The Water Monitoring System

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

Anthony

Tony

King

Abstract

Our project for Microbiology this year is to make a self monitoring water maintenance system using the Arduino. We started this project with a few tools. The rest we had to buy and learn ourselves. One of the most useful tools so far is the ability to program a code. Using our newfound ability to write codes for the Arduino, we ran several tests using certain sensors that we believe will be necessary for this water monitoring system. After a few months of researching, testing, and shopping, we are finally ready to move on to the next stage. We are going to start building this system. Along with Felix and Charles, we plan to assist Mr. Katz with supplying clean water for his plants in the greenhouse. This clean water will be collected from rainwater that has been filtered through our water filtration system monitored by our Arduino.

Proposal Narrative

We began this project with two basic goals at mind. Firstly we wanted to assist Charles and Felix with their rainwater project, and secondly, we wanted to get our feet wet with programming arduino. After two months of coding with the arduino and hours of research, we found that we could greatly aid Charles and Felix with a solid project of our own.

Our main focus shifted to creating a water monitoring system that would provide insight on the quality of the rainwater collected by Charles and Felix. The monitoring system would assess water temperature, pH, and indicate water level with water sensors, all of this data was to be displayed on an LCD screen embedded on a metal chassis that would house the Arduino. We created a few small scale experiments that would mirror our final project design. The sensor we worked in depth with was the motion sensor and that was to help us master the "if then" format of coding is similar with all sensors. Next we tested the temperature sensor by comparing it’s readings with that of a thermometer.

It was at this point in time where our main focus shifted again. After visiting the school greenhouse, where our setup would be, we found that we hand the potential to do so much more with the arduino. Our current focus is to make a water storage tank that is capable of maintaining and monitoring it’s upkeep. We plan to achieve this goal by making a smaller scale tank, set up the fundamental components in the greenhouse, and then just keep building on it.

Materials

Aside from a computer with the arduino software downloaded on it, the materials required in the first phase of our project are a small tank, a water temperature and humidity sensor, a water sensor/float sensor, a pH probe and sensor, a piezzo buzzer, tubing, and a water pump.

The materials required for the second phase are metal chassis, a LCD screen, a rechargeable(solar-cell preferably) battery power source that is arduino compatible, Nitrate and Nitrite sensors, and potentially a water alkalinity test of sorts. The materials required for our final phase of the experiment is the SMS shield, the ethernet shield, and an arduino mega.

Protocol

After obtaining the necessary materials, we are going to build a small scale water tank capable of draining excess water and noting the pH and temperature. First we are going to take our tank and fasten tubes on each side of it, serving as entry and exit points for water. Next we are going to place a pH sensor near the tip of the entry point so that pH can be read as soon as possible. Then we are going to place a temperature probe at the bottom of the tank so that there will always be a read temperature at any given moment. Near the temperature probe will be a float sensor that will rise and fall with the level of the water and communicate to the arduino, the water level. Connected to the exit tube will be a water pump that will drain water when the water level rises higher than the exit tube.

For the next phase of our project we will be encasing the arduino in a metal chassis that has an embedded LCD screen in it. Instead of displaying the information on the serial monitor in the arduino software, it will be displayed on the LCD screen. Also we will implement a piezzo buzzer to go off if the parameters reach undesirable levels. We will also add a Nitrate and Nitrite sensor. After we master all of the sensors on the small scale tank we will move to the greenhouse and set up everything there. In order to avoid the limitations of no computer in the greenhouse we will connect the arduino to a rechargeable battery cell, hopefully running on solar power.

In the final phase we will move the code to an arduino mega, and with the additional ports we will implement a SMS shield and an ethernet shield to get the data obtained from the sensors to be displayed online, and to alert via text when parameters are broken.

Timeline

November 26, 2012:

Tweaked with LED lights and code.

Started first test: Blinking LED.

November 27, 2012:

Finished PIR circuit and experimented and began writing the code for it.

