NEWS in brief
Global Highlights was released to coincide with the meetings . It reveals that countries are not increasing spending fast enough to meet the water and sanitation targets under the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ).
IBM ’ s New IoT Technology for Water Management
IBM is working on a research pilot to leverage Internet of Things ( IoT ) technologies for environmental monitoring and management .
The deployment of Dublin City University ( DCU ) sensors with IBM ’ s machine learning and cognitive IoT technologies will aim to help protect and conserve natural resources and address environmental management issues such as water quality for both freshwater and marine environments .
IBM ’ s cognitive IoT technologies are able to provide deep learning capabilities for sensor platforms , which ensure quality and reliable data capture under a range of environmental conditions . Advanced analytics embedded in IoT-based sensor platforms , or the sensors themselves , can help detect subtle trends or early detection of environmental changes that may be crucial to public health and safety or remediation efforts .
The collaboration brings together IBM Research efforts in the area of cognitive IoT-based environmental solutions with DCU ’ s Water Institute expertise and leadership in environmental sensing via the university ’ s National Centre for Sensor Research ( NCSR ). As a part of the program , IBM has joined the DCU Water Institute Industry Advisory Council .
IBM scientists are working on integrated IoT solutions to support a myriad of sensors to help better understand and ultimately manage a multitude of ecosystem challenges . These may include water quality changes due to natural , artificial , or climate-related effects . Sensors can measure physical , chemical , and biological parameters to help better understand changes in the environment . Applications may include improved management of pollution from sources such as agricultural or storm water runoff that can affect lakes , rivers , estuaries and marine ecosystems .
IBM and DCU Water Institute will be selectively piloting these technologies in Ireland and in the United States . The first sensors are being deployed on Lake George in New York State in conjunction with the ongoing Jefferson Project at Lake George .
The collaboration will focus on newly developed DCU sensor technologies that can have the potential for monitoring several key aspects of water quality at costs significantly lower than current commercial technologies . This new generation of sensors , when combined with
IBM ’ s environmental IoT platform may eventually help provide significant benefits for water management on a global scale .
Small Circulator Improves Water Quality in Ponds and Lakes
The AerationPlus circulator from Medora Corporation provides cost-effective , targeted circulation for small lakes and ponds , as well as areas around docks , marinas and coves in larger lakes .
The new AerationPlus ( C ) circulator from Medora Corporation provides cost-effective , targeted circulation for small lakes and ponds to improve water quality . Photo : Medora Corporation
This targeted , small-area circulation helps reduce bluegreen algae and odors while improving overall water quality .
“ Water quality in lakes and ponds continues to be an area of concern for localities across the United States ,” said Joel Bleth , CEO and co-founder of Medora Corporation . Each AerationPlus system has up to three acres of circulation influence . No part of the circulator is above water , allowing for effective circulation without being seen . The AerationPlus circulator is powered by an ultra-quiet air unit with no electricity or moving parts in the water .
The AerationPlus © is the latest freshwater circulation equipment offering from Medora Corporation . We combined all our patented knowledge & experience in large lake applications and focused it especially for small lakes and ponds as well as small areas on larger reservoirs .
It is a perfect circulation solution for :
• Docks & marinas
• Swimming areas
• Stormwater retention basins
• Private lakes & ponds
• Park & golf course ponds & waterscapes
The AerationPlus © is completely submerged for those areas where aesthetics are important and there is no electricity in the water so it is safe in high-use areas .
This makes these systems safe in high-traffic swimming and boating areas . A solar-powered version is also available .
The African Development Bank announces expansion of its African Bond Index
Zambia and Ghana join index family bringing transparency to the most liquid African bond markets
24 April , 2017
The African Development Bank ( AfDB ) through the African Financial Markets Initiative ( AFMI ) launched its AfDB / AFMISM Bloomberg ® African Bond Index ( ABABI ) in February 2015 . Calculated by Bloomberg
12 Africa Water , Sanitation & Hygiene • May - June 2017