Water Quality Sensors
Overview
The chemical, physical and biological conditions of water combined form its quality. Even minute changes in these characteristics can jeopardize the life and industries that depend on water. To preserve its quality, monitoring water parameters such as conductivity, pH, salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen and turbidity is crucial. Fondriest Environmental offers a broad selection of water quality sensors that cater to both simple spot sampling requirements and complex unattended monitoring projects.
Temperature
Water temperature could be the most frequent parameter measured. It is altered daily by weather conditions, and, over time, by climate change and environmental degradation. Water temperature affects living organisms as many organisms use temperature as a signal for when to reproduce and when to migrate. Water temperature has a tremendous impact on water density which controls stratification. Temperature measurement technology comes standard on many multi-parameter meters and sondes.
pH
In an industrial world, pH is the immediate indicator of water quality change. Pollution from acid mine drainage, acid rain and industrial discharge can quickly alter the normal pH of a water system. Constant monitoring through real-time data can help restore a body of water to a healthy environment before it becomes toxic.
Conductivity and Salinity
Easily affected by outside chemical influx, conductivity and salinity measurements are especially important in areas near agriculture and roadways. These measurements can be taken with multi-parameter sondes and meters as well as conductivity field kits that measure ion concentrations.
Dissolved Oxygen
A high ion concentration decreases the amount of oxygen present in water, hindering the survival of fish and aquatic plants. Dissolved oxygen measurements require precise technology and accurate readings. DO testing has been revolutionized with cutting-edge luminescent optical dissolved oxygen technology that enables interference-free, stirring- independent equipment held in the palm of the hand.
Spot Sampling
For efficient and easy water quality readings, Fondriest Environmental offers many multi- parameter meters and sondes that fit the needs of any project. Meters are available in single- or multi- parameter configurations, while sondes are designed to house many different water quality sensors including temperature, conductivity, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll and algae.
Long-Term Monitoring
Long-term monitoring projects require remote, real-time data. Data from the sensors is held in a durable data logger, some of which are submersible. Buoy platforms provide options for open-water monitoring systems. Data loggers send readings by wireless telemetry to a computer or mobile device. There are several telemetry options to fit every project including radio for close transmission, cellular, WiFi, Ethernet and Iridium satellite for more remote platforms. Data is sent at predetermined intervals adequate for the individual project.