ROSS Project – Real-time Water Quality Monitoring Summary

Real-time, high-resolution water quality monitoring is transforming how industrial sites understand and manage metal-bearing water streams.

The ROSS project (Real-time Online Spectroscopy of Heavy Metals in Satakunta) is a collaborative research initiative led by Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK), together with regional research and industrial partners. The project focuses on developing and demonstrating advanced online measurement solutions for heavy metals in industrial and natural water systems. The aim is to move from traditional laboratory-based, delayed sampling toward continuous, real-time monitoring based on optical emission spectroscopy and data-driven analysis, enabling immediate insight into environmental and process conditions.

A key activity of the ROSS project took place in September 2025 at the Copper Industry Park in Pori, Finland. The Copper Industry Park is a unique industrial ecosystem located along the Kokemäenjoki River, bringing together major international metal processing companies and forming one of Europe’s most significant copper refining and metallurgical hubs. The area plays a central role in copper production as well as in the development of circular economy solutions and environmental technologies in Finland. Sensmet’s real-time µDOES measurement technology was used to monitor metal concentrations directly in river water conditions. The system enabled continuous, in situ detection of variations in metal concentrations, including elements such as copper and chromium, providing immediate visibility into how environmental factors, such as rainfall events, can influence water quality.

According to observations reported during the project, metal concentrations varied over time and responded to changing environmental conditions. The continuous measurements provided detailed insight into concentration trends and short-term fluctuations that would be difficult to capture using conventional sampling methods alone.

Participants and stakeholders involved in the work emphasized the value of real-time data availability. According to feedback reported by RoboAI, continuous monitoring can improve operational awareness, support faster decision-making, strengthen environmental compliance efforts, and enhance transparency in industrial water management.

The ROSS project illustrates a broader shift in industrial monitoring: from periodic sampling toward continuous, data-driven environmental intelligence that supports both sustainable operations and industrial competitiveness.

More information:
https://www.roboai.fi/en/news-en/real-time-water-quality-measurement-sparked-
interest-at-the-copper-industry-park/
https://www.samk.fi/hanke/raskasmetallien-online-spektroskopia-satakunnassa-ross/

Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHKF5hy45bE&t