A multifunctional device and method for monitoring the deposition rate of a coastal wetland mangrove bed

Abstract

The present application belongs to ecological research technology, and particularly relates to a coastal wetland mangrove foreign sediment monitoring device, characterized in that the device comprises a measuring platform 1, which comprises an outer frame 12 and a hollow platform inner frame 13 located at the geometric center of the outer frame 12, the platform inner frame 13 is a parallelogram and is provided with a surrounding track 11 at the edge, and the bottom edge of the outer frame 12 is further provided with a plurality of docking holes 5; a movable support 8, which comprises a transverse support 81 and a longitudinal support 82 in sliding connection with the track 11, and the transverse support 81 or the longitudinal support 82 is further provided with a sliding device, so that the two can slide relative to each other and stagger through each other; a base 2, which comprises a base outer frame 21 and a hollow base inner frame 22 located at the geometric center of the base outer frame 21, the base inner frame 22 and the platform inner frame 13 have the same central axis, and the base outer frame 21 is further provided with a support rod 3, the support rod 3 is vertically connected with the docking holes 5 one by one in position, so that the measuring platform 1 is fixed directly above the base 2; and a filter membrane 23, which is detachably arranged on the upper surface of the base 2 and completely covers the base inner frame 22.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of ecological monitoring technology, specifically a monitoring device and method for invasive sediments in coastal wetland mangroves. Background Technology

[0002] Mangroves are known as coastal guardians and sea forests. They grow in the mudflats and shallows where land and sea meet, forming a unique ecosystem that facilitates the transition from land to sea. They are home to a variety of species, including plants, birds, fish, shrimp, and mollusks. Mangroves also serve as an effective barrier for coastal cities against typhoons. Maintaining, protecting, and restoring mangrove ecosystems has become an important issue.

[0003] Collecting and analyzing invasive sediments from mangroves can effectively analyze the deposition rate of mangrove wetlands, soil carbon sequestration processes, and emerging pollutants carried by invasive sediments, such as microplastics. This is a fundamental aspect of studying and protecting the ecological environment of mangrove wetlands.

[0004] To date, no simple, effective, feasible, and minimally impactful method for monitoring invasive sediments in mangrove ecosystems has been found.

[0005] The inventors of this invention discovered in their research that collecting and monitoring sediments in mangrove wetlands presents many differences and difficulties compared to collecting and monitoring sediments in other environments such as riverbanks and salt marshes:

[0006] (1) The environment in mangroves is complex. In the existing technology, sediment collection devices that are applicable in other environments are not suitable for mangrove wetlands due to problems such as complicated installation and replacement. The reason is that if the installation or replacement steps are too complicated, the on-site construction of the collection device will have a great impact on the environment.

[0007] (2) The breathing roots at the bottom of mangrove beds are very dense and crisscrossed, which greatly affects the freedom of choice when selecting monitoring points. In many cases, only relatively flat beach surfaces can be found to set up the sampling device. However, this will also affect the standardization of the sampling point layout due to the complexity of the mangrove wetland environment, deviating from the originally preset range. In most cases, the current method can only remove the breathing roots, but over time, the breathing roots will still grow back, which will not only damage the environment but also cause great wear and tear on the experimental equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of the aforementioned problems encountered by the inventors in their research and the research needs, the inventors specifically conducted research on methods for monitoring invasive sediments in mangrove wetlands and the tools used in conjunction with them, and proposed the following technical solutions:

[0009] This invention proposes a multifunctional substrate sedimentation rate monitoring device for mangrove forests in coastal wetlands, characterized by comprising: a measurement platform 1, a movable support 8, a base 2, and a filter membrane 23;

[0010] The measuring platform 1 includes an outer frame 12 and a hollow inner frame 13 located at its geometric center. The inner frame 13 is a parallelogram and has tracks 11 along its four sides. The bottom edge of the outer frame 12 is also provided with a plurality of docking holes 5.

[0011] The movable support 8 is composed of a horizontal support 81 and a vertical support 82. The two ends of the horizontal support 81 and the vertical support 82 are slidably connected to the opposite sides of the parallelogram track 11. The horizontal support 81 or the vertical support 82 are arranged perpendicularly and are configured to slide relative to each other.

[0012] The base 2 includes an outer frame 21 and a hollow inner frame 22 located at its geometric center. The inner frame 22 and the platform inner frame 13 have the same central axis. The outer frame 21 is also provided with a plurality of support rods 3. The support rods 3 correspond one-to-one with the docking holes 5 and are vertically connected, so that the measuring platform 1 is fixed directly above the base 2.

