IoT-BiTox
The Path to Better Water Quality
One of the greatest disasters of 2022, the fish kill in the Oder River—caused by a sharp rise in salinity, which, combined with other factors, led to the growth of toxic brackish-water algae—could have been significantly mitigated, if not prevented, through appropriate and adaptive monitoring technology and a functioning warning and alert plan.
The idea.
Reliable, real-time water quality monitoring to protect against pollution and contaminants—clean waters for healthy ecosystems.
The goal is to identify hazards and changes in water quality at an early stage and to mitigate them.
To this end, a biomonitor developed by consortium partner LimCo International GmbH will be established in the Saarland to conduct tests and gather data*. Building on this, a smart sensor will be developed that can assess the toxicity of pollutants in water bodies. In addition, real-time integration of the data into all common IoT data platforms and early-warning systems will be ensured.
Challenge.
A wide range of potential disasters are putting a strain on our rivers, streams, and groundwater. The climate crisis and the consequences of global warming are leading to flooding, which in turn is placing an ever-greater strain on our waterways.
In addition, water pollution (toxicity) caused by nutrients and pollutants from industrial, agricultural, and household wastewater is increasing significantly. Sensors currently used to monitor water quality operate on the principle of optical measurement, which means they no longer function accurately in turbid water.
Increased real-time monitoring of pollution caused by the discharge of substances—for example, from wastewater treatment plants into water bodies—is essential for preventing disasters and identifying risks early on. To protect the resilience of our ecosystems in the face of climate change, it is essential to monitor them in real time.
Project partners.
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