Image Credit: Michigan State University

September 20, 2011

Scientists are working on a high tech way to monitor water quality. The researchers are developing schools of robotic fish that can navigate underwater and patrol for pollution in oceans, lakes and rivers. The fish will carry sensors that record temperature, oxygen and pollutant levels and provide a steady stream of wireless information. The team is also developing fish that can detect harmful microscopic algae that can kill fish and birds and make people sick.

The Michigan State University researchers say the fish could play an important role in Great Lakes restoration efforts and bring environmental monitoring to a whole new level. The robotic fish are also being used at the MSU College of Engineering K-12 outreach program. Researchers have developed a robotic fish-based educational kit for middle and high school students.

Scientific American reports after the Gulf oil spill in 2010, researchers applied for emergency funding to develop a fleet of fish that could detect crude oil in seawater. The fish are equipped with sensors that use lasers to detect the oil. Scientists say the next step is to design fish that can swim deep underwater and against strong currents.