Community-Driven Water Quality Monitoring: A Participatory Approach to Environmental Protection
Researchers Isabel Volz and Patricia Viera are spearheading the project titled "Promoting Environmental Awareness through the Evaluation of Microbial Dynamics and Water Quality in Recreational Watercourses of Northeastern Uruguay." This initiative focuses on participatory water quality monitoring in key streams of the region, aiming to provide essential data on water conditions while fostering environmental awareness and sustainable practices within the local community.
The project will implement a locally adapted monitoring protocol to detect contaminants and assess the impact of human activities on aquatic ecosystems. It will include the analysis of physicochemical parameters, advanced metagenomic techniques to evaluate microbial communities and identify potential pathogens.
A notable feature is the collaboration with local science clubs, which will involve community members in sample collection and data analysis. This participatory approach not only enhances environmental education but also empowers the populations to actively contribute to water resource management. The interdisciplinary nature of the project ensures the integration of advanced scientific methods and community involvement throughout its duration.