Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Justin Fratto, Junior
Lead Presenter's Name
Justin Fratto
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Marc Compere
Abstract
Supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this project’s objective is to create a novel simultaneous surface and discrete depth water sampler for use with an uncrewed aircraft, something which has not been done before. The device will be used to improve the spatiotemporal resolution of harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring on Lake Okeechobee in South Florida to provide timely and precise information on water quality and HABs. HABs are characterized by the EPA as certain species of algae that can produce harmful toxins and produce excessive blooms or growth in certain conditions. Often occurring in warmer months due to a variety of environmental and manmade factors, they have detrimental effects on wildlife, fishing economies, and human health. In addition, the current monitoring efforts have room to be optimized as satellite monitoring of HABs have limited temporal resolution and crewed boat sampling is obtrusive and HABs are hazardous to human health. Uncrewed aircraft water sampling can improve both data resolution and limit the exposure of HABs to sampling personnel. The water sampler is in the final design phase with field testing beginning this summer.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Aeronautical Vehicles Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Water Resources Engineering Commons
Novel Uncrewed Aircraft Water Sampling Device
Supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this project’s objective is to create a novel simultaneous surface and discrete depth water sampler for use with an uncrewed aircraft, something which has not been done before. The device will be used to improve the spatiotemporal resolution of harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring on Lake Okeechobee in South Florida to provide timely and precise information on water quality and HABs. HABs are characterized by the EPA as certain species of algae that can produce harmful toxins and produce excessive blooms or growth in certain conditions. Often occurring in warmer months due to a variety of environmental and manmade factors, they have detrimental effects on wildlife, fishing economies, and human health. In addition, the current monitoring efforts have room to be optimized as satellite monitoring of HABs have limited temporal resolution and crewed boat sampling is obtrusive and HABs are hazardous to human health. Uncrewed aircraft water sampling can improve both data resolution and limit the exposure of HABs to sampling personnel. The water sampler is in the final design phase with field testing beginning this summer.