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Citizen Science in Action: Monitoring Water Quality in Alcântara-MA with the GLOBE Program as a Tool for Environmental and Social Transformation

Country:Brazil
Student(s):Enndy Layane Ribeiro De Moura Paulo Henrique Cardoso Reis Sergio Serra Silva Emanuele Silva Costa Anderson Diego da Silva Araujo
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
Contributors:Jefferson Matos Teixeira Aline Bessa Veloso Aslei Andrade da Silva Mikele Candida Sousa de Sant’Anna Hilton Costa Louzeiro
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, Nitrates, pH, Salinity, Water Temperature
Presentation Poster: View Document
Language(s):Portuguese
Date Submitted:03/05/2025
This article presents a comparative analysis of water quality at two monitoring points (Point P and Point FP) in Alcântara, Maranhão, Brazil, during two data collection campaigns. The study focused on physicochemical parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrite (NO₂⁻), ammonia (NH₃), and temperature (T), which are essential indicators for assessing aquatic ecosystem health and water quality for human consumption. The research followed guidelines established by the National Council for the Environment (CONAMA), particularly Resolution No. 357/2005, which sets water quality standards for different uses. The results revealed significant variations in the analyzed parameters between the two campaigns. At Point P, an increase in TDS levels (from 5160 ppm to 6680 ppm) and nitrite (from undetectable to 0.33 ppm) was observed, suggesting potential impacts from anthropogenic activities such as industrial or agricultural discharges. Additionally, there was an increase in dissolved oxygen (from 2.66 ppm to 5 ppm), possibly due to reduced organic matter decomposition or improved water circulation. In contrast, Point FP showed greater stability, with lower TDS and nitrite levels and the complete elimination of ammonia, indicating a less impacted environment. The pH analysis showed that Point P shifted from neutral (7.13) to slightly alkaline (7.43), while Point FP remained slightly acidic (6.36 to 6.40). Water temperature remained stable at both points, averaging 29.3°C at Point P and 28.66°C at Point FP, which may influence oxygen solubility and aquatic organisms' metabolic rates. The study underscores the importance of continuous water quality monitoring, particularly in regions like Alcântara, where inadequate water and sewage treatment infrastructure poses significant challenges to public health and environmental sustainability. The implementation of citizen science practices, such as the GLOBE Program, was suggested as an effective strategy to engage local communities in environmental monitoring, promoting awareness and preventive measures for water resource conservation.



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