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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Testing citizen science as a tool for monitoring surface water microplastics
ClearAbundance and composition of near surface microplastics and plastic debris in the Stockholm Archipelago, Baltic Sea
This study combined professional manta trawl sampling and citizen science transect surveys to characterize microplastic abundance and composition in the Stockholm Archipelago and Baltic Sea. The results provide baseline data on plastic contamination in Baltic surface waters and demonstrate that citizen science can complement formal monitoring efforts.
Paddle surfing for science on microplastic pollution: a successful citizen science initiative
Researchers used paddle surfers as citizen scientists to collect microplastic samples from near-shore coastal waters in the Mediterranean Sea, filling a gap in data from areas close to the coastline. The study demonstrates how citizen science can expand microplastic monitoring to locations that are difficult to access with conventional research vessels.
Testing Kayakers as Citizen Scientists for monitoring microplastics in the coastal marine environment
Researchers tested recreational kayakers as citizen scientists for coastal microplastic monitoring by deploying mini-manta nets in the Ligurian Sea alongside traditional manta nets towed by research vessels across five sampling campaigns beginning March 2021. They found that microplastic abundances in nearshore areas sampled by kayak-towed mini-manta nets were on average higher than offshore samples, with no significant differences in shape, size, and composition between the two sampling approaches.
Testing Kayakers as Citizen Scientists for monitoring microplastics in the coastal marine environment
Researchers tested the feasibility of using kayakers as citizen scientists to monitor microplastics in coastal marine environments through the 'MicroPlastic Hunters Project' in Italy, equipping volunteers with mini-manta nets to collect nearshore surface water samples starting in March 2021. The project demonstrated that recreational water sports participants could effectively fill spatial monitoring gaps left by conventional research vessel-based methods.
The Surfing for Science citizen science project: 5 years monitoring floating microplastics in the nearshore
Researchers reported five years of citizen science microplastic monitoring data from the Surfing for Science project, in which trained surfers and paddlers towed specially designed manta trawls in nearshore waters along the northern and northeastern Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands to track floating microplastic abundance and origin.
The potential contribution of citizen science data in the study of coastal microplastic and mesoplastic distributions
Researchers analyzed citizen science data from the Big Microplastic Survey to assess the potential contribution of volunteer-collected observations to understanding coastal microplastic and mesoplastic distribution patterns, evaluating data quality and spatial coverage relative to conventional scientific monitoring.
Validating citizen science for community-driven microplastic monitoring and marine protection in Northeast Iceland's Hope Spot
Researchers ran a 5-year citizen science program (2019–2023) in Northeast Iceland's Hope Spot using low-tech sampling devices aboard whale-watching and expedition vessels to monitor meso- and microplastic pollution. MPs were present in 86% of trawl samples at an average density of 0.02 particles/m², validating citizen science as a viable tool for monitoring MP pollution in under-sampled Arctic waters.
Using citizen science to understand floating plastic debris distribution and abundance: A case study from the North Cornish coast (United Kingdom).
This citizen science study used a standardized methodology to monitor floating plastic debris off the Cornish coast of the UK, finding microplastic concentrations comparable to or higher than other European coastal regions. The study demonstrates that citizen science can generate useful, standardized data on plastic pollution in coastal waters.
Floating microplastic loads in the nearshore revealed through citizen science
Researchers used citizen science manta trawl deployments across 124 transects in the NW Mediterranean to characterize floating microplastic loads in nearshore coastal waters, finding substantial plastic pollution concentrated close to shore where emissions are highest.
The sampling and analysis of coastal microplastic and mesoplastic: Development of a citizen science approach
This study designed, developed, and tested a citizen science approach to microplastic and mesoplastic data collection on coastal beaches to address scale and coverage limitations of traditional research methods. Results showed non-expert participants could collect comparable data to researchers, expanding monitoring capacity across undersampled coastlines.
The Surfing for Science citizen science project: 5 years monitoring floating microplastics in the nearshore
Researchers reported five years of data from the 'Surfing for Science' citizen science project monitoring floating microplastics in the nearshore waters of northern and northeastern Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, with participants towing specially designed manta trawls from paddleboards and kayaks. The project collected over 400 samples and characterised microplastics by size, shape, colour, and polymer type, sharing results via Instagram with mapped transect data.
