Increased scale and accessibility of sediment transport research in rivers through practical, open-source turbidity and depth sensors

Abstract

Open-source designs for turbidity and depth sensors are becoming increasingly capable and available, but the knowledge required to construct them limits their use compared to expensive, commercial sensors. Here, we present an open-source optical backscatter and water pressure sensor that can be ordered almost fully assembled, requires no coding to deploy, and costs approximately $50 USD. We share three examples of these sensors' ability to facilitate new research. First, we observed complex changes in spatial and temporal patterns of suspended sediment transport in the Arctic Sagavanirktok River using a network of sensors. Second, we measured turbidity during the freeze-up period in the Tanana River, a period of high risk to sensors. Last, we built and deployed sensors with middle-school students to monitor turbidity under full ice cover on the Tanana River. The success of open-source sensors in these examples shows a marked increase in scale and accessibility of river science.

Assessment of Regression Models for Surface Water Quality Modeling via Remote Sensing of a Water Body in the Mexican Highlands

“…For example, other studies, such as [38], used a density of approximately 0.32 samples/km 2 , whereas [39] used a density of 0.000216 samples/km 2 . The study with the highest sampling density corresponded to 0.64 samples/km 2 for TSS and COD [17]. In [40], there were 14 samples (0.001 samples/km 2 ), and [3] used 18 samples (0.32 fields/km 2 ).…”

“…However, if particles are of an organic origin, reflectivity is also influenced by their chromatic characteristics [14]. Reflectance in the 600-700 nm wavelength range has been linearly related to TSS concentrations ranging from 0 to 50 mg/L [15][16][17]. Beyond this range, the relationship may exhibit a curvilinear trend.…”