On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, a new real-time heavy metal analysis method was presented on the riverbank of the Copper Industry Park in Pori. The event brought together local stakeholders and experts to explore what real-time data can enable in environmental monitoring and industrial processes.
At the event organized by the ROSS project, participants were shown how real-time water quality monitoring works in practice. The demonstration measured the quality of water returned from the Copper Industry Park into the Kokemäki River by monitoring its copper content.
– This technology provides a new way to monitor heavy metal concentrations and other water quality factors. Real-time data enables quick responses and more responsible operations, both from an environmental and industrial perspective, says project manager Pekka Suominen.
Rain revealed copper concentration variations in real-time
The measurements were carried out using the µDOES® method developed by Sensmet Oy, which is based on atomic emission spectroscopy. It enables simultaneous real-time analysis of several metals directly from a water sample. The device analyzes heavy metal concentrations in water by creating tiny high-voltage discharges that form a plasma; the spectrum of the emitted light reveals the type and amount of metals present.
The method simplifies analytics – unlike traditional laboratory methods, it does not require manual sampling, hazardous chemicals, or expensive carrier gases. It is designed to operate automatically and cost-effectively in industrial and environmental conditions, providing continuous, real-time water quality data to support decision-making.
The day before the event had been rainy, which provided excellent conditions to demonstrate the device in practice.
– The measurement has been running overnight, and we can see clear fluctuations in copper concentration. Small rises are linked to rainfall – and just now, after a heavier shower, the concentration spiked noticeably, explains Sensmet’s Chief Sales Officer Aappo Roos while pointing to the graph on the screen.
Although copper concentrations rose due to the rain, the results still showed very low levels, well below even the threshold values set for drinking water quality.
Real-time water quality measurement attracts broad interest
The technology presented at the event sparked interest among researchers, authorities, and company representatives. In addition to companies operating in the Copper Industry Park, several environmental experts also attended. For example, Seppo Salonen, Head of Pori’s Environmental Planning Unit, and planner Outi Aalto came to see and experience the new technology.
– The city is responsible for monitoring the state of the environment up to a certain point, and this kind of real-time measurement has been in development and anticipated for a long time. Now it seems that a functioning system is becoming available, says Salonen.
– The new technology is interesting, and when the opportunity came to see it this close, we definitely wanted to join, adds Aalto.
Julia Pihlavisto-Hakala, expert at the business development organization Prizztech, considers the technology especially important from the perspective of water responsibility.
– This technology is really fascinating, as it offers industry extensive opportunities for water monitoring – from incoming cooling water to outgoing cooling water, as well as internal process monitoring. It is a significant step forward in monitoring and implementing water responsibility in industrial companies, she comments.
The new technology opens perspectives for continuous measurement of water quality and helps ensure clean water also in the future. Its development promises increasingly accurate monitoring and faster responses to changes in water quality.
ROSS – Heavy metal online spectroscopy in Satakunta – project is developing an online monitoring system for heavy metals, enabling real-time and precise measurements in industrial processes. The project runs from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, and is co-funded by the European Union.
