DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A LOW-COST IOT-ENABLED REMOTE SENSING DEVICE FOR WATER QUALITY MONITORING IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an IoT-enabled remote sensing device for real-time water quality monitoring, tailored to the unique challenges of developing countries like Nigeria. Utilizing a NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller, temperature, TDS, and turbidity sensors, and Firebase Realtime Database for data storage, the system provides accurate and timely insights into water quality parameters. Tested in a controlled aquaculture pond, the device demonstrated its efficiency in gathering and transmitting data, supporting both environmental monitoring and aquaculture optimization. The system's low-cost, energy-efficient design makes it accessible for resource-constrained settings, addressing the historical underutilization of IoT technologies in developing nations. This innovation holds potential for broad applications, from sustainability research and guiding government policies to enable real-time monitoring of natural water bodies, promoting better water resource management and environmental stewardship.