Nutrient monitoring is becoming more important as time goes on – as human activity increases the natural amount of nitrate in water, plants, and organisms are more and more negatively affected.
Current nutrient monitoring relies on low temporal frequency monitoring and spot-checking, which are vulnerable to uncertainties and less representative of the waterbody. They also aren’t equipped to measure episodic events, which are time-sensitive and unpredictable.
Environmental monitoring is moving more towards continuous measurements, which allows for more effective prioritization of infrastructure investments. More data also means a better understanding of where to focus on data monitoring and conservation efforts.
It is far more cost-effective to prevent contamination in the first place than it is to treat existing contamination. This has led to an increased demand for sensors that deliver continuous data, both spatial and temporal, in real-time and with a lower cost per data point.
Therefore we released the OTT ecoN, an affordable UV nitrate sensor designed for optical determination of nitrate (NO3-N) specifically only for use in environmental fresh surface and groundwater applications. Here’s why you should consider the OTT ecoN for your stations in the field.
KEY BENEFITS
Besides being one of the most cost-effective options now on the market, the ecoN has numerous benefits.
- Proven field reliability using the absorption method, which provides high accuracy, minimizes drift, and eliminates bias
- Easy-to-operate with browser-based software and modular design
- Reduces annual maintenance requirements to typical cleaning and exchange of wiper blades (if using optional wiper)
- Ensures data quality by including signal quality indicators (SQI) with each measurement
KEY FEATURES
Advancing the legacy of industry-leading nutrient sensors, the OTT ecoN is built for continuous use in freshwater and combines field reliability and low maintenance with browser-based software to deliver a lower operational cost.
The OTT ecoN is equipped for optic measurements for nitrate source detection. You can use it from a boat or kayak to monitor nitrate levels while moving upstream, utilizing its support of mobile applications, 2-GB internal datalogger, and light-weight design. You could also easily deploy it from a bridge or river bank mounted rail system for seasonal nitrate monitoring or during storm events, for short or long-term continuous monitoring.
The ecoN has the following features:
- Detection of NO3-N using absorption at 212 nm
- Measure timing of < 10 seconds
- Precise optical technology with reference signals
- Calibration verification
To set-up, simply connect to a datalogger and select a method for transmitting the data to your computer. The ecoN can be supplemented with an anti-fouling wiper, to decrease total cost of ownership and improve data quality.
The OTT ecoN can also transmit data via an SDI-12 interface due to the new OTT ecoN Modbus to SDI-12 Converter. The converter translates the Modbus protocol for the OTT ecoN nitrate sensor to allow for easy and continuous remote data access. Remote configuration can be achieved as well, to export data and configure the OTT ecoN via a web interface. The OTT ecoN is only for use in environmental fresh surface water and groundwater applications.
KEY TAKEAWAY
The OTT ecoN for continuous use in fresh water combines field reliability and low maintenance with browser-based software to reduce drift and eliminate bias.
By generating instantaneous insights on environmental water quality, you can establish baseline ranges and capture general trends over time. These datasets are key for pollution reduction/control strategies and protecting water resources for a better future.
Learn more about the OTT ecoN on its product page >>
Important: This sensor is only for use in environmental fresh surface water and groundwater applications.
