A vertical profile algal monitoring system

Abstract

The application provides a vertical profile algae monitoring system, comprising a floating body, a sampling unit arranged on the floating body, the sampling unit being connected with an analysis device, the sampling unit and the analysis device being connected with a main control unit, and the main control unit being connected with a power supply unit; the sampling unit can realize the algae monitoring of the surface layer and the vertical profile, is used for grasping the algae change on the surface layer and the vertical profile of a lake, a reservoir and a river, enhancing the research, early warning and prevention and control capacity of water pollution events such as water bloom, and providing a scientific basis for decision makers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ecological environment, and in particular to a vertical profile algae monitoring system. Background Technology

[0002] The vertical distribution of phytoplankton has long been a focus of limnology and oceanography, as research in this area is crucial for understanding primary productivity, nutrient status, and nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems. In most reservoirs of a certain depth, uneven heat transfer and differences in density between hot and cold water lead to thermal stratification, resulting in uneven vertical distribution of phytoplankton. After stratification, deep reservoirs typically consist of three layers: a warm surface layer, a very cold bottom layer, and a thermocline with a significant temperature drop. The thermocline is usually relatively thin, but microbial activity is most active within it. After the seasonal thermocline forms, phytoplankton can be divided into two types: those reaching their maximum above the thermocline and those reaching their maximum below it. In shallow lakes or deep lakes with relatively uniform vertical mixing, phytoplankton biomass is highest at the surface, lower in the middle layer, and lowest at the bottom. At different times and with varying chlorophyll levels, higher chlorophyll concentrations at the surface and a greater chlorophyll gradient between different depths are observed.

[0003] When exploring algal blooms and taking preventive measures, we should not limit ourselves to the study and observation of environmental characteristics during summer cyanobacterial blooms, nor should we rely solely on the independent determination of chlorophyll and cyanobacterial parameters in a fixed water layer. Instead, we should conduct comprehensive monitoring of multiple water quality indicators for phytoplankton at different times and in different water layers to issue water quality warnings in advance.

[0004] Phytoplankton, especially cyanobacteria, tend to aggregate in the surface layer of water. In particular, during algal blooms, more than 70%-90% of cyanobacteria gather in the 0-10cm layer of the water surface. Therefore, accurate sampling and monitoring of phytoplankton in the surface water is of great significance for the study and prevention of algal blooms.

[0005] Currently available online algae monitoring and early warning devices have two main flaws: First, the monitoring devices are installed in the center of the buoy, and the buoy's own shading and disturbance cause the algae data at that location to lose representativeness, failing to objectively and accurately reflect the algal bloom situation in the water area. Second, they often only monitor blue-green algae and cannot play a monitoring and early warning role for other dominant algal blooms.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a vertical profile algae monitoring system that uses a separate sampling system. The monitoring instrument can monitor five dominant algae species, which solves the above-mentioned defects of traditional algae online monitoring and early warning equipment on the market, and makes algal bloom early warning possible. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vertical profile algae monitoring system to address the aforementioned shortcomings of traditional online algae monitoring and early warning devices on the market.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution:

[0009] The present invention provides a vertical profile algae monitoring system, including a float, a sampling unit on the float, the sampling unit being connected to an analysis device, both the sampling unit and the analysis device being connected to a main control unit, and the main control unit being connected to a power supply unit.

[0010] Preferably, the float includes a stainless steel keel, on which polyurea foam is provided, the sampling unit is disposed on both sides of the float, and the analysis device, the main control unit and the power supply unit are disposed in the middle of the float.

[0011] Preferably, the float is equipped with an equipment rod, on which a warning light, a meteorological multi-parameter acquisition device, and a lightning rod are installed.

[0012] Preferably, the sampling unit includes a water sample monitoring component, a surface sampling component, and a vertical profile sampling component, all of which are connected to the analysis device.

[0013] Preferably, the water sample monitoring component includes a water sample monitoring chamber, the top of which is provided with a top cover, and a lifting lug is provided below the top cover. A monitoring instrument is suspended on the lifting lug, and a cable hole is provided below the lifting lug. A first sampling port and a second sampling port are provided in the upper middle part of the water sample monitoring chamber. The first sampling port and the second sampling port are respectively connected to the vertical profile sampling component and the surface sampling component. A liquid level sensor is provided in the middle of the water sample monitoring chamber, and a drain outlet is provided at the bottom of the water sample monitoring chamber. An electric valve is provided on the drain outlet.

[0014] Preferably, the surface sampling assembly includes an electric winch, on which a first pull rope is provided, the first pull rope passing around the support and connected to the surface phytoplankton sampling device.

