GatorByte-An Internet of Things-Based Low-Cost, Compact, and Real-Time Water Resource Monitoring Buoy

Conventional water resource monitoring systems are usually expensive, have a low -temporal resolution, and lack spatial dimension entirely. These systems are typically avail-able as stations or handheld devices. Pinpointing sources of pollution using these systems can be difficult. This project involves developing a high-resolution free-flowing monitoring buoy that records spatiotemporal water-quality data in flowing stream environments. The system is highly customizable, and even users with limited experience in programming or electronics can tailor GatorByte to their needs. The platform includes a data logger, a cloud -based server, and visualization tools. The data logger uses low-cost sensors, electronic peripherals, a 3D-printed enclosure, and printed circuit boards, with a total cost per unit under $1,000 USD. The data logger uses an NB-IoT-capable Arduino for real-time reporting and visualizing sensor data. The GatorByte records physiochemical water metrics - pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, electroconductivity, and the current location of the buoy using a GPS module. The data logger also includes micro-SD storage and a Bluetooth mod-ule for on-field diagnostics. Using the GatorByte buoy, the collection of variations in water quality data in temporal as well as spatial dimensions can be achieved cost-effectively and reliably, enabling quick detection and resolution of pollution events.& COPY; 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).