Design and Implementation of a Cost-Effective Water pH Monitoring Device Using Arduino

Abstract

Water quality monitoring is crucial in various fields, including environmental protection, aquaculture, and industrial processes. One of the most critical parameters in water quality assessment is pH, which indicates the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Traditional pH monitoring methods, such as colorimetric techniques, are often subjective and unsuitable for continuous measurement. Meanwhile, while accurate, commercial electronic pH meters are expensive and inaccessible for small-scale applications. This study presents the design and implementation of a cost-effective, real-time pH monitoring device using Arduino technology. The device integrates a pH sensor probe, an Arduino Uno microcontroller, and an LCD display to provide accurate and immediate pH readings. The system was calibrated using standard buffer solutions (pH 4.0 and pH 7.0) and tested against a standard laboratory pH meter. Experimental results demonstrated that the constructed device had an average error margin of ±0.04 and ±0.02 for the standard buffer solutions, respectively, making it a viable alternative for small-scale and field applications. Additionally, the system exhibited a fast response time of 3–5 seconds, ensuring real-time monitoring capability. The total project cost was approximately ₦136,400, significantly lower than commercial pH meters, which range between ₦3,000,000 and ₦5,000,000. The study highlights the feasibility of using open-source electronics for cost-effective environmental monitoring. Future improvements, such as wireless connectivity, temperature compensation, and multi-parameter sensing, could further enhance its functionality. This research contributes to the development of affordable and reliable pH monitoring solutions, particularly in resource-limited settings, making it a valuable tool for water quality management.