UF Scientists Develop Water Quality Monitoring Device

(TNS) — University of Florida scientists have developed a device to monitor water quality for as little as $1,500.

Eban Bean , UF/IFAS assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering (ABE), is working with Piyush Agade, an ABE doctoral student to develop "GatorByte," a water-quality buoy device.

"We can put these devices into the top of a watershed and allow stormwater flow to carry the GatorByte buoys downstream and essentially map the water quality in an urban watershed," Bean said. "At the end of the storm, we can then go to the bottom of the watershed and pick up those units again for the next deployment."

The device incorporates GPS and cellular communication to make tracking and recovering the unit possible. Data from GatorByte is sent to the cloud in real time using a cellular signal and includes on-board data storage for backup if there is no cellular signal.

"Using water-quality and location data, we hope to allow water resource managers to quickly locate sources of pollution — or at least identify areas that need further investigation," Agade said. "Moreover, we plan on making the software and hardware design available to the public for use and alteration."

Bean and Agade have tested GatoryByte in Gainesville at Hogtown Creek and Lake Wauberg. Next, they are looking to test the device in a place like the Suwannee River. Researchers say GatorByte likely can be used to monitor water quality around Florida, and the U.S., according a news release from UF/IFAS.

---- Gainesville dentist Dr.  Meredith Goodrich  is one of 89 dentists in the country to receive a a prestigious 2020 Mastership Award from the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). The award, a professional credential that recognizes AGD members' commitment to excellence in dental education, is the highest honor available in AGD and one of the most respected designations in the profession,

Goodrich has now joined more than 3,500 members of the dental community who go above and beyond basic requirements.

The Master Award criteria includes accomplishing 1,100 hours of continuing dental education in the 16 disciplines of dentistry, including 400 hours dedicated to hands-on skills and techniques., according to the Academy of Dentistry.

"Becoming an AGD Master means a dentist has taken part in some of the most rigorous continuing dental education programs today," said Connie L White, DDS, FAGD, AGD president in a news release. "Only two-percent of all dentists have earned the Mastership from the AGD. We are proud to honor Goodrich for her commitment and dedication to provide her patients with advanced and exceptional oral health care."

White said Goodrich is exceeding industry requirements and paving a path of success, distinguishing herself professionally amongst her peers and exemplifying her allegiance to the dental community.

Goodrich, who graduated from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 2002, is a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Alachua County Dental Association, Christian Dental Society, and The Pankey Institute. Founded in 1952, AGD is the largest association for general dentists in the world and serves the needs and represents the interests of general dentists.

(c)2020 The Gainesville Sun, Fla. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.