Comparing methods to improve reliable sensor deployment time in continuous water quality monitoring
Maintaining water quality depends on monitoring, as reliable data are critical for environmental management and protection. Continuous monitoring is still a challenge, since the equipment requires constant calibration and has a high cost. The results help to detect pollution and determine actions to maintain water quality. Water quality monitoring allows contaminants to be detected and is usually part of a Water Resources Plan, which serves as a basis for planning and implementing water body control or recovery instruments. Biofouling affects sensor performance because it decreases sensitivity and interferes with readings in a short period of time. The accurate repetition of readings, as well as their resolution, can be affected because the main characteristics of the detection will be changed. Due to biofouling, it is necessary to clean and recalibrate the sensors. In order for performance to be unaffected and data reading reliable, a cleaning and maintenance routine must be established (Author introduction).