“Assessing the Accuracy of Citizen Scientist-Gathered Water Quality Data”

Advisor: Dr. Shannon Bartelt-Hunt

The focus of this study is to examine the accuracy of water quality data generated by citizen scientists. The data examined was generated by citizen scientists with varying experience levels using both spiked and field samples for a variety of water quality parameters including nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, atrazine and turbidity. Our objective was to determine the influence of prior experience and concentration level on the accuracy of water quality information collected by citizen scientists. To accomplish this objective, we conducted focus groups with over 150 citizen scientists. Following initial testing in 2016, modifications were made to the instructions issued to the citizen scientists in an attempt to improve the quality of data gathered. A statistical analysis of the data found no significant correlation between either concentration or experience level on the level of accuracy, indicating that citizen scientists can collect accurate water quality data regardless of experience level or contaminant concentration level in the water. This study did observe that there was a distinct effect on the accuracy related to the quality of the instructions and testing materials issued to focus group testers.