November 28, 2012:

Started testing with PIR motion sensor.

Started second test: Testing motion sensor.

November 29, 2012:

Worked with Piezzo buzzer.

Started third test: Making buzzer music.

December 30, 2012:

Troubleshooted PIR motion sensor.

December 4, 2012:

Troubleshooting because motion sensor still doesn’t work.

December 5, 2012:

Discussed fundraising for a new Chromebook.

December 7, 2012:

Planning ahead for the rest of the month.

Continued troubleshooting PIR motion sensor.

Continued discussing fundraising.

December 10, 2012:

Worked with new PIR sensor.

Resumed second test.

December 12, 2012:

Worked with PIR motion sensor and Piezzo buzzer.

Started fourth test: Putting it all together into one small security device.

January 14, 2013:

Visited greenhouse to examine and discuss what we need for water filtration and storage.

January 15, 2013:

Started working with Felix and Charles on water filtration project.

Made blueprints for a smaller version of the filtration system.

January 16, 2013:

Gathered materials to make a small filtration system.

Attempted to mold plastic drinking straws using boiling hot water bath.

Didn’t work.

January 18, 2013:

Made a 6-chambered filter system using cups and tubes.

January 21, 2013:

Researched on what is needed for filtration system.

January 22, 2013:

Discussed fundraising again.

January 24, 2013:

Decided to temporarily stop the project and start working on the project proposal, prepare for finals, and make our presentation.

Results

First Test: Blinking LED Lights

We managed to learn how to manipulate the default code that makes the LED blink at 1 second intervals to blink at any split second interval.

Second Test: PIR Motion Sensor

The PIR motion sensor that came with the Arduino was malfunctioning. It took 2 weeks of trying to repair, alter, and re-coding before we bought a new motion sensor from RadioShack. This one worked like a charm on day one.

Third Test: Making Buzzer Music

Initially this was just for fun when Anthony input a code into the Arduino that made the buzzer play a Christmas song. Tony decided to expand upon this and researched how to change the tone of the buzzer noises to make it sound like a song. He also researched what code is for what note to play and wrote a coded song himself for the buzzer.

Fourth Test: Making the Security Device

In just 3 days, we somehow managed to put a month’s worth of work on the Arduino into one small motion detector. When the PIR motion sensor notices a change in the heat signatures of organisms of the room, it sends a signal to the Arduino. the Arduino then relays this signal to the LED light to start blinking and another signal for the buzzer to sound.

Making the Water Filtration System

Our group finally paired up with Felix and Charles to get started with the water filtration system. Mr. Katz took both groups to the greenhouse to show them what the current situation is and how we will be doing this project. Afterwards, we got started on what materials we need to build a miniature system. Tony bought a few cups from Billy Goats to mimic containers. At first we wanted to boil plastic drinking straws in hot water. This idea didn’t work even when the water was over 100 degrees Celsius. So we decided to switch to rubber tubing found in one of the supply closets in the Science Department. We soon made the mini system and tested it. The system so far chains water flow from one container to another, from top to bottom.

Future Plans

Now that our initial preparation is complete. The final portion of this project is underway. Our mini water system works as expected. We have found most of the materials we need online. All that’s left is the fundraising for the money we need to buy those materials. Once the second semester begins, we will resume our goal and kickstart the project. When this project is complete, the greenhouse will have a water system that can filter the water by itself, automatically maintain the flow of water, and be able to release any excess water so it doesn’t overflow. Once we have a system that does that, we will have a greenhouse full of fresh food that can be served to our lunchroom cafeterias. Mr. Katz said that this would be a competition among high schools to see who can grow their own food efficiently first. We don’t know what the winners get, but we’re excited to find out once we win this.

