The AIMS monitoring system integrates in-situ nutrient monitors (Nitrate, Nitrite, Phosphate, Ammonium and Urea), water quality sensors, and water samplers, through a programmable data logger/controller.  The data logger is outfitted with either a radio or cellular modem to establish a two-way wireless communication link with a shore based computer that automatically collects raw data for processing and web posting after initial quality control tests.  Although AIMS collects a wide range of data, analysis of some parameters such as phytoplankton speciation and density have not yet been automated – thus the need for the water samplers.  To make the water sampling more efficient, we have developed programs that “trigger” water samples based on the regular evaluation of real-time results of the system.  We also anticipate such monitoring intelligence to be very helpful in gauging the impact of episodic events such as storms, algal blooms, or waste releases.

Initial scientific objectives: This system is funded by the NOAA MERHAB program that supports research aimed at improving our understanding of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).  We anticipate that AIMS will help us relate changes in nutrient concentrations and various other bio-chemical parameters to changes in algal community structure.  Specifically, what water quality changes are associated with or possibly cause resident phytoplankton populations to change from normal species to harmful species or that cause normal populations to grow to harmful levels.  Many harmful species are normally present in the water or sediment, but in low concentrations and thus not harmful.  Scientists are trying to understand what environmental conditions suddenly trigger them to grow into harmful concentrations, often dominating more benign species.  We expect AIMS to provide insights into these elusive mechanisms.  To learn more:

Water quality

We also have colleagues, the Dugdale group at the Romberg Tiburon Center, conducting nutrient monitoring in the San Francisco Bay.