[0013] The filter membrane 23 is disposed on the upper surface of the base 2 and completely covers the inner frame 22 of the base.

[0014] Preferably, the measuring platform 1 and the base 2 are square frames and are spatially parallel, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the measuring platform 1 is smaller than that of the base 2; the inner frame 13 of the platform is a square frame and is spatially parallel to the outer frame 12; the inner frame 22 of the base is a square frame and is spatially parallel to the outer frame 21 of the base; the inner frame 13 of the platform and the inner frame 22 of the base have the same cross-sectional area.

[0015] Preferably, the track 11 is a grooved track with graduations on its outer surface, and there are two transverse supports 81 and two longitudinal supports 82. The transverse supports 81 and longitudinal supports 82 are configured to slide relative to each other by providing support tracks 83 on the surface of the transverse supports 81 or the longitudinal supports 82.

[0016] Preferably, the support rod 3 has a scale on its surface and is telescopic. The telescopic mechanism is configured such that when the support rod 3 is fully retracted, the measuring platform 1 and the base 2 can overlap and close.

[0017] Preferably, the surface of the movable bracket 8 is further provided with a slot 9, in which a laser rangefinder 10 is detachably installed.

[0018] Preferably, the base 2 is provided with fixing holes 7 at its four corners, the fixing holes 7 being used to install fixing parts 6 to improve the stability of the device; preferably, the fixing parts 6 are graduated nails.

[0019] Preferably, a base knob 4 is installed on the upper surface of the base 2 to control the extension and retraction of the support rod 3; a knob 15 is installed at at least one end of each horizontal support 81 and vertical support 82, and a roller is installed at the connection between the knob 15 and the support. The user can control the corresponding horizontal support 81 or vertical support 82 to slide along the sliding track 11 by rotating the knob 15.

[0020] Preferably, the outer frame 12 is 56cm long and wide, the platform inner frame 13 and the base inner frame 22 are 50cm long and wide, the base outer frame 2 is 62cm long and wide, and the support rod 3 has a maximum extension height of 50cm.

[0021] This invention provides a method for monitoring changes in the sedimentation rate of mangrove bed in coastal wetlands using the aforementioned monitoring device, comprising the following steps:

[0022] Step 1: Select installation sites for monitoring devices within the mangrove wetland;

[0023] Step 2: Install the monitoring device at the selected installation point;

[0024] Step 3: Install the laser rangefinder and adjust it to the ideal position in space by controlling the knob and the base knob. Record the measurement points to measure the bed erosion height at different water surface positions.

[0025] The scouring and silting height of the subsoil refers to the change in height of the subsoil caused by scouring and silting.

[0026] The present invention also provides a method for capturing invasive sediments in coastal wetland mangroves using the above-mentioned monitoring device, comprising the following steps:

[0027] Step 1: Select installation sites for monitoring devices within the mangrove wetland;

[0028] Step 2: Install the monitoring device at the selected installation point and install fixing parts in the fixing holes to prevent the equipment from moving;

[0029] Step 3: Select 1 to 3 layers of filter membrane with a pore size of 1 to 3 micrometers, cut them to a size not less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner frame of the base, lay them on the base and completely cover the inner frame of the base, shake down the measuring platform to make the support rod fully retract and clamp and fix the filter membrane.

[0030] Step 4: Replace the filter membrane or the entire monitoring device periodically;

[0031] Step 5: Analyze the sediments captured by the removed filter membrane. The sediment analysis includes: weighing the sediments, performing physicochemical analysis, analyzing the organic carbon content, and analyzing environmental factors.

[0032] The weighing of sediment refers to the weighing of the removed filter membrane after drying, and the difference between the weight of the filter membrane and the weight of the foreign sediments enriched by the sampler during that time period is equal to the weight of the foreign sediments enriched by the sampler during that time period.

[0033] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0034] The inventors have proposed a new method for monitoring invasive sediments in mangrove wetlands, including the design of a matching device. In the method of this invention, the base of the sediment monitoring device is designed to be hollow, which can both support the filter membrane and reduce the impact of the device on the breathing roots of mangroves. This reduces the difficulty of selecting the installation point of the sediment monitoring device, and it is not necessary to find a flat beach or remove the breathing roots.

[0035] In the method of the present invention, after the sediment monitoring device is first set up, if the filter membrane or equipment needs to be replaced during subsequent sampling, the equipment can be prepared and assembled in advance (the shape and size of the filter membrane are prepared according to the data at the time of the first installation), and then the fixing parts can be inserted at the installation point without the need for cumbersome operations at the installation point.

