Smart Algae Remediation Network (SARN) for Sustainable Water Management

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Vinay Devabhakthuni

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

150000

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will deploy a decentralized algae-based bio-remediation system enhanced by IoT, AI and blockchain to monitor water quality, optimize pollutant removal and restore ecosystems sustainably at scale

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

Yes

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Smart Algae Remediation Network, will be open source throughout its lifecycle to foster collaboration and innovation within the community. We intend to use the MIT License for our open-source outputs, ensuring the broadest possible access while allowing others to build upon and enhance our work without significant restrictions.

Open Source Elements:

• IoT Sensor Integration and Software: The code for integrating environmental sensors, data acquisition, and communication protocols will be fully open source, allowing others to implement similar systems.
• AI Algorithms: The machine learning models used to predict algal growth and optimize pollutant removal will be made publicly available, enabling researchers and developers to improve or customize these models.
• Blockchain Data Logging: Our blockchain integration for ensuring data transparency and regulatory compliance will be open source, demonstrating how blockchain can be used in environmental monitoring and governance.
• Data Visualization Tools: Any interfaces or dashboards developed to visualize real-time water quality data will be openly available to help other projects and researchers leverage our insights.

Repository and Access:

All project code, models and documentation will be hosted on GitHub. We will ensure proper version control, detailed documentation and active community engagement to encourage contributions from developers, researchers and environmentalists.

Our decision to make SARN open source aligns with our belief in transparency, collaboration and the collective pursuit of environmental sustainability. By sharing our tools and knowledge, we hope to accelerate global innovation in Water Quality Management and Ecological Restoration.

[METADATA] Horizons

Environment

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem:

Water pollution is one of the most urgent environmental issues, driven by runoff from industrial, agricultural and urban activities. Excess nutrients, heavy metals and organic contaminants degrade water quality, disrupt ecosystems and threaten biodiversity. Current treatment methods are often expensive, energy-intensive and unsustainable, particularly for large water bodies or decentralized locations. They also lack the adaptability and real-time management required to tackle the complexities of various pollutants across different regions.

Solution:

Smart Algae Remediation Network (SARN), utilizes a decentralized, algae-based bio-remediation system integrated with cutting-edge technologies. Algae naturally absorb pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorus, heavy metals and organic compounds. We amplify this process by incorporating IoT sensors, AI-driven optimization and blockchain for data transparency and integrity.

Technology:

The IoT sensors continuously monitor key water quality indicators such as nutrient levels, pH and temperature. Data is fed into an AI system that predicts algal growth conditions and dynamically adjusts remediation processes to optimize pollutant absorption. Blockchain is employed to ensure the integrity of environmental data, fostering transparency and trust between stakeholders, regulators and communities.

Engagement and Impact:

Our project will engage several key groups:

• Local Communities: By implementing decentralized systems, local communities will be empowered to manage their own water quality. Educational programs will increase public awareness of environmental conservation.
• Environmental Regulators: Blockchain ensures transparency and data integrity, simplifying regulatory compliance and enabling real-time environmental audits.
• Researchers and Scientists: SARN will produce valuable environmental data for ongoing research, with potential collaboration opportunities for universities and research institutions.

Impact and Demonstration:

The success of SARN will be demonstrated by:

• Water Quality Improvements: We will track and report reductions in pollutants (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus) and improvements in ecological health (e.g., increased oxygen levels, restored biodiversity).
• Sustainability: SARN’s use of natural algae processes, renewable energy sources and scalable technology ensures environmental and economic sustainability.
• Community and Regulatory Buy-in: We will measure the engagement of local communities and the satisfaction of regulatory bodies through stakeholder feedback and compliance audits.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Why It’s Important to Cardano:

• Showcasing Blockchain Potential: Demonstrates real-world use of Cardano’s blockchain for transparency in environmental remediation, attracting attention to Cardano as a platform for social and ecological impact.

• Advancing Sustainability Goals: Supports Cardano’s mission to promote global sustainability by addressing water pollution and aligning with its vision for decentralized technology to improve environmental outcomes.

• Encouraging Open Innovation: Provides the Cardano community with open-source tools (IoT, AI, blockchain), fostering cross-sector innovation within the ecosystem.

• Building Decentralized Community Engagement: Empowers communities to manage water resources through decentralized, community-driven models, encouraging adoption of similar projects on Cardano.

