Cybermussels

Abstract

In this paper, we describe our ongoing work on designing an underwater sensor network for monitoring the ecosystem of the Mississippi river using freshwater mussels as biological sensors.One of the most extensive manifestations of anthropogenic mismanagement of nitrogen is eutrophication of the Gulf of Mexico. Our vision is to create a biosensor network of native freshwater mussels in the Mississippi river to monitor and model key components of the nitrogen cycle.

Embedded electronics for a mussel-based biological sensor

“…Researchers at The University of Iowa are investigating using freshwater mussels as biological sensors [1], [2]. The aim is to use the changes in a mussel's gape-the rhythmic opening and closing of the mussel's valve-as an indication of changes in the water chemistry of the mussel's immediate environment.…”