Innovation Pillar III
Aquatic Ecosystems Monitoring and Pollution Control
A central focus of our research is the monitoring and pollution control of aquatic ecosystems. SEL NTUA has extensive experience in developing innovative methods and tools for water resource monitoring and pollution mitigation. Our laboratory is accredited by the Hellenic Accreditation System for conducting chemical and microbiological analyses of water, wastewater, and sludge. We test and optimize autonomous and networked sensor systems for real-time monitoring across diverse environments, including lakes, reservoirs, rivers, estuaries, coastal zones, groundwater, and novel water and wastewater treatment systems.
Our team has developed advanced mathematical models to simulate the behavior and fate of various contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. These models address critical environmental challenges, such as water deoxygenation, eutrophication, and pollution from heavy metals, emerging contaminants, pesticides, microplastics, and microbial sources (including pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes). Moreover, we design methodologies to identify, evaluate, and manage both point and diffuse pollution sources, aiming to minimize contaminant release into aquatic environments.
In addition to our technical work, we prioritize public engagement by raising awareness and involving local communities and policymakers in monitoring and pollution prevention initiatives. Our ultimate goal is to provide effective solutions for monitoring, controlling, and mitigating pollution in aquatic ecosystems, improving water quality, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring the sustainable management of water resources for future generations.
