Development of a submersible sensor system for in-situ water quality measurements

• In Event: Poster Presentation and Judging for: Biomedical; Cell & Molecular Biology; Chemistry & Biochemistry; Marine Science; Systematics & Evolutionary Biology.
  In Poster Session: Marine Science Poster Session

Abstract

Coral reefs make up less 0.1 % of the ocean surface, but are home to over 25 % of marine life. Bleaching events occur when environmental factors stress coral colonies and the endosymbiotic algae that give corals their color are expelled. Current methodologies for acquiring water quality data primarily come from collecting samples, with later analysis in a laboratory environment. Sensor pod systems were developed to assist researchers in better understanding what factors impact coral health. They are capable of withstanding hydrostatic pressure of over 60 feet of seawater, are neutrally buoyant, and able to measure various water quality parameters, including oxidation/reduction potential, temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity. Furthermore, three separate pods were constructed to examine differences in water conditions based on depth. Sensors were purchased from Atlas Scientific, and controlled by an arduino uno. Data is backed up from the arduino to an encased raspberry pi microcomputer. A 20000 mAh lithium ion battery powers the sensor pod for up to 24 hours to capture a full diurnal cycle. The power and data acquisition systems are housed in a 12” long, 6” diameter, schedule 80 pvc pipe with one end capped and an accessible flange on the other. The sensor pods were utilized to collect water quality data at Bottomless Lake, New Mexico. This data set was corroborated with comparable measurements taken using an industry standard sonde sensor package. Current plans are to deploy in Roatan, Honduras, to study water conditions at both healthy and bleached coral sites.

Authors

• Nicholas David Mastroianna, Midland College

• Jeramy Lusk, Midland College

• Greg Larson, Midland College

• Brian Steven Flowers, Midland College