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Content archived on 2024-05-27

Computerised video camera image analysis for monitoring pollution in water

Objective

Standard checking for water pollution is done by spot-sampling and chemical analysis. This method is expensive, slow, localised and occasional. It is not known how long pollution has been present, or what its future dispersal pattern may be. This project develops a fast, continuous, reliable, informative and cheap system for monitoring water quality, which is of great interest to authorities responsible for pollution control at sea, beaches and waterways. Such agencies also have an interest in reaching the public with such information. The project will provide a solution that uses a remote camera to sense water-borne pollutants by computerised image analysis. Pollutants in water have a damping effect on the water surface, which can be recovered by wavescape interrogation. A network of internet-linked, pole-mounted cameras will provide constant monitoring of pollution. The installations provide a high-profile promotion platform by means of ruggedised video terminals for publicity and to disseminate information to the public

Objectives:
BLUE WATER will, using video cameras and image analysis, develop a system for constant monitoring/early warning of pollution in water. Anthropogenic/biogenic slicks (from hydrocarbons, fish oil, algal bloom, bacteria etc.) leave surface signatures by damping wave motions, which the system will detect in concentrations of 1 to 8 mg/m2. Suspended solids damp waves will be detectable at 100 mg/litre. The major random cause of high pesticide and heavy metal levels (5 to 7 orders of magnitude) is from accumulation by biogenic slicks, detectable as above. Pollutant presence will be detected by comparing wavescape with normal water surface for similar conditions (wind, rain, tide, depth etc.). Experimental data gathered in tanks and open sea will be used to build image analysis algorithms. The project will develop a sophisticated HCI (Human-Computing-Interface) with prediction and analysis functionality. Dissemination will be achieved by installing ruggedised display terminals, on which web pages / video can be viewed by the public.

Milestones:
MS1 end month 7. Video data for image processing, Software specs. End user prep, and requirements, Market Intelligence.
MS2 end month 16. Test sites hardware installed. All modules prototyped & Integrated in test sites. Basic detection running. First exploitation report. Consortium Agreement.
MS3 end month 24. Software completed, tuned and tested. Full detection ability realised.
MS4 at project end. System, exploitation plan, documentation, product definition ready for roll-out planning.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Call for proposal

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Coordinator

BRITISH MARITIME TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
EU contribution
No data
Address
ORLANDO HOUSE WALDEGRAVE ROAD 1
TW11 8LZ TEDDINGTON - MIDDLESEX
United Kingdom

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Total cost
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Participants (6)