 |
|
Robot fish could monitor water quality
November 02, 2009EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Nature inspires technology for an engineer and an ecologist teamed up at Michigan State University. They're developing robots that use advanced materials to swim like fish to probe underwater environments.
"Fish are very efficient," explained Xiaobo Tan, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering. "They can perform very efficient locomotion and maneuvering in the water."
Robotic fish - perhaps schools of them operating autonomously for months - could give researchers far more precise data on aquatic conditions, deepening our knowledge of critical water supplies and habitats.
Tan and Elena Litchman, an assistant professor of zoology based at MSU's Kellogg Biological Station on Gull Lake in Kalamazoo County, recently won funding from the National Science Foundation to integrate their research.
"The robotic fish will be providing a consistent level of data that hasn't been possible before," Litchman explained. "With these patrolling fish we will be able to obtain information at an unprecedentedly high spatial and temporal resolution. Such data are essential for researchers to have a more complete picture of what is happening under the surface as climate change and other outside forces disrupt the freshwater ecosystems. It will bring environmental monitoring to a whole new level."
The robotic fish will carry sensors recording such things as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pollutants and harmful algae. Tan also is developing electronics so the devices can navigate and communicate in their watery environment.
"This project will greatly advance bio-robotic technology," Tan said. "The project is very practical and we are designing the fish to be inexpensive so they can be used in various applications like sampling lakes, monitoring aquafarms and safeguarding water reservoirs."
The robotic fish might detect toxic algal blooms, for example.
"As air temperature increases, the lakes and reservoirs also heat up," Litchman said. "Increasing water temperature creates strong stratification within the various layers of the water and this may lead to increased growth of harmful algae. Some of these algal blooms create poor conditions for fish and exude toxins that also endanger people."
To mimic how fish swim and maneuver, Tan builds "fins" for robotic fish with electro-active polymers that use electricity to change shape. Similar to real muscle tissue, ion movements twist and bend the polymer when voltage is applied. The effect works in reverse, too - slender "feelers" could signal maneuvering circuits in a sort of electro-active central nervous system. Infrared sensors also could be used for "eyes" to avoid obstacles.
The robots will communicate wirelessly with a docking station after surfacing at programmed intervals and could similarly be linked to other robotic fish for coordinated maneuvers or signal relay. Global positioning system technology and inertial measurement units will allow precise navigation.
It's not big, but it's a keeper: A 9-inch prototype now swimming in Tan's laboratory tank is modeled on the yellow perch by John Thon, a member of the research team who teaches art at nearby Holt Junior High School. The device isn't strong enough to resist stiff currents, so for now must be confined to relatively still waters. Future versions will incorporate the ability to change buoyancy to assist locomotion and maneuver.
Michigan State University
Tan and Elena Litchman, an assistant professor of zoology based at MSU's Kellogg Biological Station on Gull Lake in Kalamazoo County, recently won funding from the National Science Foundation to integrate their research.
"The robotic fish will be providing a consistent level of data that hasn't been possible before," Litchman explained. "With these patrolling fish we will be able to obtain information at an unprecedentedly high spatial and temporal resolution. Such data are essential for researchers to have a more complete picture of what is happening under the surface as climate change and other outside forces disrupt the freshwater ecosystems. It will bring environmental monitoring to a whole new level."
The robotic fish will carry sensors recording such things as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pollutants and harmful algae. Tan also is developing electronics so the devices can navigate and communicate in their watery environment.
"This project will greatly advance bio-robotic technology," Tan said. "The project is very practical and we are designing the fish to be inexpensive so they can be used in various applications like sampling lakes, monitoring aquafarms and safeguarding water reservoirs."
The robotic fish might detect toxic algal blooms, for example.
"As air temperature increases, the lakes and reservoirs also heat up," Litchman said. "Increasing water temperature creates strong stratification within the various layers of the water and this may lead to increased growth of harmful algae. Some of these algal blooms create poor conditions for fish and exude toxins that also endanger people."
