Piezoelectric based sensor development to measure sound intensity in aquatic environments.*

When aquatic animals are presented with unfamiliar environments they tend to alter their behavior. To gain insight on such behavioral actions and changes there is a need for a submersible sensor designed to measure sound intensity given by the specimen. Our device builds around the property of a piezoelectric element that gives off an electrical signal when undergoing mechanical stress. This small signal is then boosted by means of a pre-amplifier connected to the piezo element within the device’s housing. In experimentation, the device is placed in a position that allows for exposure of the piezo element surface into the aquatic environment. A clear gel containing the animal’s food or prey within is applied on the surface. In an attempt to get food, or attack, the animal will strike, thus apply a force on the piezo. This provides the mechanical stress needed to gain the electrical signal that is recorded into a digital audio workstation (DAW) as audio. DAW is used to analyze the audio in decibels over time. Software is used to process the data as sound intensity produced by the specimen and quantify the striking intensity. Being able to measure these changes in behavioral habits we would be able to study embryonic learning.