UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MAYAGÜEZ

CAMPUS

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Technology and Innovation for Sustainable

Development Goals
INEL - 6998-001 #

Final Report

students:

Jeshua
Daniel
Fernando LozanoInc.
 Methodology

Problems
How to optimize energy resources in aquaponic systems?

In order to optimize the resources of the aquaponics system in the Mayaguez university
campus, it is necessary to identify and evaluate the measurements of the parameters that are
necessary for the basic quality of life of living beings that are in the system such as tilapia
fish, plants and microorganisms. In addition, the main resources used are electric energy and
water, where water quality is of great importance the proper use because, in terms of
sustainability, there is much talk about water pollution and the conservation measures that
must be taken for the optimal use of this natural source, in this area of Puerto Rico.
On the other hand, the sources of electric energy are very necessary to optimize because the
electric generation in rich port is not based on renewable energy sources, on the contrary,
everything is increased consumption of fossil combustibles. This affects the environment and
climate change.

How to acquire the parameters very important in aquaponic systems?

The aquaponic system within the Mayaguez school grounds is constituted by the continuous
use of water, in terms of water quality. The parameters that are not constant, but variable over
time are: Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen (OD), Ph, nitrogenous compounds, alkalinity and
hardness.
In this work, we address to obtain the parameters of level of Oxygen dissolved and Ph level,
within the aquaponic system of the Mayaguez school. To achieve these results frequently and
reliably, it is necessary to use digital and accurate devices, such as digital sensors.

How to obtain safe and accurate water quality parameters in an aquaponics system?

On the market, there are types of instruments to obtain water quality parameters, such as
digital and analogous ones. We focus on using digital technology such as oxygen level and
Ph-level sensors because it gives us fast, accurate and safe results, plus usage and
maintenance is friendly. It does not require advanced knowledge in electronics, it also does
not require large amounts of electric energy.
Procedure for solving the problem

What is needed to solve the problem?

For the solution of the problem, it is necessary to obtain the values of the levels of dissolved
oxygen and Ph, within the facilities of the aquaponic system of the Mayaguez school.
The important parameters to be measured are Dissolved Oxygen and Ph.

Which devices measure these parameters?

The devices to obtain these measurements are the sensors, which were obtained from the
digital market.

How do you choose these sensors?

The criteria for purchasing these devices, we focus on the following aspects.
-Accessible prices. – There are several devices with different prices, to choose the right
instrument, several places were investigated online.

-Measurement accuracy. – This is another criterion, taken into account in purchasing this
measuring instrument because other sensors are very difficult to calibrate to obtain the
precise measurements, which are necessary for this aquaponics system.

-Easy to deploy and integrate. – For proper use of the dissolved oxygen and Ph
measurement sensor, the sensors need to be easy to operate and operate. In this case, the
best way was to get the parameter data, it is through a USB-Arduino port directly to a
laptop.

How to monitor parameters?

In this respect, the acquired sensors should have the flexibility to monitor the data of the
obtained parameters. There are several ways to monitor these parameters. The most
efficient method is with:
Integration of the sensors with Arduino and connection to the online network. Because it
allows you to store data securely on the online network
Solution

Why uses this solution?

In order to optimize the use of electric energy and water resources in the aquaponics system
within the Mayaguez school, it is necessary to do a study and evaluation of a certain time
interval, it can be 1 week or a month, to obtain data from these samples, for this purpose a
part of the solution is adequate purchasing of the average instruments of level of dissolved
oxygen and Ph level. In this case, the following sensors were obtained:

1. Ph meter SKU SEN0161

2. Gravity Analog Dissolved Oxygen Sensor SKU SEN0237

Now using these sensors and performs the evaluation and analysis, by means of a sample in
a time interval, to be able to optimize the resources used in the aquaponics systems of the
Mayaguez school.
 Annexe
Technical specification, Uses and maintain of Dissolved Oxygen SKU SEN0237.

1. Technical specification
 Dissolved Oxygen Probe
o Type: Galvanic Probe
o Detection Range: 0~20 mg/L
o Temperature Range: 0~40 ℃
o Response Time: Up to 98% full response, within 90 seconds (25℃)
o Pressure Range: 0~50 PSI
o Electrode Service Life: 1 year (normal use)
o Maintenance Period:
 Membrane Cap Replacement Period:
 1~2 months (in muddy water);
 4~5 months (in clean water)
 Filling solution replacement period: once a month
o Cable length: 2 meters
o Probe connector: BNC
 Signal converter board
o Supply Voltage: 3.3 x 5.5V
o Output signal: 0 x 3.0V
o Cable connector: BNC
o Signal connector: analogue gravity interface (PH2.0-3P)
o Dimension: 42mm*32mm/1.65*1.26-inch

OD galvanic sensors (Dissolved oxygen) consist of two electrodes: an anode and a

cathode. Both electrodes are submerged in electrolytes (inside the sensor body). An
oxygen permeable membrane separates the anode and cathode from the measured
water.
The permeable membrane allows oxygen from the sample water to diffuse into the
sensor, where it is reduced in the cathode. This chemical reaction produces an electrical
signal, which travels from the cathode to the anode and then to the dissolved oxygen
measuring instrument. Oxygen consumption in the cathode creates a pressure difference
across the membrane that varies depending on the partial oxygen pressure in the
sample. Therefore, as the oxygen concentration increases, partial pressure and diffusion
rate also increase, and the current to the instrument increases proportionally.
The installation of the sensors should be Fixed, as shown in the following figure.

