Developing a replicable and cost-effective solution for monitoring algal concentrations in lake Lugano to facilitate timely decision-making

Monitoring water resources is a key aspect to better understand the effects of human activities, as well as the impacts of climate change, and to appropriately react through adequate mitigation measures. In Switzerland, during the last few summers, Lake Lugano exhibited favorable environmental conditions for the proliferation of algae, primarily due to the high availability of nutrients, which is also linked to the increase in water temperature. In some cases, these algal blooms involve the proliferation of cyanobacteria, which can be dangerous to human health. This phenomenon was particularly significant last summer, leading to the prohibition of lake access for swimming throughout the season in many locations. 

For these reasons, a prototype early warning monitoring system has been implemented and tested using an open approach. Essentially, the system, based on a fluorimeter, collects real-time data and, based on specific thresholds, can send notifications to administrative personnel to monitor water quality status. This allows for timely water sample collection and analysis to monitor the presence of harmful species. The system is built on the same technology developed during the INTERREG project SIMILE, where a monitoring platform was developed and installed in the middle of Lake Lugano. This platform not only monitors algal pigments but also tracks temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, and pH at different depths. 

This system has shown promising preliminary results, ensuring data continuity and timely notifications. In this presentation, we aim to showcase the technologies used on the server side and the node side, sharing our findings and experiences in developing such a system based as much as possible on open-source components. The system is fully replicable, and during this year, we are planning to further develop it by installing an updated solution in another locations on the lake. In fact, it is gaining interest, especially among the numerous lidos along the lake's shores. Of course, valuable additional work is needed to increase awareness among the population regarding the behavior to adopt when the lake exhibits specific conditions to limit potential health issues.