Liquid Insight: Do You Know Your Ecosystem?

Presenter

Shannon Marie Russo

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Steven D. Brewer, Department of Biology, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A21, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 2 (A21-A40) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Water quality is a global concern: contaminated water adversely affects aquatic ecosystems and humans, necessitating real-time monitoring. In the last few years, the development of cost-efficient and portable devices for comprehensive assessment has increased. Water quality in various parts of the United States fails to meet quality standards, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring. I created a device utilizing Adafruit Feather boards to measure and communicate water pH, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature. All of these parameters are key indicators affecting aquatic life. My device integrates BluetoothLE to enable real-time data transfer. This facilitates immediate action upon detecting potential pollution: monitoring can lead to action to address human contamination. My study's objective is to develop a compact, waterproof device for data collection in Amherst, Massachusetts. I connected sensors to Adafruit Feather, powered by a LiPoly battery, encased in a plastic bottle. After testing prototypes, I deployed a final version of my instrument in different water sources during various seasons. The device was deployed along Tan Brook and in Atkins Reservoir, and Pelham Reservoir, collecting bi-weekly data for analysis. I used my device to collect data that showed that human activity, such as road salt, leads to contamination in multiple water sources. I aim to contribute insights into local water quality trends, paving the way for effective environmental monitoring.

Keywords

water quality, aquatic ecosystems, environmental

Research Area

Environment Effects on Ecosystems

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