Sensors, Telemetry & Monitoring
To assess the hydraulic performance and long-term pollutant retention of the filter trench and bioretention area, a monitoring strategy has been implemented. This approach is essential to better understand how the system works, quantify its efficiency, and generate useful insights for future applications in island environments and ecologically sensitive areas.
The monitoring system includes flow meters and water level sensors installed at the inlet and outlet of the SUDS to analyse hydraulic performance and water retention capacity. Water quality is monitored using multiparameter probes measuring key physicochemical parameters before and after treatment. The equipment allows continuous assessment of system efficiency during rainfall events and regular operating conditions.
Monitoring system diagram
The monitoring programme includes three main components:
- Hydraulic monitoring will rely on flow meters installed at the inlet and outlet, enabling analysis of the water managed by the system and estimation of its retention and filtration capacity. In addition, water levels within the SUDS will be tracked, as this is a key parameter for evaluating system response to rainfall events and performance under varying conditions.
- Water quality monitoring will be carried out using a multiparameter probe at both the inlet and outlet of the bioretention area. This will allow comparison of the physicochemical properties of the water before and after treatment, providing insight into the system's treatment performance and its ability to improve water quality.
- Biodiversity monitoring will focus on assessing the area's ecological value through the quantification of bird species abundance within the SUDS site.
Maspalomas bioretention and filter trench monitoring system layout and instrumentation diagram
Local Meteorological Data
Agregated Precipitation
1 Jan 2024, 00:00 – 31 Dec 2024, 00:00
24-hour meteorological observations (Gran Canaria Weather Stations)
SUDS water Quantity
Indicators data to be defined.
SUDS water Quality
Indicators data to be defined.
Biodiversity Monitoring
Biodiversity monitoring focuses on assessing the ecological value of the intervention area through periodic observation of bird species. The programme evaluates species abundance and the potential use of the SUDS as a complementary habitat. The results will help determine the environmental benefits associated with the NBS.
Abundance of invasive exotic plant species
The chart shows the number of individuals recorded of invasive alien plant species in the intervention area. During the initial monitoring phase, Maireana brevifolia, Cenchrus setaceus, and Opuntia ficus-indica were identified. Records obtained before and after the implementation of the NBS are compared, allowing the evolution of the populations and the potential effects of the intervention on their control and reduction to be assessed.
Abundance of bird species in the SUDS area
Baseline graph showing the abundance of bird species in the SUDS area before and after implementation. The study recorded a total of 15 species in the project area in Maspalomas, of which 7 are under some form of protection. The community is dominated by species typical of urban environments such as Streptopelia decaocto, Serinus canaria, and Passer hispaniolensis, which account for 57.04% of the relative abundance. In contrast, less abundant species such as Falco tinnunculus canariensis, Egretta garzetta, and Anthus berthelotii barely exceed 2% and are subject to some level of protection. This pattern reflects a community dominated by generalist species, with the occasional presence of taxa of higher ecological interest, including Macaronesian endemics.