Water Quality Monitoring Systems for the Intag Valley, Ecuador
Duncan, Finn
Duncan, Finn
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Abstract
This project aims to design and prototype a low-cost, autonomous water quality monitoring system for deployment in Ecuador�s Intag Valley, a highly biodiverse region where communities rely on consistent environmental data to defend against harmful mining operations. In collaboration with APT Norte, a local environmental organization, the system addresses the limitations of infrequent and logistically difficult manual sampling by enabling continuous data collection in remote waterways. The goal is to generate reliable environmental data that can document contamination and support legal efforts to protect water resources. The proposed system measures three key indicators of contamination: pH, conductivity, and temperature. These parameters are critical for identifying changes associated with mining activity and potential heavy metal pollution. Each monitoring station is designed to be low-cost (approximately $300-500), using off-the-shelf sensors, microcontrollers, and readily available installation materials. Accessibility is a priority, with systems and documentation designed for independent use and maintenance by local stakeholders in the Intag Valley. At the time of presentation, the project remains in an early development stage. This presentation will focus on design progress, initial assembly efforts, and planned next steps, including testing in Vermont streams, sensor calibration, and eventual deployment in Ecuador. Ultimately, this project supports broader efforts to make environmental monitoring more accessible and to strengthen community-led water protection initiatives through reliable, continuous data collection.
Description
Date
1/1/2026
Student Status
Junior (Graduating in 2027)
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Poster
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Civil Engineering
College/School
College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
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Engineering