Through an innovative online platform, measure and identify micro- and nano-plastics, bacteria, and cortisol directly in the water and/or the aquaculture tank. This is what the DIGIAqua project proposes, with scientific coordination by the University of Aveiro (UA), involving other universities and business partners from the sector. The project, which began in early January and will last three years, intends to go from predictive analytics to intelligent photonics platform for aquaculture.

Starting from the realization that there are currently no probes or online technologies available on the market to measure and identify micro- and nano-plastics, bacteria, and cortisol directly in water, the DIGIAqua project seeks “disruptive solutions,” explains research coordinator Carlos Marques, a member of the Institute for Nanostructures, Nanomodelling and Nanofabrication (I3N). It seeks to respond to the needs felt by the sector and “to make a scientific leap in order to help the market evolve in this sector,” he points out. DigiAqua approaches will develop innovative sensor systems based on knowledge of methodologies and technologies previously explored and modified by team members and collaborators.

It is understood that these challenges, adds the project coordinator, can be met through innovative photonics technology, considering its operational safety in aqueous environments, the ease with which it can be introduced into tanks, installing instrumentation in situ linked to intelligent data processing. This photonic technology linked to intelligent data processing is a strategic pillar, for increasing the competitiveness of various industrial sectors, based on photons – particles that make up light – and thus processed and transported, either in an optical waveguide or a minimalist photonic chip. This will allow us to quickly identify possible causes of events harmful to fish welfare and open up other perspectives in fish farming. “The data acquired by these detection solutions will bring breakthroughs and critical information for the progress of aquaculture and therefore for the quality of food for human consumption,” guarantees Carlos Marques.

The prototype, an intelligent, multi-parameter, multi-point detection platform, will be installed in the installations of aquaculture recirculation systems of companies in the sector, such as Safiestela SA (SEA8 Group, in Portugal) and Akvaplan-niva AS (in Norway), to control and manage operations from advanced mathematical and chemical analytical resources. These use statistical models and machine learning algorithms (machine learning), as well as data collection and deep chemical analysis through machine learning.

The technology and the project itself promote and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and technologies in the aquaculture sector, between the industry and the entities of the national and international scientific system with the aim of increasing competencies, innovation, and sustainability in the sector.

The partners of the national scientific system, in addition to UA, which leads the project, are the University of Madeira and the University of Coimbra. Also involved as associate partners are the companies SEA8 and Akvaplan-niva AS, the latter being Norwegian, and the universities of Liaocheng in China and Mons in Belgium.

(source: UA)