Smart sensors to predict entrainment of freshwater mussels: A new tool in freshwater habitat assessment

The quantification and assessment of dynamic hydrogeomorphological processes is crucial in defining suitable habitat for aquatic benthic species. Yet a consistent approach to accurately record monitor near-bed flow characteristics, remains largely undefined freshwater ecology. purpose this work was provide direct, non-intrusive, low-cost accessible tool evaluate incipient conditions predict when forcing results the entrainment individuals. This study designed, first time, an instrumented mussel, encompassing inertial microelectromechanical sensors (MEMS), housed within Margaritifera margaritifera shells. Following initial calibration embedded ensure accurate detection three-dimensional displacement, dedicated flume experiments were undertaken assess shell movement metrics, range orientations. Analysis found that data from sensors' readings could successfully detect, potentially predict, events through examination variability recordings total acceleration, with risk shown vary across flowrate, orientation size. Instrumented shells valuable assisting conservation management mussel species: aiding identification monitoring reintroduction restoration schemes. also assist suitability surveys species, intimately linked physical environment ecosystems. Evidence suggests further research into may yield methods predicting more complex metrics associated hydraulic stress. It therefore clear potential still be fully investigated.