[0015] Preferably, the surface phytoplankton sampling device includes a sampling cylinder with a bottom opening. An annular baffle is located on the lower inner side of the sampling cylinder, and a water inlet valve is hinged to the baffle. A baffle plate is located above the baffle. The water inlet valve is connected to a float via a second pull rope, and the float's own weight can pull up the water inlet valve. The second pull rope passes through a lifting ring, and the float is located above the baffle plate. A water outlet is located on the lower side wall of the sampling cylinder, above the baffle. A scale is provided on the side wall of the sampling cylinder, with the starting end of the scale aligned with the center line of the water outlet. A side-ventilated top cover is provided on the top of the sampling cylinder, and a handle is located above the side-ventilated top cover. A float ring is detachably provided on the upper part of the outer side wall of the sampling cylinder, and a counterweight is detachably provided on the lower part of the outer side wall of the sampling cylinder.

[0016] Preferably, the vertical profile sampling assembly includes an integrated tube bundle, on which a multi-way valve is provided, and the multi-way valve is connected to the water sample monitoring assembly via a self-priming pump.

[0017] Preferably, the analytical equipment includes an online algae fluorescence spectrometer, a conventional five-parameter water quality analyzer, and a meteorological multi-parameter analyzer, all of which are connected to the main control unit.

[0018] Preferably, the main control unit includes a main control module, a mechanical control module, and a data acquisition and data communication module. The mechanical control module and the data acquisition and data communication module are both connected to the main control module. The mechanical control module is connected to the sampling unit, and the data acquisition and data communication module is connected to the analysis device.

[0019] The present invention achieves the following beneficial technical effects compared to the prior art:

[0020] This invention provides a vertical profile algae monitoring system, comprising a float with a sampling unit connected to an analysis device. Both the sampling unit and the analysis device are connected to a main control unit, which is connected to a power supply unit. By setting up the sampling unit, algae monitoring of the surface and vertical profile can be achieved, enabling the understanding of algae changes in the surface and vertical profile of lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. This enhances the ability to assess, warn, and prevent water pollution events such as algal blooms, and provides scientific basis for decision-makers. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vertical profile algae monitoring system provided by the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the water sample monitoring component structure in a vertical profile algae monitoring system provided by the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the vertical profile sampling component structure in a vertical profile algae monitoring system provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vertical profile algae monitoring system to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0027] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] Example 1:

[0029] This embodiment provides a vertical profile algae monitoring system, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes a float 1, on which a sampling unit is provided. The sampling unit is connected to an analysis device. Both the sampling unit and the analysis device are connected to a main control unit 2. The main control unit 2 is connected to a power supply unit 3.

[0030] Specifically, the float 1 includes a stainless steel keel, on which polyurea foam is provided to achieve its floating function. Sampling units are set on both sides of the float, and analysis equipment, main control unit 2 and power supply unit 3 are set in the middle of the float.

[0031] Furthermore, in order to enhance the system's expandability, the float 1 is equipped with an equipment pole 4, on which warning lights, meteorological multi-parameter acquisition devices, and lightning rods can be installed.

[0032] Furthermore, the sampling unit includes a water sample monitoring component 5, a surface sampling component 6, and a vertical profile sampling component 7, all of which are connected to the analysis equipment.

[0033] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the water sample monitoring assembly includes a water sample monitoring chamber 5, which has a rectangular cross-section with sides of 20-30cm and a height of 100cm. The top of the water sample monitoring chamber 5 is equipped with a top cover 51, inside which a sealing gasket is installed. The top cover 51 is connected to the monitoring chamber by screws, forming a fully sealed design with an IP64 protection rating. An opening is provided for installing monitoring instruments and for equipment maintenance. Below the top cover 51 is a lifting lug 52, on which a monitoring instrument 53 is suspended. Below the lifting lug 52 is a cable hole 54. The upper middle part of the water sample monitoring chamber 5 (at two-thirds of its height) has a first sampling port 55 and a second sampling port 56. 56 is connected to the vertical profile sampling component 7 and the surface sampling component 6 respectively. The connection is made by silicone tubes, and the silicone tubes are equipped with check valves. When the outlet of the surface sampling component 6 and the vertical profile sampling component 7 is higher than the first inlet 55 and the second inlet 56, the water sample automatically flows into the water sample monitoring chamber 5 under the action of gravity. A liquid level sensor 57 is installed in the middle of the water sample monitoring chamber 5 (at the position of half the height of the water sample monitoring chamber 5). When the sample in the monitoring chamber is half full, the integrated tube bundle sampling pump is turned off to avoid the liquid level being too high. A drain outlet 58 is provided at the bottom of the water sample monitoring chamber 5. An electric valve 59 is provided on the drain outlet 58, which can be programmed to empty the water sample in the water sample monitoring chamber 5.

