Mar2Protect Project, initiated in 2022, is dedicated to ensuring the reliability of groundwater quality. This initiative receives funding from the European Union under the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation program, contributing to the 2030 zero pollution goals.
The project consortium comprises 11 partners, with Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT), FCT NOVA from Portugal (acting as the coordinator), UNIBO from Italy, KTU from Lithuania, SU from South Africa, CETAQUA Andalucía from Spain, CIIMAR from Portugal, IHE DELFT from the Netherlands, ISSBAT from Tunisia, FEU from Spain, and AQUATEC from Spain (affiliated with CETAQUA Andalucía).
Mar2Protect relies on a multidisciplinary task force encompassing various fields of study, including social sciences, physics, chemistry, and biology. This diverse approach is aimed at obtaining a holistic perspective to prevent groundwater contamination resulting from the impacts of climate change.
The project is structured around several key objectives: (1) prevention of groundwater contamination using technologies for removal and biodegradation, (2) prevention of groundwater diffuse pollution from agriculture, (3) prediction of the impacts of global and climate change on the groundwater quality, (4) the development of a decision support system based on artificial intelligence techniques, and (5) the growth of the active role of societal actors in the prevention of the water contamination. It is intended to obtain a useful tool for policymakers in this matter.
A major focus of Mar2Protect is the development of innovative real-time integrated sensing systems for groundwater contamination prevention. To achieve this goal, an innovative managed aquifer recharge approach will be employed, incorporating technical and societal engagement information, as well as artificial intelligence evaluation. Sensors will be deployed in multiple demonstration sites across various countries, including Portugal, Tunisia, the Netherlands, Italy, South Africa, and Spain. These sites encompass diverse climatic conditions and water sources.
The Optical Devices and Sensors group in Aveiro is leading a major Work Package dedicated to innovative approaches for monitoring water contamination, working towards the development of optical sensors for water contaminants. The IT team comprises the local coordinator Rogério Nogueira, along with Catarina Novo, Ricardo Oliveira, and Lúcia Bilro.
Infographics credits: https://mar2protect.eu/
More on this project: