Citizen Science Data

CITIZEN SCIENCE DATA

In order to understand complex ecological problems, you need large amounts of data that is consistently collected over a long period of time.

ORCA scientists and community members are working together to gather data needed to optimize conservation efforts.

Explore Pollution Mapping Data

Pollution Mapping Citizen Science Project

This project involves on-going comprehensive monitoring of specific sites within the Indian River Lagoon. During each quarterly monitoring event, citizen scientists measure basic water quality parameters (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and alkalinity), measure muck depth, and collect both water and sediment samples to be brought back to the Center for Citizen Science for analyses. Once at the lab, citizen scientists composite and prepare samples for particle analysis, as well as measure nutrient concentrations (ammonia, nitrate/nitrite, and phosphate) in both water column and pore water samples. Additional analyses of these samples include relative toxicity, glyphosate, and atrazine.

97 CITIZEN SCIENTISTS

28 PROJECT SITES

The data below was collected between 2019 and 2023, and will be periodically updated. If you’d like to see additional data, please e-mail your request to mweiss@teamorca.org.

PFAS Data nov 2022 (1) — As part of our November 2022 Pollution Mapping Citizen Science seasonal monitoring, sediment and water samples from 25 locations in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) watershed were collected. Samples were analyzed by the University of Florida for the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or ‘forever chemicals.’ PFAS is a large and complex class of synthetic chemicals that are resistant to heat, water and oil and have been used in a wide variety of consumer products since the 1940s, including stain and water repellents used in textile manufacturing, paper products, food packaging and cookware. These chemicals have also been used in various industrial processes, including the formulation of fire suppressant foams used at firefighting training facilities, airports, chemical plants and military installations.[9] ORCA is interested in further investigating PFAS in the IRL because scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful effects on human and animal health.[10] Results revealed measurable concentrations of PFAS in all sampling locations. PFAS diversity ranged between 7 to 13 PFAS in sediment samples and 5 to 9 PFAS in surface water samples. Overall, PFAS concentrations in sediment samples were between 1 to 3 orders of magnitude higher than those in surface water samples.

PFAS Data nov 2022 — As part of our November 2022 Pollution Mapping Citizen Science seasonal monitoring, sediment and water samples from 25 locations in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) watershed were collected. Samples were analyzed by the University of Florida for the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or ‘forever chemicals.’ PFAS is a large and complex class of synthetic chemicals that are resistant to heat, water and oil and have been used in a wide variety of consumer products since the 1940s, including stain and water repellents used in textile manufacturing, paper products, food packaging and cookware. These chemicals have also been used in various industrial processes, including the formulation of fire suppressant foams used at firefighting training facilities, airports, chemical plants and military installations.[9] ORCA is interested in further investigating PFAS in the IRL because scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful effects on human and animal health.[10] Results revealed measurable concentrations of PFAS in all sampling locations. PFAS diversity ranged between 7 to 13 PFAS in sediment samples and 5 to 9 PFAS in surface water samples. Overall, PFAS concentrations in sediment samples were between 1 to 3 orders of magnitude higher than those in surface water samples.

PM Data posting aug 2023 (1) — Lead can affect every organ in the human body, especially the nervous system [1]. In aquatic ecosystems, lead can affect the physiological and biochemical functions of organisms [2]. This graph shows lead concentration in sediments at sixteen sites* that have been monitored for at least two years (2021 & 2022). These sediment samples are collected once annually in November. Lead sediment concentration was not significantly different between 2021 and 2022 (t-test, p=0.597). These data suggest that lead levels in sediment are not changing over time across the multiple counties in the Indian River Lagoon. This shows a box and whisker plot of lead concentration for sixteen sites* in November 2021 and 2022 (x =mean, ┬ =maximum, ┴ =minimum, ── = median). t-test, p=0.597.

*Adjacent to Power Squadron, Adj to Vero Beach Dog Park, Bethel Creek, Orchid Isle Estates, Taylor Creek, MacWilliams Boat Ramp, Vero Isles, Indian River Farms Canal, Riverside Cafe, Melbourne Beach, Aquarina Marina, Faber Cove, Fellsmere Headwaters Lake, Central C-54.

