The project AQUARIUS (Broadband Tunable QCL based Sensor for Online and Inline Detection of Contaminants in Water) addresses the development of a new generation of photonic sensing solution, in response to the need for pervasive sensing for a safer environment. In particular components, modules, sub-systems and systems shall be developed for enhanced sensitivity and specificity in water monitoring following the requirements of regulatory bodies, as well as the needs of selected end-users such as waterworks and the oil producing industry. Specifically addressed within the AQUARIUS project is the detection of hydrocarbon contaminations in water (Oil-in-Water contaminations). 

The European Technology Platform Photonics21 unites the majority of the leading photonics industries and relevant R&D stakeholders along the whole economic value chain throughout Europe. Today Photonics21 has more than 2500 members.

Photonics21 aims to establish Europe as a leader in the development and deployment of photonics technologies wihtin the various applications fields such as ICT, lighting, industrial manufacturing, life science, safety as well as in education and training.

The ETP Photonics21 coordinates photonics research and innovation priorities and provides input to the European research framework programme Horizon 2020.