Comparing methods to improve reliable sensor deployment time in continuous water quality monitoring

Abstract

Abstract Sensor fouling affects continuous water quality monitoring. Experiments were performed with probes for 10 months with copper guards; PVC guards coated with paint mixed with copper powder; and a water jet mechanism. Previous studies focused on the use of one antifouling method, using biocides such as copper and silver and mechanical cleaning, such as air jets, mostly on single parameter probes. The present work looks at multi-parameter probes and compares different antifouling options. Additional periods of reliability were verified with all alternatives. For the conductivity parameter, an additional period of up to 29 days (48%) with copper guards was observed, 26 days (43%) with water jets, and 37 days (61%) with copper powder paint mix. For dissolved oxygen, an additional period of up to 23 days (38%) was observed with copper guards, 29 days (48%) with water jets, and 60 days (100%) with copper powder paint mix. For pH, monitoring was reliable for 90 days (100%) with copper guards, and 60 days (67%) with copper powder paint mix. For turbidity, an additional period of up to 7 days (12%) was observed with copper guards, 3 days (5%) with water jets, and 57 days (95%) with copper powder paint mix.