PM Data posting aug 2023 (2) — Copper in aquatic ecosystems has been shown to be toxic to fish and invertebrates. Two main sources of copper in environment are antifouling paints used on boats and chromated copper arsenate treated timbers [3]. Like lead, there was not a significant change in copper concentrations in sediments across sixteen sites* from 2021 to 2022 (t-test, p=0.689), suggesting no ongoing inputs of copper at these sites. This graph does not include sites added after the November 2021 sampling. We await the November 2023 sampling when we will be able to include an additional nine sites in the statistical analyses to expand our spatial coverage of the Indian River Lagoon. This graph shows a box and whisker plot of copper concentration for sixteen sites* in November 2021 and November 2022 (x =mean, ┬ =maximum, ┴ =minimum, ── = median). t test > 0.05, p=0.689.

*Adjacent to Power Squadron, Adj to Vero Beach Dog Park, Bethel Creek, Orchid Isle Estates, Taylor Creek, MacWilliams Boat Ramp, Vero Isles, Indian River Farms Canal, Riverside Cafe, Melbourne Beach, Aquarina Marina, Faber Cove, Fellsmere Headwaters Lake, Central C-54.

PM Data posting aug 2023 (3) — Mercury is a potent neurological poison in fish, wildlife, and humans with atmospheric deposition acting as the primary source to most aquatic ecosystems [4]. This graph shows the concentrations of mercury in sediments at sixteen sites* that have at least two years of data. Unlike lead and copper, mercury sediment concentrations increased significantly among annual collection events in 2021 and 2022 (t-test, p=0.002). This increase in mercury is concerning and further investigation is needed to determine the cause of this change. These data strengthens the importance of longitudinal monitoring and the importance of projects such as the Pollution Mapping Citizen Science (PMCS) project. This shows a box and whisker plot of mercury concentration for sixteen sites* in November 2021 and November 2022 (x =mean, ┬ =maximum, ┴ =minimum, ── = median). t test < 0.05, p=0.002

*Adjacent to Power Squadron, Adj to Vero Beach Dog Park, Bethel Creek, Orchid Isle Estates, Taylor Creek, MacWilliams Boat Ramp, Vero Isles, Indian River Farms Canal, Riverside Cafe, Melbourne Beach, Aquarina Marina, Faber Cove, Fellsmere Headwaters Lake, Central C-54.

PM Data posting aug 2023 (4) — Lead concentration in sediments at all 25 sites for November 2022 in comparison to the threshold effect level (TEL-orange line) and probable effect level (PEL-red line). The TEL is the upper limit of the minimal effects range to aquatic organisms [5]. The PEL is the lower limit of the immediate hazard effect range to aquatic organisms [5]. The Shepard Park I site in Martin County is the only site that exceeded the TEL (30.2 mg/kg) for lead while no sites exceeded the PEL (112 mg/kg).

PM Data posting aug 2023 (5) — Copper concentration in sediments at all 25 sites for November 2022 in comparison to the threshold effect level (TEL-orange line) and probable effect level (PEL-red line). The TEL is the upper limit of the minimal effects range to aquatic organisms [5]. The PEL is the lower limit of the immediate hazard effect range to aquatic organisms [5]. Eleven sites exceed the TEL (18.7mg/kg) for copper and two sites exceed the PEL (108 mg/kg) which indicates serious environmental concern to aquatic life.

PM Data posting aug 2023 (7) — Mercury concentration in sediments at all 25 sites for November 2022 in comparison to the threshold effect level (TEL-orange line) and probable effect level (PEL-red line). The TEL is the upper limit of the minimal effects range to aquatic organisms [5]. The PEL is the lower limit of the immediate hazard effect range to aquatic organisms [5]. Three sites located in Martin County exceeded the TEL (0.13 mg/kg) for mercury while no sites exceeded the PEL (0.7mg/kg).

