On December 11-12, 2023, the second AIHABs research consortium workshop took place in Braga, Portugal. It was a collaborative effort between the teams of TU Dublin and the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) and was held at the INL in Braga. The workshop served as a platform for each participating team to present their progress since the inception of the AIHABs project.

 

During the second AIHABs workshop, a focal point of the discussions was the advancement of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) HAB predictive tool, with a particular emphasis on integrating outputs and findings from various project teams. Another focus was on in-depth discussions regarding the outcomes of sampling campaigns conducted in 2022 and 2023 at the designated study sites in Spain and the Czech Republic. Attendees delved into the analysis results stemming from both in-situ measurements and laboratory analyses of water samples, covering a spectrum of crucial water quality parameters.

Furthermore, the workshop showcased the results of genetic analyses performed on water samples which were collected from the Belesar Reservoir and Miño River Estuary in Spain. These analyses played a pivotal role in identifying harmful species responsible for algal blooms, shedding light on their potential ecological implications.

Advancements in acquiring remote sensing hyperspectral images from various platforms, including satellites such as Sentinel-2, Landsat, and Prisma, as well as drones, were presented and discussed. Of particular interest was the development of algorithms aimed at translating the colour patterns captured in these images into actionable Chlorophyll-a data, offering valuable insights into the health of aquatic ecosystems.

In tandem with the technical presentations featured in the workshop, thorough discussions unfolded concerning the project's future direction. These deliberations encompassed detailed plans and anticipated deliverables for the remaining duration of the project.

Furthermore, the participants engaged in extensive conversations regarding publication strategies and forthcoming dissemination endeavours aimed at maximising awareness and fostering significant impact within relevant communities.

Attendees also had the privilege of visiting the state-of-the-art research facilities at INL. AIHABs researchers had the opportunity to explore nano-technology labs and engage with the water quality research group. Furthermore, a highlight of the visit was witnessing the development of a microcystin sensor in the water quality laboratory, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in environmental monitoring technology.