Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia
https://actalb.org/article/doi/10.1590/S2179-975X2921
Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia
Original Article

Can people detect the loss of water quality? A field experiment to evaluate the correlation between visual perception and water eutrophication degree

As pessoas podem detectar a perda de qualidade da água? Um experimento de campo para avaliar a correlação entre a percepção visual e o grau de eutrofização da água

João Carlos Nabout; Ana Clara Maciel David; Jéssica Fagundes Felipe; Karine Borges Machado; Laurence Carvalho; Hélida Ferreira da Cunha

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Abstract

Abstract:

Aim: The quantity and quality of water are essential to many ecosystem services, biodiversity and human well-being. In the present paper, we used a field experiment to evaluate the visual perception of the public regarding the loss of water quality associated with eutrophication and greening of water. We hypothesized that with an increase in eutrophication (i.e. greening of water due to increased Chlorophyll-a), people can detect a loss of water quality and threats to ecosystem services.

Methods: We used an experimental area composed of six mesocosms (500L water tanks) with a gradient of chlorophyll-a varying from clear water (without chlorophyll-a) up to eutrophic mesocosms (very green water). A total of 100 people visited the experimental area in-situ, and 83 people visualized pictures of the mesocosms.

Results: Our results indicated that people were able to detect the loss of water quality associated with increased concentrations of chlorophyll-a, and recognized that these were less suitable for recreational activity and consumption. Moreover, this perception did not vary by gender, formal education, or frequency of visits to aquatic ecosystems.

Conclusions: The results highlight the clear potential of visual public perception to be used as a simple, rapid, early-warning strategy for monitoring programs of water quality and also an approach that strengthens the link between science and society.
 

Keywords

Chlorophyll-a, mesocosm, tropical, pictures, interview, citizen science

Resumo

Resumo:

Objetivo: A quantidade e a qualidade da água são essenciais para manutenção de muitos serviços ecossistêmicos, biodiversidade e bem-estar humano. No presente trabalho, utilizamos um experimento de campo para avaliar a percepção visual do público em relação à perda de qualidade da água associada à eutrofização e esverdeamento da água. Nós hipotetizamos que, com um aumento na eutrofização (ou seja, esverdeamento da água devido ao aumento da clorofila-a), as pessoas podem detectar uma perda de qualidade da água e ameaças aos serviços ecossistêmicos.

Métodos: Nós utilizamos uma área experimental composta por seis mesocosmos (caixas d'água de 500L) com gradiente de clorofila-a variando de águas claras (sem clorofila-a) até mesocosmos eutróficos (águas muito verdes). Um total de 100 pessoas visitaram a área experimental in-situ, e 83 pessoas visualizaram imagens dos mesocosmos.

Resultados: Nossos resultados indicaram que as pessoas foram capazes de detectar a perda de qualidade da água associada ao aumento das concentrações de clorofila-a, e reconheceram que estas eram menos adequadas para atividade recreativa e consumo. Além disso, essa percepção não variou por gênero, educação formal ou frequência de visitas aos ecossistemas aquáticos.

Conclusões: Os resultados evidenciam potencial da percepção visual do público como uma estratégia simples, rápida e de alerta precoce para programas de monitoramento da qualidade da água e também uma abordagem que fortalece o vínculo entre ciência e sociedade.
 

Palavras-chave

Clorofila-a, mesocosmo, tropical, fotografias, entrevista, ciência cidadã

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Submetido em:
20/04/2021

Aceito em:
02/02/2022

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28/04/2022

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