Freshwater springs are diluting at an uncontrollable rate, making it crucial to track and maintain water sources in optimal condition. However, there are many obstacles to conducting water quality assessments manually.
Water quality is declining due to pollution by toxic substances. Water pollution seriously affects human health, and is the second leading water quality problem after water scarcity. According to a report by UNICEF and the World Health Organization, approximately one-third of the population lacks access to clean water, and according to the Global Health and Pollution Alliance, the consumption of impure water accounts for about 15% of deaths. Water quality and water scarcity will be among the major global issues to come. The need to address these problems is so urgent that numerous experiments are underway to maintain water quality and reduce water waste.
Cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) may offer solutions to this problem. Solutions based on these technologies are gradually improving water purity levels. Innovative IoT-based water quality management can identify toxic substances present in water. IoT-based products significantly enhance the water quality management process: data-driven approaches, real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance.
Four factors in IoT water quality management testing
IoT-based water quality management services should test salinity, acidity or alkalinity, total dissolved solids, and turbidity to ensure levels safe for human use.
Salinity. Salinity is the concentration of salt in water, expressed as parts per thousand units. Performing the entire chemical analysis process to manually plot the salt content in water is a complex procedure.
Acidity or alkalinity. Monitoring the pH level of water is one of the most frequently performed water quality tests. Insufficient pH levels in water can lead to various health problems, which is why managing the pH level of water is crucial.
Total dissolved solids (TDS). TDS measurement is the process used to identify total dissolved solids in water. Some solids are very dangerous to organisms and can cause many health problems. Therefore, monitoring and maintaining TDS levels in water is crucial for addressing water quality issues.
Turbidity. The concentration of suspended particles in water is defined as turbidity, which significantly degrades water quality. IoT-based sensors embedded with photodiodes and infrared LEDs can monitor turbidity levels in water.
Areas where intelligent water quality management systems can be adopted
Intelligent water quality systems are most useful and effective in healthcare facilities, water supply facilities, agriculture, wastewater management, manufacturing, and aquaculture.
Medical facilities and laboratories. Healthcare facilities require 100% pure water to ensure patient safety and protection from infection. Laboratories and research centers also need water that is completely free of any toxic elements to conduct error-free experiments and produce accurate results.
Water utilities. Water monopolies supplying water to homes and for other domestic purposes must ensure that the water is uncontaminated and nutrient-rich. To ensure the water is free of any toxic substances, they can implement IoT-based smart water quality management solutions available at the industry level.
Agriculture. Maintaining water quality and conserving water are especially important for producing truly high-quality crops. Water containing suspended toxic elements can negatively impact crop growth and health. These unhealthy crops can have negative effects on human health.
Wastewater management. IoT solutions can be used to treat wastewater before it is transferred to freshwater bodies. All critical parameters, such as temperature, pH, turbidity, and TDS levels, must be monitored, and the wastewater must be free of toxic substances and contaminants.
Manufacturing. Various factories and manufacturing units discharge chemicals into water bodies, even under strict regulations. These discharges can affect the health of organisms that consume water from these bodies. Therefore, the industry must implement IoT-based real-time water monitoring solutions to maintain water quality and comply with government regulations.
Aquaculture. When the concentration of harmful gases and other toxic elements rises excessively, the safe survival conditions for aquatic plants and animals become untenable. Smart water monitoring products help monitor and maintain water parameters such as temperature, pH levels, and dissolved oxygen levels, and analyze the presence of destructive elements.
Benefits of using IoT-based water quality management solutions
Smart water quality management solutions help improve productivity by streamlining processes and workflows. Real-time water monitoring can increase overall industry revenue and reduce water costs. Predictive maintenance, a prominent feature of the Internet of Things (IoT), can also significantly improve the safety and reliability of workplaces and other network operations.
