PhD researcher Sait Mutlu Karahan (UGent–VITO) is developing a kind of “salt forecast” for rivers using sensors and hybrid models. This helps predict salinisation in coastal areas early, allowing safe drinking water to be taken from rivers in time.
In coastal regions, freshwater rivers and the salty sea are locked in a constant tug-of-war. Usually, the rivers hold their ground, pushing freshwater out to sea. But during dry seasons or droughts, the tide turns - literally. Seawater can creep inland, turning freshwater sources too salty for drinking.
Enter Sait Mutlu Karahan (VITO - UGent). Using sensors and advanced computer models, he’s developing a kind of "weather forecast for salt." This innovation could help us predict salt levels in advance, ensuring we can safely withdraw drinking water from rivers before they become undrinkable.