Human Health & Oceans

Assessing the Impacts of Urbanization on Shellfish Growing Areas in Puget Sound

Marina Alberti (PI), Marcie Bidwell

Funded by the Washington State Puget Sound Action Team

This study explored the relationship between landscape patterns and nearshore water quality in shellfish growing areas of Puget Sound. We developed an empirical analysis of 32 basins selected to represent a gradient of urban land use/land cover patterns. Using bacterial contamination as an indicator of nearshore conditions, we developed a cross-sectional analysis across the 32 basins to assess what landscape factors best explain water quality conditions in Puget Sound’s shellfish growing areas. Our hypothesis was that variations in land cover composition, landscape configuration, land use intensity, and connectivity explain most of the variation in nearshore water quality conditions.

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Integrated Framework of Urbanization, Nearshore and Human Health Interactions

Marina Alberti (PI), Elaine Faustman, Marcie Bidwell

Funded by the environmental Protection Agency

Urbanization and land cover change in coastal areas are increasing the sources of anthropogenic-induced pollution, released contaminants, microbial pathogens and potential risks for human health. Increasing urbanization and human use of coastal areas are associated with increased incidence of aquatic-borne disease from contact with unhealthy natural environments, such as contaminated water, toxic algal blooms and eating contaminated marine food products. While research has shown that urbanization alters water quality through changes in land cover, increased impervious surfaces, altered hydrology and pollution, the relationships between urbanization, ocean processes, and human health are poorly understood.