Microplastic detectives: a citizen-science project reveals large variation in meso- and microplastic pollution along German coastlines
A citizen science project recruited volunteers to sample meso- and microplastics along German Baltic and North Sea coastlines, achieving spatial coverage far beyond what scientific teams alone could accomplish. Large variation in plastic pollution was found across sites, with some areas showing unexpectedly high concentrations linked to local sources and ocean circulation patterns.
Accuracy of a Simple Microplastics Investigation Method on Sandy Beaches
This study tested a simplified citizen science method for monitoring microplastic pollution on sandy beaches, evaluating its accuracy compared to standard research methods. Reliable citizen science approaches could dramatically expand the geographic coverage of microplastic monitoring beyond what professional researchers alone can achieve.
Citizen Science for Monitoring Plastic Pollution from Source to Sea: A Systematic Review of Methodologies, Best Practices, and Challenges
This systematic review examines how citizen science programs track plastic pollution from land to sea. The research found that while public participation greatly expands data collection, inconsistent methods and data quality issues limit the scientific usefulness of the results. Better-designed citizen science programs could help communities monitor and respond to the microplastic pollution in their local environments.
Monitoring contaminants of emerging concern in aquatic systems through the lens of citizen science
This study explores how citizen science can help monitor contaminants of emerging concern, including micro- and nanoplastics, in aquatic systems, addressing the geographic and temporal gaps in current professional monitoring networks.
The baseline for micro- and mesoplastic pollution in open Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga beach
Researchers established a baseline for microplastic and mesoplastic pollution along 24 beaches on the Latvian coastline of the Baltic Sea, using data collected with the help of up to 250 citizen science volunteers. They found that beaches on the open Baltic Sea contained more plastic particles than those in the semi-enclosed Gulf of Riga. The study analyzed wave patterns, currents, and tourism intensity as factors driving pollution distribution and highlights citizen science as a valuable tool for large-scale microplastic monitoring.
Determining global distribution of microplastics by combining citizen science and in-depth case studies
This study combined citizen science sampling data with in-depth field studies to build a better global picture of microplastic distribution. The approach shows how large-scale volunteer monitoring can extend spatial coverage far beyond what professional researchers can achieve alone.
Combining citizen and conventional science for microplastics monitoring in the White Sea basin (Russian Arctic)
Researchers combined citizen science volunteers with conventional scientific methods to document microplastic contamination across 13 remote locations in the White Sea basin of the Russian Arctic, finding plastic particles primarily composed of PE, PET, and PVC at average concentrations of 1.14 particles/m.
Citizen Science for Assessment of Microplastics on Beaches: A Case Study in Mexico
Researchers used a citizen science approach involving 26 volunteers to assess microplastic abundance and type on Mexican beaches, providing broad geographic coverage at lower cost than traditional monitoring. Participants used standardized materials and training to collect and identify microplastics, generating a representative database that also raised public awareness of coastal plastic pollution.
Citizen science in studying the microplastic pollution of the Russian Arctic
Researchers conducted a long-term citizen science study (2020-2022) on microplastic pollution across Russian Arctic seas, presenting methodological approaches for sample collection and laboratory isolation of microplastic particles from environmental samples. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of collaboration between public organisations and scientific institutes, and identified the role of the North Cape Current in transporting microplastics from the North Atlantic into the Russian Barents Sea.
Can we investigate microplastic pollution with school students? Experiences from eight years of citizen science research
Researchers reported on eight years of citizen science microplastic research conducted with school students through the Plastic Pirates program, sharing methodological experiences and lessons learned from involving more than 24,000 participants across Germany and other European countries in rigorous environmental monitoring.
A new deal between Science and Society through Citizen Science: the case study of sea-surface microplastics research
Researchers explored the role of citizen science in sea-surface microplastic monitoring, arguing it can help bridge the trust gap between scientific institutions and the public. The study used a Mediterranean microplastics monitoring program as a case study showing how citizen participation improved data coverage and community engagement.
Citizen-Science for the Future: Advisory Case Studies From Around the Globe
This paper presents case studies of citizen science projects contributing ocean observation data, showing that non-professional volunteers can meaningfully supplement scientific monitoring. Citizen science approaches are increasingly used to monitor microplastic pollution across coastlines and waterways globally.
Making citizen science count: Best practices and challenges of citizen science projects on plastics in aquatic environments
This paper reviews best practices and challenges for citizen science projects focused on plastic pollution in aquatic environments, finding that while citizen science can effectively gather large-scale data and raise public awareness, data quality and consistency remain significant challenges.