A Study of the Citizens’ Attitude Towards Water Pollution Prevention and Soil Resources Identification

Abstract

pollution as well as a major threat to the health of the citizens due to the advancement at human civilization, technology development, pesticides and chemical fertilizers application, the increasing exploitation of natural resources by the agricultural sector and the increasing usage of fossil energy. Therefore, the aim of this study is evaluation of citizens' attitude towards water and soil pollution and the measurement of their different approach regarding to this environmental issue. Methods: Using the quantitative research method and questionnaires, this research sampled 150 people living in Khayyam and Tabarsi areas as well as 70 farmers from the outskirts of Mashhad (Jagharq, Ferdow,Torghabeh) to assess public awareness about the contamination of water and soil. Results: The results of this study show that most of farmers have little knowledge about soil contamination while residents of Khayam and Tabarsi areas have considerable information about status of their water. Moreover, most of the studied people believe that education and culture can be an effective method for water conservation and quality improvement which can act more effectively compared to fine and other methods. It also was found that education and communication with information sources and communication have effective role in farmer's attitude towards agriculture innovation such as organic farming. This shows the importance of education and agricultural extension system as the trustee training in the field of agriculture.