Surfside Science: Empowering Communities with Environmental Monitoring Innovations

Sean-David Brokke

Abstract:

**Surfside Science: Empowering Communities with Environmental Monitoring Innovations**

**Authors:** Amaryllis Lee, Jeremy Granadillo, Manuel Rojas, Sean-David Brokke$^{1}$, Tony Sevold

**Affiliation:** 1Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of ICT

**Email:** [e-mail]

**SHORT PROJECT DESCRIPTION:**

The project encompasses two primary use cases:

1. **Air Quality Monitoring:** It measures key parameters like particulate matter (PM10.0, 2.5, and 1.0), humidity, and temperature using sensors such as SPS30, PMS5003, and SHT31. The data is transmitted to a central database via GSM communication.

2. **Water Quality Monitoring:** This aspect collects data on pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and electrical conductivity, and also transmits it to a central database via GSM communication.

Both systems utilize a smart design that makes them self-sustaining. They rely on their own batteries charged by solar power, making them suitable for various environments with available sunlight. The systems are energy-efficient and designed for robustness and a long lifespan, estimated to last for several years of data collection. The sequence for both the Air Quality Monitor and the Water Quality Monitor follows a similar pattern: initialization, data sample collection, and the establishment of a connection with the network provider. In the event of a connection failure, data samples are stored on the SD-Card, and if successful, the samples are published to the project website. Thanks to the team's efforts, the Air Quality Monitor System has been successfully collecting and publishing data for over a year.

These two use cases are integral parts of the broader "Surfside Science" project$^{2}$. In addition to Air and Water Quality, monitoring systems have been developed for Seafloor mapping (mapping of benthic habitats using satellite image analysis and AI analysis of citizen-collected underwater imagery) and Coastal change analysis (satellite-based monitoring of changes in vegetative cover, coastline dynamics, and the size of reef islands).

**OVERALL GOALS AND IMPORTANCE:**

The overarching goal of the project is to develop and validate methodologies that enhance accessibility to data collection systems for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This is primarily achieved by creating affordable and highly accurate environmental monitoring prototypes and making them open-source and accessible to the public through the project website. These prototypes are designed to be replicable, even by individuals and communities in countries where climate monitoring efforts are currently limited. The aim is to empower people to become environmental activists by providing them with the tools and knowledge to monitor and address climate and environmental issues in their regions.

**Contact Information:**

$^{1}$ Contact person: Sean-David

**Project Website:** [https://science.brenchies.com/](https://science.brenchies.com/)

Furthermore, the project recognizes the absence of many islands in the Caribbean and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) from the EU climate agreement. This highlights the critical importance of climate monitoring in the Caribbean, as these islands are highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. The data collected is essential for understanding their unique environmental challenges. Without accurate Caribbean-specific data, future climate solutions may not effectively address the specific needs of this region, which possesses a distinct and vulnerable environment.

The project aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Video URL: https://drive.google.com/file/d/169PgUGtWppd_iEQ6V_J_OVU97rJOW3T8/view?usp=sharing

Repository URL: Air & Water Quality: https://github.com/brenchies/SurfsideSensors Coastal mapping: https://github.com/brenchies/surfsideGEE

Submission Number: 5