Mapping and Dilution Estimation of Wastewater Discharges Based on Geostatistics Using an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

Geostatistical Prediction of Ocean Outfall Plume Characteristics Based on an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle

“…MARES is 1.5m long, it has an 8-inch diameter and weighs about 40kg in air [12,13]. It features a plastic hull with a dry mid body (for electronics and batteries) and additional rings to accommodate sensors and actuators.…”

“…MARES's missions for environmental monitoring of wastewater discharges are conducted using GUI software that fully automates the operational procedures of the campaign. By providing visual and audio information, this software guides the user through a series of steps which include: (1) real time data acquisition from CTD and ADCP sensors, (2) effluent plume parameter modelling using the CTD and ADCP data collected, (3) automatic path creation using the plume model parameters, (4) acoustic buoys and vehicle deployment, (5) automatic acoustic network setup and (6) real time tracking of the AUV mission [13].…”

“…Rapid sampling is expected to reduce time and space variability during and between transects. Because of their easier field logistics, reduced cost per study, increased spatial resolution, reduced spatial aliasing effects and adaptive sampling capabilities, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) are especially valuable in detecting and mapping sewage plumes [9][10][11][12][13].…”