Arduino-Based pH, Temperature, and Turbidity Detector as an Early Warning Device for Fish Kill

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The Philippines is considered one of the major fish producing countries in the world. in fact, it has produced an estimation of 3.1 million tons of different aquatic animals in 2012. However, the country also has environmental issues and is on constant alert for red tides and fish kills due to its location (Aguilar, 2004). It was in September 2014 when reports emerged about the occurrence of a fish kill in Malimango River, Brgy. Ligtong III, Rosario, Cavite and has affected five more barangays (Locsin, 2014). With this, the researchers thought of a device that would help prevent this event.

METHODS

The main materials of the device were three parameters: pH, temperature, and turbidity. Water samples were collected from Malimango River. Having an Arduino microcontroller, the device was programmed using Arduino 1.0.6 software for measuring the parameters, specifically its pH, temperature, and turbidity levels. Also, the device was programmed to alarm at critical levels and send/show the readings through Short Message Sevice (SMS), on Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), and website (Thingspeak). in knowing how accurate the device was, an independent t-test was used to compare the device with a commercial one.

RESULTS

When compared to the commercial device of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the device shows similar readings of pH and temperature levels. It is 99.95% accurate in reading different levels of pH and 99.87% accurate in reading the temperature. However, it failed in measuring turbidity as it shows 99.80% inaccuracy due to the malfunctioning of the turbidity sensor. in terms of its functionality, in alarming and sending the readings, the device was 100% accurate. From its readings on Malimango River, the waterbody results into having the normal ranges for each parameter that classifies for Class C (Fishery Water, Recreational Water Class II, Industrial Water Supply Class I) based from the guidelines of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2016-08.

DISCUSSIONS

The results, especially the readings of turbidity levels, demonstrated the need for future researchers to search for a more accurate turbidity sensor. Also, it is recommended to add more water parameters for water quality to have a more reliable and accurate analysis of water bodies. A solar panel is as well to lessen the burden of finding a power source.