Abstract
Changes in dissolved oxygen concentration can cause dramatic shifts in chemical, biological, and ecological processes in aquatic systems. In shallow coastal areas, this can happen on short timescales, with oxygen increasing during the day due to photosynthesis and declining at night due to respiration. We present a system controlled by an Arduino microprocessor that leverages the oxygen-consuming capacity of sediments to manipulate dissolved oxygen in an aquarium tank to planned concentrations. With minor adjustments to the Arduino code, the system can produce a variety of dissolved oxygen patterns, including a diel cycle. Designed to be user-friendly and scalable if needed, the system uses easily acquired, low-cost electronic and aquarium components. Its simplicity and accessibility permit deeper exploration of the effects of dissolved oxygen variability in aquatic systems, and the use of Arduino code and basic electronics makes it a potential tool for teaching experimental design and instrument fabrication.
Highlights
The availability of dissolved oxygen (DO) is a major factor governing aquatic ecosystem function and is an indicator of water quality and ecosystem health (Diaz and Rosenberg, 1995, 2011; Wenner et al, 2004; Middelburg and Levin, 2009)
The DO concentration in aquatic environments is controlled by the balance of oxygen sources and sinks, and shifts in this balance result in cascading chemical, biological, and ecological effects (Middelburg and Levin, 2009)
For this method to work, the fish must consume enough oxygen to change the DO of the experimental environment, which may not be possible for smaller study subjects or those for which wall effects are a concern
Summary
PURPOSE OF DEVICE Changes in dissolved oxygen concentration can cause dramatic shifts in chemical, biological, and ecological processes in aquatic systems. We present a system controlled by an Arduino microprocessor that leverages the oxygen-consuming capacity of sediments to manipulate dissolved oxygen in an aquarium tank to planned concentrations. With minor adjustments to the Arduino code, the system can produce a variety of dissolved oxygen patterns, including a diel cycle. Designed to be user-friendly and scalable if needed, the system uses acquired, low-cost electronic and aquarium components. Its simplicity and accessibility permit deeper exploration of the effects of dissolved oxygen variability in aquatic systems, and the use of Arduino code and basic electronics makes it a potential tool for teaching experimental design and instrument fabrication
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