ISSS608 2017-18 T3 Assign FU CHUANJIE Visualization
VAST Challenge 2018: Like a Duck to Water
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Question 1
Characterize the past and most recent situation with respect to chemical contamination in the Boonsong Lekagul waterways. Do you see any trends of possible interest in this investigation?
Increasing trend in arsenic levels
Arsenic levels in the waterways have been below 10 µg/l (i.e. the safe limits prescribed by United States Environmental Protection Agency). However, there has been increasing trend in arsenic levels for a few areas. Tansanee has seen its arsenic levels increase from 2.26 µg/l (2011) to 4.468 µg/l (2015). If this trend continues, the arsenic levels might cause the waters not to be safe for consumption.
Sodium level 10 times above acceptable limits
Based on the drinking water advisory from United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), the recommended sodium levels in drinking water should not exceed 20 mg/l. However, from water sensors at Tansanee, the sodium level is 233.3 mg/l for 2016. This is 10 times the acceptable level recommended by EPA. There is only one water sensor available for that creek and not many records exist. Hence, it is possible that the sodium level has always been that high.
