Pollution of water and environmental policies in Tianjin area: Perception of environmental threats by city residents

Bc. Veronika VASEKOVÁ

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The diploma thesis deals with the perception of water quality and the risks associated with it in the Tianjin area. These are mainly water reservoirs, lakes, Hai river and its canals. First part of the thesis describes main problems related to water pollution in Tianjin. The second part reveals results of research. The research is based on the methodology of psychometric approaches to risk perception that was developed to answer questions related to risk and safety in the context of perception of the public. The psychometric questionnaire was based on questions related to word associations, quantitative judgements on water risk (scale of riskiness), water use, supplementary questions and demographic characteristics. In addition, several qualitative online interviews with city residents were conducted. The results of the research found significant differences in the perception of water quality among Chinese and foreigners - the Chinese rated the quality of water resources in Tianjin much more positively and were less afraid to use tap water for cooking and drinking than foreigners. In the question of risk assessment of individual items, it turned out that drinking river water is considered the most risky. Respondents also acknowledged a number of health problems related to use of water, of which the most common were hair and skin problems, stomach ache and diarrhoea. It also turned out that 55 percent of respondents consider environmental measures to protect water in Tianjin to be sufficient, but at the same time think that more should be done. The thesis contributes to understanding how Tianjin residents perceive the risks associated with water quality and puts them in the context of summarizing the real state of water resources in the area. In addition, it provides a basis for further research that will allow better communication of environmental risks.

Abstract:

The diploma thesis deals with the perception of water quality and the risks associated with it in the Tianjin area. These are mainly water reservoirs, lakes, Hai river and its canals. First part of the thesis describes main problems related to water pollution in Tianjin. The second part reveals results of research. The research is based on the methodology of psychometric approaches to risk perception that was developed to answer questions related to risk and safety in the context of perception of the public. The psychometric questionnaire was based on questions related to word associations, quantitative judgements on water risk (scale of riskiness), water use, supplementary questions and demographic characteristics. In addition, several qualitative online interviews with city residents were conducted. The results of the research found significant differences in the perception of water quality among Chinese and foreigners - the Chinese rated the quality of water resources in Tianjin much more positively and were less afraid to use tap water for cooking and drinking than foreigners. In the question of risk assessment of individual items, it turned out that drinking river water is considered the most risky. Respondents also acknowledged a number of health problems related to use of water, of which the most common were hair and skin problems, stomach ache and diarrhoea. It also turned out that 55 percent of respondents consider environmental measures to protect water in Tianjin to be sufficient, but at the same time think that more should be done. The thesis contributes to understanding how Tianjin residents perceive the risks associated with water quality and puts them in the context of summarizing the real state of water resources in the area. In addition, it provides a basis for further research that will allow better communication of environmental risks.

Keywords

environmental problems, health problems, risk perception, Tianjin, water pollution

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 4. 5. 2021

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Mgr. Runya Qiaoan, Ph.D.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / field:
Asian Studies / Asian Studies, Specialization Chinese Language and Culture