In the heart of Manila, a team of researchers led by Dr. J. Neolpes from the Environment And RemoTe sensing researcH (EARTH) Laboratory at De La Salle University has developed a groundbreaking, low-cost spectrometer that could revolutionize water quality monitoring and remote sensing. This innovation, detailed in a recent study published in ‘The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences’—translated to English as ‘The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences’—promises to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of freshwater quality assessment, with significant implications for the energy sector and beyond.
The spectrometer, designed to detect chlorophyll-a fluorescence, is a game-changer for monitoring algal blooms, which are increasingly threatening water quality, biodiversity, and human health in Philippine inland waters. “Chlorophyll monitoring is crucial for evaluating eutrophication and identifying harmful algal blooms (HABs),” explains Dr. Neolpes. “Our device provides a cost-effective, portable solution that can support large-scale remote sensing efforts, ensuring more precise and timely data collection.”
The device consists of a Hamamatsu C12880MA mini spectrometer housed in a Raspberry Pi microcontroller, with an LED-based excitation source. Laboratory tests compared the developed spectrometer with a commercial Ocean Optics fluorescence spectrometer, revealing a high correlation between excitation spectra (R² = 0.9304) and a moderate correlation between emission spectra (R² = 0.7269). These results validate the system’s ability to detect chlorophyll-a fluorescence signals, aligning with the spectral bands used in satellite-based water quality indexes.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. Accurate water quality monitoring is essential for managing hydroelectric power plants, cooling systems for thermal power plants, and ensuring the safety of water sources for various industrial processes. “This technology can bridge the gap between laboratory instrumentation and geospatial remote sensing applications,” says Dr. Neolpes. “It offers a scalable approach to ground-based spectral measurement, improving the accuracy and temporal resolution of freshwater quality monitoring.”
The low-cost, compact design of the spectrometer makes it ideal for field deployment, enabling real-time monitoring and data collection. This capability is particularly valuable for remote or hard-to-reach areas, where traditional monitoring methods may be challenging or costly. “Our goal is to make this technology accessible and practical for widespread use,” Dr. Neolpes adds. “This can empower local communities and industries to take proactive measures in protecting their water resources.”
The research published in ‘The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences’ highlights the potential of this innovation to shape future developments in water quality monitoring and remote sensing. As the demand for sustainable and efficient energy solutions grows, technologies like this spectrometer will play a pivotal role in ensuring the responsible management of natural resources.
In an era where environmental concerns are at the forefront, Dr. Neolpes and his team’s work offers a beacon of hope. Their spectrometer not only addresses critical water quality issues but also paves the way for more accurate and efficient remote sensing applications. As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, innovations like this are more important than ever. The future of water quality monitoring is here, and it’s brighter than ever before.