Impact Measurement:

• Quantitative Metrics:
• Pollutant Reduction: Measure decreases in nitrogen, phosphorus, heavy metals in target water bodies.
• Water Quality Improvement: Monitor increases in dissolved oxygen, biodiversity and other indicators.
• Blockchain Transactions: Track the number of water quality monitoring and remediation transactions on the blockchain.
• Algae Biomass: Calculate algae biomass harvested and its conversion to useful by-products like biofuels, biofertilizers.
• Adoption Metrics: Track the number of new users, communities and stakeholders engaging with SARN.

• Qualitative Metrics:
• Community Engagement: Collect feedback and measure involvement from local communities and regulators.
• Regulatory Collaboration: Monitor how blockchain data improves transparency and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborative Innovation: Track developer and researcher contributions to the open-source project.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

• Open Source Repository:
• Host all code, models, and tools on GitHub, allowing developers and the Cardano community to access and contribute.

• Community Reports:
• Publish regular reports on water quality improvements, blockchain usage and community engagement.
• Share reports through the Catalyst community, social media and conferences.

• Collaborative Opportunities:
• Invite researchers, developers and environmental advocates from the Cardano community to contribute.
• Host educational workshops and outreach to foster collaboration and innovation.

• Presentations and Conferences:
• Present SARN at Cardano summits, conferences and environmental forums to highlight Cardano’s impact on global environmental challenges.
• Increase visibility and attract investment into the Cardano ecosystem through these events.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Elixir of Life is a startup focused on harnessing the potential of algae to address environmental challenges and innovate within the biotechnology sector. Utilizing algae as a primary raw material, the company engages in the cultivation and development of a variety of products ranging from high-value pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals to essential industrial materials like bioplastics and biofuels. Central to its operations is the integration of Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and blockchain technology. These technologies are employed to optimize the efficiency of cultivation processes, improve product quality, and enhance the transparency and security of the supply chain.

Team Expertise:

• Environmental Science & Biotech: Our team includes PhD-level environmental scientists and biotechnologists with over a decade of experience in water quality management and bioremediation techniques.
• Blockchain Technology: We have blockchain developers who have previously implemented secure, solutions on the Cardano platform, ensuring robust and transparent project execution.
• Project Management: Our project management team has successfully delivered multi-stakeholder projects globally, ensuring that timelines, budgets and quality standards are met.

Current Ongoing Research and Development :

Prototype of Low-cost IoT based system for lake water quality monitoring

Overview: Our team has developed an advanced lake monitoring buoy as part of the Smart Algae Remediation Network (SARN) initiative. This prototype represents a pivotal step in our approach to leveraging cutting-edge technology for environmental monitoring and remediation.

Design and Functionality: The buoy is equipped with a suite of environmental sensors and a centralized processing unit housed within a durable, waterproof casing. The onboard sensors are designed to measure multiple water quality parameters such as pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and temperature, providing real-time data essential for effective water management.

Applications: This prototype is crucial for our ongoing projects related to lake restoration and water quality management. It allows for the constant monitoring of water conditions, enabling our team to implement proactive remediation strategies and ensure the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Our IoT Device Concept

Reference Document: Kartikay Lal, Sanoj Menon, Frazer Noble & Khalid Mahmood Arif (2024). Low-cost IoT based system for lake water quality monitoring. PLoS One, 19(3), e0299089. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299089. Retrieved from NCBI. This peer-reviewed article documents the development and deployment of an innovative low-cost IoT-based system for monitoring water quality, which significantly aligns with the technologies utilized in our prototype. The study emphasizes the use of solar-powered sensor arrays and data communication via IoT, which are integral to our prototype design, providing a validated foundation for its capabilities in real-time environmental monitoring.

Leveraging Phyco-Remediation to treat Municipal waste leachate

Our team employs state-of-the-art phyco-remediation technology in the Smart Algae Remediation Network (SARN) to address complex environmental challenges.

Technological Alignment:

• Phyco-remediation Mechanism: Inspired by the referenced studies, our approach uses microalgae combined with bacteria for effective pollutant decomposition, closely mirroring techniques that have shown success in significantly reducing organic compounds, ammonia, and heavy metals.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Our prototype integrates a sensor-based network for dynamic monitoring and management, ensuring optimal treatment conditions, as validated in MSW leachate applications.

Proven Outcomes and Scalability:

• Documented Efficiency: The referenced documents highlights a 95% reduction in COD and substantial improvements in TDS, which align with the outcomes observed in our prototype trials for lake restoration.
• Byproduct Utilization: Echoing the study, our process not only cleans water but also turns algal biomass into valuable byproducts like biofuels and bio-fertilizers, promoting a zero-waste approach.

