资源环境科技发展态势分析平台

Novel in situ sensor technologies can measure water chemistry at high temporal frequencies, yet few studies have evaluated how installation affects measurements. In this study, we assessed the effects of commonly used protective housings on in situ sensor readings. Working in two mountain streams, we co‐located specific conductance sensors in four different housing types that varied in openings for water exchange (mesh, screen, holes, and open). We compared measured conductance values through time, and performed repeated salt tracer additions to evaluate the influence of housing type on calculated discharge. Sensors readings in mesh and, to a lesser extent, screen housings frequently diverged from housings with larger openings (i.e., holes and open), indicating reduced water exchange between stream water and housed sensors. Further, mesh and screen housings recorded more damped and delayed response to salt tracer additions compared to the other two housings, resulting in markedly different discharge values. From these findings, we recommend that water chemistry sensors should be deployed in a protective housing with large openings for sufficient water exchange.