ÉCHO – The intelligent buoy that gives water a voice
Precise measurement technology for comprehensive water analyses
A networked measuring buoy called ÉCHO has been undergoing trials in Nancy since August 2025, enabling continuous monitoring of the water quality of the River Meurthe. The system was developed by the local company AquaMS (https://www.aquams.com) and is equipped with a large number of high-precision sensors from TriOS Mess- und Datentechnik that record key physico-chemical parameters. These include:
eCHEM sensors
- TpH for recording the pH value
- TTurb for measuring turbidity and Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
- Oxygen sensor for measuring dissolved oxygen
- Sensor for determining conductivity
Fluorometer
- nanoFlu Chl for measuring chlorophyll-a
- nanoFlu Blue for the detection of cyanobacteria (phycocyanin)
- nanoFlu CDOM for the detection of dissolved organic matter
Photometer
- NICO plus for measuring nitrate and organic load (COD and BOD)
Energy self-sufficient and ready for use at any time
The measuring devices used are also characterized by their low power consumption. Thanks to integrated solar panels, ÉCHO is completely energy-independent.
The buoy is designed for long-term use and remains in the waters for several months in order to seamlessly record seasonal changes.
Transparent data - accessible to all
The objective of the project is to measure several indicators of the state of the river and to contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of the aquatic environment. The data collected is made available to the public in a transparent manner; interested citizens can view the measured values in real time via a QR code installed on the bank.
Here is the link to the current measurement data: https://aquams-dashboard.vercel.app/nancy
Outlook: Better understanding and protecting water resources
ÉCHO closes a significant gap in conventional water monitoring, as selective laboratory analyses only take place at longer intervals and short-term changes – including possible pollutant events – could otherwise go undetected.
Thanks to the online measuring devices from TriOS Mess- und Datentechnik GmbH, key water quality parameters can be recorded continuously and in real time, and the data is an important tool for ecological assessments and long-term monitoring.
The city of Nancy and the Greater Nancy metropolitan area support the initiative, which also contributes to the long-term goal of eventually making the Meurthe suitable for swimming again.
The buoy was developed entirely in Nancy in cooperation with local design, development and engineering teams. The prototype currently in use remains in the waters for several months in order to record seasonal dynamics. In the long term, the system should help to predict water phenomena and manage water resources more efficiently and sustainably.
(nanoFlu, NICO plus, TpH)
