A new project in England is using artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor and predict water pollution before it happens. The project, led by the University of Cambridge, uses sensors, satellites and past spill data to create a smart system that can alert authorities and water companies of potential threats to water quality.
Water pollution is a serious issue that affects the health of humans, animals and ecosystems. According to the Environment Agency, there were more than 2,000 incidents of serious water pollution in England in 2020, caused by factors such as sewage overflows, industrial spills and agricultural runoff. These incidents can have devastating consequences, such as killing fish and wildlife, contaminating drinking water and harming tourism and recreation.
The AI system aims to prevent such incidents by detecting changes in water quality and identifying the sources and causes of pollution. The system uses sensors installed along rivers and streams to measure parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. The sensor data is then combined with satellite imagery and historical records of pollution events to create a model that can forecast the risk of pollution in different locations and scenarios.
The system also uses machine learning to learn from past data and improve its accuracy and reliability over time. The system can send alerts and recommendations to relevant stakeholders, such as water companies, regulators and environmental groups, who can then take action to prevent or mitigate the pollution. The system can also provide information to the public, such as warnings about unsafe swimming areas or fishing spots.
The project is part of the UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, which supports collaborations between academia and industry to address societal challenges. The project involves partners from the University of Cambridge, Cranfield University, the British Geological Survey, the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the Environment Agency, Anglian Water and Microsoft.
The project leader, Dr. David Aldridge from the University of Cambridge’s Department of Zoology, said: “We are developing a system that can provide early warning of water pollution incidents, which could save lives, protect ecosystems and reduce costs. By using AI, we can harness the power of big data and make sense of complex and dynamic patterns in water quality. This is a great example of how AI can be used for good and help us achieve a more sustainable future.”
