Graphical abstractĬommercial instruments available for the purpose of optical turbidity measurement vary widely in design, operating principle, and cost. A new methodology, described here, facilitates the cross-comparability of turbidity measurements. The empirical data provided by existing turbidity meters are acquired using incommensurate methodologies, and therefore they are not cross-comparable. The precise calibration of the light sensors is by the use of neutral density (ND) filters in conjunction with light-source electrical current measurements, providing light-source intensity values as required. The device will facilitate the highly detailed characterization of suspended sediment samples, providing 18 voltage output channels for analysis by the user. The modular light sensors plug into any of the angular measurement positions, providing a 0–5 V nominal output signal, which is readable by the user’s choice of data-acquisition system. The active light-source control and monitoring hardware and firmware executes on the open-source Arduino embedded microcontroller platform. The mechanical design comprises re-purposed waste plastic materials and 3D-printed parts. (2017) concerning the inconsistent calibration methodologies currently employed to quantify suspended sediment concentration (SSC) by optical turbidity measurement.

The motivation for this project was the need to generate more parameter-rich data sets pertaining to the light-scattering properties of natural sediment suspensions, and to address the issues raised by Kitchener et al. This prototype device employs 18 unique angular measurement positions and a variety of user-selectable LED light sources. Presented here is a new bench-top research device for the measurement of the optical turbidity of natural sediment-laden water samples.

Diptrace export slot