ESA APPS – Aquascope Predictive Pollution Service
Project type: Real-time water quality forecasting and predictive pollution analytics
Partners: WRA (INCA modelling), Oxford Molecular Biosensors (biosensor toxicity analysis), ESA
Overview
The APPS project transformed Aquascope's early prototypes into a fully operational predictive water quality and flow forecasting system. It integrates satellite precipitation and temperature data, hydrological modelling, dynamic water quality modelling, biosensors and ground-sampled data to simulate river conditions daily and provide 3–5-day forecasts of pollution events.
What the System Does
The platform continuously ingests satellite-derived rainfall and temperature, corrects them with statistical bias adjustment, and feeds them through a hydrological model and the INCA water quality model. This generates high-resolution forecasts of flow and key indicators including nitrate, phosphorus, ammonia, dissolved oxygen, suspended sediments and BOD.
Key Features Developed
AquaAlert
Real-time pollution alerting for nitrate, phosphorus, ammonia, BOD, dissolved oxygen and other risk parameters. It provides early warning of pollution pulses moving downstream and supports operational water management decisions.
AquaScenario
A scenario engine that apportions pollution sources across the catchment, helping water companies, regulators and supply-chain companies assess the impacts of land-use changes, STP upgrades and regenerative agriculture on water quality.
Scientific Innovations
- Integration of satellite data with process-based modelling for real-time forecasting
- Hydrological and water quality simulations updated daily
- Forecasting system that operates like a 'weather forecast for rivers'
- Proven applications in both large and small catchments
Pilot Demonstrations
The system was deployed on the River Thames and the Essex Colne River, providing water companies, environmental agencies and local organisations with operational forecasting and historical simulation tools.