Mapping the Dual Impacts of Biosolids: Agriculture, Water Contamination, and Human Health
- Miyoung Yoon
- Apr 16
- 1 min read
After touring the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) and learning about biosolids, I became intrigued by their applications and impacts. A conversation with a friend teaching water science further sparked my interest in PFOS, a type of "forever chemical" found in biosolids, and its effects on water quality and human health.
Using a 2018 dataset from biosolidsdata.org, I visualized biosolid usage across states through charts and GIS maps. My research focused on both the benefits of biosolids in agriculture and the risks posed by contaminants like PFOS and PFAS.
By leveraging GIS, I mapped spatial trends and created a narrative exploring how biosolids are produced, their environmental impacts, and their role in agriculture, water contamination, and public health. This project blended data visualization and storytelling to raise awareness about the dual nature of biosolids in modern systems.
