Wireless Sensor Networks for Water Quality Monitoring: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This comprehensive review examines the use of Wireless Sensor Networks as a solution for addressing water quality monitoring and data scarcity. It compares Wireless Sensor Networks with traditional laboratory-based and in-situ monitoring methods, highlighting their superior respons e speed, cost-effectiveness, ease of deployment, and reliable measurements. The paper provides an overview of wireless sensor node architecture, discussing subsystems, Quality of Service requirements, and the significance of low power consumption in microcontroller units. Network solutions for short, medium, and long-range applications are explored, highlighting that Low-Power Wide Area Network is the most effective option for water quality monitoring. Furthermore, the review acknowledges the potential of machine learning techniques within Wireless Sensor Networks for Water Quality Monitoring, highlighting their versatility. A case study analysis of three LPWAN applications is presented, discussing their key characteristics, potential benefits, and important considerations for future implementations. By consolidating current knowledge, this review emphasizes the capacity of Wireless Sensor Networks to overcome data scarcity challenges in water quality monitoring. Valuable insights are provided for researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers seeking to leverage Wireless Sensor Networks, LPWAN technologies, and machine learning techniques for efficient and cost -effective global water quality monitoring.

Challenges and Opportunities in Calibrating Low-Cost Environmental Sensors

“…Wireless network sensors, for example, have become popularly employed by researchers for environmental monitoring of factors such as water quality parameters e.g., temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, water flow rate, and conductivity [ 18 , 19 ]. They have also been used to measure air quality parameters such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide [ 20 , 21 ].…”

Exact and heuristic methods for sensor allocation on large and irregular wireless networks

“…The measurements collected by the sensors can be meaningful resources for analysis and decision-making. Sensors can be used in everyday life in relevant tasks such as remote patient monitoring [1], measuring the temperatures of the human body [2], traffic management [3], flood monitoring [4], turn on lamps when people approach [5], air and water quality monitoring [6,7], and in several other situations [8]. The transducer is the main component in the sensor design, which is responsible for converting a signal from one sort to another (analog to digital, for example).…”