ResilienTogether is creating a Smart Catchment using innovations in technology and practices to reduce flood risk, enhance the water environment and improve community resilience in the Pix Brook catchment in the face of climate change.
Read more about what we have learnt and available autosamplers: Water quality measurement: Automated Samplers
The digest draws from the SuDS-specific water quality monitoring section of the Pix Brook Catchment: A review of available technologies report, prepared by the University of Exeter for ResilienTogether. It summarises the differences between the available automated samples that could be used for the Pix Brook
Fixed-site vs Portable – The autosampler can either be fixed in one permanent location or be portable.
SDI-12 – The communication protocol SDI-12 facilitates data exchange between an autosampler and sonde. By employing SDI-12, the autosampler gains the ability to instruct a sonde to capture measurements at specific intervals, thereby ensuring a comprehensive and synchronised approach to water quality assessment.
Battery powered or mains power – Is there access to mains electricity or will the sampler be in a remote location and better powered by battery?
Number of bottles – A greater number of bottles gives the ability to increase sample frequency.
Refrigerated vs insulated – The choice between a refrigerated autosampler and one with insulation depends largely on the specific parameters of interest and the conditions of the sampling site. A refrigerated autosampler is essential when dealing with parameters highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, such as biological parameters like chlorophyll. Refrigeration ensures that these measurements remain stable and accurate. Insulated autosamplers, on the other hand, are suitable for parameters that are less temperature sensitive.