A Multi-Sensing Technology Approach for the Environmental Monitoring of the Ystwyth River

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Water Resource Management
• Environmental Monitoring

Background:

• Growing public concern over Welsh river water quality necessitates improved monitoring and pollution control measures.
• Effective environmental surveillance requires accessible, real-time data for stakeholders including farmers and regulatory bodies.
• Current methods may lack the immediacy and user-friendliness needed for rapid response to water quality changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and assess an interactive web and mobile application for real-time water quality monitoring.
• To provide accessible water quality data to diverse stakeholders, including farmers and the public.
• To evaluate the feasibility of integrating in situ sensors with a user-friendly app for informed decision-making.

Main Methods:

• Development of an interactive web and mobile application with a real-time mapping interface (Mapbox framework).
• Deployment of in situ sensors to collect data on key water quality parameters (pH, EC, temperature, DO, TDS, nitrate).
• Utilizing the Ystwyth River in Mid-Wales as a pilot study area for system assessment.

Main Results:

• Successful creation of a platform providing stakeholders with easy access to real-time water quality data.
• Demonstrated ability for users to view sensor readings by interacting with map markers.
• Validated the system's potential to visualize the impact of land management on water quality.

Conclusions:

• The developed mobile application is a feasible tool for enhancing environmental surveillance and promoting transparency in water quality management.
• The system empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions, fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
• Future integration with AI and satellite data will expand capabilities for proactive water quality management across wider areas.