IoT-Based Monitoring System for Turbidity and Mercury Concentration of Rivers in Ghana: Detecting Illegal Mining (Galamsey) Sites and Evaluating Environmental Impact.

Authors- Acquah Andrews

Abstract- Illegal mining, also known as “galamsey,” is a significant environmental issue in Ghana, specifically due to its negative effects on the country’s river ecosystems. The government has implemented several measures to assess the environmental impact and identify illicit mining locations. This research paper introduces an IoT-based system for monitoring water quality of rivers. The system is designed to detect and assess illegal mining activities along rivers, specifically focusing on turbidity and mercury concentration as indicators of pollution. The proposed system leverages the LoRa technology by sending turbidity and mercury sensor data processed by a microcontroller to a server through the LoRa gateway. The system has integrated a fuzzy logic-based model to make accurate predictions about pollution levels and detect the presence of an illegal mining site along the stretch of the river. The designed system passed simulations and tests to confirm that the system is capable of delivering precise and prompt water quality data. The system provides local authorities, environmental agencies, and communities with the necessary information to quickly and efficiently address environmental risks.This IoT-based system aims to protect Ghana’s water resources and promote environmental awareness and responsible resource management.

DOI: http://doi.org/10.61463/ijset.vol.9.issue5.103