New technologies are changing the way we monitor pollution in the environment. EPA is studying innovative technologies for measuring nutrient pollution in the water and air using satellites, portable and ground remote sensors, and measurement and model data. These technologies enhance current monitoring activities and provide faster and more cost-effective information on nutrients and other pollutants that affect water quality. For example, the duration and frequency of harmful algal blooms, which trend during warm weather months, is one indicator of poor water quality. Having the ability to monitor and provide timely response to harmful algal blooms would be one step toward protecting water quality.

Research Activities

• Cyanobacteria Assessment Network (CyAN) Project
• East Fork Watershed Research Collaboration and Data
• Biosensor for Cyanotoxins and Cyanobacteria Using Both Antibodies and DNA
• Data Mining and Harmful Algal Blooms
• Modeling the Links Between Discharge and Nutrients from the Mississippi River Basin to the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia