6 Jul 2023

A Review of Sensor-Based Approaches for Monitoring Rapid Response Treatments of cyanoHABs

Abstract: Water quality sensors are dynamic and vary greatly both in terms of utility and data acquisition. Data collection can range from single-parameter and one-dimensional to highly complex multiparameter spatiotemporal. Likewise, the analytical and statistical approaches range from relatively simple (e.g., linear regression) to more complex (e.g., artificial neural networks). Therefore, the decision to implement a particular water quality monitoring strategy is dependent upon many factors and varies widely. The purpose of this review was to document the current scientific literature to identify and compile approaches for water quality monitoring as well as statistical methodologies required to analyze and visualize highly diverse spatiotemporal water quality data. The literature review identified two broad categories: (1) sensor-based approaches for monitoring rapid response treatments of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs), and (2) analytical tools and techniques to analyze complex high resolution spatial and temporal water quality data. The ultimate goal of this review is to provide the current state of the science as an array of scalable approaches, spanning from simple and practical to complex and comprehensive, and thus, equipping the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) water quality managers with options for technology-analysis combinations that best fit their needs.

23 Sep 2022

Qualification of Hanna Instruments HI9829 for the Environmental Toolkit for Expeditionary Operations

Abstract: A new, commercially available, field-portable water sensor was evaluated for efficacy during operation and compatibility with current Environmental Toolkit for Expeditionary Operations (ETEO) software. The ETEO provides sensors to Soldiers to rapidly identify and quantify environmental contamination in soil, air, and water at potential new base sites during initial reconnaissance to ensure safety and minimize unnecessary remediation efforts by the Army. In addition to streamlined environmental baseline survey (EBS) reporting, the ETEO can provide rapid analysis of potential environmental contamination to support various Military applications. The Hanna Instruments HI9829 multiparameter water meter was selected following a survey of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies and analyzed by researchers from the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) for inclusion in the ETEO design since it can rapidly and accurately measure 14 different properties. Usability tests were conducted with researchers unfamiliar with the technology, and a set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) were developed to operate the device. The software for the tool was successfully integrated into the ETEO system for rapid data analysis. The HI9829 has been demonstrated in various scenarios at ERDC and other locations; including Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, at which several visitors reviewed the operation of the equipment and other ETEO technologies. The Thermo Scientific Gemini, another sensor, which can detect organic constituents in various matrices via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy was also investigated but eliminated from the ETEO design as it could not adequately detect a Military-relevant compound in an environmental matrix. Regardless, the addition of the HI9829 provides water quality monitoring to the ETEO design and greatly improves its capability to address various applications.

13 Jun 2022

Evaluation of Multiparameter Water Meter for Environmental Toolkit for Expeditionary Operations

Purpose: A new, commercially available, field-portable water sensor was evaluated for efficacy during operation and compatibility with current Environmental Toolkit for Expeditionary Operations (ETEO) software. The ETEO provides sensors to Soldiers to rapidly identify and quantify environmental contamination in soil, air, and water at potential new base sites during initial reconnaissance to ensure Soldier safety and minimize unnecessary remediation efforts by the Army. The primary objective of this study was to enhance ETEO performance by providing the capability to evaluate multiple water quality properties simultaneously.