GaiaXus provides an affordable, portable water monitoring system that merges laboratory instrument accuracy with consumer electronics usability. The Water Guardian platform measures key parameters like turbidity, salinity, and temperature using handheld sensors. Data is managed via a mobile app and visualized on a web portal, supporting K12 education, citizen science, and university fieldwork.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Traditional methods of water quality monitoring often involve bulky, expensive laboratory equipment, limiting accessibility for widespread environmental assessment and educational purposes. Existing multi-parameter sondes can be complex and cost-prohibitive for everyday enthusiasts, students, and smaller organizations. This restricts the ability to collect frequent and geographically diverse water quality data.
Solution
GaiaXus provides a portable water monitoring system that combines handheld sensors with a mobile application and web portal to enable affordable and accurate water quality data collection. The handheld Water Guardian sensor measures parameters such as turbidity, salinity, temperature, and depth. Data from the sensor is transmitted to a mobile app, compatible with Android tablets and Chromebooks, which assists with sensor calibration and provides educational resources. The web portal allows users to export data, view crowdsourced data on an interactive map, and for educators, design and publish customized learning modules.
Target Audience
The primary users are K-12 educators, citizen scientists, universities, and volunteer organizations seeking an accessible and accurate water monitoring system.
Features
- Handheld Water Guardian sensor platform for measuring turbidity, salinity, temperature, and depth
- Mobile app for Android tablets and Chromebooks to control sensors and calibrate data
- Web portal for data export, interactive map visualization, and educational lab design
- Ability to acquire grab samples, operate as a short-term buoy, or be towed behind a kayak
- Suitable for both bench top experiments and outdoor fieldwork
- Ability to view data crowdsourced by other users