2. PREPARATION OF THE SOUND.

For a new dissolved oxygen probe, NaOH 0.5 mol/L solution must first be added to the
membrane cap as a filling solution. If the probe has been used for some time and the
error increases considerably, it is time to change the filling solution. The following tutorial
details how to fill the probe with the NaOH solution.
Unscrew the probe membrane cap and fill approximately 2/3 of the cap volume with
NaOH 0.5 mol/L solution. Make sure the probe is upright relative to the horizontal
plane. Carefully screw the cap to the probe. It would be nice if a small solution
overflowed from the lid to ensure that the probe is completely filled with NaOH
solution.

 When screwing the cap back onto the probe, the probe should be upright with
respect to the horizontal plane to avoid creating bubbles in the filling solution.
 If the lid is completely filled with NaOH solution, there will be too much solution
that will overflow when the cap is screwed back into the probe. If the filling
solution is too small, bubbles can be created inside the lid. In short, the best way
is to fill approximately 2/3 of the volume of the lid. A little overflow when
screwing the cap to the probe is fine.
 Clean the overflowing solution with tissue paper.
 Screw the NaOH solution bottle after each use to prevent CO2 in the air from
affecting the solution.

The probe solution contains 0.5 mol/L of NaOH solution. You should pour it into the
membrane cover before use. Be careful with this operation because the solution is
corrosive. Please wear gloves!

If the solution accidentally falls on to the skin, wash it with plenty of water immediately.
The oxygen-permeable membrane in the membrane cap is sensitive and fragile. Use
caution when handling it. Nails and other sharp objects should be avoided. The OD
sensor will consume some oxygen during measurement. Gently shake the solution and
allow oxygen to spread evenly in the water. As shown in the figure below.
 3. CONNECTION DIAGRAM

When the probe is filled with NaOH solution, it must be calibrated. Before calibration,
connect the probe as shown in the following diagram. Connect the probe to the BNC
connector on the signal converter board. Connect the board to the analogue input of the
Arduino mainboard.

4. CALIBRATION OF THE PROBE

If this is your first time using the probe or if the probe has been used for some time, the
probe must be calibrated to be accurate. Common calibration methods: single-point
calibration and double-point calibration. Single-point calibration calibrates the probe
with saturated dissolved oxygen. Double point calibration calibrates the probe with
saturated dissolved oxygen and zero dissolved oxygen. In most cases, single-point
calibration is good enough and convenient enough. The following tutorial details the
single-point calibration process. 1. Load the sample code into Arduino and open the
serial monitor. The program will update and print the dissolved oxygen content on the
screen every second. 2. Immerse the probe in the dissolved oxygen saturated water and
gently shake the water. Check the dissolved oxygen readings and wait for the readings
to be stable.

 Readings usually take more than 1 minute to stabilize, because the

electrochemical reaction in the probe takes time.

 If dissolved oxygen saturated water is not available, air will be a

replacement. Immerse the probe in the water and shake it several times to
moisten the permeable membrane of the lid. Expose the probe to the air for more
than 1 minute.

Wait for the dissolved oxygen readings to be stable. Then you can do the
calibration. The steps are as follows.

 Enter "Calibration" on the serial monitor to enter calibration mode.

 Enter "SATCHEL" for dissolved oxygen calibration. The program will print whether
the calibration is successful or not.
 After calibration, enter "EXIT" to exit calibration mode.
  After the above-mentioned process, the saturated dissolved oxygen calibration
has been completed. The probe is now ready for measurement.

The following table shows the dissolved oxygen concentration equivalent to a saturation
rating of 100 per cent for the annotated temperature (and normal atmospheric pressure).
For freshwater only.

5. Frequently Asked Questions Measuring Oxygen

Q1. How to set up dissolved oxygen saturated water by myself?

You can pump air into the water for about 20 minutes to saturate the water with oxygen
to obtain a standard 100% dissolved oxygen liquid.

Q2. How to make zero dissolved oxygen water?

Add sodium sulphite (Na2SO3) in water until saturated, this can consume all oxygen in
the water to obtain the oxygen liquid dissolved zero.

Q3. How to store the probe?

1. Short time (overnight to one week): Immerse the probe in purified or deionized water
to prevent evaporating the filling solution. Disconnect the probe from the main
instrument whenever it is not in use.
2. Long Time: (more than a week): Unscrew the probe cap and wash the electrode core
(cathode: platinum, anode: anode) and wash the lid with purified water or deionized
water. Dry all components with fabric. Screw the cap back into the probe without adding
any filling solution to prevent the anode from being consumed. Put all components back
in the package.

