Along riverbanks, new water quality monitors stand quietly, their internal optical dissolved oxygen sensors silently safeguarding our water resource security.
At a wastewater treatment plant in East China, technician Zhang pointed to real-time data on the monitoring screen and said, “Since adopting optical dissolved oxygen sensors to monitor the aeration tanks last year, our energy consumption has decreased by 15%, while treatment efficiency has increased by 8%. They require almost no daily maintenance, which has brought us tremendous convenience.”
This optical dissolved oxygen sensor based on fluorescence quenching principle is quietly transforming traditional water quality monitoring methods.
01 Technological Innovation: The Shift from Traditional to Optical Monitoring
The water quality monitoring field is experiencing a silent technological revolution. Once dominant electrochemical sensors are gradually being replaced by optical dissolved oxygen sensors due to their disadvantages, including frequent need for electrolyte and membrane replacement, short calibration cycles, and susceptibility to interference.
Optical dissolved oxygen sensors employ fluorescence measurement technology, with special fluorescent materials at their core. When blue light illuminates these materials, they emit red light, and oxygen molecules in water “quench” this fluorescence phenomenon.
By measuring fluorescence intensity or lifetime, the sensors can accurately calculate dissolved oxygen concentration. This method overcomes many limitations of previous electrode-based approaches.
“The advantage of optical sensors lies in their almost maintenance-free characteristics,” said a technical director from an environmental monitoring organization. “They are unaffected by interfering substances like sulfides and don’t consume oxygen, making measurements more accurate and reliable.”
02 Diverse Applications: Comprehensive Coverage from Rivers to Fish Ponds
Optical dissolved oxygen sensors are playing increasingly important roles across multiple industries.
Environmental monitoring departments were among the earliest adopters of this technology. One provincial environmental monitoring center deployed 126 automatic water quality monitoring stations throughout key watersheds, all equipped with optical dissolved oxygen sensors.
“These sensors provide us with continuous, accurate data, helping us promptly identify abnormal water quality changes,” introduced a technician from the center.
Applications in the wastewater treatment industry show equally significant benefits. By real-time monitoring of dissolved oxygen content in aeration tanks, systems can automatically adjust aeration equipment operation status, achieving precise control.
“Precise oxygen content control not only improves treatment efficiency but also substantially reduces energy consumption,” calculated an operations manager at a Beijing wastewater treatment plant. “Just in electricity costs alone, the plant saves about 400,000 yuan annually.”
In the aquaculture field, optical dissolved oxygen sensors have become standard equipment in modern fisheries. A large whiteleg shrimp farm in Rudong, Jiangsu installed an online dissolved oxygen monitoring system last year.
“The system automatically starts aerators when dissolved oxygen falls below threshold levels. We no longer need to worry about fish and shrimp缺氧 in the middle of the night,” said the farm manager.
03 Complete Solutions: Comprehensive Support from Hardware to Software
As market demand diversifies, professional companies can provide complete solutions covering monitoring equipment, cleaning maintenance, and data management. Honde Technology Co., LTD, as an industry leader, offers:
- Multi-parameter water quality handheld meters - Facilitating rapid field detection of various water quality parameters
- Multi-parameter water quality buoy systems - Suitable for long-term monitoring in open waters like lakes and reservoirs
- Automatic cleaning brushes for multi-parameter sensors - Effectively maintaining sensor accuracy and extending equipment lifespan
- Complete server and software wireless modules - Supporting multiple communication methods including RS485, GPRS/4G/WIFI/LORA/LORAWAN
04 Market Demand: Dual Drivers of Policy and Technology
Market demand is experiencing explosive growth. According to the latest “Global Water Quality Analysis Instrument Market Report,” the global multifunctional water quality analyzer market is projected to achieve a 5.4% compound annual growth rate by 2025.
The Chinese market performance is particularly impressive. With continuously strengthening environmental policies and increasing water quality safety requirements, the water quality analyzer industry is developing rapidly.
“Over the past three years, our procurement of optical dissolved oxygen sensors has grown by over 30% annually,” revealed a procurement department head from a provincial environmental agency. “These devices are becoming standard equipment in automatic water quality monitoring stations.”
The water treatment industry represents another important growth area. As wastewater treatment plant upgrade processes accelerate, demand for precise monitoring and control continues to climb.
“Energy conservation and consumption reduction pressures are driving more wastewater treatment plants to choose optical dissolved oxygen sensors,” analyzed an industry expert. “Although initial investment is higher, long-term energy savings benefits and stability are more attractive.”
Modernization transformation in the aquaculture industry similarly drives demand growth. As large-scale, intensive farming models spread, aquaculture enterprises increasingly rely on technological means to ensure production.
“Dissolved oxygen is the lifeline of aquaculture,” pointed out an industry consultant. “Reliable optical dissolved oxygen sensors can effectively reduce farming risks and increase yields.”
05 Future Trends: Clear Direction Toward Intelligence and Integration
Optical dissolved oxygen sensor technology itself continues to advance. Industry companies are committed to developing smarter, more integrated solutions.
Intelligence is the primary development direction. Internet of Things technology integration enables sensors to achieve remote monitoring, automatic calibration, and data analysis.
“Our newest generation products already support 4G/5G wireless transmission, with data directly uploadable to cloud platforms,” introduced a product manager from a sensor manufacturer. “Users can check water quality status anytime via mobile phones and receive early warnings.”
The portabilization trend is equally evident. To meet field rapid detection needs, multiple companies have launched portable optical dissolved oxygen meters.
“Field personnel need lightweight, easy-to-use, and accurate equipment,” expressed a product designer. “We’re striving to balance portability with performance.”
System integration has become another important trend. Optical dissolved oxygen sensors are no longer just standalone instruments but serve as part of multi-parameter online monitoring systems, working synergistically with pH, turbidity, conductivity and other sensors.
“Single-parameter data has limited value,” explained a system integrator. “Integrating multiple sensors together can provide more comprehensive water quality assessment.”
For more water sensor information, please contact:
Honde Technology Co., LTD
Email: info@hondetech.com
Company website: www.hondetechco.com
Tel: +86-15210548582
As technology continues to mature and costs decline, optical dissolved oxygen sensors are moving from specialized fields to broader application scenarios. Some pioneering regions have attempted to deploy small monitoring equipment in public spaces like park lakes and community pools, displaying water quality conditions to the public in real time.
“The value of technology lies not only in monitoring and control but also in connecting people with nature,” commented an industry expert. “When ordinary people can intuitively understand the quality of their surrounding water environment, environmental protection truly becomes a common consensus for all.”
Post time: Oct-11-2025