Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)
The Effects of Water Pollution on Educational Outcomes in the United States
Publication Date
2024
College
Business, Jack C. Massey College of
Department
Economics and Finance
BURS Faculty Advisor
Dustin Rumbaugh
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
This study investigates the association between water pollution and educational outcomes throughout various areas in the United States, offering awareness of environmental influences on educational achievements. By analyzing data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on water quality and academic performance data from the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series(IPUMS), the research gives an understanding of how different levels of water pollution, more specifically lead pollution, impact student outcomes in metropolitan, rural, and other areas in the US. This includes socioeconomic and demographic factors to identify relationships between the environment and education. The study utilizes an econometric method to analyze the effects of water pollutants on educational metrics like standardized test scores, graduation rates, and level of educational attainment. The findings are expected to highlight the cognitive effects polluted water can have on educational disparities and to mitigate effects of water pollution on learning environments.
Recommended Citation
Gorgey, Peter A., "The Effects of Water Pollution on Educational Outcomes in the United States" (2024). Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS). 408.
https://repository.belmont.edu/burs/408