Citizen
science is a research tool capable of addressing major
environmental challenges, including contamination of water resources
by agrichemicals, such as nutrients and pesticides. The objectives
of this study were (1) to identify the proportion of accurate observations
by citizen scientists using rapid assessment water quality tools,
and (2) to characterize how a user’s prior experience with
water quality tools was associated with the accuracy of citizen scientists.
To achieve these objectives, we conducted group testing with over
136 citizen scientists and compared their results from water quality
testing of water samples to results obtained using laboratory analytical
methods. Following brief training, we observed that accuracy of reported
results varies based on the user’s experience level where experienced
and expert users shared consistent and reliable measurements. Where
erroneous measures were reported, citizen scientists tend to overestimate
contaminant concentrations when using colorimetric water quality tools.
Additionally, we identified differences in accuracy related to the
types of water quality assessment tools used by citizen scientists
from each experience group. This study demonstrates the importance
of evaluating participant background experience in designing citizen
science campaigns.
The National Seminar on Sustainable Water Resource Management in Era of Changing Climate (NSWRM-2014) on 10-11 January 2014 organised by the Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development and Environmental Science and Technology, Banaras Hindu University, witnessed the presence of experts from environmentalists, industrialists and experts on water resources and its management. The deliberations and scientific discussions led to the conclusion that it is not just the resource but the natural capacity to sustain it that requires monitoring, understanding and stewardship. The focus of governance in India needs to move at a faster pace from conventional methods of sector-based water management to more integrated approach for sustainable water resource management. It is more of the people participation that is the future key towards sustainable water resource management in India.
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