PM Data posting aug 2023 (8) — Glyphosate is a herbicide commonly used to kill weeds and grasses. Glyphosate is a toxicant of concern as it may persist in the environment through bioaccumulation in the food chain and adsorption into soils and sediments which can lead to negative health effects [6]. Its potential negative health effects and current limited information make it essential to monitor glyphosate in the environment. This figure shows water column glyphosate concentration for 25 sites over time. Using a paired Wilcoxon test, glyphosate concentrations significantly increase from February to May in both 2022 and 2023 (2022: p <0.001; 2023: p <0.001). We speculate that the increase in glyphosate in the months of February and May are due to many people applying glyphosate before the wet season begins as a preventive measure against weed growth. The y-axis on the left corresponds to those sites with solid lines while the y-axis on the right corresponds to those sites with dotted lines. There is no legend identifying individual sites as we wanted to focus the reader’s attention on the overall trend throughout all the sites.

PM Data posting aug 2023 (9) — Phosphorus is one of the primary nutrients used for plant growth making it an essential nutrient in aquatic ecosystems. An unbalanced amount of phosphorus in aquatic environments can lead to harmful algal blooms, and consequently a reduction in water quality. High levels of phosphorus in Florida’s waterways can be attributed to fertilizers and phosphate mining [7]. This graph shows the water column phosphate concentration for regions in the Indian River Lagoon for sixteen sites* that have at least 2 years of data. The northern region had significantly lower phosphate than the central region (p = 0.008) using a 2-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test. The southern region did not differ significantly than northern or central regions. Years were not significantly different from each other. This indicates that there has not been a shift in phosphate concentration levels across the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 within each region. It is worth mentioning the central region has twelve sites with 2 years of data in comparison to the northern and southern regions which only have two sites. We look forward to being able to include an additional nine sites in the statistical analyses which will capture a more representative regional comparison. This shows a box and whisker plot of water column phosphate concentration for northern, central and southern region of the Indian River Lagoon for 2020, 2021 and 2022 (x =mean, ┬ =maximum, ┴ =minimum, ── = median). Figure is representative of sixteen sites* that have at least two years of data (Northern Region includes 2 sites for 2021 & 2022; Central Region includes 4 sites for 2020 and 12 sites for 2021 & 2022; Southern Region includes 2 sites for 2021 & 2022). A phosphate concentration of 8.8 mg/L in 2020 within the central region was excluded from this graph for a better visual representation of the data, although it is a valid measurement.
*Adjacent to Power Squadron, Adj to Vero Beach Dog Park, Bethel Creek, Orchid Isle Estates, Taylor Creek, MacWilliams Boat Ramp, Vero Isles, Indian River Farms Canal, Riverside Cafe, Melbourne Beach, Aquarina Marina, Faber Cove, Fellsmere Headwaters Lake, Central C-54.

PM Data posting aug 2023 (10) — Nitrogen is an essential building block of life. There are various forms of it found in the environment. Ammonia (NH3) and ammonium (NH4) are reduced forms of nitrogen that can be found in the water and are converted to the oxidized forms nitrite (NO2) and then nitrate (NO3) by nitrifying bacteria. Large inputs of nitrogen to our waterways can include wastewater and fertilizers carried by stormwater runoff [8]. Just like phosphate, an imbalance of nitrogen can also lead to harmful algal blooms, and consequently a reduction in water quality. This shows the water column ammonia concentration for regions in the Indian River Lagoon for sixteen sites* that have at least 2 years of data. The year 2022 had lower concentrations than 2020 (p =0.007) and 2021 (p = 0.023) using a 2-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test. There was no significance among regions. This indicates that water column ammonia concentrations have decreased in the years of monitoring although, further analysis is needed as more years are added to see if this is a continuing trend or a consequence of a year having low concentrations. It is worth mentioning the central region has twelve sites with 2 years of data in comparison to the northern and southern regions which only have two sites. We look forward to being able to include an additional nine sites in the statistical analyses which will capture a more representative regional comparison. The box and whisker plot shows water column ammonia concentration for northern, central and southern region of the Indian River Lagoon for 2020, 2021 and 2022 (x =mean, ┬ =maximum, ┴ =minimum, ── = median). Figure is representative of sixteen sites* that have at least two years of data (Northern Region includes 2 sites for 2021 & 2022; Central Region includes 4 sites for 2020 and 12 sites for 2021 & 2022; Southern Region includes 2 sites for 2021 & 2022).
*Adjacent to Power Squadron, Adj to Vero Beach Dog Park, Bethel Creek, Orchid Isle Estates, Taylor Creek, MacWilliams Boat Ramp, Vero Isles, Indian River Farms Canal, Riverside Cafe, Melbourne Beach, Aquarina Marina, Faber Cove, Fellsmere Headwaters Lake, Central C-54.

