USGS Mobile Water Quality Sensor on Mississippi River Boat
U.S. Geological Survey expands it's network of water-quality sensors to include the American Queen Steamboat as she travels the entire length of the Mississipp River collecting nutrient levels and water-quality data along the way. (Image Courtsey: Iowa Public Radio, Iowa City, Iowa, limited use USGS only)
Three news stories were recently published showing the collaboration between the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, and the American Queen Steamboat Company. This effort was to launch the first-of-its-kind mobile sensors attached to the stern of the American Queen Steamboat as she travels the entire span of the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana.
- Water Quality Sensor Hitching Ride on Mississippi River Boat by Adrian Sainz and Janet McConnaughey, Associated Press, September 16, 2019
- USGS Launches Mobile Water Quality Sensor On Mississippi Riverboat by Kate Payne, September 16, 2019
- Water Quality Sensor Hitching Ride on Mississippi River Boat by the Associated Press and aired on KY3 News Channel, WREG, Memphis, Tennessee, 7:00am September 17, 2019
Every five minutes the equipment will measure the water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and nitrate levels in real time, logging GPS information as it goes and will be refreshed online every 15 minutes. The data can then be used by scientists, govenment offices, municpalites and other stakeholders for analysis.
A kiosk has been installed on the American Queen to inform travelers about the project and how the data collected will be used to create a better understanding of the importance of good water quality on the Mississippi River.