Insitusensorer

Insitusensorer are sensors designed to measure physical, chemical or biological parameters at the location where the phenomenon occurs, without removing samples for laboratory analysis. They are deployed directly in the environment or system under study and are intended to provide continuous or high-frequency data streams that reflect the current state of the measurement site.

Typical sensors used in situ include those for temperature, humidity, pressure, soil moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, gas concentrations, radiation, as well as optical, chemical and strain sensors. In situ deployments can be autonomous or connected to a data acquisition system, with power supplied by batteries, solar panels or a fixed grid, and data transmitted locally or remotely. Calibration, sensor fouling, installation effects and environmental conditions all influence performance and longevity.

Data handling and integration are common considerations. In situ sensors may operate as standalone instruments or as elements of larger networks and Internet of Things systems, enabling real-time or near-real-time monitoring, time-stamped data, and standardized metadata for interoperability.

Applications span several sectors. In environmental monitoring, they track soil moisture for agriculture, groundwater quality, air quality near sources, and aquatic parameters in water bodies. In civil engineering, they monitor structural health, slope stability and geotechnical processes. In industry, in situ sensors support process control and safety monitoring, while medical and biomedical contexts use implanted or bedside sensors for continuous physiological measurements.

Advantages include reduced sampling bias, immediate detection of changes, and localized measurements. Challenges involve calibration drift, fouling, power and maintenance needs, data management, and ensuring data quality and comparability.