The increasing number of citizen science projects around the world brings the need to evaluate the effectiveness of these projects and to show the applicability of the data they collect. This research describes the Wabash River Sampling Blitz, a volunteer water-quality monitoring program in Central Indiana developed by the Wabash River Enhancement Corporation (WREC). Results indicate that field test strips for nitrate+nitrite-N read by volunteers generally agree with lab-determined values. Orthophosphate results are less transferable owing to low observed concentrations, although the field test strip values from unfiltered samples consistently over-predicted the lab values. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) applied to volunteer-collected data groups sampling sites into meaningful management clusters that can help to identify water-quality priorities across the watershed as a proof of concept for watershed managers. Results of the HCA provide an opportunity for WREC to target future programs, education, and activities by analyzing the data collected by citizen scientists. Overall this study demonstrates how citizen science water quality data can be validated and applied in subsequent watershed management strategies.
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Rebecca Muenich
Author
Purdue University
Sara Peel
Author
Wabash River Enhancement Corporation
Laura Bowling
Author
Purdue University
Megan Haas
Author
Purdue University
Ronald Turco
Author
Purdue University
Jane Frankenberger
Author
Purdue University
Citation
ISSN
:
2057-4991
DOI
:
10.5334/cstp.1
Publication Name:
Citizen Science: Theory and Practice
Volume:
1
Number:
1
Page Number:
3
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