Chinese water quality 'tested using automated system'

The water quality in the Xiangjiang river is being tested using an automated system - the first of its kind to be used in Hunan and one of the most advanced to be implemented in China.

Described as the "scout" of water quality monitoring in the Changsha section of the waterway, the system involves the use of "sophisticated detecting instruments" which track materials such as heavy metals, ammoniacal nitrogen and the water's permanganate index, HunanGov reported.

Drawing samples for analysis every four hours, the water quality testing equipment can detect the source of any contamination within 60 minutes.

According to Liang Wensheng, station master at the Changsha Hydrometric Station, the apparatus is configured to set off an alarm if the region's water quality dips below a certain standard.

Meanwhile, scientists in the US have begun using a slightly more novel method of measuring the water quality in the Puget Sound, as mynorthwest.com recently reported that the US Geological Survey has fitted Native American tribe members travelling down the river with probes.

Written by Claire Manning