About this Research Topic
Observing and monitoring freshwater systems through citizen science programs has increased dramatically in recent times with an enormous increase of interest from the public through social media campaigns and online activities. There are obvious benefits of acquiring citizen science data, as it can fill observational gaps where there are limited traditional scientific observations. In addition, data collection by citizen scientists increases the impact of science and environmental knowledge in the broader community and the impact of science. Operational monitoring and baseline determination of freshwater quality are fundamental for reporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicator 6.3.2. as fresh water is an important global resource through its fundamental vital role in biochemical cycling, biodiversity and human well-being. The health of freshwater systems often motivates citizen scientists to engage in monitoring programs, particularly those with a participatory role, and data compiled from these programs can be used to address SDG 6.3.2. Understanding the challenges for all citizen science projects, in data quality, engagement and retention of participants is pivotal for successful programs. The acquisition of high-quality citizen science data is vital, and various protocols have been developed to guide organizations and participants on quality assurance and control. When implemented, these measures will have addressed many of the concerns expressed about citizen science data accuracy or suitability allowing the integration of citizen science’s non-traditional data with traditional data.
The purpose of this Research Topic is to explore the value and potential of freshwater citizen science to address knowledge gaps and improve understanding of the hydrodynamics of freshwater systems. It also aims to show how technological advances and metadata (e.g. FAIR- findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable) principles, have enabled critical evaluation of citizen science data leading to a greater uptake of freshwater citizen science data.
We welcome articles on themes including, but not limited to:
•Physical, chemical or biological sampling citizen science programs.
•Monitoring freshwater restoration projects using citizen science data
•Freshwater citizen science quality assurance
•Integration of citizen science data with traditional monitoring programs
•Citizen science data for analysing the freshwater quality
•Addressing gaps in freshwater citizen science’s knowledge base.
•Citizen science’s rapid response to pollution, fish kills or algal blooms in freshwaters
•Freshwater citizen science data and the UNSDGs
•Using Earth Observation data and freshwater citizen science data
The purpose of this Research Topic is to explore the value and potential of freshwater citizen science to address knowledge gaps and improve understanding of the hydrodynamics of freshwater systems. It also aims to show how technological advances and metadata (e.g. FAIR- findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable) principles, have enabled critical evaluation of citizen science data leading to a greater uptake of freshwater citizen science data.
We welcome articles on themes including, but not limited to:
•Physical, chemical or biological sampling citizen science programs.
•Monitoring freshwater restoration projects using citizen science data
•Freshwater citizen science quality assurance
•Integration of citizen science data with traditional monitoring programs
•Citizen science data for analysing the freshwater quality
•Addressing gaps in freshwater citizen science’s knowledge base.
•Citizen science’s rapid response to pollution, fish kills or algal blooms in freshwaters
•Freshwater citizen science data and the UNSDGs
•Using Earth Observation data and freshwater citizen science data
Keywords: water quality, waterwatch, citizen science, water sampling, participatory action research, community-based
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
