Example 1. S::CAN spectro::lyser.

In-situ spectrophotometer measuring 256 spectral absorbance values between 200 and 732 nm. Capable of measuring at a frequency of 1 minute sampling. We have typically deployed at 15 minute sampling frequencies (e.g. at Llyn Brianne watersheds).

Manufacturer’s global calibration gives values of turbidity, true colour, apparent colour, nitrate-N, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total organic carbon (TOC) from spectral absorbance values. Capability to calibrate to true stream values through analysis of local water samples at an accredited laboratory.

Deployed at Llyn Brianne and Plynlimon. At these sites we have typically manually cleaned measurement lenses twice weekly by brushing with a toothbrush for 60 seconds with 10% HCl.

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Example 2. Hobo RX3000 monitoring station

Easy to use data logging station with telemetry that allows remote access to data through the internet at any time, as well as capacity to adjust settings such as sampling interval online.

Alarm notifications can be set up and managed over the web.

The systems can be used with a wide range of environmental sensors (e.g. rainfall, streamflow). Ideal for deployment in remote locations as long as there is compatible mobile network coverage. Requires solar panel to maintain internal battery.

Deployed at Plynlimon, Baru and Hosagadde watersheds.

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Example 3. EXO 2 multiparameter sonde

Multiparameter sonde fits up to 6 sensors and capable of very high frequency measurement (e.g. 1 minute sampling intervals). Compatible with numerous sensors including fluorescent dissolved organic matter (fDOM), blue-green algae, chlorophyll-a, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, and oxidation reduction potential (ORP).

Has a degree of self-maintenance with anti-fouling automatic wiper that can be triggered prior to every measurement to prevent algae/precipitates from building up on sensor lenses. Wireless communication also available for datalogger interrogation.

Memory for >1,000,000 logged readings, and so has space for high-frequency sampling over extended periods.

Deployment at the LI8 watershed, Llyn Brianne

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Example 4. i::scan and con::cube

The i::scan is a miniature in-situ spectrophotometer. Provides TOC, DOC, UV254, colour and turbidity according to manufacturer’s global algorithm. Does not provide full spectral signature. Can be accurately calibrated to local stream values measured independently at an accredited laboratory.

Degree of self-maintenance through automatic wiper for 35 mm path length probe and has smart phone enabled communications. Deployed alongside the con::cube control terminal for data acquisition and has large memory for data storage.

Deployed at Plynlimon, Baru and Hosagadde watersheds.

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Example 5. Campbell Scientific CR1000 measurement and control datalogger and associated sensors

CR1000 datalogger can be used with a wide range of environmental (and other) sensors, and can be set up to deliver data using a range of telemetry options (radio, satellite, modem etc).

Environmental states can be reported and used as an alarm to trigger other devices. At the Llyn Brianne watersheds we have used water level sensors to trigger automatic water samplers once a certain water level is reached.

Several sensors from Campbell Scientific also have self-maintenance features, such as antifouling mechanisms. For example, at the Llyn Brianne and Baru watersheds we have used OBS-3+ turbidity probes alongside a ‘hydrowiper’ that cleans the sensor every 15 minutes.

Real-time data from our Campbell Scientific Automatic Weather Station (using a CR1000 with telemetry) on the Esgair Garn mountain at Llyn Brianne is available here.

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