[0034] By reasonably setting the specifications of the surface sampling component 6 and the vertical profile sampling component 7, it is ensured that after all the samples from the surface sampling component 6 and the vertical profile sampling component 7 enter the monitoring chamber, the sample volume can completely submerge the monitoring instrument 53, while being less than half the height of the monitoring chamber. To prevent algae growth and rust corrosion inside the water sample monitoring chamber, the water sample monitoring chamber is made of 304 stainless steel and coated with anti-mildew paint inside.

[0035] Furthermore, the surface sampling component 6 includes an electric winch 61, on which a first pull rope 62 is provided, which passes around the bracket 63 and is connected to the surface phytoplankton sampling device 64.

[0036] Among them, the surface phytoplankton sampling device 64 is a prior art. It can adopt a device for quantitatively collecting surface phytoplankton samples disclosed in the patent number CN202211137064.7 applied by the applicant. It specifically includes a sampling cylinder. The bottom of the sampling cylinder is provided with a bottom opening. An annular baffle is provided on the inner side of the lower part of the sampling cylinder. A water inlet valve is hinged on the baffle. A retaining piece is provided above the baffle. The water inlet valve is connected to a floating ball through a second pulling rope. The self-weight of the floating ball can pull up the water inlet valve. The second pulling rope passes through a hanging ring. The floating ball is located above the retaining piece. A water outlet is provided on the side wall of the lower part of the sampling cylinder. The water outlet is located above the baffle. The side wall of the sampling cylinder is provided with scales. The starting end of the scales is flush with the center line of the water outlet. The top of the sampling cylinder is provided with a side-permeable top cover. A handle is provided above the side-permeable top cover. A floating ring is detachably provided on the upper part of the outer side wall of the sampling cylinder. A counterweight is detachably provided on the lower part of the outer side wall of the sampling cylinder. It is a prior art in this field, so the specific structure and working principle will not be described in detail in this application.

[0037] Furthermore, as Figure 3 shown, the vertical profile sampling component 7 includes an integrated tube bundle 71. A multi-way valve 72 is provided on the integrated tube bundle 71. The multi-way valve 72 is connected to the water sample monitoring component 5 through a self-priming pump 73.

[0038] The vertical profile sampling component 7 can collect samples at different depths such as 0.5m, 1.0m, 1.5m, 2.0m, 2.5m, 3.0m, 3.5m, 4.0m, 4.5m, 5.0m underwater (when the water depth h ≤ 5m, every 0.5 meters is used as one sampling water layer; when 5m < h ≤ 10m, every 1m is used as one sampling water layer; when h > 10m, every 1 - 2m is used as one sampling water layer).

[0039] Furthermore, the analysis equipment includes an on-line analyzer for water body algal fluorescence spectrum, an analyzer for five conventional water quality parameters, and an analyzer for multi meteorological parameters. The on-line analyzer for water body algal fluorescence spectrum, the analyzer for five conventional water quality parameters, and the analyzer for multi meteorological parameters are all connected to the main control unit.

[0040] The on-line analyzer for water body algal fluorescence spectrum is an on-line analytical instrument that uses discrete three-dimensional fluorescence spectrum technology to achieve algal classification measurement. Utilizing the rich "fingerprint" information of algal pigments contained in the three-dimensional fluorescence spectrum and combining the method of resolving overlapping fluorescence spectra, it can accurately and reliably identify the main algae in lakes and reservoirs such as cyanobacteria, green algae, diatoms, dinoflagellates, and cryptophytes, and precisely quantify the chlorophyll concentration. This is of great significance for the identification of toxic / non-toxic algae and the investigation of algal diversity.

[0041] To facilitate data analysis and research on algal bloom patterns, a conventional five-parameter water quality analyzer and a multi-parameter meteorological analyzer are installed to simultaneously monitor water quality and meteorological indicators such as dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, turbidity, conductivity, water temperature, wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, radiation, and relative humidity.

[0042] Furthermore, the main control unit includes a main control module, a mechanical control module, and a data acquisition and data communication module. The mechanical control module and the data acquisition and data communication module are both connected to the main control module. The mechanical control module is connected to the sampling unit, and the data acquisition and data communication module is connected to the analysis equipment.

