Development of Portable Tethered Vertical Profiler for Underwater Monitoring

Abstract

Human activities and industrial waste flow to water bodies will contaminate the coastal areas, leading to changes in the underwater ecosystem and affecting aquatic habitats. Understanding these ecosystems requires quick data collection, systematic process monitoring, and coastal resource preservation through proper decision-making. We can understand the variation of water properties with depth by deploying sensors from the surface, one of the most popular methods of gathering ocean data. However, high-resolution oceanographic data collection and long-term human observations are risky and expensive. Although some autonomous profiling systems address these issues, there is still scope for developing practical, affordable, and accurate data-providing systems. This paper discusses an open-source, economical, easily portable, propeller-driven underwater Vertical Profiler controlled by a joystick located in Ground Control System (GCS) using a Neutrally buoyant tether cable. Data from sensors, like temperature, pressure, and depth, are collected. The paper also discusses functionality and sensor tests conducted on the developed vehicle at a controlled environment/test site. The developed Profiler can perform basic manoeuvres and collect water quality data upstream of vented dams and rivers in and around the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India.