Background on the Arduino

People encounter problems several times on a daily basis. Solutions may be irrelevant as one may never encounter the same problem twice; however, there are some problems that never go away unless action is taken against it. It is an innate human tendency to look for solutions to one’s problems, but what determines whether a person submits to their inclination is the availability of a solution. In an industrialized world, many turn towards technology. The issue with technology is that hardware range in pricing and the lay person may require some training to use any of it. To address this issue, Italian engineers David Cuartielles and Massimo Banzi invented the arduino.

What is an Arduino? Arduino is a Microcontroller

To put it simply, an arduino is a single board microcontroller intended to make the practice of using electronics in multidisciplinary projects more handy. Before getting into the arduino, one has to understand what a microcontroller is. A microcontroller is a microprocessor on a single integrated circuit intended to operate as an embedded system. As well as a CPU, a microcontroller typically includes small amounts of RAM, PROM timers, and I/O ports [1]. Piecing all of this together, the purpose of an embedded system, using a processor, is to control a function, either in whole or in part, as an integral part of a larger system or subsystem in real time.

The "CPU" (Central Processing Unit) component is the microprocessor: the part in charge of retrieving, decoding, and executing instructions; It does most of the data processing, much like the name implies. RAM (Random Access Memory) is simply a form of volatile memory (i.e. temporary memory). The memory pertains to electric memory circuits that allow for information to be stored or accessed in any order with all storage locations being equally accessible. Data is lost once the module is turned off. PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) is the nonvolatile component of memory used by, but not limited to a microcontroller. PROM pertains to a form of digital memory that is programmed by software and can either be permanent, or can be erased to reload new data. The memory components of an embedded system within a microcontroller allows for the repeated execution of a single function, with tight constraints on design metrics, that reacts to real time [2].

Programming

Microprocessors and microcontrollers work off of very specialized instructions designed for them. Each one has unique instructions to perform tasks such as reading from memory, adding numbers together and manipulating data. For example, the Intel Pentium found in IBM (International Business Machines) compatibles uses a completely different instruction set from the Motorola PowerPC used in Macintosh computers. Programs for these processors work in what is known as machine language. A task as simple as multiplying two numbers together may take hundreds of machine instructions to accomplish. These programs can be very puzzling to programmers not familiar with that processor's unique instruction set. For example, code to add 3 plus 2 and store the results may look like:

LDA #$03

STA $1B3C

LDA #$02

ADD $1B3C

STA $1B3D

High level languages such as BASIC and C use instructions that are more understandable to users since they use pseudo-English to program in. In addition, a version of BASIC designed for IBM PC's may be much like the BASIC designed for Macintoshes [3]. A line of code to add 3 plus 2 and store the result may look like:

Sum = 3 + 2

It is the job of the high level language's interpreter or compiler to take this BASIC code and make it understandable to the unique processor on which it is running. An interpreter decodes to machine language at run time, a compiler decodes the program into machine language before running it. Here is an example of making coffee. Simplified steps for this involve:

· Fill the maker with water.

· Insert a filter into the tray.

· Add coffee grounds into the filter.

· Put the filter tray into the maker.

· Turn on the coffee maker.

· Wait with blurry eyes.

The English language has a command to perform this task: make coffee. One knows from experience what this means and what actions are required. If this were a command in a programming language, here is how a compiled and interpreted language would utilize the command (hypothetically): A compiled language, such as C, would read the command to "make coffee", and it would compile it into its individual steps and store it as machine code instructions. The steps of "Fill the maker with water", "Insert…", and so on, would be stored in-place of "Make Coffee". When the program is executed, the processor would read "Fill the maker with water", inherently understand the instruction, and perform it. Then it would read "Insert a filter into tray" and perform the task, and so on, until the coffee is made.

