The current way of using the multi-algae sensor; in the future, it will be operated automatically from buoys, together with other sensors. (Photo: bbe Moldaenke)

Extensive water monitoring is indispensable for drinking water supply and water protection. Researchers have developed a smart monitoring system that combines various technologies in a depth-profile-measuring multi-sensor buoy for monitoring water bodies and algae growth. Conventional monitoring strategies are frequently based on a multitude of independently acting sensor systems. This aggravates and slows down integrated data evaluation.

The buoy will be used to measure a number of parameters such as temperature, oxygen concentration, algae content, and greenhouse gases at the point of interest as well as for remote water sampling. To study larger water areas, the researchers additionally use hyperspectral remote sensing data. In the future, it will be possible to analyze the ecological status of water bodies online.

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