Danube DeltaMonitoring system and knowledge of sediment flow spilled in the Black Sea

Organization: NIHWM - National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management / UDJG - The UGAL - ''Dunarea de Jos'' University of Galati (Romania)

The University of Galati's initiative in DPS7 aims to enhance understanding of the sediment budget and transport through the Sulina branch into the Black Sea, especially during extreme events. Their research focuses on water, sediments, and biodiversity, developing prediction and forecasting models using ARIMA and deep-learning techniques. This includes creating frameworks to assess water quality and sediment accumulation, to apply these innovative methods across all project pilots to support environmental management strategies within the Danube River.

General Info

The site near the mouth of the Danube into the Black Sea serves as a "buffer zone" for the river-delta-sea system. The Danube splits into numerous branches, with the Sulina Branch being the most significant, reinforced to support ship navigation and prevent sediment deposition. This area is highly dynamic in terms of morphology, hydrology, and sedimentology, monitored by four main hydrometric stations. Favorable biological conditions promote the growth of delta-specific vegetation, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a protected zone for various habitats and species.

What measures have been taken?

Interrelation of Water and Sediment Quality

• Both water and sediment quality must be considered together to define an appropriate analytical framework.
• The goal is to support decision-making and ensure continuous accurate data.

Predictive Models Development

• Develop predictive models for both water quality matrix and suspended sediment quality.
• Implement a deep learning (CNN - Convolutional Neural Network) based framework to identify water and sediment quality status within the Danube River study sector.

Analytical Framework Integration

• Integrate data related to sediment dynamics with data on water and sediment quality.
• Continue collecting data through in-situ sampling and sensors to improve knowledge of the quantity and quality of sediments discharged into the Black Sea.
• Combine numerical and imagery data for comprehensive analysis.

Environmental Impact

High Economic Sustainability Solution

• Increase efficiency in environmental decision-making.
• Act as a decision support system.

Data Utilization

• Use hydromorphology and granulometry data.
• Assess the ecological status of the site.
• Aid in creating future action plans.
• Optimize in-situ solutions.
• Identify and overcome barriers during replication activities.

Prediction Tools

• Improve capacity to respond to future threats.
• Propose new protection policies.
• Facilitate the reduction of chemical and morphological impacts on the Delta.

Recommendations

Sediment deposition is influenced by environmental and human factors. Continuous high-resolution monitoring of river outflows into the sea, using AI techniques, can determine sediment loads more accurately and adapt to other sites. Previous analytical methods are insufficient for a comprehensive assessment. The new sediment quality monitoring system will involve citizens and stakeholders, adapt to emerging challenges, and enable frequent in-situ evaluations.