Innovative Water Monitoring Technologies

Figure 1. Handheld YSI probe with 4 sensors that measure

temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity. 

Photo. J. Hewitt

 Figure 2. Another view of the YSI probe with computer and data storage. 

Photo. J. Hewitt

Figure 3. Submerged YSI sonde that measures water conditions 

at scheduled intervals over a period of time. 

Photo. J. Hewitt

Advances in portable monitoring technology allow ecologists to observe levels of chemicals and nutrients that enter aquatic environments from storm water runoff, pesticide and fertilizer applications, and other point source contaminants (Barraud et al., 2002). State-of-the-art water monitoring equipment has advanced as sensor technology is designed into portable monitoring probes and sondes. Probes (Figure 1&2) are handheld devices use to sample surface water. Sondes (Figure 3) are submerged instruments that gather continuous data over time with the ability to transmit that stored information. Scouts will get an opportunity at summer camp to use these innovative technologies to collect water sample data. This data will be documented over time to monitor Black Creek conditions. It is important to monitor conditions because conserving the richest biodiversity of stream life requires cool water, increased dissolved oxygen, and minimal contaminants (Kaller & Kelso, 2007). Part of the lesson will discuss how the latest monitoring technologies use portable lab chip sensors that are easily calibrated in the field and are aiding ecologists in water conservation efforts (Jang et al., 2011).

References

Barraud, S., Gibert, J., Winiarski, T., & Krajewski, B. (2002). Implementation of a monitoring system to measure impact of stormwater runoff infiltration. Water Science & Technology, 45(3):203-210.

Kaller, M. D., & Kelso, W. E. (2007). Association of macroinvertebrate assemblages with dissolved oxygen concentration and wood surface area in selected subtropical streams of the southeastern USA. Aquatic Ecology, 41(1):95-110.

Jang, A., Zou, Z., Lee, K. K., Ahn, C. H., & Bishop, P. L. (2011). State-of-the-art lab chip sensors for environmental water monitoring. Measurement Science and Technology, 22(3):032001.