Bringing Limnology and STEM Careers to Communities in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Under our Global Outreach Initiative project, we conducted a workshop on water quality and stream ecology, and a panel discussion on careers in environmental sciences during July 2022. At the workshop, we had 30 participants from multiple towns across Puerto Rico (Fig. 1A). Participant ages ranged from young children to adults. The workshop consisted of five stations each with a distinct focus and different hands-on activities: (1) stream physicochemical parameters—measure pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and conductivity; (2) nutrients—measure nitrate (NO3) and phosphate (PO4) concentrations; (3) hydrology—experience simulated stream erosion and water infiltration; (4) ecology—identify freshwater shrimp and macroinvertebrates found in Puerto Rico streams; and (5) art—express what was learned through art. For station 1 and station 2, participants analyzed unlabeled water samples from a pristine stream in the rainforest, an urban river, and an estuary. We asked them to identify which one was which based on the results obtained from analyses using water quality kits (pH, DO, conductivity, NO3, PO4), with the goal of applying the concepts learned to familiar ecosystems (Fig. 1B,C). In station 3, participants used a watershed model to simulate different rain events to visualize the effects of stream erosion. In addition, participants created water filtration models using different substrates (e.g., sand, grass, gravel) to test their efficiency (Fig. 1D). In station 4, participants worked with live freshwater shrimp species and preserved macroinvertebrates to learn how to identify them (Fig. 1E). The art project completed at station 5 during the workshop was a great success and reflects the themes that most resonated with the participants, including preserving our water resources and the species of shrimp found in local streams (Fig. 2). All participants enjoyed the activities and were highly engaged during the workshop. We conducted an evaluation postworkshop that demonstrated participants learned a lot, particularly about shrimp and macroinvertebrates and how to measure water quality parameters. In addition, they expressed interest in participating again or in other similar activities.