[0043] The main control module is responsible for the interaction commands between the modules, coordinating and controlling the operation of each module; the mechanical control module controls the commands of the electric winch 61 and the self-priming pump 73 according to the set program, so that the sampling system can operate in cooperation; the data acquisition and communication module collects algae measurement data and other measurement parameters and stores data in real time. Data communication adopts wireless transmission, and mobile, telecommunications and Unicom networks are all available. The overall principle is to give priority to mature technologies and develop the temperature chain data acquisition and wireless transmission control module according to the design principles of modularity, low power consumption, fast speed and high reliability.

[0044] Low-power data acquisition devices are used for data acquisition. The data acquisition module can collect, store, and report data from winches, instruments, and supporting equipment. The integrated system has both instrument storage function and data acquisition control platform data storage function to ensure that measurement data is not lost in the event of instrument failure or system failure. The instrument memory capacity is greater than one year's worth of data storage.

[0045] The data transmission provides both CPRS and Beidou communication data transmission solutions. The transmission module is characterized by multiple interfaces, strong scalability, and good compatibility. It supports common analog and digital communication interfaces and protocols, such as RS232, RS485, and SDI12, and supports GPRS and Beidou communication data transmission methods. It also has remote control functions.

[0046] Furthermore, power supply unit 3 selects solar power technology, which has low manual operation and maintenance costs and is clean and pollution-free.

[0047] Solar power generation refers to the use of solar energy to generate current through positive and negative magnetic fields. It mainly consists of solar panels, a controller, batteries, and an inverter. During the day, under sunlight, the solar cell modules generate an electromotive force. These modules are connected in series and parallel to form a solar cell array, ensuring the array voltage meets the system's input voltage requirements. The charge / discharge controller then charges the batteries, storing the electrical energy converted from solar energy. At night, the battery bank provides input power to the inverter, which converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) and sends it to the distribution cabinet, where it switches to supply power. The battery bank's discharge is controlled by the controller to ensure normal battery operation. Photovoltaic power station systems should also have load limiting protection and lightning protection devices to protect the system equipment from overload operation and lightning strikes, ensuring the safe use of the system equipment.

[0048] The solar power system used in the construction includes solar panels, battery banks, and a solar controller. The solar panels are installed on the outside of the floating hull in four directions to absorb solar energy from all sides, and the panels can withstand harsh operating environments. The solar panels convert solar energy into electrical energy, which is then stored in the batteries. The batteries are fully enclosed and maintenance-free. The solar controller controls the operation of the power supply system and provides overcharge and over-discharge protection for the energy storage batteries, effectively extending their lifespan.

[0049] The present invention provides a vertical profile algae monitoring system, the working method of which is as follows:

[0050] (1) Surface Sampling: The main control system sends a command to the electric winch, which loosens the pull rope, causing the surface sampling component to slowly descend under gravity until it reaches the designated sampling depth. After a 3-second pause, the main control system sends a command to the winch motor, which retracts the pull rope to lift the surface sampling device off the water surface until the bottom of the surface sampling device is above the water inlet of the water sample monitoring chamber. The retraction of the pull rope is then stopped, maintaining the rope taut. At this moment, the water sample in the surface sampling device flows into the water sample monitoring chamber under gravity through the connected silicone tube. Once the water sample is fully in the monitoring chamber, the main control system sends a command to the monitoring instrument, which begins monitoring the water sample. After monitoring is complete, the main control system sends a command to the electric valve to open the drain valve, emptying the sample from the water sample monitoring chamber. After sample monitoring is complete, the data acquisition instrument simultaneously collects and transmits the monitoring data to the monitoring center, completing one monitoring cycle.

[0051] (2) Vertical Profile Sampling: The main control system sends a command to the multi-way valve of the vertical profile sampling component, controlling the multi-way valve to open the connection pipeline to the 0.5m water depth. The main control system then sends a command to the self-priming pump to start the pump and extract a 0.5m water depth sample. The sample is then transported to the water sample monitoring chamber through the connection pipeline. When the liquid level reaches the level sensor position, the main control system sends a command to stop the self-priming pump and simultaneously sends a command to the monitoring instrument to monitor the sample. After monitoring is completed, the main control system sends a command to the electric valve to open the drain valve and empty the sample in the water sample monitoring chamber. This completes the monitoring cycle. The collection, monitoring, and emptying of samples at other water depths follow the same procedure.