Feasibility Validation:

• Pilot Projects: Before scaling, we will conduct pilot projects in selected regions to demonstrate the technology’s effectiveness and refine our approach based on real-world data.
• Peer Reviews: We plan to engage with academic and industry experts for peer reviews of our technology and approach, ensuring our methods are sound and scientifically validated.
• Adaptive Project Framework: We utilize an agile project management approach, allowing us to adapt swiftly to feedback and evolving project needs without compromising on our goals.

Partners:

IoT Partner : Weihai Jingxun Changtong Electronic Technology Co., Ltd

Ai and Blockchain Partner: Konma Labz

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Milestone 1: Systems Design and Deployment of IoT in the Pilot Project

• Duration: 1.5 months
• Budget: 45,000 ADA (30% of total)
• Activities:
• Design and setup of IoT system for water monitoring.
• Deploy sensors and integrate with AI for data collection.
• Test system functionality and gather initial data.
• Outputs:
• Functional IoT sensor network for pilot site.
• Operational AI systems.
• Evidence:
• Technical reports on system deployment and design.
• Data log of continuous monitoring.

Milestone 2: Data Analysis, Performance Optimization and Decentralized Technologies

• Duration: 1.5 months
• Budget: 45,000 ADA (30% of total)
• Activities:
• Collect 30+ days of water quality data from the IoT system.
• Analyze data and refine AI models for optimal performance.
• blockchain implementation to ensure decentralized, tamper-proof data integrity and verification.
• smart contracts for automated system management (e.g., triggering actions based on pollutant thresholds)
• Outputs:
• Optimized AI models and performance metrics.
• Detailed analysis of water quality improvements.
• Blockchain ledger recording all actions and changes in the remediation process.
• Preliminary testing of smart contracts for automated system management.
• Evidence:
• Data analytics report showing pollutant reduction and AI optimization.
• Blockchain logs verifying data integrity and transparency.
• Smart contract prototypes and functionality reports.

Milestone 3: Systems Expansion and Scaling Plan

• Duration: 2 months
• Budget: 45,000 ADA (30% of total)
• Activities:
• Develop a blueprint for scaling the system to larger water bodies or multiple locations.
• Conduct training sessions for local communities on how to manage and monitor the decentralized remediation system.
• Engage with stakeholders and secure partnerships for further deployment.
• Outputs:
• Documented plan for scaling the system, including technical, financial and operational details.
• Community members trained to independently operate and monitor the system.
• Partnerships or MOUs signed with local stakeholders for future deployments.
• Evidence:
• Scalability report with timelines and detailed expansion strategies.
• Training session logs and feedback forms from participants.
• Signed partnership agreements or MOUs with stakeholders.

Milestone 4: Reporting and Project Close-Out

• Duration: 1 month
• Budget: 15,000 ADA (10% of total)
• Activities:
• Compile and finalize all project outcomes, including system performance data, stakeholder feedback and financial reports.
• Submit final project and financial reports.
• Conduct outreach to share results with the Catalyst community and broader environmental sector.
• Outputs:
• Comprehensive final report covering all project phases, including technical, financial and community engagement outcomes.
• Final blockchain logs verifying the integrity of pilot project data.
• Evidence:
• Final project report, including all system performance data and financial reports.
• Updates shared with the Catalyst community through public reports and presentations.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Kishore Pandiri - Chief Phycologist (Algae Scientist) & Project Manager

• Role: Leads the overall project, focusing on the design and execution of the bio-remediation system and ensuring environmental compliance. Manages relationships with stakeholders and oversees the deployment of the system.
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kishore-pandiri-3487626b/
• Experience: Expertise in environmental remediation, algae-based systems, and water quality management with years of experience managing large-scale ecological projects.

Pranesh - Systems Architect

• Role: Designs and deploys IoT sensor networks for monitoring water quality. Ensures data collection, sensor integration and network reliability. Manages communication between sensors and data processing systems.
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pranesh-jayakumar-5043b8b1/
• Experience: Proven track record in deploying IoT solutions for environmental monitoring systems. Experience in designing low-power, reliable sensor networks for real-time data acquisition.

Rakesh - Data Analyst

• Role: Develops and optimizes AI/ML models to analyze water quality data, predict algal growth and adjust remediation processes in real time. Responsible for performance optimization based on real-time and historical data.
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rakesh-skybrain/
• Experience: Specializes in BCI, environmental data analysis and predictive modeling. Experience with AI-driven systems to enhance decision-making in dynamic ecosystems.

Sangeet - Blockchain Architect

• Role: Implements blockchain technology to log and verify all system activities, ensuring data integrity and transparency. Develops smart contracts to automate certain operational tasks such as nutrient dosing or remediation action triggers.
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sangeet-muralidhar/

Experience: Expertise in blockchain development, specifically integrating decentralized systems for real-time data logging and security.

