**4. Conclusion**

The growing pressures on the environment arising from population growth, pollution control and climate change present a challenge for the current water monitoring methods. There are new chemical pollutants to monitor, events to track and trends to observe so that effective decisions can be made based on the information. Currently, the types of sensors available are limited to physical parameters or some basic water quality parameters. This chapter showcases the development of a number of low-cost or biosensor innovations that meet specific needs and address emerging analytical challenges. The work herein demonstrates the potential of microfluidic technology, integration of optical sensing with bioassays and portable systems to address current and emerging water quality challenges. The information provides a snapshot of the technologies and their performance, as a means to demonstrate the need and potential for innovation in water quality management.

The disruptive innovation that can be achieved is clear when disciplines of chemistry, biology, engineering and environmental sciences are merged. However, real disruption can also be achieved my mobilising the citizen scientist who has a personal interest as well as the opportunity to monitor their local water body and provide data that would otherwise not be gathered. We must combine the innovations of science and technology with the new wave of citizen engagement to address the future challenges of water quality monitoring.
