Question

experience. they reported that the citizens, because of their proximity to the lakes, were able to gather samples quickly, shortly after algae blooms appeared. volunteers were also well - positioned to collect samples from previously untested lakes, revealing that algae blooms were more widespread than the experts had realized. more experts in scientific fields should consider using citizens to gather data.
the adopt a lake project offers a model for making formal ecological studies more interesting and understandable to everyday citizens.
the findings of the adopt a lake project suggest that more research is needed to understand how the algae spreads.
the hands - on experience that citizen scientists receive can help them to become professional researchers one day.
the researchers attributed much of the success of their project to the efficiency and breadth of the citizen scientists work.

Explanation:

The passage emphasizes how citizens' proximity to lakes allowed quick sample - gathering and that volunteers' work revealed the wider spread of algae blooms. It implies that researchers valued the efficiency and breadth of citizens' work in the project.

Answer:

The researchers attributed much of the success of their project to the efficiency and breadth of the citizen scientists' work.