Joint scientific seminar on “Application of modern technologies for water resources protection” was held
01.09.2024 / Conferences, assemblies
The joint scientific seminar of the Institute of Control Systems of the Ministry of Science and Education of AR, National Aerospace Agency of the Ministry of Defense Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) on “Application of modern technologies for water resources protection” was held on August 30, 2024. The seminar was attended by the leadership of the above research institutions, staff of the relevant laboratories and departments, and the faculty.
Professor Jean-Guy Fontaine, Director of the Jean-Guy International Joint Laboratory of Shaoxing University of China, Director of the Paris Robotics Laboratory (LRP) of Pierre and Marie Curie University, and Elchin Khalilov, President of the Azerbaijan Chapter of the International Academy of Sciences, Professor of Wenzhou University of China, delivered keynote speeches at the seminar on the topic of the project implemented within the framework of the international grant program of the People's Republic of China “Chinese National Talent”.
General Director of ICS Academician Ali Abbasov, who opened the event, welcomed the guests and noted the importance of the scientific seminar organized on the eve of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), to be held in Baku on November 11-22 this year.
Emphasizing the importance of the project titled “Application of monitoring system to prevent pollution of large water bodies by underwater drones and robotic devices”, Abbasov expressed confidence that the seminar will give impetus to the development of scientific ties between Azerbaijan and China, and said proposals will be prepared for participation in the program uniting the world scientific community.
Then, Prof. Jean-Guy Fontaine spoke on “Using surface and underwater unmanned and robotic vehicles to conduct intelligent environmental monitoring of large bodies of water”. Speaking about methods of preventing pollution of water bodies, the scientist noted the importance of combined use of traditional and new methods in the modern era of nanotechnology. He emphasized that one of the topical areas of monitoring is oil production, where the use of robotics can provide effective results.
Drawing attention to the main nuances of monitoring bodies of water, Prof. Fontaine emphasized that geographical location and legislative acts are of primary importance, followed by the choice of the right strategy for cleaning water bodies. For example, in the traditional method, weekly and monthly samples are taken from water bodies, analyzed and appropriate decisions are made. On the other hand, using modern technologies in accordance with the requirements of the time, new methods and measurement platforms can be created, which will allow continuous and better monitoring.
Prof. Fontaine noted that traditional monitoring strategy is usually applied when pollution is already detected and observed, but new technologies are needed to prevent underwater pollution of bodies of water, including toxic substances, pesticides, etc.
Prof. Fontaine informed the participants of the event about monitoring of lakes and seas, which are of special importance for human life and are considered as a source of drinking water. He spoke about environmental protection, including the cleaning of bodies of water using sensors to protect marine animals from sound waves and hazards. He mentioned the importance of organizing platforms for continuous monitoring of water bodies using gliders hovering over the water, drifters moving along the water currents and autonomous devices. He said that shallow or deep water are also factors affecting the effectiveness of monitoring. One of the important considerations here is the right choice of data collection device. The professor elaborated on drones and catamarans which are important data collection tools.
Highlighting the difficulty of monitoring in deep waters due to the pollution of underwater currents, the scientist spoke about the application of new sensors to solve this problem. According to Fontaine, new measurement methods are currently being tested and ready for use, and timely detection of the problem and correct analysis play a particular role in ensuring the safety of civilians and nature. The professor emphasized the importance of creating the Smart Sea concept, along with the Smart City concept, in Azerbaijan, one of the leading countries in the world.
At the end of his speech, Fontaine talked about a system developed by him together with China's Wenzhou University that can be easily transformed. He said that the system analyzes the surface and underwater areas of a body of water using hyperspectral images, detects a problem and transmits a signal to the catamaran. Emphasizing the role of the system in detecting pollution problems in water bodies, the scientist said that it had already been tested and they were ready for collaboration.
Prof. Elchin Khalilov then made a presentation, elaborating on the system. He noted that this unmanned underwater system developed on the basis of green technologies can perform necessary tasks without any hindrance.
Referring to the work on environmental protection done within the framework of cooperation with Azerbaijan State University of Economics, the professor noted that a relevant research center had been established. He also said they are interested in establishing cooperation relations with ICS and Institute of Ecology in this field. E. Khalilov noted that the system implemented under the “Chinese National Talent” international grant program can play an effective role in identifying and eliminating the causes of pollution of the Caspian Sea.
Further, Director of the ANASA Institute of Ecology, Full Member of the Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Prof. Bahram Aliyev spoke, noting that the presented project is of great importance in protecting the ecosystem and talked of the need to establish cooperation between our countries in this field. Naming global climate change, soil degradation, food security and fresh water shortage as the main environmental problems of Azerbaijan, the professor talked of the challenges arising from the relevant instructions of the head of state to solve these problems.
Further, questions on the project presented by the participants of the seminar were voiced and broad discussions were held.
At the end of the event A. Abbasov thanked the participants, noting that the presented project deserves high praise. The academician told the guests about the works carried out at the Institute of Control Systems in the field of intelligent and optimal control, and also shared the prospects for the future.
