Polish City Uses Mussels to Monitor Water Quality
2025-02-03
The Dębiec Water Treatment Plant in Poznań, Poland, has implemented a novel water quality monitoring system using the natural intelligence of mussels. Highly sensitive to pollutants, mussels close their shells when water quality deteriorates. The system integrates mussels with sensors and a computer network; if four or more mussels close simultaneously, the system automatically shuts down, signaling pollution. This AquaNES project, supported by the European Union, showcases the integration of nature-based elements into water management and highlights the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature.