Development of USV and UAV Robotic System for characterization of abandoned ponds by alluvial mining in the Peruvian Amazon

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has generated numerous abandoned ponds in the Peruvian Amazon, substituting primary forest for a vast wetland of ponds that are subsequently colonized from surrounding water bodies. An adequate environmental characterization of these ponds is crucial to understand the environmental state and the evolution process of these landscapes, as well as the aquatic communities composition in response to habitat variables. Given the high number of abandoned water bodies and the need for quick and less-effort results, this research proposes using real-time robotic technologies through an Integrated Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system. The environmental parameters to be analyzed include Depth (m), Temperature (°C), pH, Conductivity (μS/cm), Chlorophyll (μg/l), Salinity (PSU), Oxidation Reduction Potential (mV), Turbidity (FNU), and Dissolved Oxygen (% Sat). Experimental develop¬ment has been applied in four abandoned ponds related to alluvial mining in the Peruvian Amazon, specifically, Madre de Dios. The results obtained show the versatility of the proposed technology regarding the collection of environmental parameters and bathymetry, providing a methodological basis to implement future studies of ASGM. They will cover a greater area of the landscape as well as generate useful information in a post-mining restoration and wetlands preservation, leading to an effective aid landscape protection, aquatic resource management, and human well-being.