Why OS is on coastline pollution watch

Collaborating for improved water conditions

1 minute read
OS and sustainability experts are exploring ways to predict and detect sewage overspills remotely from space.

The innovative project uses artificial intelligence modelling (AI) and machine learning to predict the many chemical and physical elements associated with pollution to incredibly high levels of location accuracy.

The test project is based at the North Devon village of Combe Martin, in partnership with sustainability experts CGI as part of their UN-backed research programme called SEEDS (Sustainability Exploration Environmental Data Science). The programme is challenging the thinking and practice around sustainability.

Combe Martin has been chosen because it’s unique. The valley in which it’s located is already a living laboratory – full of sensors and instruments to measure water quality as part of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere.

It’s already led to considerable improvements in water conditions. And now another technological and innovation leap is launched in the fight against water pollution. Here’s how:

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