26-07-2022
NOVA School of Science and Technology will develop a new Artificial Intelligence digital tool to prevent the impact of climate change and global changes caused by human activity on groundwater contamination. The MAR2PROTECT project, coordinated by researchers Ana B. Pereiro and João M. M. Araújo, received funding exceeding (talvez "of above") 4 million euros under the Research and Innovation Actions of the Horizon Europe Programme.
MAR2PROTECT consists in a tool supported by Artificial Intelligence that will receive real-time information from sensors placed in risk locations, among other vitally important information (innovative technologies, preferences of social agents, risk assessment and policy recommendations, among others). The tool is based on a new generation of Controlled Aquifer Recharge (MAR) approach to improve groundwater quality and quantity. The project is intended to lead to a marked improvement in of groundwater protection across the European Union, as well as building knowledge for sustainable water management. The aim is to support policy makers fighting the degradation of water quality.
In Portugal, the test phase will be implemented in the Lima River, in Northern Portugal, which has been a sensitive point for groundwater pollution; and in Águas do Tejo Atlântico in Frielas, which serves the municipalities of Amadora, Lisbon, Loures, Odivelas, Sintra and Vila Franca de Xira. However, this tool will still collect information from diverse ecosystems, including Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Tunisia and South Africa, to capture a wide range of information and configurations of climatic conditions, pollution and social context.
"Climate and global change have a serious impact on human health and well-being, as well as food security and biodiversity. The zero pollution targets planned for 2030 by the European Union can only be achieved if urgent action is taken," says Ana B. Pereiro, FCT NOVA researcher. "MAR2PROTECT seeks a strong involvement of national and European legislators who, in collaboration with numerous experts, will ensure the strengthening of European policies and collaboration in the implementation of policies to prevent the groundwater contamination."
MAR2PROTECT is a consortium coordinated by FCT NOVA involving seven Research and Technology Organisations (CIIMAR, CETAQUA + AQUATEC, IHE, IT, ISSBAT, FHNW and SUWI), two universities (UNIBO and KTU), one technology transfer entity (FEUGA) , three water supply and wastewater treatment companies (AdTA, Dunea and HERA) and a public administration (City of Cape Town).(AdTA, Dunea and HERA).
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