SITES Aquanet

Summary

A standardized infrastructure for researchers to run mesocosm experiments across lakes. The SITES AquaNet infrastructure is comprised of a floating platform containing mesososm enclosures, automatic sensors connected to a datalogging system and handheld sensors. Several water quality variables (light, turbidity, temperature and oxygen, chlorophyll-a and phycocyanin concentrations) can be continuously monitored in each mesocosm with a set of sensors. The sensors are wired to a common cabinet where data is recorded and made available real-time. The sensor set-up allows for capturing ecological responses at a detailed temporal scale. In addition, handheld sensors offer the possibility to measure in-situ pH and conductivity. In principle, it is possible that researchers add their own instruments and equipment to the infrastructure, however, this requires careful planning together with SITES AquaNet. A detailed description of the AquaNet infrastructure can be found in Urrutia-Cordero, P., et al. (2021). Several stations participate in AquaNet, and this project is related to activities at Svartberget. SLU.

mesocosm water quality monitoring