Moroccan Capgemini team are developing an early detection system to monitor and remove harmful algal blooms from the Kingdom’s dams and reservoirs. They are testing an AI-powered water-based drone that can detect harmful algal blooms in dams. The pilot project could help countries around the world to protect water supplies for millions of people.
According to experts, water scarcity is a growing problem in Morocco. Dams are crucial for storing and distributing freshwater but, in recent years, many have been affected by harmful algal blooms that can contaminate water, threaten biodiversity, and even disrupt water supply to local populations.
Until now, blooms have been detected by eye, which meant that by the time action was taken, the water quality was already compromised. The Moroccan engineering team wanted to change this with the development of
of a water-based drone equipped with sensors and a remote alert system with integrated AI capabilities that can accurately detect blooms earlier and prevent contamination.
The drone is designed to move along the surface of reservoirs, where toxic blooms form, and will be tested at a dam in northern Morocco. Algal blooms can create toxins and water deoxygenation that are harmful to other organisms in lakes and reservoirs.
As the shutting down of a dam can affect millions of people’s water supply, the deployment of such smart drones offers a solution to protect both people and ecosystems.
