AlgaeTracker
ART-AT1-2
Connects to
TrackerSonde Multi-Parameter Sonde;
Single Sensors. One input port.
Connectable sensor list
TrackerSonde sensors (up to 7 parameters across 6 ports):
pH (ART-PHT2)
Optical dissolved oxygen, concentration and % saturation (ART-ODO2)
Conductivity / TDS / Salinity (ART-CON2)
ORP (ART-ORP2)
Chlorophyll-a (ART-CA2)
Phycocyanin / BGA (ART-PC2)
Oil-in-water (ART-OIW2)
Turbidity (ART-TU2)
Single Sensors (brushed, anti-fouling):
Optical dissolved oxygen / temperature (ART-ODO1-B)
Dissolved organic matter (ART-DOM1-B)
TOC / COD / Turbidity / Temperature, high and low range (ART-UV254-H/L)
Chlorophyll-a (ART-CA1-B)
Phycocyanin (ART-PC1-B)
TSS (ART-TSS1-B)
Related Applications
Drinking water
Harmful algae blooms
Surface water
Recreational water
Surface water
Watershed management
Aquaculture
Irrigation water
Pricing
The system's advanced capabilities are backed by a strong value structure, offering two tailored options for procurement:
* Flexible Hardware Purchase + Subscription: A configuration providing an accessible initial asset acquisition paired with an ongoing subscription for data and dashboard access.
* Concierge 5-Year Plan: A full-package arrangement combining hardware, cloud tracking, and premium support into a comprehensive 5-year timeline.
Overview
The AlgaeTracker is an autonomous, solar-powered water quality monitoring buoy designed for early detection of turbidity issues and harmful algal blooms (HABs), as well as other surface water quality problems. It streams real-time data to an online dashboard, giving water managers 24/7 visibility into lakes, reservoirs and ponds without the delays of manual grab sampling.
The AlgaeTracker can be used in two ways. On its own, it focuses on the surface, measuring algae, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and turbidity. It can also serve as the telemetry platform for subsurface sensors: either the TrackerSonde multi-parameter sonde, which adds up to 7 more water quality parameters from a choice of 10, or a single add-on sensor such as total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved oxygen (DO), total suspended solids (TSS) or dissolved organic matter (DOM).
Sensors and Parameters
The AlgaeTracker’s core sensors measure the parameters that matter most for bloom detection:
Chlorophyll-a, an indicator of total algae
Phycocyanin, the pigment that distinguishes potentially toxic cyanobacteria from general algae
Turbidity
Water temperature
Solar light
GPS location
Readings are taken every 30 minutes. The sensors have been validated with R² greater than 0.999 sensor linearity and R² greater than 0.996 against live cyanobacteria. An integrated wiper keeps the optical sensors clean, so readings stay reliable through long unattended deployments where biofouling would normally degrade data within days.
For monitoring at depth, the AlgaeTracker accepts either a single add-on sensor or the TrackerSonde multi-parameter sonde.
Power
Solar-powered with internal battery for 24/7 operation.
Data and Connectivity
The AlgaeTracker is cellular connected and streams measurements to the AquaRealTime Dashboard, where color-coded gauges, historical charts and customizable Action Threshold alerts make it easy to spot a bloom forming before it becomes a public health issue. Data from the TrackerSonde or add-on sensors appears in the same dashboard alongside the surface readings. An API is available for integrating AlgaeTracker data into existing databases and water quality management systems.
Deployment and Maintenance
The AlgaeTracker ships fully pre-assembled and is designed for a one-person install. At 4 kg (8 lbs) and 35 cm (14") in diameter, it is easy to deploy from a small boat or shoreline. The buoy typically goes from crate to live data in about 30 minutes, with roughly 30 more if you add a sensor or sonde, and no cellular provisioning or dashboard setup is required.
Self-cleaning optics, a robust solar and battery system and a rugged hull keep the AlgaeTracker producing reliable data for long unattended periods. Onboard diagnostics report battery, signal, sensor and wiper status, flagging any issue on the dashboard as soon as it occurs.
Each unit comes with our Rugged Rigging Package, including an inflatable ball buoy and stainless steel cabling. All you need to provide is an anchor or fixed object.
FAQs
Can the AlgaeTracker detect cyanobacteria?
Yes. The AlgaeTracker measures phycocyanin, the pigment unique to cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), which allows it to distinguish potentially toxic cyanobacteria from other algae in real time.
How is AlgaeTracker data transmitted?
The buoy is cellular connected and sends data to the AquaRealTime online dashboard. Data can also be accessed through an API for integration with other systems.
Can the AlgaeTracker monitor more than algae?
Yes. Adding the TrackerSonde extends monitoring to up to 7 additional parameters, including dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and depth.
How much maintenance does the AlgaeTracker need?
Very little. Self-cleaning sensors and onboard diagnostics allow long unattended deployments, with any issues flagged on the dashboard.