Meet Aquabot: Aquatic drone that measures water quality throughout river networks

The AquaBOT measures a range of water quality indicators, providing data for studies focused on clean water and sustainable energy.

[Apr 5, 2022: Kimberly A Askey, Oak Ridge National Laboratory]

The ORNL-developed AquaBOT measures a range of water quality indicators, providing data for studies focused on clean water and sustainable energy. (CREDIT: Natalie Griffiths/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy)

Measuring water quality throughout river networks with precision, speed and at lower cost than traditional methods is now possible with AquaBOT, an aquatic drone developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The maneuverable AquaBOT measures water quality indicators such as nitrate, temperature and dissolved oxygen along the entire length of mid-sized streams where water quality can be variable.

“Compared to manual measurements taken in just a few locations, the drone gives a much more detailed picture of what’s happening along streams and rivers,” said ORNL’s Natalie Griffiths.


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“AquaBOT helps us identify hot spots where pollutants, such as excess fertilizer, are flowing into waterways. Pinpointing these areas is the first step to understanding water quality changes and developing solutions.”

Griffiths and colleagues at Drake University are using AquaBOT to study streams in Iowa croplands, evaluating potential sustainability practices with bioenergy crops. Her team is also adapting the technology to measure climate-warming methane emissions from reservoirs.


Note: Materials provided above by Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Content may be edited for style and length.

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Tags: #New_Innovations, #Green_Good_News, #Waterways, #Clean_Water, #Testing, #Temperature, #Pollution, #Technology, #Research, #The_Brighter_Side_of_News


Joseph Shavit
Joseph ShavitScience News Writer, Editor and Publisher

Joseph Shavit
Science News Writer, Editor-At-Large and Publisher

Joseph Shavit, based in Los Angeles, is a seasoned science journalist, editor and co-founder of The Brighter Side of News, where he transforms complex discoveries into clear, engaging stories for general readers. With experience at major media groups like Times Mirror and Tribune, he writes with both authority and curiosity. His work spans astronomy, physics, quantum mechanics, climate change, artificial intelligence, health, and medicine. Known for linking breakthroughs to real-world markets, he highlights how research transitions into products and industries that shape daily life.