The water quality in Anne Channel can now be monitored online in real time. Faster data will help identify where bacteria in the channel come from.
In the past, water quality was measured infrequently. The results reached people only several days later. This could cause problems, said Professor Tanel Tenson.
If the beach is polluted, we find out only later. Sometimes the beach is already clean, but warning flags are still up. Faster data will help avoid this.
The new project Linnasulps makes water quality measurement faster. There is a small box on the channel bank. Inside is a pump that pumps water to the sensors.
The sensors measure the amount of bacteria in the water. Data can be measured every couple of minutes. This provides quick information about water quality.
On the website, people can see the water temperature and quality in Anne Channel. They can also see if algae are active. This helps identify the source of bacteria.
Bacteria can come from humans, animals, or birds. Each animal has its own bacteria. The data shows who is causing the pollution.
The project is being tested in Tartu and Ireland. The goal is to create a tool that helps cities and people make better decisions about water use.