The construction of an open source based low cost turbidity sensor

Abstract

A novel device for measuring turbidity was designed and built. The device was prepared using low cost components and open source technology such as Arduinos, 3-D printers and open source software. The device consists of two main parts; firstly a LED which emits light and secondly a system that measures the light that passes through the sample holder. The amount of light is quantified to obtain a value of the turbidity of the sample. A detector setup with two light receptors aligned at 90º with respect to each other was chosen in order to increase the sensitivity of the instrument. The device was calibrated and showed a sensitivity range between 50 and 650 Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU). As part of the system validation test samples of the device were compared with those of a commercial HACH turbidity sensor and the disparity was just 3.3%. The device is intended to be used to monitor the efficiency of removal of suspended particles in soils as well as treatment of wastewater in rural regions of Ecuador.

Keywords

• arduino
• bajo costo
• código abierto
• turbiedad