1. Utilization of Survey Questions and Responses to
Evaluate Sanitation Concerns in Para, Brazil
Authors: Andrew Schranck, Lee Voth-Gaeddert, Tommy Goodwin, Dr. Daniel Oerther
Affiliations: Missouri University of Science and Technology
Funding source: John and Susan Mathes Endowed Chair in Environmental Engineering
Abstract:
Enseado Do Aritapera, Brazil is located in a developing region of the state of Para, situated along
the convergence of the Tapajos and Amazon Rivers. The people of Enseado Do Aritapera have
nominal access to potable water, and many households in the surrounding villages have
purchased biosand filters which were subsidized by a Christian mission organization. Missouri
S&T students traveled to Brazil to evaluate current living practices related to water sanitation
and personal hygiene. The team tested water and collected data from village households
containing biosand filters. The research team produced a survey utilized to collect important
information from the local villagers of Enseado Do Aritapera. The purpose of the surveys was to
reveal indicators of water related health risks that can be evaluated and used to produce future
solutions to water sanitation and public health problems in similar communities. Preliminary
research found correlations between diarrhea occurrence and the presence of young children in
the household as well as a relationship between filter location and the output of the filters.
Goal:
Our goal is to determine the effectiveness of biosand filter introduction into the households of Enseado
Do Aritapera in Brazil using surveys and water testing data. We had the following goals:
1. Compile a survey that will objectively evaluate the sanitation conditions of each household.
2. Compile a survey that produces a wide spectrum of data for in depth analysis.
3. Compile a survey that can be used in conjunction with biosand filter water testing data.
Procedure:
A literature review was performed to learn about decision support systems and the use of surveys in
third world applications. Multiple types of questions and interviewing methods were researched. A
survey used to perform similar research in Guatemala was reviewed and utilized in compiling the
surveys used in Brazil. Surveys were used to collect first hand information from twenty households in
Enseado Do Aritapera. The team used two major forms of data collection for the survey: responses
received from a household resident and responses collected by researcher based on observances of the
home. Survey data was recorded electronically and evaluated using analytical methods in Excel.
Facts and Findings:
Performing experiments in foreign countries and new cultures presented multiple challenges. The
survey was compiled to produce unbiased responses for sixty-eight questions. The surveys were
performed using an interpreter, which added an extra dynamic to the data collection process. Certain
questions revealed identical responses for all surveys. The survey included many dichotomous and
multiple choice questions to eliminate bias and variance. Two weighted matrixes were produced: one
for filter data and one for health data. Results revealed more diarrhea in homes where children were
present, and lower water quality based on visual appearance when the filter was placed in an
unsuitable location.
Personal Statement:
I began my undergraduate research experience with Dr. Oerther in the Fall semester of 2012 while
learning about decision support systems/tools (DSS/DST) that can be used for a plethora of purposes,
including applications involving third world countries, water sanitation, and point of use (POU) drinking
water treatment systems. My interest in civil/environmental engineering and water applications abroad
brought me to do research under Dr. Oerther. I plan to use this research experience and other
experiential learning experiences with Engineers Without Borders to improve the quality of life for
people suffering from water related issues at home and abroad.
References:
• Dr. Daniel B. Oerther
• Daniel Divelbiss, An assessment of the effects of environmental health factors and household demographics
Image 1
Andrew Schranck collecting survey responses
from community member with the help of a
translator.
Low values suggest a correlation between the
presence of children in a home and the
occurrence of diarrhea in the home.
Filter location and filter output had the biggest
effect on the filter data results.
Biosand filter being operated to collect water
samples for coliform and E. coli testing.