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In the realm of its blue-green algae detection, CSIRO’s latest tool, AquaWatch Australia, underscores the pivotal role of advanced satellite technology as the superior tool. This technology not only facilitates the identification of prominent algal blooms but also offers the capacity to trace their growth and movements. The core advantage lies in the ability to observe inland and coastal water quality issues from a spatial perspective, a feat made possible through the utilisation of specialised satellite sensors.
The solution is a cornerstone of AquaWatch Australia’s mission, which seeks to establish a comprehensive “weather service” for water quality nationwide. By capitalising on the capability to assess water quality issues remotely from a distance of 600 kilometres in space, AquaWatch can efficiently deliver vital data across expansive regions, with applications spanning health, environmental management, and industrial sectors.
The Mission Lead at AquaWatch accentuated the technology’s emphasis on colour recognition. Specific water quality issues can be identified based on their distinct colour signatures, effectively captured by satellite sensors such as the NASA EMIT sensor aboard the International Space Station. For example, algal blooms manifest as a particular shade of green in satellite images, providing not only early detection but also unique aesthetic insights.
Furthermore, AquaWatch’s technological approach extends to other water quality concerns, including sediment plumes and dissolved organic carbon. Sediment plumes, visible as a pronounced bright, milky brown in satellite imagery, can adversely affect underwater ecosystems by obstructing sunlight and influencing marine life adapted to clearer waters. Satellite data assists in identifying areas prone to soil erosion, prompting necessary actions such as re-vegetation to fortify riverbanks.
Dissolved organic carbon, resembling the appearance of tea (typically grey-brown or black), flows from rivers to lakes and coastal regions. While it naturally leaches into inland waterways from decomposed plants in the soil, excessive levels can hinder the photosynthesis of phytoplankton and nourish non-photosynthesising bacteria, potentially leading to oxygen depletion and blackwater events.
AquaWatch integrates the wide-scale perspective offered by satellites with data from strategically positioned water-based sensors to enhance precision and provide frequent updates. Technological strides in artificial intelligence and advanced computing enable the filling of gaps in satellite images caused by cloud cover, resulting in a more comprehensive assessment. Forecasting models incorporate water quality data along with factors such as ocean currents, wind speeds, and tidal conditions to predict water quality conditions several days in advance.
In this amalgamation of satellite technology and ground-level sensors, AquaWatch is poised to revolutionise water quality management, focusing on a proactive, precise, and preventive approach to address a plethora of water quality challenges.
With regard to water quality management, AquaWatch Australia’s fusion of advanced satellite technology and ground-based sensors promises a transformative approach that is proactive, precise, and preventive. By leveraging the power of satellite imagery, the system provides comprehensive insights, early warnings, and data-driven solutions for a broad spectrum of water quality challenges, benefitting health, the environment, and industries alike.
AquaWatch’s precise monitoring and early warning system will bolster global water quality management. It will alert authorities and communities to threats like toxic algal blooms, contamination, and environmental challenges, fostering resilience amid climate pressures. Additionally, it will aid industrial water resource management, supporting various sectors.
This innovative system promises timely data for addressing human and animal health issues arising from water quality events. It will also contribute to the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems, safeguarding industries like aquaculture, fishing, tourism, and recreation. Furthermore, it extends to coastal monitoring, including bays, wetlands, aquaculture farms, mangrove forests, and coral reefs, such as the Great Barrier Reef.
In addition to its diverse applications, AquaWatch’s development is expected to stimulate growth in Australia’s domestic space capabilities and foster expertise in remote sensing, advanced manufacturing, and engineering. This multi-faceted approach aims to benefit not only Australia but the global community in facing water quality challenges.
