Water Quality

Initiator: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, TU Delft (SPARC Innovation Project) Platform: Browser-based web application Focus: Groundwater testing, lab simulation, safe digital learning Duration: Developed as part of course curriculum

The Water and Quality project transformed a hands-on environmental science course into an accessible, web-based simulation, enabling students to conduct water quality tests remotely. Traditionally, students would go to Green Villageon TU Delft’s campus to extract groundwater samples and perform experiments. This simulation preserved the real-world process and protocol within an interactive online environment.

In the application, learners could operate a virtual pump to extract groundwater from a well, measure pH values, and perform complex lab procedures such as dilution and titration using a virtual pipette. The digital course also embedded important lab safety protocols, including handwashing and proper handling of materials — helping students build good habits before entering a real laboratory.

Developed under the SPARC innovation program, this web tool provided scalable, gamified learning with no need for VR equipment — ideal for large course enrollments. The simulation made environmental science more inclusive, repeatable, and safe, ensuring every student had the opportunity to master essential techniques before encountering expensive or delicate lab tools in real life.