Photon Water has tested a prototype of a compact buoy designed to monitor water quality. The device uses Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The aim is to reduce the size and cost of the monitoring platform without compromising measurement accuracy.
The new buoy is intended to expand the options for collecting data from water bodies. Its lower purchase cost could make it possible to deploy more sensors at different locations across larger lakes and reservoirs. The buoy is also designed for smaller ponds, where it can monitor water from a single location.
Testing at the Mšeno Reservoir in Jablonec nad Nisou, Czech Republic has produced very good results, and Photon Water plans to deploy the buoys more widely in 2027.
Photon Water monitors water quality as part of its lake management services. In addition to water sampling and laboratory analysis, the company offers automated monitoring systems for both still and flowing waters. These can measure parameters such as temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll and phycocyanin. The data helps assess the condition of aquatic environments and plan appropriate measures, including action to control excessive algae and cyanobacteria growth.
