A group of researchers believe they can deliver a solution to better quality management of coastal and inland bodies.
The system was developed by Leeds-based innovation consultancy Parallax and aquatic technology business Remote Automation, and brings together data science, environmental science, AI and IoT (Internet of Things).
The RA BASE tech was first aimed at addressing the rapidly rising number of fish deaths resulting from larger algal blooms which support faster and more widespread bacterial growth, in turn depleting oxygen. Success within Britain’s fisheries – with 105 data points identified and measured, 400% less energy used, and zero fish deaths – has now led to meetings with a range of stakeholders, including the UK Government and water companies, in addition to potential overseas partners.
‘We needed to build software, firmware and hardware to monitor and predict both water quality and external (environmental, chemistry and weather) factors, in order to activate the right interventions at the right time,’ Lawrence Dudley, co-founder of Parallax. ‘The AI layer transforms vast amounts of raw environmental data into actionable predictions, risk alerts, optimisations, and planning insights. The kit itself can be installed in minutes, connected to mains or solar power and via IoT connectivity to centralised monitoring, so it can run in any location.’
This month Downing Street unveiled an expansive Environmental Improvement Plan, which includes a series of goals and commitments relating to the improvement of water quality and infrastructure. You can find out more about this here.
Image: Jeremy Bishop / Unsplash
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