Design, Construction, and Application of an Inexpensive, High-Resolution Water Sampler

Abstract

Abstract:The cost of high-resolution water sampling devices for ecological studies and water quality analyses can be prohibitive. Moreover, the potential for operator error in the use of complicated sampling equipment can lead to inaccuracies. Here we describe the construction and operation of an inexpensive and easy-to-use water sampler that achieves a water column sampling resolution of approximately 1 cm. The device is driven by a peristaltic pump and is constructed entirely of non-corrosive and non-reactive materials. The sampler has no moving parts and was completely reliable in fieldwork on temperate and Antarctic lakes. The device is especially suited for the collection of water samples from calm or stagnant surface waters, such as lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and deep swamps or other wetlands. In addition, because its components are unaffected by corrosive salts and sulfides, the device is suitable for sampling calm inlet waters, including shallow bays and estuaries. Because of its low cost, simple construction, compact design, and precision performance, this water sampler is an excellent option for studying and monitoring shallow to moderately deep (<50 m) natural waters.

Design of a Smart Bartender with Peristaltic Pumps

“…In the future, we plan to upgrade the system with an anthropomorphic robot that can move cocktails around the bar and engage in dialogue with visitors. Further research will be also dedicated to the creation of different pump configurations and the search for alternative applications, e.g., water samplers [15], multi-commuted flow systems [16], or watercolor robotic painters [17]. The prototype presentation attracted significant interest of visitors and potential investors to the project.…”

Chemoorganotrophic Bacteria From Lake Fryxell, Antarctica, Including Pseudomonas Strain LFY10, a Cold-Adapted, Halotolerant Bacterium Useful in Teaching Labs

“…Water samples were collected from Lake Fryxell, Antarctica (77°36.630′S, 163°08.853′E) using a peristaltic pump-driven limnological sampling device, as previously described (Sattley and Madigan, 2010; Sattley et al, 2017). Sampled portions of the water column included both the chemocline (10 m) and the anoxic benthos (17 m) of the lake.…”