PM Data posting aug 2023 (11) — This shows the water column nitrate/nitrite concentration for regions in the Indian River Lagoon for sixteen sites* that have at least 2 years of data. There is no significant difference among years for all regions or for 2020, 2021 and 2022 within regions (p >0.05) using a 2-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test. This indicates that there is no shift in nitrate/nitrite concentration among years within the regions or among all regions for year 2020, 2021 and 2022. We look forward to being able to include an additional nine sites in the statistical analyses which will capture a more representative regional comparison. This box and whisker plot shows water column nitrate/nitrite concentration for northern, central and southern region of the Indian River Lagoon for 2020, 2021 and 2022 (x =mean, ┬ =maximum, ┴ =minimum, ── = median). Figure is representative of sixteen sites* that have at least two years of data (Northern Region includes 2 sites for 2021 & 2022; Central Region includes 4 sites for 2020 and 12 sites for 2021 & 2022; Southern Region includes 2 sites for 2021 & 2022).
*Adjacent to Power Squadron, Adj to Vero Beach Dog Park, Bethel Creek, Orchid Isle Estates, Taylor Creek, MacWilliams Boat Ramp, Vero Isles, Indian River Farms Canal, Riverside Cafe, Melbourne Beach, Aquarina Marina, Faber Cove, Fellsmere Headwaters Lake, Central C-54.

References: [1] Wani, A. L., Ara, A., & Usmani, J. A. (2015). Lead toxicity: A Review. Interdisciplinary Toxicology, 8(2), 55–64.; [2] Lee, J.-W., Choi, H., Hwang, U.-K., Kang, J.-C., Kang, Y. J., Kim, K. I., & Kim, J.-H. ; (2019). Toxic effects of lead exposure on bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and immune responses in fish: A Review. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 68, 101–108; [3] Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). EPA. [4] Mercury contamination of aquatic environments. Mercury Contamination of Aquatic Environments | U.S. Geological Survey. (n.d.). [5] MacDonald, D. D. (1994). Approach to the Assessment of Sediment quality in Florida Coastal Waters. Development and Evaluation of Sediment Quality Assessment Guidelines, 1, 1–140; [6] Myers, J.P., Antoniou, M.N., Blumberg, B. et al. Concerns over use of glyphosate-based herbicides and risks associated with exposures: a consensus statement. Environ Health 15, 19 (2016); [7] Hand, J. (2004). Typical water quality values for Florida’s lakes, streams, and estuaries. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 101; [8] Protecting Florida’s springs. Florida Department of Environmental Protection; [9] Florida Department of Environmental Protection PFAS Dynamic Plan; [10] EPA.gov

Explore Fish Monitoring Data

One Health Fish Monitoring Citizen Science Project

This project tests for toxins and toxicants in fish from the Indian River Lagoon and connecting waterways. Current analyses in this project include: heavy metals (mercury, lead, cadmium), cyanotoxins (microcystin and saxitoxin), microplastics, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Additional analyses coming soon include: pharmaceuticals, controlled substances and parasites. See preliminary data below.

250 CITIZEN SCIENTISTS

1080

FISH ANALYZED

This data below was collected between 2019 and June 2023, and will be periodically updated. If you’d like to see additional data, please e-mail your request to fish@teamorca.org.

OHFM glyphosate 2023 (820 × 550 px) (3) — Number of fish donated by county.

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and food, however, at high concentrations mercury is a major health concern. Mercury affects the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, as well as the lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes. Fish absorb mercury through their gills as they swim and through their digestive tracts as they eat. While all fish caught and donated to the project are tested for mercury, this graph highlights the fish that have the highest average mercury concentration at this time (mg/kg). Mercury concentrations range from 0.18 ± 0.05 mg/kg in American Silver Perch to 0.53 ± n/a (n=1) in Amber Jack. Please note that at this time, sample sizes vary between species.