[0036] Once the measuring platform is fully closed to the base, the filter membrane is mechanically clamped between the measuring platform and the base, reducing the risk of the collected material scattering due to tearing the filter membrane when removing it.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a laser rangefinder is also installed on the sediment monitoring device, which can capture foreign sediments while simultaneously measuring the bed height. This fills a gap in the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a top view schematic diagram of the monitoring device in this invention;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a top view of the base of the monitoring device in this invention;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a front view schematic diagram of the monitoring device in this invention;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a top view of the monitoring device after the filter membrane is installed in this invention;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a top view of the base of the monitoring device after the filter membrane is installed in this invention;

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the closed state of the measuring platform and base after the filter membrane is installed in the monitoring device of this invention;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a stereoscopic view of the monitoring device after installation in this invention;

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the adjustment position of the laser rangefinder in the monitoring device of this invention;

[0046] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of one connection of the movable support in the monitoring device of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the support rod being stored in the closed state of the monitoring device in this invention;

[0048] Wherein: 1-measuring platform, 11-track, 12-outer frame, 13-inner platform frame, 15-knob;

[0049] 2-Base, 21-Outer frame of base, 22-Inner frame of base, 23-Filter membrane;

[0050] 3-Support rod, 4-Base knob, 5-Matching hole, 6-Fixing component, 7-Fixing hole;

[0051] 8-Movable bracket, 81-Horizontal bracket, 82-Vertical bracket, 83-Bracket track, 9-Slot, 10-Laser rangefinder. Detailed Implementation

[0052] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The described embodiments are some, but not all, embodiments of this application. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] This invention discloses a monitoring device for invasive sediments in coastal wetland mangroves, comprising: a measuring platform 1, a base 2, a support rod 3, a movable bracket 8, and a filter membrane 23.

[0054] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 9As shown, the measuring platform 1 is a square frame, including an outer frame 12 and a square hollow platform inner frame 13 located at the overall geometric center of the measuring platform 1. The platform inner frame 13 and the outer frame 12 are arranged parallel to each other. Each of the four corners of the bottom surface of the outer frame 12 is provided with a docking hole 5. A groove-shaped sliding track 11 is provided along the four sides of the platform inner frame 13, and a movable bracket 8 is slidably installed in the track groove.

[0055] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, the movable support 8 includes two horizontal supports 81 and two vertical supports 82. The surfaces of the two horizontal supports 81 or the two vertical supports 82 are provided with support tracks 83, so that the corresponding vertical supports 82 or horizontal supports 81 are vertically intersected and can slide relative to each other. The four tracks intersect to form a "well" shaped intersection position and form a grid.

[0056] The aforementioned intersection is used to install the laser rangefinder 10; it is understood that the intersection formed between the transverse support 81 and the longitudinal support 82 can be adjusted to any position within the platform inner frame 13 by relatively sliding the transverse support 81 or the longitudinal support 82 as needed.

[0057] The relative sliding between the transverse support 81 and the longitudinal support 82 can be optionally achieved, for example, by setting a track at the bottom of either support and then sliding in a different direction by gears, and should also be included in the scope of protection of this application.

[0058] The base 2 is also a square frame with a cross-sectional area larger than that of the measuring platform 1. It includes an outer frame 21 and a square hollow inner frame 22 located at the overall geometric center of the base 2. The inner frame 22 and the outer frame 21 are also in a spatial parallel state. The inner frame 22 and the inner frame 13 of the platform have the same central axis and the same cross-sectional area. In addition, four support rods 3 are provided on the surface of the outer frame 21. The support rods 3 correspond one-to-one with the docking holes 5 and are vertically connected, so that the measuring platform 1 is fixed directly above the base 2.

[0059] A filter membrane 23 is provided on the surface of the base 2, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the filter membrane 23 can completely cover the inner frame 22 of the base and its area is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the base 2, and it is used to collect and capture foreign sediments.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the measuring platform 1 and the base 2 are arranged parallel to each other. Similarly, the inner frame 13 of the platform and the inner frame 22 of the base are also arranged parallel to each other.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, all support rods 3 are retractable structures and are configured such that when the support rods 3 are fully retracted, the measuring platform 1 and the base 2 will be completely closed.

