Real-time instrumentation for monitoring water quality: An Australian perspective

Abstract

Current research in the field of real-time monitoring of water quality is reviewed from an Australian perspective. The desirable features of continuous monitoring instruments and progress in developing multi-parameter real-time instruments are considered first. Then Australian R&D in the three main areas involved in developing a complete instrument are considered; these are sample preparation and handling, new sensors and sensing chemistry, and finally data capture, processing and display. The review identifies five areas where developments are needed: new methods for handling and processing 'real' (i.e. 'dirty' and heterogeneous) samples; the development of new sensors to provide more detai..