6portable Water quality analysis using arduino

Project reportAugust 25, 2014OverviewProject Background and DescriptionThe objective of our project was to build a portable device for water quality analysis using Arduino. It involved the use of four sensors. Coloursensor , PH sensor , TDS meter and temperature sensor . It also involved a GSM Module for network communication and creating a Database (using MySQL) for data analytics on water quality from different localities.

Shortcomings that were faced during the course of projectWe intended to make this device as economic as possible.

There were certain difficulties in getting the PH and TDS sensors working. This was mainly because we tried to obtain the values directly from a ready made sensor by trying to bypass the IC connections to the LCD in both cases of TDS and PH meters. The other alternative to obtain these reading is the use of PH probes which are expensive as well as difficult to calibrate and handle hence was not a feasible solution.PH Sensor As the sensor was reused and removed from an older project it wasalready in a bad condition. The wires had snapped apart and the Msealused before made it difficult to access the terminals on the IC . We got the missing circuit connections gun soldered after going through the circuit diagram and then tested it again. But the sensor failed to show accurate readings even with the right code. It generates junk values at the Analog pin of the Arduino. We made sure that there is no mistake in the circuit diagram and code part of it.

After several unsuccessful attempts at getting the old sensor working we felt there could be due to a fault in the old PH meters IC. So we decided to buy a new PH sensor. Followed the same procedure to procure the LCD readings onto the Arduinos serial monitor using a T junction at the corresponding IC pin. The new sensor also failed to produce any reliable reading at the analog pin of the Arduino. We tried several different methods in order to get it working Tried using a pull up resistor circuit to amplify the voltage signal being generated by the sensor . The Arduino still failed to pickup any reading from the sensor Instead of connecting the pin that was supposed to give the PH reading to the Arduino we tried connecting it to a Digital Multimeter .

When we tried this the multimeter did show a reading when the wire from the sensor was connected to it . But the reading on the sensor LCD itself started varying when connected to the LCD for some reason. It no longer showed the right value of PH atleast on the sensor. The voltage going to the LCD from the sensor seemed to start varying when we connected it to the multimeter. This indicates that there could be a flaw in the IC pin that was soldered in the earlier project to obtain LCD values.

When we approached seniors regarding this, the people who had worked on it earlier told us that they never got accurate values either and that they were not sure what the pins from which wires were taken meant. Other seniors were unsure of how to transfer the LCD data to the serial monitor since no information was available regarding the IC.

We tried finding a solution from forums and literature available on the internet. There was one method in particular that we came across but it seems to be tedious with a lot of soldering and op amp circuits involved. Alternative approach In order to transfer the LCD reading to the Arduino Serial Monitor there are three other methods which could work but we havent given it a try.1. Use a Camera Module with a Raspberry Pi to take images of the LCD reading and then use Python Scripts to perform OCR on the images procures and then send these values to a Database .This method would make the project expensive since there is a raspberry pi and camera module required. Thus it would make the project uneconomical.

2. Use PH Probes or Vernier sensors to get the PH values directly to the Arduino .Eghttps://www.sparkfun.com/products/12872This involves expensive probes and theyre made of glass which is very delicate for portable use

3. Use a hack we found on a Arduino forum. This method involves a complex circuit that translates the LCD readings into Arduino Analog values. But practical realization of this circuit is difficult since it involves a lot of soldering between every pin on the IC .

Things we learnt from this Project Microcontroller : Arduino Basics , Analog and Digital Input from sensors . Sensors : Functioning of LM35 sensor , TCS230 Colour sensor. We could get the room temperature and colour recognition using these sensors . In the process we learnt how physical quantities are converted into analog voltages in an Arduino. Wireless Transmission : Transmission of data from an Arduino to a mobile device using GSM module and its working. Database : Steps and tools(MySQL) involved in creating a database using values from a microcontroller (logged continuosly) and maintaining it. Need for voltage amplification from a sensor to Arduino . The importance of patented hardware and protection of intellectual rights. The IC architecture and IC number were both unknown for the TDS as well as PH sensors.

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