[0062] like Figure 10 As shown, the fully retracted support rod 3 will be submerged inside the docking hole 5, thereby clamping and fixing the filter membrane 23 between the measuring platform 1 and the base 2. The advantage of this design is that it eliminates the need for adhesives and additional filter membrane fixing parts, saving costs and facilitating the replacement of new filter membranes. As for how the telescopic structure of the support rod 3 is implemented, there are many mature technical solutions in the existing technology, which will not be elaborated here.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the bottom edges of the horizontal bracket 81 and the vertical bracket 82 extend inward to form an "L"-shaped slot 9 for detachably mounting the laser rangefinder 10.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the surface of the sliding track 11, i.e. the upper edge of the platform inner frame 13, is provided with scale lines, which can accurately and timely obtain the area of ​​each grid and the position of the laser rangefinder in the platform inner frame 13.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 9 As shown, at least one end of each horizontal support 81 and vertical support 82 is equipped with a knob 15. A roller is installed at the connection between the knob 15 and the support. The user can control each support to move along the sliding track 11 by rotating the knob 15.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, a base knob 4 is provided on the upper surface of the base 2. The surface of the base knob 4 is provided with a scale corresponding to the controllable height of the support rod 3. The user only needs to rotate the base knob 4 to control the extension or retraction of the support rod 3. In addition, the advantage of designing the base knob 4 on the upper surface of the base 2 rather than on other sides is that it can effectively prevent mud and sand from jamming the base knob 4 due to long-term immersion of the equipment in water.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the four corners of the base 2 are also provided with fixing holes 7 that pass through the base body 2, which are used to install the fixing parts 6 to fix the base in the selected ground position, thereby further improving the stability of the device during use. Specifically, the fixing parts 6 are nails with scales. This can improve the stability of the device under water flow conditions during setup, and the scale on the nails can be used to fine-tune the position of the device, while recording data to make subsequent measurements more accurate.

[0068] Furthermore, such as Figure 7As shown, the outer frame 12 is 56cm long and wide, the inner frame 13 of the platform and the inner frame 22 of the base are 50cm long and wide, the outer frame 2 of the base is 62cm long and wide, the filter membrane 23 is 51cm long and wide, the support rod 3 has a maximum extension height of 50cm, and the laser rangefinder can measure any cross-sectional data within a range of 50cm*50cm.

[0069] This invention also discloses a method for monitoring changes in the sedimentation rate of mangrove bed in coastal wetlands using the above-mentioned monitoring device, comprising the following steps:

[0070] Step 1: Select a location within the mangrove wetland to install the monitoring device.

[0071] Step 2: Set up the monitoring device at the selected installation point, and decide whether to install scale nails based on the specific water flow velocity.

[0072] Step 3, as follows Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the laser rangefinder 10 is installed at the intersection of the "well" shape formed by the movable bracket 8. By using knob 15 and base knob 4, it is positioned to achieve the ideal spatial position, recording different water level positions (i.e., ...). Figure 8 Each preset recording point (i.e., the horizontal dashed line in the middle) Figure 8 The dot in the diagram represents the sedimentation height of the subsoil. Here, sedimentation height refers to the height change of the subsoil caused by sediment erosion and deposition.

[0073] The present invention further discloses a method for capturing invasive sediments in coastal wetland mangroves using the above-mentioned monitoring device, comprising the following steps:

[0074] Step 1: Select a location within the mangrove wetland to install the monitoring device.

[0075] Step 2: Set up the monitoring device at the selected installation point and install the fixing part 6 in the fixing hole 7 to prevent the equipment from being impacted by the water flow.

[0076] Step 3: Select at least one layer of filter membrane with a pore size of 1-3 micrometers, cut it to 52cm x 52cm, lay it on the base 2, and completely cover the inner frame 22 of the base. Use the base knob 4 to lower the measuring platform 1, so that the support rod 3 is fully retracted, clamping and fixing the filter membrane 23 between the measuring platform 1 and the base 2. At the same time, rotate the knob 15 to move the movable bracket 8 to the edge of the inner frame 13 of the platform to prevent it from affecting the area of ​​the collection area.

[0077] Step 4: Replace filter membrane 23 or the entire monitoring device periodically.

[0078] Step 5: Analyze the sediments captured by the removed filter membrane. The sediment analysis includes: weighing the sediments, physicochemical analysis, organic carbon content analysis, and environmental factor analysis. Weighing the sediments means weighing the removed filter membrane after drying, and subtracting the weight of the filter membrane 23 equals the weight of the foreign sediments enriched by the sampler during that time period.

