Optical water quality and human perceptions: a synthesis

West, Amie O.; Nolan, Justin M.; Scott, J. Thad

doi:10.1002/wat2.1127

Cited by 27 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 81 publications

(201 reference statements)

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“…They were both placed into Group 3 by cluster analysis. Even with the potential weaknesses, photographs may be the most practical method for assessing responses of groups while controlling for a multitude of outside influences that may affect perceptions, such as odor, flow, litter, and landscape (West et al 2016).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…External information is processed through an evolving individual mental model, elicitation of which may strengthen conservation planning and implementation (Biggs et al 2011). Ethnohydrology studies can help examine cultural paradigms and may allow for the development of a common mental model of human dimensions of water that will enhance communication among stakeholders, scientists, and policymakers (West et al 2016). To represent the full significance of water in our environment, we must recognize perceptual, emotional, spiritual, and aesthetic ideals (Burmil et al 1999).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Optical water quality and human perceptions of rivers: an ethnohydrology study

West

Nolan

Scott³

2016

Ecosyst Health Sustain

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Rivers are revered worldwide for their ecologic, scenic, and recreational value. The capacity to communicate effectively among human groups with vested interest in rivers hinges on understanding the nature of human perceptions of water quality and the extent to which they vary intraculturally. Recognizing the intersection between measured water quality and the characteristics of rivers that influence human perceptions facilitates potential for better communication across disciplines and among stakeholders. We conducted interviews and a pile‐sort task with water quality experts and nonexperts. Our analysis suggested human evaluation of water quality is guided by culturally constructed criteria, regardless of respondent expertise, experience, or demographics. Cluster analysis results implied that measured physical and chemical parameters of rivers were directly related to the visible attributes used in human judgments. We suggest that, regardless of variability among individual stakeholders, observable characteristics may be the foundation for a common understanding of water quality in rivers.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Optical water quality and human perceptions of rivers: an ethnohydrology study

West

Nolan

Scott³

2016

Ecosyst Health Sustain

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“…Through interaction between human beings and nature, it is possible to develop the ability to recognize the threats to the environment, such as by observing organoleptic properties of water (eg. : West et al 2016), whereby the individuals can infer about your quality. Azevêdo et al…”

Section: The Importance Of Threats Identification By Local Residentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluating conservation threats to reservoirs in the semiarid region of Brazil using the perception of residents

Azevêdo¹,

Drumond²,

Alves³

et al. 2020

Ethnobio Conserv

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Conservation and management strategies must be holistic, and therefore must guarantee the participation of local communities in the processes of identifying threats. Our study sought to identify the principal threats to reservoir conservation in the semiarid region of Brazil based on the perception of residents, and develop a conceptual model with the main threats to be used as a basis for orienting conservation measures. The study was undertaken with four communities around four reservoirs in two watersheds. A total of 126 people were interviewed to identify threats to reservoir conservation. The Criticality Index (CI) of threats was calculated based on the methodology developed by Open Patterns for Conservation Practices. Among the principal threats to reservoirs identified by local populations were discharging residues (both solid and liquids) and overfishing. In support of local perception, larger Criticality Index values were recorded for: 1 discharging residues (CI = 0.50), 2 deforestation in the riparian zone (CI= 0.20), and 3 overfishing (CI = 0.17). The recorded threats put at risk the sustainability of local ecosystems and human populations. It will be necessary to develop effective conservation policies that promote environmental awareness and foster the participation of local communities in the sustainable administration of local ecosystems.

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“… Horizontal BDV device of Davies‐Colley () (image adapted from West et al ), and photograph of target as viewed through the periscope (inset).…”

Section: Measuring Optical Water Qualitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Black disk visibility, turbidity, and total suspended solids in rivers: A comparative evaluation

West

Scott

2016

Limnology & Ocean Methods

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This study compared horizontal black disk visibility (BDV), a measure of visual water clarity, to turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations in five rivers of the southwestern Ozarks of Arkansas, U.S. to assess its usefulness in evaluating optical water quality. We investigated correlative relationships between BDV vs. turbidity and BDV vs. TSS, and compared them to those reported in similar studies. Our results indicated that replicate measures of horizontal BDV were subject to less error than replicate turbidity (coefficients of variation were 5.0% and 6.4%, respectively), and BDV was more strongly correlated with TSS concentrations than was turbidity (correlations coefficients were −0.97 and 0.92, respectively). We also assessed the validity of the black disk method as a surrogate for TSS concentrations and derived a predictive model for each river in the study. The benefits of the horizontal black disk method are both scientific and practical. Horizontal BDV provides a means of quantifying the beam attenuation coefficient. And, the low cost, ease of use, and usefulness in shallow rivers make the black disk method a versatile tool in water quality assessment. We ultimately conclude that the horizontal black disk method should be added to routine monitoring programs in the U.S., and that it be adopted by public groups involved in volunteer monitoring and water quality communication that may be limited by equipment availability or budget.

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Optical water quality and human perceptions: a synthesis

Cited by 27 publications

References 81 publications

Optical water quality and human perceptions of rivers: an ethnohydrology study

Optical water quality and human perceptions of rivers: an ethnohydrology study

Evaluating conservation threats to reservoirs in the semiarid region of Brazil using the perception of residents

Black disk visibility, turbidity, and total suspended solids in rivers: A comparative evaluation

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