To mimic how fish swim and maneuver, Tan builds "fins" for robotic fish with electro-active polymers that use electricity to change shape. Similar to real muscle tissue, ion movements twist and bend the polymer when voltage is applied. The effect works in reverse, too - slender "feelers" could signal maneuvering circuits in a sort of electro-active central nervous system. Infrared sensors also could be used for "eyes" to avoid obstacles.
The robots will communicate wirelessly with a docking station after surfacing at programmed intervals and could similarly be linked to other robotic fish for coordinated maneuvers or signal relay. Global positioning system technology and inertial measurement units will allow precise navigation.
It's not big, but it's a keeper: A 9-inch prototype now swimming in Tan's laboratory tank is modeled on the yellow perch by John Thon, a member of the research team who teaches art at nearby Holt Junior High School. The device isn't strong enough to resist stiff currents, so for now must be confined to relatively still waters. Future versions will incorporate the ability to change buoyancy to assist locomotion and maneuver.
Michigan State University
Water Quality Current Events and Water Quality News RSSNOAA deploys new 'smart buoy' off Annapolis
NOAA deployed the seventh in a series of "smart buoys" to monitor weather conditions and water quality in the Chesapeake Bay today.
Monash study suggests rainwater is safe to drink
A world first study by Monash University researchers into the health of families who drink rainwater has found that it is safe to drink.
Sensor biochips could aid in cancer diagnosis and treatment
It is very difficult to predict whether a cancer drug will help an individual patient: only around one third of drugs will work directly in a given patient.
Study shows more corn for biofuels would hurt water
More of the fertilizers and pesticides used to grow corn would find their way into nearby water sources if ethanol demands lead to planting more acres in corn, according to a Purdue University study.
How Good Are Indicator Bacteria at Predicting Pathogens in Recreational Water?
Bacteria commonly used to indicate health risks in recreational waters might not be so reliable after all. Pathogenic E. coli were pervasive in stream-water samples with low concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria.
'Green Clean:' Researchers Determining Natural Ways To Clean Contaminated Soil
Researchers at North Carolina State University are working to demonstrate that trees can be used to degrade or capture fuels that leak into soil and ground water. Through a process called phytoremediation - literally a "green" technology - plants and trees remove pollutants from the environment or render them harmless.
Water quality in orbit
Space is not a fun place to get a stomach bug. To ensure drinking water is adequately disinfected, University of Utah chemists developed a two-minute water quality monitoring method that just started six months of tests aboard the International Space Station.
Pesticides -- easier detection of pollution and impact in rivers
The long-term effects of pesticides on living organisms in rivers and on water quality can now be assessed more easily.
Researchers achieve major breakthrough with water desalination system
Concern over access to clean water is no longer just an issue for the developing world, as California faces its worst drought in recorded history.
Australia's top models at science conference
Australia's top models will take centre stage in Cairns this week as scientists meet to discuss ways to understand climate change, improve air safety and enhance agricultural sustainability.
