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Understanding Student Perceptions of Biosolids and Other Fertilizers in Central Ohio

Abstract Details

2020, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Environmental Science.
Every year the US produces roughly eight million dry tons of treated sewage sludge, or “biosolids.” Past research has shown that biosolids have the potential to be a viable and sustainable agricultural resource. However, negative stigmas and a general lack of understanding regarding the waste treatment process may prevent this resource from gaining more widespread adoption. Developing sustainable agricultural processes is becoming increasingly important, and biosolids application addresses both the need for sustainable sources of fertilization and the need to efficiently manage human waste. To expand this practice, it is crucial to both understand these stigmas, and develop tools to reduce them. Students are an understudied and accessible group whose perceptions on biosolids have the potential to shape policies and management of this practice. I administered electronic surveys that assessed how over 200 students perceived biosolids and other fertilizers while also taking into account basic demographic information and prior experience in agriculture. Analysis of survey responses showed that while most students are unfamiliar with biosolids, they express openness to their use in some capacity, particularly for ecological restoration and production of animal feed. Demographic factors and experience in agriculture did not appear to have a strong influence on how students perceive biosolids. An unexpected result from this study was that students expressed more wariness toward the use of synthetic fertilizers than biosolids. Based on these findings, college students are open to and interested in the idea of human waste recycling, and their perceptions of this practice ought to be considered by biosolids managers and policy makers.
Nick Kawa (Advisor)
Casey Hoy (Committee Member)
Moritz Mark (Committee Member)
Forbes Lipschitz (Committee Member)
89 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Rance, L. T. (2020). Understanding Student Perceptions of Biosolids and Other Fertilizers in Central Ohio [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1587657377716495

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Rance, Logan. Understanding Student Perceptions of Biosolids and Other Fertilizers in Central Ohio. 2020. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1587657377716495.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Rance, Logan. "Understanding Student Perceptions of Biosolids and Other Fertilizers in Central Ohio." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1587657377716495

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)