[0052] (3) Flushing: After abnormal monitoring data or completion of multiple sampling monitoring cycles, the water layer with the least algae content is selected as the flushing water source to clean the system. The flushing process is as follows: The main control system sends a command to the multi-way valve of the profile sampling system to control the multi-way valve to open the connection pipeline to a certain water depth. The main control system sends a command to the self-priming pump to start the self-priming pump to extract the water sample at that depth. The sample is transported to the water sample monitoring chamber through the connection pipeline. When the liquid level reaches the position of the liquid level sensor, the main control system sends a command to stop the self-priming pump and at the same time sends a command to the electric valve to open the drain valve and drain the sample in the water sample monitoring chamber.

[0053] (4) The main control unit on the floating platform is connected to the algae monitoring equipment in real time via cable, enabling interactive control. The main control unit controls the electric winch and the integrated tube sampling system to collect samples at different water depths and deposit them into the water sample monitoring chamber. The main controller issues instructions to the algae monitoring equipment to monitor the samples, analyzes and integrates the monitored data, and then sends it to the service center. After sample monitoring is completed, the main controller issues instructions to the drainage system to drain the monitored samples.

[0054] (5) The main control unit is equipped with a 4G network communication module, which can be used in China Telecom, China Mobile and China Unicom network environments, supports private network access, and data transmission is more secure. In order to ensure the reliability of data communication, the software has automatic data retransmission and manual remote download of historical data to ensure the integrity of observation data. The main control unit is equipped with a large-capacity storage card, and the complete observation data is stored in the storage card. It supports remote data download function. It is possible to reserve an interface for access interfaces such as flow rate, flow rate, water quality, nutrient salt, and meteorological equipment.

[0055] This invention has used specific examples to illustrate its principles and implementation methods. The above descriptions of the embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. A vertical profile algae monitoring system, characterized in that: The system includes a float, on which a sampling unit is provided. The sampling unit is connected to an analysis device. Both the sampling unit and the analysis device are connected to a main control unit, which is connected to a power supply unit. The float includes a stainless steel keel, on which polyurea foam is provided; the sampling unit is disposed on both sides of the float; and the analysis equipment, the main control unit, and the power supply unit are disposed in the middle of the float. The floating body is equipped with an equipment rod, on which warning lights, a meteorological multi-parameter acquisition device and a lightning rod are installed; The sampling unit includes a water sample monitoring component, a surface sampling component, and a vertical profile sampling component, all of which are connected to the analysis equipment. The vertical profile sampling component includes an integrated tube bundle, on which a multi-way valve is provided. The multi-way valve is connected to the water sample monitoring component via a self-priming pump. The analytical equipment includes an online fluorescence spectrometer for algae in water, a conventional five-parameter water quality analyzer, and a meteorological multi-parameter analyzer. The online fluorescence spectrometer for algae in water, the conventional five-parameter water quality analyzer, and the meteorological multi-parameter analyzer are all connected to the main control unit. The main control unit includes a main control module, a mechanical control module, and a data acquisition and data communication module. The mechanical control module and the data acquisition and data communication module are both connected to the main control module. The mechanical control module is connected to the sampling unit, and the data acquisition and data communication module is connected to the analysis device. The water sample monitoring assembly includes a water sample monitoring chamber. The top of the water sample monitoring chamber is provided with a top cover. A lifting lug is provided below the top cover, and a monitoring instrument is suspended on the lifting lug. A cable hole is provided below the lifting lug. A first sampling port and a second sampling port are provided in the upper middle part of the water sample monitoring chamber. The first sampling port and the second sampling port are respectively connected to the vertical profile sampling assembly and the surface sampling assembly. A liquid level sensor is provided in the middle of the water sample monitoring chamber. A drain outlet is provided at the bottom of the water sample monitoring chamber, and an electric valve is provided on the drain outlet.

2. The vertical profile algae monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface sampling assembly includes an electric winch, on which a first pull rope is provided. The first pull rope passes around a support and is connected to a surface phytoplankton sampling device.

3. The vertical profile algae monitoring system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The surface phytoplankton sampling device includes a sampling cylinder with a bottom opening. An annular baffle is located on the lower inner side of the sampling cylinder, and a water inlet valve is hinged to the baffle. A baffle plate is located above the baffle. The water inlet valve is connected to a float via a second pull rope, and the float's weight can pull the water inlet valve up. The second pull rope is threaded through a lifting ring, and the float is located above the baffle plate. A water outlet is located on the lower side wall of the sampling cylinder, above the baffle. A scale is provided on the side wall of the sampling cylinder, with the starting end of the scale aligned with the center line of the water outlet. A side-ventilated top cover is provided on the top of the sampling cylinder, and a handle is located above the side-ventilated top cover. A float ring is detachably provided on the upper part of the outer side wall of the sampling cylinder, and a counterweight is detachably provided on the lower part of the outer side wall of the sampling cylinder.

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