In the heart of France, a quiet revolution is unfolding along the country’s waterways, one that could significantly impact how we monitor and manage our freshwater resources, with potential ripple effects for the energy sector. At the forefront of this innovation is Dr. Nicolas Brekenfeld, a researcher at INRAE, Institut Agro, UMR SAS in Rennes, who, along with his team, has been running three pioneering field laboratories, dubbed Riverlabs, for the past seven years. Their work, recently published in the journal ‘Hydrology and Earth System Sciences’ (or ‘Hydrology and Earth System Sciences’ in English), offers a treasure trove of practical insights for those looking to implement similar systems worldwide.
The Riverlabs are not your typical research facilities. Imagine a setup that continuously samples and filters stream water, then analyzes it using sophisticated laboratory instruments, all in the field. This high-frequency, multi-elemental monitoring is a game-changer, providing a level of detail and temporal resolution previously unattainable. “We’re talking about measurement intervals of less than an hour,” Brekenfeld explains, “This allows us to capture the dynamic behavior of solutes and isotopes in freshwater systems, something that’s crucial for understanding catchment sciences and freshwater biogeochemistry.”
But why should the energy sector care? The answer lies in the data. High-frequency monitoring can provide real-time insights into water quality and quantity, which are critical for energy production, particularly for hydropower and thermal power plants that rely on consistent water flow and quality. “With better data, we can optimize water usage, predict maintenance needs, and even improve energy production efficiency,” Brekenfeld suggests.
However, setting up such a system is no small feat. Brekenfeld and his team have encountered their fair share of challenges, from adapting the field laboratory to local conditions like climate and river geometry, to ensuring the continuous functioning of the pumping, filtration, and analytical systems. “It’s not just about the technology,” Brekenfeld emphasizes, “You need a diverse and skilled team to keep everything running smoothly.”
The team’s experiences and solutions are now being shared in their recent publication, offering a practical guide for others venturing into this field. They highlight the importance of data quality control, harmonization, and coordination, as well as the need for a well-structured and skilled team.
As the technology continues to improve, the trend towards high-frequency, multi-elemental stream water monitoring is expected to persist. Brekenfeld’s work is paving the way, providing valuable insights that could shape future developments in the field. For the energy sector, this could mean more efficient operations, better resource management, and ultimately, a more sustainable future.