Optical Device for Monitoring Water Sources Affected by Agricultural Pollution

Animal manure is an excellent source of phosphorous, nitrogen, potassium, and other nutrients essential for plant growth, and is therefore applied to cropland in the United States in addition to commercial fertilizer. However, adverse impacts on environmental quality of soil and water may occur if manure is over-applied, especially on field plots having tile-drained systems. Several studies have documented the transport of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural land to lakes, streams, and rivers via tile drainage systems, degrading water quality in natural water systems. Monitoring nitrate and phosphate levels in drainage water is critical to protecting natural water resources while promoting sustainable agricultural production. Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) will focus on demonstrating the feasibility of developing low-cost, solar-powered, rapidly deployable, and wireless sensor elements to continuously monitor nitrate and phosphate levels in water.