Drifters float on to record floodwater and river pollutants

Housed in PVC piping, the new devices reportedly make it possible to get vital information on changes to river water as it happens.

The so-called Drifters have been developed by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) mechanical engineers Prof Richard Brown and Dr Kabir Suara, plus satellite engineers Prof Yanming Feng and Dr Charles Wang.

Floating and fixed Drifters are currently undergoing field trials with the Sunshine Coast Council at Lake Currimundi and Pumicestone Passage, a waterway between Bribie Island and the mainland in Queensland.

“We are testing their measurement of water pH, turbidity, salinity, dissolved oxygen and temperature – all indicators of water quality,” said Brown.

The Drifters could also be used to investigate land-use changes including agricultural practices and waste disposal.

According to Brown, each drifter is equipped with GPS for tracking and each one is specially weighted to float 1 to 2cm above the water’s surface to ensure they are carried by the water and not the wind.