Researchers have developed a device to measure phosphate levels in freshwater bodies. Citizen scientists used the paper microfluidic device to carry out a sustained water monitoring campaign. The testing required a container, the testing device, a smartphone app and 3 minutes of sampling time. The device is able to detect phosphates down to the 3mg/L level.
The user will collect the water sample, dip the test device in the sample and waits for 3 minutes. After a color change, the RiverDIP app will collect the images of the device for processing.
This device allowed users to detect seasonal variations in phosphate levels along a 16 km stretch of the Pocklington Canal, Yorkshire, England.