An interpreted language, such as BASIC, would store a symbol or a token representing "Make Coffee" (in one’s mind it may be a dripping coffee maker whereas to a computer it maybe a unique number like "10010011"). When this program is executed, the BASIC Interpreter reads the symbol that was stored. Then it must break down the symbol and inform the processor what to do. "Okay, let's see, that symbol means to make coffee! Hey processor, fill the maker with water. Okay, what next…, processor you need to insert a filter into the tray, okay, next…" [4]

Is it a little simplistic? Perhaps, but that is essentially what the interpreter needs to do. In a compiled language, a simple statement is compiled, or broken down, into the many instructions understood by a processor to perform the task prior to executing. In an interpreted language, the commands are made into symbols, or tokens, which are stored and decoded (interpreted) while the program is running.

Why use Arduino?

The aforementioned properties of a microcontroller and its software components are applicable to the arduino. The open-source arduino is a physical computing platform based on a simple input/output (I/O) board and development environment that effectuates the Processing language. Arduino can be used to cultivate standalone interactive objects, or can be linked to software on a computer (such as Flash, Processing, VVVV, or Max/MSP). The boards can be self assembled one one’s own, or purchased preassembled. The open source IDE (Integrated Development Environment) can be downloaded for free at www.arduino.cc [5].

What sets arduino apart from other microcontrollers on the market:

· It is a multiplatform environment compatible with Windows, Macintosh, and Linux.

· It is programmable via USB cable as opposed to serial ports, which most computers don’t have.

· It exhibits open-source software AND hardware: one can download circuit diagrams online, buy all of arduino’s components, and make one’s own arduino board without owing anything to its makers.

· Arduino boards are extremely cheap. The USB model costs about $35. Furthermore, one can afford to make mistakes. Replacing a burnt-out chip is not difficult in the least, and it costs about $4.

· The active community of arduino users is plentiful and they can help

· Because the Arduino Project was developed in an educational setting, it is easy for newcomers to get started quickly [6].

Arduino boards are interesting, but they can’t really do much on their own. Thanks to the open source, however, building add-on boards to extend what arduino can do is fairly easy, and people do it all the time. As a result, arduino is compatible with many add-on boards. Below is a listing of some of the boards used to propagate arduino’s capabilities [7]:

· Gorilla Builderz Wi-Fi Shield: A shield (synonymous with "add-on board") supplying arduino with internet connectivity.

· Freetronics Ethernet Shield: This shield connects the arduino itself to the internet, allowing it to interact with an online database granting the user the ability to automatically update twitter, surf through web pages and connect to other web services, display sensor data online, and control extraneous devices through a web browser

· Rock Seven RockBLOCK: A shield that can receive and send short messages from anywhere in the world.

· Freetronics USB Droid: Connect an android phone to this shield for all sorts of controller and networking features.

These are but a few of the many adruino shields available for purchase online or on the market. There are shields that allow arduino to read GPS signals, drive robot motors, take pictures, connect to Bluetooth devices, control electroluminescent wire, etc. As of today, there are over 300 working arduino compatible shields [8]. The focus of this research and project undertaking is making use of arduino’s environmental monitoring shields, namely those used for water monitoring systems in urban agriculture projects, for example.

Water Monitor System

The importance of monitoring water in urban agriculture stems from the rigid regulations companies like the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) impose upon drinkable water as well as that used to nurture plants. The issue is that water may contain contaminants such as bacteria no matter the source. In an agricultural setting, contaminants may directly affect plants, or they may affect secondary consumers, in this case the people who eat the plants. The goal of monitoring water is to keep the water within the limits of healthy drinkability set by the EPA. Constant data retrieval is essential for the propagation of such endeavors. Clean drinkable water means healthy plants, and in turn, healthy consumers.

On the following page is a list of common contaminants the EPA is concerned with, and their respective Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), Maximum Contaminant Level, and detrimental effects [9]. Using arduino sensors, one can monitor water for alkalinity, which is one of the EPA’s main concerns. Furthermore, the coliform in the water can be monitored as well. The purpose of implementing such sensors in an urban agriculture system or a green house is to take reasonable action against unwanted detected agents to make water safe for plant and human consumption.

