Project will use data from satellites and sensors to provide warnings on algal bloom, blackwater and runoff contamination
AquaWatch Australia is a project that will issue the world’s first water quality forecasts. Researchers will combine data from satellites and sensors on the ground to provide early warning of potentially harmful events such as algal bloom, blackwater and runoff contamination.
These events are driven by rainfall, temperature and other weather factors. Blackwater occurs when floods wash organic material into rivers, turning the water black. As the material decomposes it can take all the oxygen out of the water, producing hypoxia which kills fish and other creatures.