Automated Monitoring of the Rhizosphere Using Graphite Electrodes

An automated, real-time monitoring system for the determination of redox and microbial activity in unsaturated zone and/or the rhizosphere environments. The technology will allow for improved characterization of the subsurface environments. The sensor system is based on microbial fuel cell technology. The sensor system is composed of an anode, cathode and measurement circuitry. Neither the anode or cathode assemblies require the presence of an aqueous solutions. Therefore, the system may be deployed in dry oxidizing soils. Currently no commercially-available technologies are marketed for the measurement of soil potentials in dry soils (agriculture). The scope of work includes the design and fabrication of a complete sensor system capable of remote, long-term monitoring at sites. The system will include the sensor, measurement, communications and control functions. The final system will measure subsurface redox conditions and microbial activity and communicate the data (cellular or BluetoothTM) to a remote user via the web. This technology can be combined with spectral-imaging drones to perform both above- and below-ground investigations of agriculture and natural environments. Commercial Activities and other Benefits: The system will decrease the cost of monitoring, and enhance the understanding of redox conditions and microbial activity in unsaturated environments. Additional benefits include: 1) the system can be used to assess natural ecosystems, and 2) the system can be used as a tool to better understand the stresses (moisture, fertilizers, other agricultural chemicals) encountered by agricultural crops.