Cumulative Particulate Sampling Device for Water Contaminant Tracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grab sampling methods for water quality assessment are costly, limited in spatial and temporal resolution, and unable to identify the source of contaminants effectively, particularly for fecal-indicator bacteria like E. coli.
Innovation Solution
A cumulative sampling device using diatomaceous earth or similar particulate matter is deployed in water bodies to capture contaminants over time, allowing for effective identification of contaminant sources and improved accuracy in contaminant tracing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If grab sampling is used to assess water quality, then sampling cost and simplicity are reduced, but temporal and spatial resolution are limited and contaminant source identification is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device is divided into multiple functional segments: a collection chamber for particulate matter, a filtration system for water separation, and sampling ports positioned at different depths and locations. This segmentation enables simultaneous collection of water column and bottom sediment samples, providing spatial resolution that identifies contaminant sources while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested structure where sampling components are arranged concentrically - the collection chamber contains the filtration system, which in turn contains the particulate matter collection area. This nested arrangement provides multiple sampling zones within a single device, enhancing temporal and spatial resolution without requiring multiple separate sampling operations
2Measurement precision
If cumulative sampling with sediment bags is used, then contaminant tracing accuracy is improved, but particle loss to flow occurs and the device cannot function in low flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides different sampling qualities at different locations: the collection chamber captures bottom sediment particles, while the water column sampling ports capture dissolved and suspended contaminants. This local quality differentiation ensures reliable sampling across all flow conditions - in high flow, the chamber captures particles; in low flow, the water column ports remain effective
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling device is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it can be deployed at various orientations (vertical, horizontal, angled) and depths depending on flow conditions. The sampling ports are positioned to capture water flow from multiple directions, allowing the device to adapt to changing flow regimes while maintaining contaminant tracing accuracy
3Measurement precision
If frequent grab sampling is performed to improve temporal resolution, then contaminant data completeness is improved, but sampling cost and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cumulative sampling device provides continuous sampling action over extended periods - the collection chamber continuously captures particles deposited from the water column, and the water column ports continuously sample dissolved contaminants. This continuous action eliminates the need for frequent discrete grab samples, reducing time and cost while providing complete temporal data
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-sampling through its passive design - contaminants are automatically collected by the particulate matter in the collection chamber and by water flow through the sampling ports without requiring active pumping or manual sampling operations. This self-service capability enables continuous sampling with minimal human intervention, reducing time loss while maintaining data completeness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cumulative sampling device provides a cost-effective and accurate method for identifying sources of contaminants, offering improved spatial and temporal resolution compared to traditional grab sampling, and enabling targeted mitigation activities.
Implementation Method 1
Targeted contaminants that attach or grow on the substrate are collected
Implementation Method 2
bacteria may attach and be deposited in said sediment from stream flow
Implementation Method 3
one or more mesh bags disposed in the interior of the body and configured to contain the particulate matter
Implementation Method 4
Sediment-based sampling for fecal contaminants works in this device by having placed a contained volume of sediment or particulate matter in the stream, where bacteria may attach and be deposited in said sediment from stream flow
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a sampling device includes: an elongated tubular body having a longitudinal axis and a hollow interior enclosed at a top longitudinal end and a bottom longitudinal end of the body and a particulate matter. One or more mesh bags are disposed in the interior of the body and configured to contain the particulate matter inside a first mesh bag. The first mesh bag is an innermost mesh bag contained inside one or more outer mesh bags in a nested configuration when two or more mesh bags are disposed in the interior of the body. The body includes a plurality of body openings on one half lateral side of the body and no body openings on an opposite half lateral side of the body.