Lab 4: Distribution of Arsenic, lead and

This Lab we conducted an analysis of the spatial distribution of arsenic, lead and young children in Pierce County and identified regions in which immediate remediation of highly toxic soil would have the greatest impact (i.e., those regions that have the highest density of young children and also highly toxic soil). We worked with sample data collected by the Department of Ecology that was used to test for arsenic and lead concentrations in the soil in Pierce County. In addition to the soil sample data, we also worked with Census data to determine the density of young children in Pierce County.

Lab 4

Distribution of Arsenic, lead and Young Children in Pierce County

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Click on the Image to expand each map.

The goal of this Lab was to conduct an analysis of toxic soil & young children in Pierce County using various tools in Spatial Analyst.

Sample data collected by the Department of Ecology that was used to test for arsenic and lead concentrations in the soil in Pierce County.
In addition to the soil sample data, Census was also used to determine the density of young children in Pierce County.
Interpolate and classification was used to determine the concentration of arsenic and lead between the sample points to visually represent the concentrations of arsenic and lead in a way that is accessible to the general public.
Density of young children across space in Pierce County was estimated by using the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation method. The output of this operation was overlaid with the arsenic and lead layers was produced earlier.
Census data was manipulated & joined it to the Census Block features to conduct spatial analyses of arsenic and lead to isolate where these toxins coincide with regions that have high densities of young children living in them.