The integration of advanced technologies into water management and remediation in diverse urban environments like Dublin Bay, Narva, Tallinn, and Kohtla-Järve is set to revolutionize water quality monitoring and management. This comprehensive solution, which includes biotechnology, bacteria identification, IoT, AI, lab-on-a-chip (LOC) systems, underwater technology, wireless sensor networks, and advanced software and hardware design, is tailored to meet the unique challenges of these cities, from coastal and riverine ecosystems to industrial impacts.Central to this integrated system is the use of LOC devices, miniaturized laboratories capable of performing a wide range of analytical tasks. These devices, made typically of silicon or
glass, feature microchannels for transporting fluids at the microliter or nanoliter scale, enabling the real-time detection and quantification of bacterial levels and chemicals in water and sediment. Common types of LOC devices, such as microfluidic immunoassays, PCR, and mass spectrometry, are employed for their specific capabilities. Microfluidic immunoassays use
antibodies to capture and detect bacteria or chemicals, PCR amplifies DNA from bacteria or organisms, and mass spectrometry identifies and quantifies chemicals by ionizing the sample and separating it based on mass-to-charge ratio.The advantages of LOC devices, including small sample size, rapid analysis, high sensitivity, and portability, make them particularly suitable for the real-time monitoring needs of these urban environments. They enhance the system’s ability to provide rapid identification of bacteria types and chemical contaminants, crucial for areas like Narva with cross-border pollution concerns, and Tallinn with its sensitive coastal ecosystem. AI analysis further augments this system, identifying patterns and changes in water quality, and signaling potential pollution events or the effectiveness of remediation efforts.Enhanced spatial and temporal monitoring coverage is achieved through underwater cameras and drones, complementing the LOC devices’ capabilities. This is particularly beneficial for the complex aquatic environment of Dublin Bay and the varied landscapes of the Estonian cities. The integration of these technologies through Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) ensures not only continuous monitoring and rapid response to pollution events but also facilitates data accessibility and informed decision-making across these urban settings. This approach demonstrates how advanced technology, including LOC devices, can be adapted to diverse environmental contexts, supporting community engagement in water conservation and pollution prevention in both Ireland and Estonia.