From sensors to AI vision: A new approach to pollution detection
Presenters:
This webinar, presented by Matthew O’Brien from AI for Enviros, explores the evolution of AI-enabled approaches to pollution monitoring, tracing a practical journey from traditional field sensors through to camera systems and, ultimately, AI-assisted image analysis.
Developed in collaboration with Bio2Lab, the approach was born out of a real-world water quality surveillance challenge. Matthew outlines how limitations in conventional monitoring methods led to the integration of visual data and how AI is now being applied to interpret imagery for the detection of visible pollution events in near real time.
Drawing on operational experience with Banyule City Council, the session highlights how these systems are currently being used in the field, including key lessons learned around deployment, data reliability and integration with existing monitoring frameworks.
The webinar also explored the broader potential of AI-enabled monitoring to support earlier detection of pollution incidents, enhance situational awareness, and enable more targeted and efficient response strategies particularly across stormwater networks and urban waterways.
Overall, the session provides a grounded, real-world perspective on how emerging technologies can complement traditional monitoring approaches to deliver more proactive environmental management.