Mini Secchi: Water Monitoring App

Mini Secchi transforms your smartphone into a professional water quality monitoring tool. Measure water clarity and color with the precision scientists need, using the same methodology as traditional Secchi disks.

Part of the EU H2020 MONOCLE project, Mini Secchi brings standardized water monitoring to everyone. Whether you're a researcher, student, or citizen scientist, this app enables you to contribute valuable data to global water quality databases.

How Mini Secchi Works

The Mini Secchi companion app uses your smartphone's camera together with a physical Mini Secchi disk (provided by Brewtek) to measure water transparency and color - two key indicators of water quality. The app guides you through the measurement process, ensuring consistent, scientifically valid results that can be compared across different locations and times.

Mini Secchi Demonstration

Credit: MONOCLE/Stefan Simis

• Water Clarity Measurement: Determines turbidity and transparency levels
• Color Analysis: Measures water color intensity and characteristics
• Standardized Protocol: Follows scientific methodology for consistent results
• GPS Integration: Automatically records measurement location
• Data Sharing: Contributes to global water quality databases

Scientific Applications

Mini Secchi measurements are used by researchers worldwide for:

• Lake and River Monitoring: Track seasonal changes in water quality
• Pollution Detection: Identify sources of water contamination
• Ecosystem Health: Monitor aquatic ecosystem conditions
• Climate Research: Study impacts of climate change on water bodies
• Satellite Validation: Ground-truth satellite water quality measurements

Research Collaborations & Funding

Mini Secchi has been developed through extensive international research collaborations, bringing together leading institutions to advance water quality monitoring technology.

Key Research Partners

• EU H2020 MONOCLE Project: Core component of the Multiscale Observation Networks for Optical monitoring of Coastal waters, Lakes and Estuaries
• University of Exeter: Collaborative research on water quality assessment methodologies
• UNCW (University of North Carolina Wilmington): Partnership for coastal water monitoring applications
• NASA: Integration with satellite-based water quality monitoring systems

Funding Support

Mini Secchi development has been supported by:

• European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program
• Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation for advancing scientific research tools

This multi-institutional approach ensures Mini Secchi meets the highest scientific standards while remaining accessible to citizen scientists worldwide. The app combines satellite observations with ground-based measurements to create comprehensive water quality monitoring networks across continents.

Citizen Science Impact

Every measurement taken with Mini Secchi contributes to a growing global database of water quality information. This crowdsourced data helps scientists understand:

• Long-term trends in water quality
• Seasonal variations in different water bodies
• Impact of human activities on water ecosystems
• Effectiveness of conservation efforts

Getting Started

Mini Secchi is available on multiple platforms for maximum accessibility:

• Mobile Apps: Download for iOS or Android for on-the-go measurements
• Web Version: Use directly in your browser at minisecchi.citizenscience.app - no download required

Using Mini Secchi is simple:

1. Choose your preferred platform (mobile app or web version)
2. Find a safe location near the water body you want to measure
3. Follow the app's guided measurement protocol
4. Your data is automatically uploaded to the MONOCLE database
5. View your contribution on the global water quality map

Educational Resources

Mini Secchi is perfect for educational settings. Teachers and students can use the app to:

• Learn about water quality indicators
• Practice scientific measurement techniques
• Contribute to real scientific research
• Compare water quality across different locations
• Understand the importance of environmental monitoring

Research Validation

Mini Secchi measurements have been validated against professional laboratory equipment and traditional Secchi disk measurements. The app's methodology ensures data quality suitable for scientific research and publication.

Development & Manufacturing

Mini Secchi is developed by Pocket Science, with the physical Mini Secchi disks manufactured by Brewtek. This partnership combines Pocket Science's scientific app development with Brewtek's precision manufacturing capabilities to deliver a complete water monitoring solution.

Related Resources

• MONOCLE Project - Mini Secchi Technical Details
• MONOCLE H2020 Project Homepage
• Brewtek - Mini Secchi Disk Manufacturer