Report on Water-i.d. GmbH’s Contributions to Water Analysis and Sustainable Development

Introduction

Water-i.d. GmbH has established itself over two decades as a key provider of water analysis technologies. The company’s focus is on developing user-friendly, simple, and efficient systems for monitoring water quality. This report details the company’s product portfolio, its technological advancements, and critically, its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Product Portfolio and Technological Advancements

The PoolLab Series: Evolving Water Analysis

The product line demonstrates a clear trajectory of innovation aimed at enhancing analytical capabilities and user experience.

• PoolLab 1.0 (2017): This foundational device enabled the measurement of 13 distinct water parameters, featuring Bluetooth connectivity for data transfer to PCs and smart devices.
• PoolLab 2.0: The successor model expands upon the original’s features, introducing a 3-chamber cuvette for the simultaneous measurement of three parameters. The total number of measurable parameters has increased to 24, and connectivity options now include both Bluetooth and WiFi.

The PrimeLab 2.0: Professional-Grade Photometry

The PrimeLab 2.0 is engineered for professional water analysis in laboratory settings. It is a high-performance handheld photometer with specifications that support comprehensive water quality assessment.

1. Multi-Parameter Capability: The device can determine over 140 different water parameters.
2. Advanced Optical System: It utilizes 18 different wavelengths from infrared (IR) to ultraviolet (UV) in parallel. LEDs are positioned at both 180° and 90° to facilitate NTU turbidity, PTSA, and fluorescein measurements, achieving performance comparable to laboratory spectrophotometers.
3. Enhanced Usability: A 5.5-inch high-resolution color touchscreen provides a modern user interface. An integrated camera scans QR codes on reagent packages to streamline the measurement process and reduce user error.
4. Electrochemical Measurements: The optional ProbeBOX 1.0 module allows for the connection of electrochemical probes to measure parameters such as pH, TDS, electrical conductivity, ORP, and temperature.

LabCOM® Software Ecosystem

All photometers are supported by the free LabCOM® software and cloud solution. This platform enables users to manage measurement data effectively. Key functions include:

• Assigning results to custom measurement sources.
• Editing and performing statistical analysis on data.
• Exporting results in various file formats.

Alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The technology and products developed by Water-i.d. GmbH directly contribute to several key SDGs, underscoring the global relevance of accessible and accurate water analysis.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

By providing precise and reliable tools for monitoring pool and recreational water, the company’s products play a direct role in safeguarding public health. Accurate measurement of disinfectants and contaminants prevents the spread of waterborne diseases, ensuring the well-being of swimmers.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The PrimeLab 2.0’s capacity to measure over 140 parameters makes it a vital tool for achieving the targets of SDG 6. Its application extends beyond recreational water to the broader management of water resources. The technology supports:

• Target 6.1: Ensuring access to safe and affordable drinking water by enabling rigorous quality testing.
• Target 6.3: Improving water quality by facilitating the monitoring of pollutants and the effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The continuous evolution from the PoolLab 1.0 to the advanced PrimeLab 2.0 exemplifies a commitment to innovation. The integration of digital technologies such as WiFi, cloud computing, and smart device connectivity represents a significant contribution to building modern, resilient infrastructure for scientific monitoring and water management.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Accurate water testing promotes the sustainable use of resources. By providing precise data on water chemistry, these devices allow for the optimized application of treatment chemicals like chlorine. This prevents overuse, reduces chemical waste, and supports more sustainable consumption and production patterns in water treatment operations.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The article directly connects the monitoring of pool water quality to the health of individuals. It states that the company’s products guarantee “outstanding quality of our products for monitoring your pool water—and thereby the health of all swimmers.” This aligns with SDG 3’s aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Although the primary example is pool water, the technology described is for comprehensive water analysis. The PrimeLab 2.0 can measure over 140 different water parameters, making it suitable for “professional water analysis under laboratory conditions.” This capability is fundamental to monitoring and managing water resources, which is the core of SDG 6.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• The article is a showcase of technological advancement in the water analysis industry. It details the “continuous quality control and customer-oriented further development via our in-house research and development.” The evolution from PoolLab 1.0 to PoolLab 2.0 and the creation of the advanced PrimeLab 2.0 photometer exemplify the innovation and upgrading of technology central to SDG 9.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination. The article’s focus on products that ensure water quality directly contributes to preventing illnesses from contaminated recreational water, as highlighted by the phrase “the health of all swimmers.”

2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials. The devices described, such as the PrimeLab 2.0, are essential tools for monitoring water quality. The ability to measure parameters like turbidity, pH, and over 140 others allows for the detection of pollution and hazardous substances, which is the first step in improving water quality.

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries… encouraging innovation. The article emphasizes the company’s commitment to “in-house research and development” and describes the innovative features of its products, such as the PrimeLab 2.0’s ability to detect 18 different wavelengths and measure over 140 parameters. This represents a clear effort to upgrade technological capabilities in the water analysis sector.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For Target 6.3 (Improve water quality):

   • The article explicitly mentions several measurable water quality parameters that serve as direct indicators. These include:
     • NTU turbidity: The PrimeLab 2.0 is specifically mentioned as enabling “NTU turbidity… measurements.”
     • pH: The article states that electrochemical probes can be used to cover parameters such as “pH”.
     • TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): This is listed as another parameter measurable with electrochemical probes.
     • Electrical conductivity: Also listed as a parameter measurable with the probes.

     These are key indicators used globally to assess ambient water quality.

2. For Target 9.5 (Enhance scientific research and innovation):

   • The article provides qualitative and quantitative indicators of innovation and R&D investment.
     • Investment in R&D: The company’s “in-house research and development” is a direct indicator of private investment in enhancing technology.
     • Increased technological capability: The evolution of the products serves as an indicator of progress. The article notes the increase from 13 parameters in the PoolLab 1.0 to 24 parameters in the PoolLab 2.0, and over 140 parameters in the PrimeLab 2.0. This demonstrates a tangible upgrade in technological capabilities.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: envirotech-online.com