In Di-Hydro, one of the objectives is to monitor environmental and biodiversity effect of Hydropower (HP) Optimisation and Maintenance (O&M) in immediate and surrounding HP plant areas. In fact, the aim is to minimise HP impact on the natural environment and neighbouring societies.

Hydropower and Environment

Hydroelectric power plants, while representing a significant source of renewable energy, can have its impacts on biodiversity. The European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement emphasise the importance of protecting biodiversity while transitioning to renewable energy sources. In a nutshell, both these frameworks advocate for sustainable practices that minimise environmental impact, including those from hydropower. Therefore, monitoring water quality and biodiversity is crucial for operation sustainability of hydroelectric power plants.

Human activities, such as farming, industrial processes or even tourism, can introduce pollutants into water bodies, leading to contamination and pollution. To safeguard water quality, conducting regular monitoring helps detect harmful substances, ensuring the safety of water for both human consumption and aquatic life. For instance, algae blooms, often caused by nutrient runoff from agriculture, can produce toxins that are harmful to both humans and wildlife.
Monitoring these blooms is also relevant to prevent possible clogging episodes in the hydropower plant intake filters and screens. In fact, algae deposits can significantly reduce water flow to the turbines. Moreover, they  also cause drag in turbine blades, reducing efficiency.

Another aspect to consider in water quality monitoring are pathogens. In fact, waterborne pathogens can pose significant risks to people and wildlife. Monitoring for bacterial indicators, such as coliform bacteria, helps assess the presence of faecal contamination and potential pathogens. This process is vital for maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems and ensuring the safety of water for recreational and agricultural use.

Biodiversity Monitoring in Di-Hydro

Another of the many innovative developments for HP plants digitalisation in Di-Hydro is a Multiparametric Portable Platform, equipped with biodiversity and water quality sensors. This platform, developed by AIMEN, is designed to significantly reduce time and costly laboratory analysis. Specifically, the platform provides real-time information on key microorganism species (i.e., microalgae, bacteria, etc.) that may pose a threat to the environment, human health or HP plant O&M.

Fig.1: Multiparametric Portable Platform design

The Multiparametric Platform is equipped with several optical sensor units based on different working principles (e.g., spectral absorption, fluorescence emission, digital holographic microscopy). Also, the device combines sensor data with Machine Learning models for image analysis. As a result, it is able to give an estimate on target species concentrations, helping to asses, on real time, some key biodiversity parameters.

In Di-Hydro, we are fully aware that hydroelectric power plants play a crucial role in providing renewable energy. Nonetheless, the Team is up to the task to balance their operation while caring for biodiversity and environmental preservation.

Author: Miguel Placer – AIMEN

References

https://loodusveeb.ee/en/themes/energy-and-biodiversity/impact-hydropower-biodiversity

https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/biodiversity-strategy-2030_en

https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/11/1130677

https://wellness.icliniq.com/articles/healthy-living-wellness-and-prevention/water-quality-monitoring-parameters-and-methods-for-assessment