Early warning systems for marine monitoring: the results of Spoke 3 at IEEE MetroSea 2024
Chiara Gambardella from CNR IAS, along with Elisa Costa and Francesca Garaventa, presented preliminary results from Project “Technologically Assisted Ecotoxicological Tools” – Spoke 3 of RAISE, at the IEEE MetroSea 2024 conference, held from October 14 to 16 in Portorož, Slovenia.
The event, dedicated to the development of measurement tools and methods for marine environments, gathered international experts in new technologies for marine environmental monitoring. Topics included the use of metrology in maritime industry production, measurement of ship components, marine sensors, and calibration techniques for marine electronic applications.
Within this context, Spoke 3 of RAISE is advancing the development of innovative technological solutions to protect marine ecosystems. Notably, three biological Early Warning Systems (EWS) are being tested, designed to monitor the health of the aquatic environment in real time by promptly detecting pollution or other environmental stressors.
These systems are based on key biological parameters, such as the electrochemical activity of biofilms, the movement of adult crustaceans, and the swimming behavior of planktonic organisms. The aim is to use these biological indicators as “natural sentinels” capable of signaling any alterations in the marine ecosystem.
The initial results, presented at the conference, stem from tests conducted on contaminants and polluted environmental samples. The data obtained are promising and could represent an important step toward more effective and timely monitoring of the impact of human activities on the marine environment. If validated, these early warning systems could become essential tools for ensuring water quality, with positive effects on biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
“It was important to present the results of RAISE at this international conference, focused on the development of marine measurement systems. This event offered a valuable opportunity for exchange and collaboration with colleagues and experts in the field of new technologies for marine monitoring. Participation in this congress also helped promote RAISE among partners for the next edition, which will take place in Genoa from October 8 to 10, 2025,” commented Chiara Gambardella at the end of the conference.