More Water Quality Current Events and Water Quality News Articles
 |
Water Quality: Characteristics, Modeling and Modification by George Tchobanoglous (Author), Edward D. Schoeder (Author) |
 |
Pro-Lab Incorporated WQ105 Complete Household Water Quality Test Kit by Pro-Lab Professional Water Quality Test Kit, Safe & Easy To Use, Checks For Toxins In Water, Accurate Instant Water Test, Non-Toxic Laboratory Grade Test Strips, When Moistened With Water, Provide The Most Effective & Reliable Results Possible, Contains 18 Instant Test Strips, That Can Perform 9 Different Tests, Enough Strips For Testing 2 Samples Of Each Test, EPA Approved Lab Methods. |
 |
Clean Water: An Introduction to Water Quality and Pollution Control by Kenneth M. Vigil (Author) "Clean Water" is a book for anyone who is concerned about this precious resource and wants to become better informed. In straightforward language, Kenneth Vigil provides a comprehensive introduction to the many scientific, regulatory, and geographic issues associated with water quality and water pollution control. Most other books on water quality and pollution control are highly technical and very specific, and are aimed at engineers, scientists, or attorneys. "Clean Water," on the other hand, is a comprehensive discussion of the subject intended for a wider audience of science students, educators, and concerned citizens. Using photos and diagrams to illustrate and explain concepts, Vigil provides sufficient detail to educate readers about many broad topics and includes... |
 |
Sigg Lifestyle Loop Top Water Bottle (1.0-Liters, Swiss Quality, Aluminum) by Sigg The SIGG Bottle with the seal of approval. A sign of premium quality exactly as youd expect from things Swiss. The proprietary SIGG bottle lining is a water-based, non-toxic coating taht is baked into the interior walls and remains flexible and crack resistant for the life of the bottle. Due to the finish of the liner, there is much less chance for bacteria build-up with a SIGG as opposed to plastic containers. The liner is taste-neutral and resistant to fruit acids and energy drinks, ensuring that your drinks taste like your drinks every time. Sigg bottles exceed FDA requirements and have been independently tested to prove 0.0% leeching. About 20% lighter weight than a lexan plastic bottle, SIGGS are incredibly durable, virtually unbreakable. |
|
Water Quality Technology Conference Proceedings CD-Rom by American Water Works Assn | |
 |
Liv Sure Water Tester by Surround Air The easiest way to make sure you're drinking clean water! Answer important questions such as: Is my water purifier really working? Do my filters need to be changed? Is my tap water safe to drink? Is my bottled water really purified? Is the restaurant water safe to drink? Is the aquarium water clean enough for my fish? Is my spa, pool or shower water contaminated? Quick and easy to use. Just fill the built-in cup to the line, push the button, and wait only a few seconds for a reading. It is that easy to find out just how clean or unclean your drinking water really is! The Liv Sure Water Tester is small enough to fit in your pocket. This way, you can take it out with you and test the drinking water at restaurants or wherever else you go. There is no need to squint to see the... |
 |
Award Winner! Wader Quality Toys: Garbage Truck for Beach, Sand or Water Play! by Wader Award Winner! Wader Quality Toys: Garbage Truck for Beach, Sand or Water Play! This item is made in Germany of strong, safe, durable plastic in happy, bright colors. Sturdy construction and soft edges make this a perfect toy for younger children. Ages 12 months & up. Wader Quality Toys is one of the few toy manufacturers to remain loyal to Germany as a production site (toys are no made in China)! Wader Quality Toys conform to the highest Quality Control Tests! Size: 9.5" x 5" x 5.5". |
 |
Quality Park Redi-Strip Jumbo Poly Mailers, Recycled, 14 x 19 Inches, White, 100 per Pack (45235) by Quality Park Jumbo Kraft Catalog Envelopes--Ideal for protecting and transporting blueprints, proofs, artwork, maps, architectural drawings and other large material that should be stored flat. Flaps are ungummed for repeated use. 28 lb. Kraft stock. |
 |
Knife in the Water - Criterion Collection Starring: Anna Ciepielewska, Zygmunt Malanowicz, Leon Niemczyk, Jolanta Umecka Also With: Zygmunt Malanowicz (Primary Contributor), Leon Niemczyk (Primary Contributor), Jolanta Umecka (Primary Contributor) Studio: Image Entertainment Release Date: 09/30/2003 Run time: 94 minutes |
 |
Home Water Quality Test Kit by Industrial Test Systems Inc Industrial Test Systems, Inc., innovators of test strip technology, unveils the latest in a long line of comprehensive drinking water quality test kits. This Home Water Quality Test Kit measures for Bacteria, Nitrates, Nitrites, Hydrogen Sulfide, Total Hardness, Total Alkalinity, Total Chlorine, Free Chlorine, Chloride, Copper, Sulfate, Iron, & pH. You'll get rapid, comprehensive results that help to ensure safe drinking water without sacrificing cost. Spec Summary: |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |