Team Bath Biodevices without Borders have created the OASIS water quality monitoring device. Credit: University of Bath
Key points:
- A portable water quality monitor could help rapidly detect and map safe water sources.
- When dipped in water, the device determines the quality and safety of the water by using a series of small electrochemical sensors.
- The device also contains GPS technology to plot the results to a global map.
Students at the University of Bath (UK) have created a portable water quality monitor that can help rapidly detect and map safe water sources for communities around the world.
The OASIS—short for On-site Aquatic Safety Inspection System—works by employing an array of electrochemical sensors. When the sensors come into contact with water, they initiate a series of electrochemical reactions, which are affected by the presence, concentration and type of contaminants in the water—including chlorides, fluorides and nitrates, as well as pH level, temperature and turbidity. By analyzing the output of these reactions, the device can detect and quantify various clean water indicators. Results are then displayed on the device, and if a smartphone is connected, it can be uploaded and shared online.
The innovative water diagnostic is combined with GPS technology so it can plot the results to a global map.
"This could work in areas where water is scarce, potentially contaminated, or where agricultural work can cause quite rapid changes to water quality. It can provide a form of immediate detection of risks, or for situations such as a cholera outbreak,” said team leader Alexz Farrall.
While other portable water sensors exist, the OASIS device's distinction lies in its affordability and innovative integration of technologies. By designing cheap and reliable sensors and making their project open-source, the University of Bath team aims to work with NGOs to bring the device into full production and make it available in areas where they operate.
“One of the key issues we're focusing on is how to provide a useful and usable data infrastructure alongside strong capability and detail,” said Farrall. “Longer-term, you could use different attachments to have the sensors monitor every tap, pipe, or river to increase awareness and more quickly determine outbreaks or contaminant sources.”
Next, the researchers are working to make the device more efficient and affordable, as well as add greater sensitivity and detection toward a range of contaminants. Additionally, they aim to explore its potential to address socio-economic challenges, such as creating water quality monitoring jobs for locals.