Location: University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus, Alan Gilbert Lecture Theatre 103, Corner Grattan & Barry Streets
Organised
by: IEEE SSIT Chapter (and as part of preparation for an
Oceanic Engineering Society chapter)
Abstract:
Despite significant advances in sensor and
communication technologies, water quality monitoring (WQM) is
still primarily undertaken through small-scale and
single-application sampling and testing that is limited by the
available techniques and only provides selective data for
decision support tools. The effects of diffuse pollutants and
their distribution within water bodies and transboundary river
systems are, therefore, difficult to capture, as is
determining the exact point and timing of their release into a
defined “water system”. Improved data capture and timely
analysis, enabled by innovative sensor technologies and
communication networks, is an important aspect of compliance
monitoring. This is particularly important for international
and trans-border agreements where changes in water
distribution, quality, and availability associated with
regional climate variability are already creating challenges
for future water, energy and food security. Therefore, by
removing the long lead times between when the sample was taken
to completion of sample testing and data analysis, it is not
only possible to develop and implement an effective WQM
network and management framework that provides for real time
data capture and analysis, but one that also provides for
flexible policy settings, an early warning and situation
management capability, and opportunities for greater
compliance in water resource management.