The impact of water quality at the beach on disadvantaged communities in Rhode Island
利用手机移动数据和卫星水清度数据，研究美国东北部海滩水质改善对不同种族和收入群体休闲海滩使用的影响，发现富裕、多样性低的社区获益更大，表明水质改善的休闲效益分配不均。
<h3>Abstract</h3> Urbanization and agriculture have degraded US coastal waters, causing beach closures and disparities in access to clean beaches. This study examines racial and income disparities in how water quality affects recreational beach use in the southern Northeastern United States, using cell phone mobility data and satellite-derived water clarity measures. Results from a multiple-site zonal travel cost model show that <b><i>improved</i></b> water clarity increases beach visitation, with larger benefits accruing to more affluent, less diverse communities. These findings suggest that the recreational benefits of water quality improvements are inequitably distributed and have implications for policies prioritizing disadvantaged coastal communities.