This graph represents preliminary average mercury concentrations in fillets (based on a half-pound serving size) of the most commonly consumed species (n=367). Seven out of 10 fish species exceed the EPA/FDEP guideline for pregnant women and children but fall below the EPA/FDA guideline for the general population. At this time, Bluefish and Spotted Seatrout contain average mercury concentrations that exceed the EPA/FDA guideline for the general population, while average mercury concentration in Black Drum fall below both guidelines.

Microplastics and the toxins associated with their exposure and ingestion are of concern to ecological health. As part of this project, citizen scientists and ORCA staff enumerate the number of microplastics present per fish fillet/tissue and stomach. Seventy-seven percent of all fish tissue samples (n=39) showed a presence of microplastics (range 0-10). This data is considered preliminary based on the low sample size. Fifty-seven percent of fish stomachs (n=488) showed a presence of microplastics (range 0- 21).

We also categorize the microplastics by type /shape and color. At this time, 80% of microplastics identified in fish stomach samples were fibers followed by 12% fragments. Most microplastic fibers are derived from synthetic clothing, textiles, ropes, and tarps while fragments are derived from sturdy plastics and bottles.

When categorizing the microplastics by color, blue, black, and transparent represent the predominant colors in all fish stomach samples (75%).

Nearly all microplastics identified in fish tissue samples at this time are fibers and fragments (46% and 39%, respectively). Please note that this data is considered preliminary based on the low sample size. We are working hard to continue analyzing more samples.

Blue, black, and pink represent the predominant colors in all fish tissue samples (76%). Please note that this data is considered preliminary based on the low sample size. We are working hard to continue analyzing more samples.

An important component of ORCA’s One Health Fish Monitoring project is to better understand the potential impact that pollution accumulating in fish may have on human health. One way we can better understand this potential risk is by conducting fisher surveys. Some of the information received from these surveys include fisher demographics, species commonly consumed and approximate serving size. To date, 141 local fishers were surveyed of which 84% were males compared to just 16% females and other. With regards to the age of those consuming the fish caught, 54% were between 18-64 years and 35% were over the age of 65 years. The surveys also identifies the parts of the fish that more likely consumed by the fishers. Most individuals surveyed stated they consume the fillet (83%), skin (13%), and eggs (4%). As more surveys are distributed across the lagoon, we will better understand the risk pollutants have on fish and potentially human health. If you fish in the lagoon AND consume the fish you catch, please consider filling out our survey.

OHFM glyphosate 2023 (820 × 550 px) — Glyphosate is the most commonly used herbicide used worldwide in agriculture and residential areas alike to control the growth of weeds. The incorporation of glyphosate into this project allows us to better understand the impact this herbicide has on the lagoon system and the extent it is accumulating through the marine food web. Glyphosate has been detected in 100% of the fish analyzed for glyphosate to date (n=233). The graph above shows glyphosate concentrations in fish tissue in 25 different brackish and freshwater species (n= 222), all with a sample size greater than one. Additionally, fish diet (herbivore, carnivore, omnivore) is depicted in the legend. The fish listed in this graph represent species identified via ORCA’s fisher surveys as being most commonly consumed in the Indian River Lagoon.

OHFM glyphosate 2023 (820 × 550 px) (1) — A one-way ANOVA was used to compare the effect of species (n ≥ 10) on glyphosate concentration, which showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). Tukey's HSD post-hoc test for multiple comparisons found that Black Drum had significantly higher fillet glyphosate concentrations than Crevalle Jack (p = 0.002), Hardhead Catfish (p = 0.019), Ladyfish (p = 0.028), and Sheepshead (p = 0.032). No other comparisons between species were significantly different (p > 0.05).

OHFM glyphosate 2023 (820 × 550 px) (2) — Glyphosate has been detected in 100% of the fish analyzed to date (n=233).The graph above shows average glyphosate concentrations in fish tissue across four counties (Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin) as well as across all counties. Please note the sample size between counties is quite different and, therefore, statistical analyses were not conducted. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare the effect of county on glyphosate concentration, which showed no statistical difference (p > 0.05)

Dive into Team ORCA’s Citizen Science blog to read about the importance of data collection, why we monitor, the significance of citizen science and more!