Anticipating environmental risks linked to cyanobacteria
Faced with the increasing effects of global warming and the impact of human activities on water resources, the proliferation of cyanobacteria in freshwater bodies has become a major problem. These blooms can produce cyanotoxins that are harmful to fauna, flora and water quality.
To address this challenge, Scalian and WaterShed Monitoring Europe , with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA) , have developed Nerthus , an innovative bloom prediction solution based on satellite, meteorological, limnological and artificial intelligence data.
Nerthus is the evolution of the BEPS-IA (Bloom Event Prediction by Satellite Images Analysis) project, initiated in 2021 with CNES and ESA, which demonstrated the scientific and technical viability of a predictive approach.
In short
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Clients
ESA -
Head Office
Paris -
Industry
Spatial -
Employees
2500
Multimodal AI for optimal anticipation
Scalian and WaterShed Monitoring Europe have designed a cutting-edge solution combining several technologies and data sources:
- Satellite imagery processing : analysis of multi-spectral images to identify risk areas.
- Exploitation of meteorological data : integration of climate forecasts to refine predictions.
- Field and limnological data : use of in situ sensors and analyses of lake composition to enrich models.
- Advanced AI modeling : Deep learning algorithms to predict blooms several days in advance.
This approach makes it possible to offer the stakeholders concerned ( water managers, public health organizations, municipalities and local authorities, researchers and scientists ) an accessible and efficient predictive tool.
A robust, responsible and frugal tool
Nerthus stands out for several major assets:
- Performance and robustness : an AI model continuously improved thanks to user feedback and the enrichment of databases.
- Progressive accessibility : the first phase of use by a panel is planned for April 2025 , but a broader deployment to the stakeholders concerned will potentially take place later in the year.
- Environmental responsibility : a tool promoting the preservation of aquatic ecosystems and the securing of water resources.
- Digital Frugality : Nerthus was designed to minimize its carbon footprint by using an optimized infrastructure, favoring CPUs over GPUs .
Thanks to Nerthus , the monitoring and protection of freshwater resources is entering a new era, combining technological expertise and environmental commitment .
SONJA BEHMEL
President of WaterShed Monitoring
