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Monitoring and Promoting Citizen Engagement in Assessing the Ecological Status of Ave River: A Case Study in Northern Portugal
Summary
Not relevant to microplastics — this Portuguese study assessed the ecological health of a river using biological and chemical indicators and recruited citizen scientists to help monitor water quality, with no focus on microplastics.
Monitoring the ecological status of rivers and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented measures are pivotal for achieving and maintaining a good status.Public participation plays a crucial role in the success of these efforts.This study aimed to assess the ecological status of the Ave River in Northern Portugal, while promoting citizen participation in the monitoring of river health.Over the course of a year, 11 sites along the Ave River were monitored using biological (benthic macroinvertebrates, macrophyte and phytobenthic communities), hydromorphological, and physicochemical quality elements recommended by the Water Framework Directive.Additionally, four training sessions were held to encourage citizen engagement and foster responsible behaviors towards the rehabilitation of the river.The findings of this study revealed that the ecological status of Ave River varied from moderate to poor, with macroinvertebrates being the most sensitive biological indicators to anthropogenic pressures.High phosphorus levels, alterations in the riverbed and riverbanks, and the presence of invasive plant species were observed across all sites.The training sessions provided citizens with the necessary knowledge and tools to actively engage in monitoring the river's health and contribute to its improvement.Establishing open dialogue among stakeholders and citizens proved instrumental in instrumental in understanding the needs the needs and motivations of the local population, thereby empowering them to effectively address their priorities within their respective parishes and fostering sustained and enduring engagement.
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