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RECON (River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network)
Encyclopedia
RECON is the River, Estuary, and Coastal Observing Network created and maintained by Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF).
sensor (ISUS), a CTD (conductivity, temperature, and depth) and fluorometer
package for depth, turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and chlorophyll a
fitted with a bleach injection system (WETLabs, Water Quality Monitor), and a CDOM fluorometer. One of the stations also incorporates a Nortek Aquadopp 2-dimensional current profiler sampling at 1 MHz for flow measurements. Data are currently collected hourly and transmitted in near-real time via cellular modems to a dedicated SQL
database and can be viewed also in near real-time and plotted at RECON's website.
Extensive field testing by SCCF has led also to several innovative modifications to improve duration and robustness of these instruments. These include a non-toxic exterior anti-fouling paint, copper foil applied to all connectors and cables, and a custom designed support structure to attach to existing pilings. Other enhancements include a user-friendly website designed for scientists, decision-makers and the general public. Information disseminated through the website includes concise definitions of water quality parameters measured and how to interpret trends in water quality at high resolution. To maintain data quality control, water samples are collected to validate instrument settings and readings with traditional wet-chemistry methods. Water samples are analyzed by a state-certified Florida Department of Environmental Protection
laboratory in Tallahassee, FL. SCCF plans to maintain the observing systems for the next three years or more, depending on funding.
Description
RECON is the first-of-its kind observing system funded from a majority of private donations to SCCF’s Marine Laboratory. Seven fixed locations stream water quality data from in situ Satlantic instrument packages. The sensor array includes a chemical-free nitrateNitrate
The nitrate ion is a polyatomic ion with the molecular formula NO and a molecular mass of 62.0049 g/mol. It is the conjugate base of nitric acid, consisting of one central nitrogen atom surrounded by three identically-bonded oxygen atoms in a trigonal planar arrangement. The nitrate ion carries a...
sensor (ISUS), a CTD (conductivity, temperature, and depth) and fluorometer
Fluorometer
A fluorometer or fluorimeter is a device used to measure parameters of fluorescence: its intensity and wavelength distribution of emission spectrum after excitation by a certain spectrum of light. These parameters are used to identify the presence and the amount of specific molecules in a medium...
package for depth, turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and chlorophyll a
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in almost all plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. Its name is derived from the Greek words χλωρος, chloros and φύλλον, phyllon . Chlorophyll is an extremely important biomolecule, critical in photosynthesis, which allows plants to obtain energy from light...
fitted with a bleach injection system (WETLabs, Water Quality Monitor), and a CDOM fluorometer. One of the stations also incorporates a Nortek Aquadopp 2-dimensional current profiler sampling at 1 MHz for flow measurements. Data are currently collected hourly and transmitted in near-real time via cellular modems to a dedicated SQL
SQL
SQL is a programming language designed for managing data in relational database management systems ....
database and can be viewed also in near real-time and plotted at RECON's website.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the Florida government agency charged with environmental protection.-History:...
laboratory in Tallahassee, FL. SCCF plans to maintain the observing systems for the next three years or more, depending on funding.
External links
- Gulfbase GNFL licensed text