Scientists 'researching ways to collect water quality data'

Scientists in Ireland are involved in a study to establish the best way to collect water quality data, it has been reported.

According to materials from the Marine Institute - Foras na Mara which have been viewed by ScienceDaily, the researchers are also trying to evaluate the impact of long-term sensor deployment on water quality monitoring systems.

As of April 2009, water quality and environmental data will be continuously collected for more than a year.

Monitoring stations have been strategically located in five areas of the river Dee deemed typical of major waterway systems.

Tidal influences in the river provide important information relating to temporal changes in water quality, which can serve to indicate anthropogenic influences in the riverine system.

Relevant agencies will be able to effectively monitor and respond to spatial and temporal alterations in environmental and water quality thanks to the data.

The Marine Institute - Foras na Mara is Ireland's national agency for marine research, technology, development and innovation.

Written by Lauren Steadman