Developing a more robust, reliable water quality sensor to better preserve ecosystem health

Challenge

Monitoring the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of surface waters is important to understanding overall ecosystem health. Of particular interest is the hyporheic zone, the area between stream waters and the aquifer, where subsurface flow patterns can be studied using fluorescent tracers.

Optical fluorescence sensors are ideal for monitoring sediment pore water (water that occurs in the spaces between sediment particles) in the hyporheic region and discerning flow patterns from these tracers, but existing sensor options have mechanical and sampling challenges that affect measurement reproducibility.

Insight 

By taking advantage of the flexibility and sensitivity of an Ocean Insight QE Pro spectrometer, and with our assistance in formal analysis of spectral test data, the multidisciplinary research team developed a robust new fluorescence sensor. The sensor overcomes limitations associated with existing instrumentation, including the effects of turbidity and interference from gas bubbles. This makes reproducible, in situ measurements possible, which are critical for providing a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystem health.

Solution

As a compact, modular setup, the combination of Ocean Insight spectrometer, LED and bifurcated fiber assembly fit into a field case that also housed the research team’s hydraulic valve system, automated pump and other components. The team has conducted successful lab and field testing of its system for real-time measurement of the fluorescent tracer uranine, a form of fluorescein dye often used in groundwater testing. Additional development will make the system smaller, more flexible and fully automated.

In Situ Fluorescence Measurements in Sediment Pore Water

Image Source: Advances in Water Sources, ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0309170820311854

Beyond its application in monitoring what’s going on beneath the surface of streambeds and river systems, the fluorescence sensor system could be adapted for similar analysis of other natural waters, drinking water production and sewage treatment filtration.