Ardulake temperature profiler: an open-source, low-cost, automated monitoring system to unravel the mixing behavior of lakes. (published in HardwareX)

Understanding the thermal classification of lakes based on mixing regimes is fundamental in limnology. Although this classification has traditionally been considered well-established, recent studies highlight variations in the mixing behaviors of ponds and shallow lakes. This paper introduces the Ardulake temperature profiler, an innovative, simple, and autonomous high-frequency temperature monitoring system designed for shallow to moderately deep lakes (3.5 to 10 meters). Utilizing Arduino technology and GPRS telemetry, the system is cost-effective, with electronic components and sensors costing approximately USD 250 and buoy construction and deployment around USD 1000. The Ardulake enables real-time environmental temperature monitoring and data storage on an online platform for subsequent analysis and visualization. The collected data supports ecosystem research and the numerical modeling of thermal behavior in lakes. Key strengths of the system include low production and maintenance costs, replicability, and customization capabilities. Challenges, such as interference from animal activity, are addressed with recommended preventive measures tailored to specific fauna. Overall, the Ardulake temperature profiler offers a practical tool for advancing limnological research, with potential for modification to various environmental monitoring objectives.

理解湖泊的热力分类及其混合状态在湖泊学领域至关重要。尽管此类分类传统上被认为已得到充分确立，但近期研究突显了池塘及浅水湖泊混合行为中的差异。本文介绍了Ardulake温度剖面仪，这是一款创新、简易且自主的高频温度监测系统，专为浅水至中等深度湖泊（3.5至10米）设计。该系统利用Arduino技术和GPRS遥测技术，具有较高的成本效益，电子组件和传感器的成本约为250美元，而浮标构建及部署成本约为1000美元。Ardulake能够实现实时环境温度的监测及数据存储于在线平台，以便后续分析和可视化。所收集的数据支持生态系统研究以及湖泊热行为数值模型的构建。该系统的关键优势包括低廉的生产和维护成本、可复制性和定制化能力。针对如动物活动干扰等挑战，提出了针对特定生物群落的预防措施。总体而言，Ardulake温度剖面仪为推进湖泊学研究提供了一项实用的工具，并具有适应各种环境监测目标的潜力。