A low cost nephelometric turbidity sensor for continual domestic water quality monitoring system

Abstract

This paper focuses on the design and development of a low cost nephelometric turbidity sensor for the continuity of domestic monitoring of water quality. The electronic turbidity sensor operates based on the scattered light intensity with regards to light scattering in solids and liquids. The electronic turbidity sensor used Light Emitting Diode (LED) as light transmitter, Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) as receiver, PIC 16F777 as a main processor and RS232 module for the integrated sensor communication between the computer. Laboratory experiments have been done by comparing the self-developed sensor with commercial turbidity meter (Hach 2100P) output of NTU. The advantages of the electronic turbidity sensor are lightweight, user friendly, low-power consumption, easy to monitor and low cost. Conclusively, the electronic turbidity sensor can be used as part of a low-cost sensor to provide continuous turbidity information of water quality directly to consumer. Laboratory tests are conducted and proven that the proposed devices produced a comparable NTU reading as commercial turbidity sensor. Moreover, with a low development cost of RM196.95, has been savings money compared to commercial turbidity sensor. Therefore, the development of this device can save cost and benefited to consumer by providing the water quality reading instantaneously.