Embedded Files
Subtidal Macro-Algae Biomass Sampler
Sponsored by
Team 5
Justin Chow Caitlin Speliotopoulos Isabel Jauregui Joshua Yun Denny Zhou
UCSD MAE-156B Spring 2017
Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Project
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Professor: Dr. Jerry Tustaniswkyj
Project Objective
Collect macro-algae from water estuaries to verify other sampling methods (acoustic and electronic sensors), and compare to intertidal measurements to see if they are accurate measurements of overall algae biomass.
Statement of Requirements
In the beginning of the project, the team and the SPAWAR sponsors discussed the desired final results for this project in depth. The requirements formulated through this process guided the project.
This project required the modification of a sediment coring device to collect algae samples, and the implementation of a method of photo capture of the surrounding area for use in algae percent cover analysis. The requirements were that the device must be:
Portable and easy to transport and operate on a kayak
Able to function underwater at depths up to and including 3 m (10 ft)
Able to be driven to a depth of 0.0762 m (3 in) into sediment before collecting the algae
Able to capture an image of a 0.61 x 0.61 m (2 x 2 ft) square of the sediment floor for percent cover analysis
Able to provide a method for creating a 49 intersection grid on captured images for use in algae percent cover analysis
Able to easily take a sample, contain the sample, and be ready to take another
Figure 1 (left): Example of macro-algae in the Santa Margarita Estuary. Image courtesy of SSC Pacific.
Sampling macro-algae is a method of monitoring water quality and eutrophication. Currently, measurements are taken in intertidal areas when the tide goes out, but this limits the areas in which samples can be taken, and doesn't necessarily give the best representation of the nature of algae growth in the area. To improve results, the idea is to take measurements in subtidal estaurine waters, conditions in which algae is still submerged. This opens up areas of greater water depth to assessment and analysis -- and that is where this project comes in.
Eutrophication is defined as the "excessive richness of nutrients in a lake or other body of water, which causes dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen." One of the effects of eutrophication is excess amounts of algae, which is harmful to water quality and to other ecosystems.
Deliverables
Algae Sampler
Collection tube
Extending Rod
Positioning sampler frame
Camera mount
Supporting Deliverables
Operational and assembly guidelines
CAD files and drawings
Bill of materials
Instructional video explaining how to set up trigger
Project Background
Performance Results
Prototype 5/1/17:
Successfully collected 3 samples in water, from a kayak
Lacked a proper trigger mechanism
Lacked a proper pole attachment
Sampler sunk easily into sediment
Frame too bulky for use in a kayak
Prototype 6/6/17:
Successfully collected 2 samples from kayak
add text here
Final Design
Please refer to the Final Design page to obtain an in-depth description of the final prototype and testing results.
Page updated
Report abuse