A citizen science approach for monitoring volcanic emissions and promoting volcanic hazard awareness at Sulphur Springs, Saint Lucia in the Lesser Antilles arc

Abstract

Sulphur Springs Park (SSP), Saint Lucia in the Lesser Antilles is a popular geothermal area with a vigorous passively degassing hydrothermal field. Visitors, staff, and management of the Park have raised concerns about the volcanic emissions and their possible effects on their health. As part of the responsibility of The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC) to provide volcanic surveillance through its geothermal monitoring programme, a monitoring network was established for quantifying the ambient SO2 concentrations at the Park to assess the potential risk of unsafe exposure. This required the development of a participatory citizen science effort with researchers training local personnel in field sampling and basic analytical techniques to measure SO2 concentrations. The operation of a citizen science network required engagement and collaboration with local stakeholders in Saint Lucia to ensure that the research addressed the needs of all partners. This participatory approach was an effective option for scientists to engage local stakeholders and the wider community as partners in geoscience hazards education.Ambient SO2 concentrations obtained with handmade active air samplers (titrimetric hydrogen peroxide traps) showed that when the atmospheric concentrations of SO2 was lower, the data from the diffusion tubes and the handmade samplers followed a similar pattern. The ambient concentrations measured using the handmade samplers cannot be used as absolute values due to uncertainties related to the input parameters needed for the calculation of SO2 concentrations. However, the data may be useful in identifying areas exposed to elevated SO2 concentrations of potential concern to public health. The samplers proved useful as a tool to promote volcanic hazard awareness and education among the local stakeholders and citizen scientists. Important lessons learned by the research team from participant surveys were that time constraints and personal motivation of volunteers are key factors in the success of the operations of this monitoring network.