By Scout Nelson
As climate change poses increasing risks, underserved communities lacking robust infrastructure face severe challenges. A pioneering initiative led by South Dakota Mines aims to address these vulnerabilities through the AQUA-CLIME project, which received $2.7 million out of a $6 million grant. This initiative targets the Oglala Sioux Tribe, the Navajo Nation in New Mexico, and flood-prone areas in Vermont.
The project leverages a collaborative approach involving various academic and community partners to enhance water management. Principal investigator Venkataramana Gadhamshetty, Ph.D., emphasizes the integration of AI-driven technologies and Indigenous knowledge to develop real-time monitoring systems that are affordable and efficient. These systems are designed to manage water quality and quantity during extreme weather events, making them crucial for climate resilience.
Partner institutions include the University of South Dakota, Oglala Lakota College, the University of Vermont, and several others, forming a network of over 350 individuals. This network spans Native American communities, educators, researchers, and students, all collaborating to develop and deploy innovative water monitoring solutions.
A key component of AQUA-CLIME is the creation of low-cost remote sensors aimed at gathering crucial climate data from remote areas, particularly reservations. These sensors will be crucial for monitoring the Missouri River and other critical watersheds. Moreover, the project will produce decision-support tools to aid communities in making informed choices about water usage under future climate scenarios.
The technology being developed includes multi-sensor arrays and distributed sensor networks capable of detecting various contaminants like heavy metals and microplastics. This technology not only aims to address immediate water quality and quantity challenges but also builds long-term resilience against climate change impacts.
The broader goals of AQUA-CLIME include building substantial infrastructure, enhancing human and technological capacities, and developing scalable models for nationwide application.
The project also focuses on workforce development, providing extensive research and professional opportunities for students and junior faculty across participating institutions. Through these efforts, AQUA-CLIME aspires to foster a future-ready workforce capable of tackling significant environmental challenges with cutting-edge solutions.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: South Dakota, Sustainable Agriculture