Q4. How to make a Solution of NaOH 0.5 mol / L?

You must first purchase the NaOH solution and add 1 x 2 drops of glycerin to the NaOH
solution for every 100 ml. Only by adding the NaOH solution to the probe can be ready
to use.

Q5. What problems did you use to encounter? How to fix it?

1. If in liquid dissolved oxygen readings is zero-zero or do not use Close Zero, you can in
the enamel in the cathode of the probe.

2. If in readings is not within or in the range area to normal Haul Readings, the count,
please on the membrane in on Cover. If there are cracks, holes or contaminations in the
membrane, replace the lid.

How should I save my OD sensor?

Store your OD sensor with the membrane covered with distilled water, this is done to
prevent the KCl filling solution from evaporating through the membrane.

What is the difference between a galvanic electrode and a polarographic electrode?

A galvanic electrode produces its own currency and is usually made of silver and lead
with a potassium hydroxide electrode. Polarographic electrodes have a silver anode
surrounded by a gold cathode. The current is supplied by the measuring equipment.

How does temperature affect OD readings?

Temperature affects OD readings in two ways. First, changing the permeability of
membranes as the temperature also increases membrane permeability, and as the
temperature decreases the permeability of the oxygen through the membrane
decreases. Second, temperature affects the amount of oxygen that can dissolve in
water. When the temperature increases the point of oxygen saturation in the water
decreases. Most meters have automatic temperature compensation (ATC) that serves
only to compensate for temperature error due to changes in membrane permeability. A
Correction Table is used to compensate for saturation changes. There is a Freshwater
Compensation Chart and a saltwater board.

How does atmospheric pressure affect OD readings?

Oxygen saturation in distilled water is different at different pressures. Correction tables
are attached with most instruction manuals. Some instruments compensate for
barometric pressure automatically. Barometric pressure is read by the instrument or fed
to it manually by the user.

How should An OD sensor be calibrated?

To calibrate zero, the sensor must be immersed in a saturated sodium sulphite solution.
For full-scale calibration ATINCO Ltda. recommends the forced air method, placing the
sensor in the centre of a vortex so that the air is forced through the membrane quickly.
In a vortex, you can force air through the membrane in a better way than if you leave
the sensor outdoors. To create a vortex simply use a beaker with distilled water in a
magnetic stirrer and with a sensor holder keep the sensor over water.

If you just received your dissolved oxygen meter and it doesn't work for you
immediately, is there a serious problem?
It is not very common for the meter not to work immediately as the electrode must be
polarized so that it can take any reading. To polarize the electrode, you must connect it
to the meter. The polarization time varies from meter to meter and can be between 10
minutes and 6 hours. Check your manual to find the exact time. You should also check
the membrane. If you have air trapped under the membrane you may get erroneous
readings.

What is BOD?

BOD is the measure of the amount of oxygen consumed by bacteria when breaking
down residual organic compounds. Normally in an incubation period to do a standard
test, OD measurements are taken at baseline and at the end of the fifth day.

What is SOUR/DOUR?
o SOUR - Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate - Specific oxygen absorption rate
indicates the biological activity of microorganisms in wastewater
treatment processes and the load on them. SOUR is the relationship
between absorbed oxygen and the number of solids. This calculation is
required to comply with US 503.
SOUR - DOUR/solids weight - mg/hr/g
o DOUR - Dissolved Oxygen Uptake Rate - Absorbed dissolved oxygen rate
indicates the biological activity of microbes in wastewater treatment
processes. It is the calculation of absorbed oxygen (how fast microbes
are using oxygen). This calculation is required to comply with US 503.
DOUR - DO1- DO2/time - mg/L/hr

How often should membranes be replaced?

The average lifespan for the membrane is approximately 2-4 weeks, depending on the
application.

If the sensor isn't reading properly, what could be the reason and what could be done
about it?

Test the following:

o Replace the membrane, as it may be obstructed by something in your

water sample.
o Clean the anode and cathode specifically if they look opaque. To clean
the anode, first, remove the membrane, then soak overnight in a 3%
ammonium hydroxide solution. For quick cleaning, remove the
membrane and soak for no more than 2 to 3 minutes in a 14% solution of
ammonium hydroxide. A longer period of soaking in the 14% ammonium
hydroxide solution will damage the electrode. After either treatment, the
sensor should be thoroughly cleaned with plenty of distilled water.
o To clean the cathode (gold) use very thin sandpaper and carefully shine
the surface with circular movements.
o Some gases are known to interfere with OD readings. Then check for
significant concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, halogen,
neon, nitride, and nitric oxide.
o Check the chemical compatibility between the materials of the wetted
parts of your electrode and your water sample. Strong acids, caustic
substances or solvents can attack your sensor.