Abstract
The rapid expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and applications has accelerated research in various areas of human development. However, the cost of commercial instrumentation impedes the momentum of technological growth in developing regions. In this study, a low-cost, low-power, wireless sensor network for groundwater monitoring (LWNGM) was developed to provide near real-time groundwater level data to support prudent decision making in groundwater resource management in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The system is based on the ATmega328P microcontroller platform and incorporates MS5803-14BA and MB280 sensors. The I2C communication channels between the sensors and the microcontroller were extended using 25-meter PVC cables. The electronics were potted and protected in a waterproof aluminum cylinder. The Arduino UNO wakes up in six-hour intervals for measurements and data-logging to the SD card, and at twelve-hour intervals for relaying data (in batches) to the LoRa gateway, before it goes back into a deep-sleep mode for the rest of the time (duty cycle $\$ $ 350 and $\$ $ 400. Practical evaluation determined that, the system is reliable and transferable, particularly in areas with a limited budget for hydrologic management.
Highlights
Groundwater is a consistent source of drinking water, irrigation, industry, municipal water supplies, and environmental health
MATERIALS AND METHODS we provide a detailed elucidation of the field sites, materials, and methods utilized for this investigation
The LWNGM consists of three parts: a data acquisition unit, a data management unit, and a data storage and visualization unit
Summary
Groundwater is a consistent source of drinking water, irrigation, industry, municipal water supplies, and environmental health. Billions of people worldwide rely on groundwater as their primary source of fresh water [1], a sizable portion (more than 400 million) of Africa's urban and rural populations rely heavily on this resource [2]–[5]. Groundwater has become the most accessible source of freshwater, because of the degradation of the level of freshness and safety, as well as the difficulties in accessing surface water. Economic and industrial development, urbanization, and climate variability are all contributing factors to water scarcity in many aquifers. Groundwater levels are declining in various parts of the world [9], [10]. In SubSaharan Africa (SSA), there are noticeable declines in groundwater, and it is estimated that many African countries might encounter water shortages by 2025 [11]
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