Impact of urbanization on water quality and toxins in the Passaic River, New Jersey

Presentation Type

Abstract

Faculty Advisor

Greg Pope

Access Type

Event

Start Date

25-4-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

25-4-2025 9:59 AM

Description

The Passaic River is a significant water source in New Jersey which has experienced urbanization in its surrounding areas. Many citizens and scientists have grown concerns about the deteriorating water quality and increase in contamination. This research project will investigate the impact of urbanization on water quality, specifically focusing on the presence of toxins such as heavy metals and harmful algae. The research aims to determine if urbanization correlates with higher toxin concentrations in the river and to what extent these pollutants may affect the ecosystem and human health. The methodology includes researching heavy metal concentrations, nutrient levels, and algal bloom reports. Additionally, GIS mapping will be used to analyze land use change over time to draw a correlation between urbanization and pollution levels. Urbanization factors will include population density, land use change, and deforestation. Sources for urbanization data will be obtained from satellite imagery, census data, and historical land use maps. I anticipate the results to have a positive correlation between urbanized areas and higher concentration of toxins. These findings could provide valuable data to inform environmental management and urban planning decisions. This will hopefully promote cleaner water while having better public health policies in increasingly urbanized areas.

Comments

Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.

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Apr 25th, 9:00 AM Apr 25th, 9:59 AM

Impact of urbanization on water quality and toxins in the Passaic River, New Jersey

The Passaic River is a significant water source in New Jersey which has experienced urbanization in its surrounding areas. Many citizens and scientists have grown concerns about the deteriorating water quality and increase in contamination. This research project will investigate the impact of urbanization on water quality, specifically focusing on the presence of toxins such as heavy metals and harmful algae. The research aims to determine if urbanization correlates with higher toxin concentrations in the river and to what extent these pollutants may affect the ecosystem and human health. The methodology includes researching heavy metal concentrations, nutrient levels, and algal bloom reports. Additionally, GIS mapping will be used to analyze land use change over time to draw a correlation between urbanization and pollution levels. Urbanization factors will include population density, land use change, and deforestation. Sources for urbanization data will be obtained from satellite imagery, census data, and historical land use maps. I anticipate the results to have a positive correlation between urbanized areas and higher concentration of toxins. These findings could provide valuable data to inform environmental management and urban planning decisions. This will hopefully promote cleaner water while having better public health policies in increasingly urbanized areas.