Short Wave Addressing Water Contamination With Indigenous Science
Apr 14, 2022
Ranalda Tsosie, an environmental chemist from the Navajo Nation, shares her unique journey in combating water contamination rooted in uranium mining. She discusses her community’s struggles with water quality and health issues while integrating Diné and Western scientific methods. Ranalda highlights the urgent need for safety standards for unregulated water systems, especially during the pandemic. She also emphasizes the importance of historical data and community engagement in developing solutions, including innovative water filtration technologies.
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Ranalda's upbringing
- Ranalda Tsosie grew up near abandoned uranium mines on the Navajo Nation, hauling water from unregulated wells.
- These wells, later found contaminated, were vital for daily needs like cooking, cleaning, and drinking.
Lack of Data on Unregulated Water
- Ranalda Tsosie found little existing data on unregulated water quality on the Navajo Nation, a key motivation for her research.
- Two water systems exist: regulated (tested regularly) and unregulated (for livestock/agriculture, not human use, but often used due to lack of access).
Unexpected Contaminants
- Ranalda's research revealed arsenic and vanadium as primary contaminants, not uranium as initially suspected.
- Vanadium, lacking a U.S. drinking water standard, raised concerns due to potential toxicity via ingestion.