Conference “Ecotoxicology In Covid 19 Times”

Deepverge Featured at Italian Government Conference

Deepverge was honoured to be featured today at the Italian Government conference on Covid-19 and the environment.

The web conference was headed by ISPRA (the equivalent of the Italian Environmental Protection Agency), with almost 200 prominent researchers and scientists in the field of Ecotoxicology attending. It was coordinated by prominent scientists Dr. Raffaela Cardente and Prof. Francesco Regoli. The conference was held to discuss the latest developments, research and technologies in Ecotoxicology as well as the impact of Covid-19 on the environment.

The main speakers were Dr. Raffaela Cardente (Ecotox), Prof. Francesco Regoli (Polytechnic University Of Marche). The conference was headed by Dr. Alessandro Bratti Director Of Ispra (Superior Institute Of Research And Environment Protection).

Comparing and Understanding the Data

During this Covid-19 pandemic many studies, observations, and scientific advancements have been made. The intention of the conference was to understand and compare data and findings by the Italian and international community of Ecotoxicologists.

After a brief introduction by Dr Alessandro Bratti (ISPRA) that praised the efforts of the scientific community during these times, he highlighted the importance of studying and finding solutions to counter the impact of new pollutants (e.g. increased use of disposable masks, byproducts of sanitisers), waste and pathogens that are directly related to the pandemic. Many of these have greatly affected the environment on a global scale. He stressed the impact that Covid-19 has had on increasing water pollution and the importance of focused studies and research to preserve that specific ecosystem.

 

 

The Increasing Risks of Pandemic

Prof. Pergoli explained how climate change and anthropogenic pressures have increased the risks of pandemic. He further explained it is fundamental that the scientific community should endeavour to predict and mitigate environmental pollution on a long-term basis. He warned of the direct effects of environmental issues on marine organisms and the marine ecosystem. Sharing data on different studies conducted on that subject such as new pollutants (e.g. Hypoxia, Salinity, Global Warming, Eutophication, Ocean Acidification and Anthropogenic pollution) he finally stressed the importance of using new biological models, new analytical technologies, bioinformatic and elaboration procedures for improved new predictive possibilities.

Dr Raffaela Cardente presented her study on Covid-19 and the environment. She focused on the correlation between pandemics and environmental conditions and methods of direct and indirect research to collect data on the impact of pandemics.

Dr Cardente highlighted the Deepverge Microtox PD technology in particular.

 

Microfluidics, Photonics and AI

Microtox PD was explained in depth in its use of AI and Machine learning; the platforms merging of microfluidics, photonics and AI; and its potential to detect a range of bad actors in water in real time. The systems history of development from an E. coli detection system developed with the Environment Protection Agency, Ireland to its application today in Covid detection was also highlighted.

As Deepverge continues to work with the scientific community across the world, it will continue listening and learning from the science and continuously work to develop surveillance systems for Covid-19 and other pathogens, viruses and bad actors that pollute the world’s water, not only detecting outbreaks, but also – and ultimately – signalling the size of a cluster to help authorities take appropriate and weighted remedial action.