Descrizione del progetto
Tecnologie innovative di osservazione dell’oceano
L’inquinamento dei nostri oceani causato da plastiche e altri rifiuti antropogenici rappresenta una minaccia ad attività umane quali la pesca e l’acquacoltura. Di conseguenza, sono urgentemente necessarie tecnologie avanzate di osservazione degli oceani. Il progetto TechOceanS, finanziato dall’UE, svilupperà e dimostrerà attraverso diversi veicoli sottomarini nove tecnologie pionieristiche per la biologia degli oceani, la chimica e il monitoraggio delle plastiche. Queste soluzioni innovative sono composte da cinque sensori, due sistemi di imaging che intervengono sulla biologia del fondale marino e pelagica, nonché sulle plastiche, un campionatore che raccoglierà 1 000 campioni di particelle e un nuovo metodo di elaborazione delle immagini basato sull’IA per la compressione dei dati e la trasmissione delle informazioni. Un analizzatore in situ per gli acidi nucleici (DNA e RNA) e sensori lab-on-a-chip quantificheranno le specie e i geni e rileveranno sostanze nutritive, variabili oceaniche essenziali di carbonato, contaminanti e tossine organici, nonché microrganismi e microplastiche.
Obiettivo
TechOceanS will produce and demonstrate in multiple underwater vehicles, 9 new technologies enabling a step change in ocean biology, chemistry and plastic observation.
The technologies include 5 sensors, two imaging systems, a sampler and a new image processing method using Artificial Intelligence (AI) that enables data compression and transmission of information about key variables from the remote ocean. All the systems are robust and submersible to >2000 m and collectively measure at least 63% (12/19) of priority Biogeochemical and Biology and Ecosystems “Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs)” and at least 53% (39/73) of these EOV’s sub-variables. The systems also measure litter, plastics, biotoxins, parasites, pathogens and organic pollutants of relevance to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) as well as fisheries, aquaculture and offshore industries.
The sensors include: i) an in situ analyser for Nucleic Acids (DNA and RNA) including eDNA for quantifying species and genes; Lab on a chip (LOC) sensors that will sense ii) nutrients and the carbonate EOVs; and iii) organic contaminants and toxins detected with recombinant antibodies; iv) a primary productivity sensor using time resolved fluorescence; and v) a micro (LOC) cytometer for microorganisms and microplastics.
The imaging systems will demonstrate the new image workflow and target benthic (seabed) and pelagic (water column) biology and plastic. The sampler collects up to 1000 particle samples and can be used for plastics, microorganisms and eDNA for later analysis (e.g. sequencing of nucleic acids.)
TechOceanS will demonstrate technologies at two sites (Naples, Gran Canaria) for science, aquaculture, fisheries, regulator and industrial users. The project will both develop and use best practices, and will collaborate and disseminate widely with stakeholders and the international community including by hosting training events on ocean observing technologies. TechOceanS expects to commercialise the technologies resulting from this project.
Campo scientifico
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesfisheries
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesnucleic acids
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiology
- natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesgeochemistrybiogeochemistry
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
Meccanismo di finanziamento
IA - Innovation actionCoordinatore
SO14 3ZH Southampton
Regno Unito