The iMERMAID project, led by the ITCL Technology Center, applies innovative technology to combat chemical pollution in the Mediterranean, offering sustainable solutions that protect marine biodiversity and promote a clean and balanced future for this essential ecosystem.
Innovation to protect our marine environment
The European project ‘Innovative solutions for Mediterranean Ecosystem Remediation via Monitoring and decontamination from Chemical Pollution’(iMERMAID), led by ITCL Centro Tecnológico, uses innovative technology to combat pollution and protect the Mediterranean.
This European effort combines science, technology and artificial intelligence to develop sustainable solutions that protect our marine ecosystems and contribute to a cleaner future.
The urgent need to protect the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the world’s most threatened ecosystems. Its limited connection to the open oceans and densely populated coastlines have led to a critical accumulation of chemical pollutants, including microplastics, pesticides and heavy metals. This situation not only threatens marine biodiversity, but also the well-being of the human communities that depend on these resources.
Within this framework, iMERMAID emerges as a comprehensive technological response, aligned with the European Zero Pollution Action Plan and the European Union’s climate objectives for 2030.
Technology at the service of sustainability
iMERMAID has clear and ambitious goals that seek to transform the management of marine pollution:
- Reduce persistent chemical contamination through innovative technologies.
- Develop advanced monitoring systems that detect contaminants such as microplastics and pesticides early.
- Apply sustainable remediation techniques to clean up contaminated water.
- Promote the adoption of replicable solutions in various areas of the Mediterranean, involving all stakeholders in their implementation.
- Promote the use of predictive models based on artificial intelligence for a more efficient and sustainable management of marine resources.
Technology used: Artificial intelligence and innovative solutions
The project is supported by state-of-the-art technological tools, including:
- Autonomous sensorized platforms: Equipment designed to collect oceanographic data in real time (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, etc.).
- Predictive models: Based on artificial intelligence, they make it possible to anticipate the effects of climate change and pollution on marine ecosystems.
- Advanced remediation techniques: Use of plasma, membranes and chemical/non-chemical removal to filter water in a sustainable manner.
A major project to improve the world
iMERMAID addresses a critical pollution problem and lays the foundation for sustainable management of marine resources. With funding of nearly 9 million euros and a duration of three years, this European project seeks to be replicable in other regions of the world, promoting cost-effective solutions with a high environmental impact.
The Spanish pilot, located in the Ebro Basin, is a clear example of how technology can be applied locally to generate a global impact. By identifying and treating contaminants early, iMERMAID contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and the health of marine ecosystems.
ITCL’s commitment to a sustainable future
From its headquarters in Burgos, ITCL Centro Tecnológico has become an international benchmark in the development of innovative solutions to address major environmental challenges. With experience, talent and resources, the center leads projects such as iMERMAID , which not only seek to combat current problems such as chemical pollution in the Mediterranean, but also lay the foundations for a long-term sustainable development model.
Through iMERMAID, ITCL demonstrates that technology can and should be at the service of the environment, functioning as a catalyst for positive change. This project not only protects marine biodiversity, but also inspires new forms of collaboration between science, technology and society, fostering a collective approach to addressing the climate crisis.
ITCL ‘s commitment transcends the boundaries of technical innovation: it is a commitment to people, the environment and future generations. With iMERMAID , the center reaffirms that technology is not only a driver of progress, but also a powerful tool to build a cleaner, fairer and more sustainable world for all.
