OASIS water quality monitor tracks safe water sources

The OASIS (On-site Aquatic Safety Inspection System) has been created by Team Bath Biodevices without Borders, which is a Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) group at Bath University.

OASIS is said to combine innovative water diagnostic and GPS technology to carry out rapid water quality analysis and plot the results to a global map.

When dipped in water, the device determines the quality and safety of the water by using a series of small electrochemical sensors to detect a range of contaminants, including chlorides, fluorides, and nitrates, as well as its pH level, temperature and turbidity.

Results are then displayed on the device, and if a smartphone is connected, it can be uploaded and shared online.

The team recently drew on Bath’s links with Stellenbosch University in South Africa to field test OASIS and then explore how the device could be integrated into local communities to enable safe water consumption and monitoring.

According to team leader Alexz Farrall, the project aims to inform and give opportunities to those who may be unaware of contaminated water sources, while enabling students to build practical skills that can benefit global communities.