Preliminary Trial Results for the Redesigned STRIDER Platform With Sampling Capability From Different Depths

摘要

STRIDER: Semi-Autonomous Tracking Robot with Instrumentation for Data-Acquisition and Environmental Research, a semi-autonomous aquatic vessel, was envisioned for automated water sampling, data collection, and depth profiling to document water quality variables related to agricultural run-offs. Phase-I of the STRIDER project included the capability for STRIDER to collect water samples and water quality data on the surface of water bodies. This paper discusses the Phase-II efforts of the project, in which the previous design of STRIDER was adapted to extend its capabilities to include monitoring, depth profiling, and visualization of in-situ water quality data at various depths as well as collect water samples at each depth for bacterial analysis. At present, the vessel has been utilized for navigation to specified locations using remote control for collecting water quality data and water samples from the surface, as well as 2 feet and 4 feet below the surface at multiple UMES ponds. In a series of preliminary trial runs with the supervision of UMES faculty members and collaborators from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), STRIDER successfully collected 48 water samples for bacterial analysis at different locations and depths of ponds on the UMES campus. Design alternatives are being explored for more efficient water sampling capabilities.