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A Non-Fickian Inverse Model for Nutrient Pollution Sources Identification in River Systems Flow into the Baltic Sea

Project description

Smart diagnostic tool to clean up the Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea is being harmed by too many nutrients flowing in from rivers. New ways are needed to track where these pollution sources start in the rivers before they ever reach the sea. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the Source-Tracker project aims to address eutrophication in the Baltic Sea by developing an inverse transport-based mathematical model to identify cryptic nutrient pollution sources within tributary river systems. The model will accurately determine the location and magnitude of localised inputs. This innovative framework enables proactive intervention before contaminants reach sensitive marine ecosystems. By integrating with real-time water quality monitoring, the project will provide a scalable, high-precision diagnostic tool, thus improving ecosystem resilience and public health through targeted mitigation strategies.

Objective

"The Baltic Sea, a unique and sensitive marine environment, is affected by excessive nutrient inflows from northern European rivers, which threaten its biodiversity and essential ecosystem services and drive the ongoing problem of eutrophication. Effective management of nutrient pollution in the Baltic Sea is particularly challenging, as substantial portion comes from unknown sources. This highlights the urgent need for innovative and sustainable methods to trace pollution sources in river systems flow into the Baltic Sea, enabling intervention before they reach the marine environment. The ""Source-Tracker"" project aims to develop a novel inverse transport-based mathematical model for detecting unknown nutrient pollution sources in river systems that flow into the Baltic Sea. The model considers non-Fickian transport processes, offering precise and timely insights into the location and magnitude of nutrient loading. By challenging conventional approaches that often oversimplify physical realities, Source-Tracker fills a critical gap in water resources management and extends source identification methods to practical scenarios. It is capable of detecting small and localized nutrient inputs and adapting to diverse pollution scenarios, essential for targeted and effective mitigation. Presently, there is an evident absence of such a model. Source-Tracker aligns with global and European environmental goals, like the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 6 and the European Green Deal. The model's integration with existing water quality monitoring systems represents a significant advancement in real-time environmental monitoring. This capability enhances water quality management and response strategies, making the model a valuable tool for protecting ecosystems and public health. Moreover, the project sets a benchmark for other regions facing similar nutrient pollution challenges, extending its environmental impact beyond the Baltic Sea region."

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF

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Coordinator

OULUN YLIOPISTO
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 226 276,80
Address
PENTTI KAITERAN KATU 1
90014 Oulu
Finland

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Region
Manner-Suomi Pohjois- ja Itä-Suomi Pohjois-Pohjanmaa
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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