameters
SanAngelo, Madeline Frances
SanAngelo, Madeline Frances
Citations
Altmetric:
License
License
Abstract
This research aimed to determine whether there were environmental justice concerns related to the water quality of rivers within Fairfield County, Connecticut. The health of the rivers, quantified by the concentrations of either E. coli or Enterococci bacteria, and the socioeconomic health of the surrounding communities were examined. Socioeconomic parameters, such as percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, as a proxy for income, age distribution in households, household units, size and ownership, and race were determined for Census block groups, the smallest geographical unit for which the U.S. Census records data. Various statistical analysis methods were run, including multivariate correlations and t-tests, to have a confluence of evidence to assess if there were significant relationships between water quality and socioeconomic factors. This research hopes to inform where in Fairfield County there are concerns with high bacteria concentrations in rivers and if they are in areas of lower socioeconomic status. Such results would suggest environmental justice concerns and recommendations will be made to investigate and mitigate the sources of bacteria pollution.
Description
Date
2021-01-01
Student Status
Undergraduate
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type of presentation
Oral Paper Presentation
Collections
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Citation
DOI
Advisor(s)
Department
Program/Major
Environmental Sciences
College/School
Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources
Organization
item.page.researchcategory
Biological Sciences
Food & Environment Studies
Social Sciences
Food & Environment Studies
Social Sciences