The steady growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) has fostered the development of environmental monitoring applications. In fact, connected things technology can even reduce pollution. Thanks to the IoT, vital information is generated to prevent leaks of toxic waste, misuse of natural resources or excessive use of chemicals, for example. In addition, the information provided by the Environmental IoT can be used to learn about pollution trends in order to implement preventive actions.
At Zemsania, as experts in IIoT and automation & controll, We want to give visibility to the application of IoT in the environment. That is why we will talk about the benefits that can be generated by the inclusion of technology in the environment.. Unfortunately, it should be noted that the relationship between IoT and the environment is not yet being fully exploited.
One of the benefits of IoT is the optimization of the waste management through smart containers to reduce pollution. In this line, recent studies assure that by the time the Environmental IoT is applied worldwide, CO2 emissions could be reduced by 19 tons. As if these data were not enough, according to a report by Boston Consulting Group, the application of the IoT in the environment could reduce climate change by as much as 16.5% by 2020.
IoT also has applications in agriculture, The use of chemical products can be regulated. The humidity level is analyzed in order to invest the right amount of water needed to irrigate the fields, for example. In addition, data is obtained for the dispersion of precise amounts of pesticides and other substances. A concrete example would be how water consumption on blueberry farms in Chile was reduced by 70% thanks to Environmental IoT.
The implementation of the Environmental IoT enables a series of actions such as the efficient energy management of Smart Cities, the use of Smart Grid devices (smart electricity distribution networks) and the management of industrial production.
The Environmental IoT is not only responsible for protecting the environment itself, but it also seeks to promote the wildlife protection. In Spain, for example, endangered Iberian lynxes wear smart collars that keep them geolocated. The information from these accessories allows scientists to study the behavior of these animals to try to facilitate their coexistence. In addition, they are monitored with drones, which are less invasive than humans. In the future, the collars are expected to be replaced by subcutaneous sensors for the comfort of the lynxes.
Most IoT applications to the environment are carried out by sensors. There are very small devices that generate useful data to take measures in favor of the environment.
Environmental IoT sensors to take care of the environment
Environmental IoT sensors can measure parameters such as air or water quality. They can also detect harmful chemicals in the environment. All this can be applied to hard-to-reach areas that would otherwise be almost impossible to analyze. Some of the IoT sensors created to generate environmental data are:
- Forest Fire Derection. It monitors gas combustion and ideal fire generation conditions to define alert zones.
- Air Pollution. It controls C02 emissions from factories, pollution emitted by vehicles and toxic gases generated on farms.
- Landslide and Avalanche prevention. It monitors vibrations and soil density to detect dangerous patterns in the ground.
- Potable water monitoring. Controls the quality of drinking water in cities.
- Chemical leakage detection in rivers. Detects leaks and toxic spills from factories into rivers.
- Pollution levels in the sea. Real-time monitoring of the discharge of toxic products into the sea.
- Water Leakages. It detects the presence of liquid outside the tanks and the variation of pressures in the pipelines to avoid leakage.
Unfortunately, over the years some IoT devices will become obsolete. For this reason, it is necessary to plan for the collection of all tools that will lose their usefulness.
IoT is definitely a double-edged sword, especially when applied to the environment. It has many advantages and can help prevent the health of our planet from getting even worse, but we must bear in mind that these devices can also have an impact on the environment. Controlling the data provided by these devices will allow us to maintain a green industry if we take action based on the information they generate.