Microorganisms

Contaminant

MCLG1 (mg/L)2

MCL or TT1 (mg/L)2

Potential Health Effects from Long-Term Exposure Above the MCL (unless specified as short-term)

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Cryptosporidium

zero

TT 3

Gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, cramps)

Human and animal fecal waste

Giardia lamblia

zero

TT3

Gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, cramps)

Human and animal fecal waste

Heterotrophic plate count

n/a

TT3

HPC has no health effects; it is an analytic method used to measure the variety of bacteria that are common in water. The lower the concentration of bacteria in drinking water, the better maintained the water system is.

HPC measures a range of bacteria that are naturally present in the environment

Legionella

zero

TT3

Legionnaire's Disease, a type of pneumonia

Found naturally in water; multiplies in heating systems

Total Coliforms (including fecal coliform and E. Coli)

zero

5.0%4

Not a health threat in itself; it is used to indicate whether other potentially harmful bacteria may be present5

Coliforms are naturally present in the environment; as well as feces; fecal coliforms and E. coli only come from human and animal fecal waste.

Turbidity

n/a

TT3

Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water. It is used to indicate water quality and filtration effectiveness (e.g., whether disease-causing organisms are present). Higher turbidity levels are often associated with higher levels of disease-causing microorganisms such as viruses, parasites and some bacteria. These organisms can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.

Soil runoff

Viruses (enteric)

zero

TT3

Gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, cramps)

Human and animal fecal waste

Inorganic Chemicals

Contaminant

MCLG1 (mg/L)2

MCL or TT1 (mg/L)2

Potential Health Effects from Long-Term Exposure Above the MCL (unless specified as short-term)

Sources of Contaminant in Drinking Water

Antimony

0.006

0.006

Increase in blood cholesterol; decrease in blood sugar

Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder

Arsenic

07

0.010 as of 01/23/06

Skin damage or problems with circulatory systems, and may have increased risk of getting cancer

Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards, runoff from glass & electronicsproduction wastes

Asbestos (fiber >10 micrometers)

7 million fibers per liter

7 MFL

Increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps

Decay of asbestos cement in water mains; erosion of natural deposits

Barium

2

2

Increase in blood pressure

Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits

Beryllium

0.004

0.004

Intestinal lesions

Discharge from metal refineries and coal-burning factories; discharge from electrical, aerospace, and defense industries

Cadmium

0.005

0.005

Kidney damage

Corrosion of galvanized pipes; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from metal refineries; runoff from waste batteries and paints

Chromium (total)

0.1

0.1

Allergic dermatitis

Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits

Copper

1.3

TT7; Action Level=1.3

Short term exposure: Gastrointestinal distress

Long term exposure: Liver or kidney damage

People with Wilson's Disease should consult their personal doctor if the amount of copper in their water exceeds the action level

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits

Cyanide (as free cyanide)

0.2

0.2

Nerve damage or thyroid problems

Discharge from steel/metal factories; discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories

Fluoride

4.0

4.0

Bone disease (pain and tenderness of the bones); Children may get mottled teeth

Water additive which promotes strong teeth; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories

Lead

zero

TT7; Action Level=0.015

Infants and children: Delays in physical or mental development; children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities

Adults: Kidney problems; high blood pressure

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits

Mercury (inorganic)

0.002

0.002

Kidney damage

Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills and croplands

Nitrate (measured as Nitrogen)

10

10

Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.

Runoff from fertilizer use; leaking from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits

Nitrite (measured as Nitrogen)

1

1

Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome.

Runoff from fertilizer use; leaking from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits

Selenium

0.05

0.05

Hair or fingernail loss; numbness in fingers or toes; circulatory problems

Discharge from petroleum refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines

Thallium

0.0005

0.002

Hair loss; changes in blood; kidney, intestine, or liver problems

Leaching from ore-processing sites; discharge from electronics, glass, and drug factories