About This Project

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Studies on the relationship between water and health have shown positive correlations in Chile, China, Bangladesh, Sweden, Michigan (USA), Twain and Nepal. Metals are generally associated with the sediments, coal, or peat, stratigraphically above an aquifer. In the case of arsenic contamination in many countries the source is all natural. Some anthropogentic sources are cleaning silicon chips, tanning, and ceramics. Preliminary water testing from 5 sites on PIne Ridge Reservation, South Dakota reveal several metals above the EPA recommended safe level for drinking water. These metals are: antimony, arsenic, bismuth, copper, lead, and uranium. When more than one metal is in drinking water 46% of the population are at risk of developing multiple cancers.

What is the significance of this project?

Preliminary water studies identified multiple metals in well water in rural areas of the reservation. This information coupled with the high rates of cancers indicates a possible connection between poor water quality and severe health problems. This project will characterize the well water, aquifers, and seasonal variations in the metals. The water samples will be collected in 2 burrows on the reservation to identify "hot spots" of high metal contamination and areas of safe water. This data will be input into a GIS system to produce maps that show chemical analyses of metals, bacteria (presence or absence), extent of the aquifer, location of safe wells on elements, and local geology. These maps will be easy to understand and made available to all tribal members.

What are the goals of the project?

1) Collect all existing water analyses and input into a GIS program at Oglala Lakota College.
2) Collect all papers on local hydrology and geology.
3) Work with our partners to identify the 2 burrows to be studied.
4) Hold meetings with our partners and burrow residents to explain the study.
5) Develop a sampling strategy that will provide the best answers to our questions on water quality and aquifer character.
6) First set of water samples will provide a quick survey of water quality within each burrow. Second collections will be determined these results..
7) Collect soil samples from outcrops representative of aquifer sediments. If cores are available sample them and send to lab.
8) Identify mineral deposits within the watershed.
9) Input all data into GIS and map.
10) Share results.