Abstract
Water quality assessment programs for the management of water resources require the collection of water samples for physical, chemical, and biological analyses. Lack of personnel, accessibility of water bodies, and time constraints, especially after natural disasters and emergencies, are some of the challenges of water sampling. To overcome these challenges, a custom-made thief-style water sampling mechanism was developed and mounted on a multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for autonomous water sampling. The payload capacity and endurance of the UAV were determined using an indoor test station. The UAV was equipped with floatation, and electronic components were coated to prevent water damage in the event of a forced landing or for sample collection. Water samples from a 1.1 ha pond were collected with the developed UAV-assisted water sampling system and traditional manual methods. Dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, temperature and chloride measurements were made on samples collected with both UAV-assisted and manual methods and compared. Percent differences between the two sampling methods for DO, EC, pH, and temperature were minimal except for chloride level. Percent differences between the two sampling methods for DO, EC, pH, and temperature measurements were 3.6%, 2.3%, 0.76%, and 0.03%, respectively. Measured chloride levels for the manual and UAV-assisted sampling methods were 3.97 and 5.46 mg/L. UAV-assisted water sampling may prove faster and safer than manual water sampling from large surface waters and from difficult to access water bodies.
Highlights
Water quality monitoring is necessary for effective management of water resources
The objective of this research was to evaluate the functions of a custom-made unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-assisted autonomous water sampling system with laboratory and field tests
Preliminary tests were conducted by operating the UAV with the radio controller in manual mode
Summary
Water quality monitoring is necessary for effective management of water resources. Periodic sampling and analysis allows one to characterize water and identify changes or trends in water quality over time. Information can be gathered to implement specific pollution prevention and remediation programs. Water quality monitoring can provide a check on whether pollution prevention program goals are in compliance with regulations. Streams receive pollutants from point and nonpoint sources [2]. Water pollutant entry from nonpoint sources occurs only after rainfall or emergency overflows during a short period. Nonpoint sources including impervious surfaces such as roadways, rooftops, parking lots, and sidewalks accumulate pollutants and convey them directly to lakes, rivers, and estuaries [3]. Runoff that heats up on parking lots and roadways can lead to warmer than normal water entering nearby
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
