Development of a Water Quality Monitoring System on a USV

There is growing interest in using new forms of technology for remote ecological research applications, particularly using Autonomous Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). Presently, in the field of natural sciences, there are limited options for low-budget USV water quality monitoring systems. Although initially designed for static operations, such as stationed along streams and riverbeds, moderate to high budget water quality stations can be mounted on USVs to collect data at remote locations. The purpose of this project was to study the feasibility of implementing water quality monitoring sensors on a mobile platform, such as a USV. In the design of this project, several factors were taken into consideration. First for replication purposes water quality sensors and stations that are commonly used by Lake Superior State University's College of Great Lakes Ecology and Education were used, and sensors with extensive history of reliability. Therefore, a method based on the use of a medium size USV for water quality monitoring was investigated. For experimental purposes, one site was selected based upon site accessibility and to demonstrate the feasibility of this project in various depths and system types. Results showed historical trends that could be expected during the summer stratification periods across the data sites.