Wednesday, October 8, 2025
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Terms & Conditions
Environmental Magazine
Advertisement
  • Home
  • News
  • Climate Change
  • Energy
  • Recycling
  • Air
  • Fossil Fuels
  • Water
No Result
View All Result
Environmental Magazine
  • Home
  • News
  • Climate Change
  • Energy
  • Recycling
  • Air
  • Fossil Fuels
  • Water
No Result
View All Result
Environmental Magazine
No Result
View All Result
Home Water

Submersible data loggers monitor the meteorological effects on freshwater macroinvertebrates

July 29, 2024
in Water
A A

Six Tinytag Aquatic 2 data loggers measure the water temperature of River Frome and River Piddle in Dorset to assess macroinvertebrate communities

This post includes sponsored content.

Inspired by the Environmental Change Network, with freshwater and terrestrial sites spread out all over the UK, freelance Freshwater Biologist John Davy-Bowker set up the River Lab Long Term Monitoring (RLLTM) project in Dorset. John’s project focuses on two chalk streams which flow independently and discharge into Poole Harbour: River Frome and River Piddle. Monitoring two sites close to each other makes it easier to see patterns from the data in relation to temperature to determine a common denominator (i.e., weather) in macroinvertebrate communities.

There are always at least two Tinytag Aquatic 2 (TG-4100) temperature data loggers in one location, with a third typically running as a backup, to measure the temperature of the rivers. The loggers record once every half an hour, providing year-round data from both rivers. This temperature data is evaluated alongside water level data and samples of macroinvertebrates to ultimately assess what drives the changes in stream macroinvertebrate communities through time. Water temperature is likely an important influencing factor in macroinvertebrate communities, which is why John monitors this parameter so closely.

At 14 years old, the RLLTM project is still in its early stages. The goal for the coming years is to continue to gather high-quality data for an extended period. However, some of the data has also contributed to other projects, such as Marsh et al’s ‘Warm winters and cool springs negatively influence recruitment of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in a southern England chalk stream.’ Temperature data from the RLLTM programme was used to “calculate the mean water temperature during spawning and emergence.”

It can be difficult to sustain long-term monitoring projects using the same equipment – durability and quality are very important. At the start of this project almost 14 years ago, many freshwater biologists were still using traditional recorders with probes in the water and the device to the side of the river. This was not convenient and users often struggled to calibrate the equipment.

John instead chose Tinytag Aquatic 2 loggers because they are robust and submersible, ideal for being underwater for a long time. John adds, “The long battery life and robustness mean that I can confidently leave the loggers in place for a whole year with no concerns. I often think of them ceaselessly recoding the river temperatures while I’m snug and warm having my Christmas dinner!”

There is a convenient pillar on top of the logger to secure a shackle or seizing wire, stopping it from coming away underwater. There can be a lot of stress on underwater devices due to the varying weather and river conditions, but there is no need to worry about the Tinytag Aquatic 2 loggers being damaged, torn off, or washed away.

The RLLTM project’s loggers are periodically checked to ensure continuous recording. The convenient flashing red LED on the logger is useful to show that the loggers are still functioning correctly at just a glance, with a single flash every four seconds indicating that the logger is recording. All of the Aquatic 2 loggers involved in the programme to date have performed reliably without a single failure.

Another reason John Davy-Bowker chose Tinytag data loggers for the River Lab Long Term Monitoring Project is due to Gemini Data Loggers’ certificated calibration service, traceable to national standards. John comments, “the calibration service is fantastic. We download the data every year and then send the loggers off for calibration. We receive the loggers back with a certificate to prove the readings, fresh batteries installed, and new sealants, all ready to go again!”

Most of the rivers’ temperature readings fall between 5°C to 15°C. John praises the off-the-shelf calibration service measuring at points 0°C and 30°C, however, he typically uses our custom calibration service to receive 7 points of calibration, in 5°C increments from 0°C to 30°C, for greater confirmed accuracy. This gives him reassurance that all of his loggers are running well and providing the best possible data.

Impressed with the quality and durability of the loggers, John would “highly recommend Tinytag data loggers to any environmental scientists looking to record water temperature. They have served me very well for 14 years and I intend to continue using them for the foreseeable future.”

ShareTweetSharePinSendShare

Related Articles

Water

Yorkshire Water models sewer data availability

October 7, 2025
Water

Water contamination detection tool shortlisted for national award

October 6, 2025
Water

How manufacturers are ensuring leak tightness in drainage seals and pipes

October 3, 2025
Water

Real-time river monitoring project launches in Devon

September 23, 2025
Water

Mussels-and-sensors solution anticipates appearance of toxic algal blooms

September 10, 2025
Water

Missoula Water advances leak detection after rigorous competition

September 9, 2025

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended

Trump’s ‘Energy Dominance’ Agenda Sounds Like a Petrostate Plan to Some

November 26, 2024

Boiling tap water helps remove microplastics, says study

February 29, 2024

Don't miss it

Air

First UK-accredited carbon accountants training courses set to launch

October 8, 2025
News

Solar energy is now the world’s cheapest source of power, says new study

October 8, 2025
Activism

Arizona Rural Grassroots Organizers Take on Industrial Developers, Aided by Urban Allies

October 8, 2025
Energy

Global Renewable Power Capacity Expected to More than Double by 2030

October 7, 2025
Fossil Fuels

EPA Drops Planned Delay in Compliance With Fenceline Monitoring at Coke Plants

October 7, 2025
Fossil Fuels

Scientists Find Evidence that a Pennsylvania Town’s Water Was Contaminated by Fracking

October 7, 2025
Environmental Magazine

Environmental Magazine, Latest News, Opinions, Analysis Environmental Magazine. Follow us for more news about Enviroment and climate change from all around the world.

Learn more

Sections

  • Activism
  • Air
  • Climate Change
  • Energy
  • Fossil Fuels
  • News
  • Uncategorized
  • Water

Topics

Activism Air Climate Change Energy Fossil Fuels News Uncategorized Water

Recent News

First UK-accredited carbon accountants training courses set to launch

October 8, 2025

Solar energy is now the world’s cheapest source of power, says new study

October 8, 2025

© 2023 Environmental Magazine. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Climate Change
  • Energy
  • Recycling
  • Air
  • Fossil Fuels
  • Water

© 2023 Environmental Magazine. All rights reserved.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.