Cardano Developers – Blockchain & Smart Contracts  

• Role: Develop and implement the core blockchain infrastructure and smart contracts for carbon credit issuance and trading.
•  LinkedIn: santanu chatterjee, Faizan Shaikh, Rahat Sayyed

Vinay - Community Engagement Lead

• Role: Engages with local communities and stakeholders. Organizes training sessions for local users and manages community feedback. Ensures that local partners are empowered to manage and monitor the decentralized remediation system independently.
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinay-devabhakthuni-b642bb90/
• Experience: Strong background in community engagement and education, with experience in environmental projects. Focuses on building local capacity and ensuring long-term sustainability through hands-on training and support.

Nikhil - Financial Management

• Role: Manages all financial aspects of the project, including budget allocation, fund tracking, and financial reporting. Ensures transparency in fund management and compliance with Catalyst funding requirements.
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhil-batra-116203135/
• Experience: Extensive experience managing budgets for technology and environmental projects. Strong background in financial accountability and reporting for grant-funded initiatives.

Advisor - Mr. Sai Krishna P https://www.linkedin.com/in/sai-krishna-p-812152a/

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1: Systems Design and Pilot Deployment of IoT (1.5 months, 45,000 ADA)

• Resources:
• IoT sensors and hardware: 20,000 ADA
• Software development (IoT, blockchain): 12,000 ADA
• Personnel (IoT engineer, blockchain developer, project management): 10,000 ADA
• Miscellaneous (site setup, legal consultation): 3,000 ADA
• Outputs: Functional IoT sensor network, AI and blockchain integration
• Evidence: Technical report, data logs, pilot video

Milestone 2: Data Analysis, Performance Optimization, and Decentralized Technologies (1.5 months, 45,000 ADA)

• Resources:
• AI/ML model development: 16,000 ADA
• Blockchain and decentralized technologies: 10,000 ADA
• Personnel (AI/ML specialist, data analyst, project management): 16,000 ADA
• Code auditing: 3,000 ADA
• Outputs: Optimized AI, blockchain and smart contract integration
• Evidence: Analytics report, blockchain logs, stakeholder feedback

Milestone 3: Systems Expansion and Scaling Plan (2 months, 45,000 ADA)

• Resources:
• System scaling plan and documentation: 9,000 ADA
• Community training and engagement: 13,000 ADA
• Partnership development: 8,000 ADA
• Personnel (expansion strategist, architect, project management): 15,000 ADA
• Outputs: Scalability plan, trained local teams, partnership agreements
• Evidence: Scalability report, training logs, signed agreements

Milestone 4: Reporting and Project Close-Out (1 month, 15,000 ADA)

• Resources:
• Final report and data analysis: 5,000 ADA
• Community outreach and presentation: 5,000 ADA
• Personnel (project management, financial officer): 5,000 ADA
• Outputs: Final report, presentations, community updates
• Evidence: Final reports, community feedback

Total Budget: 150,000 ADA

• Hardware: IoT sensors, communication modules
• Software: Open-source tools, analytics, blockchain development
• Third-Party Services: Legal consultation, blockchain code audit
• Marketing & Outreach: Promotion, community engagement

Alternative Funding: We are exploring co-funding options from environmental NGOs and sustainability-focused investors.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The Smart Algae Remediation Network (SARN) offers significant value by applying Cardano’s blockchain, IoT and AI to solve real-world environmental issues like water pollution. Here’s how the costs reflect value for money:

• Real-World Blockchain Use Case: SARN demonstrates the power of Cardano’s blockchain for data transparency and integrity in environmental monitoring, boosting Cardano’s reputation in sustainability sectors and attracting new adopters.
• Justified Costs:
• IoT Sensors (17,500 ADA) are priced based on industry standards for durable, high-quality monitoring equipment.
• AI/Blockchain Development (27,500 ADA) is aligned with rates for specialized expertise, ensuring real-time data optimization and decentralized data logging.
• Personnel Costs (46,000 ADA) reflect typical industry rates, ensuring expert-level execution across IoT, AI and project management.
• Low-Cost, High-Impact Technology: By using open-source software and decentralized technologies, we lower operational costs while ensuring long-term scalability and impact.
• Scalable, Reusable Framework: The project creates a scalable, reusable framework for future Cardano projects, expanding the initial investment’s impact.

Overall, SARN delivers long-term value by showcasing blockchain’s role in sustainability, driving adoption and innovation across the ecosystem.