[0079] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A multifunctional substrate sedimentation rate monitoring device for coastal wetland mangrove forests, characterized in that, include: Measurement platform (1), movable support (8), base (2) and filter membrane (23); The measuring platform (1) includes an outer frame (12) and a hollow platform inner frame (13) located at its geometric center. The platform inner frame (13) is a parallelogram and has a surrounding track (11) on its edge. The bottom edge of the outer frame (12) is also provided with a plurality of docking holes (5). The movable support (8) includes a transverse support (81) and a longitudinal support (82) slidably connected to the track (11), the two ends of the transverse support (81) and the longitudinal support (82) being slidably connected to opposite sides of the track (11), the transverse support (81) and the longitudinal support (82) being arranged perpendicularly to each other and configured to slide relative to each other. The base (2) includes an outer frame (21) and a hollow inner frame (22) located at its geometric center. The inner frame (22) and the inner frame (13) of the platform have the same central axis. The outer frame (21) is also provided with a plurality of support rods (3). The support rods (3) correspond one-to-one with the docking holes (5) and are vertically connected, so that the measuring platform (1) is fixed directly above the base (2). A filter membrane (23) is detachably disposed on the upper surface of the base (2) and completely covers the inner frame (22) of the base. The support rod (3) has a scale on its surface and is telescopic; the telescopic method is set such that when the support rod (3) is fully retracted, the measuring platform (1) and the base (2) can overlap and close. The movable bracket (8) is also provided with a slot (9) on its surface, and a laser rangefinder (10) is detachably installed in the slot (9). The base (2) has four through holes (7) for mounting fasteners (6) to improve the stability of the device. The fasteners (6) are scale nails. The base (2) has a base knob (4) on its top surface, and the base knob (4) has a scale on its surface for precisely controlling the extension and retraction of the support rod (3). Each horizontal support (81) and vertical support (82) has a knob (15) installed at at least one end. The knob (15) is connected to the support and a roller is installed. The user can control the corresponding horizontal support (81) or vertical support (82) to slide along the track (11) by rotating the knob (15).

2. The monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measuring platform (1) and the base (2) are square frames and are parallel in space; The cross-sectional area of ​​the measuring platform (1) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the base (2); The inner frame (13) of the platform is a square frame and is spatially parallel to the outer frame (12); The inner frame (22) of the base is a square frame and is spatially parallel to the outer frame (21) of the base; The platform inner frame (13) has the same cross-sectional area as the base inner frame (22).

3. The monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The track (11) is a grooved track with graduations on its outer surface. The transverse support (81) and the longitudinal support (82) are two in total. The transverse support (81) and the longitudinal support (82) are configured to slide relative to each other by means of support rails (83) provided on the surface of the transverse support (81) or the longitudinal support (82).

4. The monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer frame (12) has a length and width of 56cm, the platform inner frame (13) and the base inner frame (22) have a length and width of 50cm, the base outer frame (21) has a length and width of 62cm, and the support rod (3) has a maximum extension height of 50cm.

5. A method for monitoring changes in sedimentation rate of mangrove bed in coastal wetlands using the monitoring device according to any one of claims 1-4, comprising the following steps: Step 1: Select installation sites for monitoring devices within the mangrove wetland; Step 2: Install the monitoring device at the selected installation point; Step 3: Install the laser rangefinder and adjust it to the ideal position in space by controlling the knob and the base knob. Record the measurement points to measure the bed erosion height at different water surface positions. The scouring and silting height of the subsoil refers to the change in height of the subsoil caused by scouring and silting.

6. A method for capturing invasive sediments in coastal wetland mangrove forests using the monitoring device described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Select installation sites for monitoring devices within the mangrove wetland; Step 2: Install the monitoring device at the selected installation point and install fixing parts in the fixing holes to prevent the equipment from moving; Step 3: Select 1 to 3 layers of filter membrane with a pore size of 1 to 3 micrometers, cut them to a size not less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner frame of the base, lay them on the base and completely cover the inner frame of the base, shake down the measuring platform to make the support rod fully retract and clamp and fix the filter membrane. Step 4: Replace the filter membrane or the entire monitoring device periodically; Step 5: Analyze the sediments captured by the removed filter membrane. The analysis includes: weighing the sediments, performing physicochemical analysis, analyzing the organic carbon content, and analyzing environmental factors. The weighing of the sediment refers to weighing the removed filter membrane after it has been dried, and subtracting the weight of the filter membrane from the weight of the filter membrane equals the weight of the foreign sediments accumulated on the filter membrane during that period.

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