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Thesis
Determining Nutritional and Delivery Conditions for an Urban In-Home Unit for Growing Fruits and Vegetables
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Aug 2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/v3ga-vr84
Abstract
Obesity is a complex issue with multiple impacts on individual and public health. It carries increased risk for a variety of serious conditions, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Higher rates of obesity and associated conditions are often seen in urban food deserts where residents lack food sovereignty and resources. These communities are underserved by grocery stores and lack access to affordable healthy food. Additionally, these areas typically lack suitable land for agriculture. Increasing access to fresh produce is one possible strategy for addressing obesity and its related conditions in the context of urban health. The intent of this work was to test conditions for an in-home device for growing fruits and vegetables. The experiments described here represent a proof of concept for an indoor hydroponic device that uses cyanobacteria as fertilizer, examining the media composition and nutrient delivery to this hydroponic unit. Due to the use of this fertilizer and the hydroponic setup, the device requires minimal space and maintenance. The device aims to increase the user's control over and understanding of their food sources, while enabling dietary changes through the production of fresh herbs and produce. This work is one arm of a larger project encompassing the development and optimization of the hydroponic unit. Combining biology and human-centered design, this research focuses on a) optimizing cyanobacteria and plant growth, b) increasing the efficacy of cyanobacteria as fertilizer, and c) evaluating and enhancing the user's experience with the hydroponic unit. Through this transdisciplinary, multi-pronged approach, we intend to add another tool to the toolbox of strategies to remedy obesity and improve health for underserved communities.
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Details
- Title
- Determining Nutritional and Delivery Conditions for an Urban In-Home Unit for Growing Fruits and Vegetables
- Creators
- Elise Krespan - DU
- Contributors
- Shivanthi Anandan (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- ix, 49 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Biology; College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 8855; 991014632171904721