New sensor technologies developed for soil and marine monitoring

Researchers have developed two distinct sensing technologies aimed at environmental and agricultural monitoring.

Engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder’s BEEM Lab have created a low-cost, robust electronic sensor designed to measure soil pH continuously for several months. Unlike traditional glass electrodes, which are fragile and prone to calibration loss, this device uses a pH-sensitive dye called alizarin applied to printed circuit boards. The battery-powered sensor is designed to remain buried in various soil types, including sandy and clay-rich soils, allowing farmers to monitor acidity in real time and manage nutrient availability more effectively.

Separately, investigators at the University of Coimbra’s Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FCTUC) have developed technology to detect and analyze electrical signals produced by marine microalgae populations. By using a three-dimensional electrode, the team can transform electrical fluctuations into useful data regarding living microalgae. This advancement improves environmental monitoring and the capabilities of bioelectrochemical systems.