At the University of Milan-Bicocca, researchers are developing a unique method to assess soil pollution using earth pigs. These ancient crustaceans have adapted to new environments by exhibiting gregarious behavior, and their behavior can now be used to detect contamination levels in soil. The researchers have launched a crowdfunding campaign titled “Many Little Pigs!” to develop an instrumental prototype that combines the behavioral responses of piglets with artificial intelligence tools to distinguish healthy soil from contaminated soil.
The first step in combating soil pollution is to monitor contamination levels. The researchers have developed a rapid, economical, and non-invasive method to observe the gregarious behavior of earth pigs when exposed to soil contaminants. By studying how piglets react, they aim to determine the pollution levels in the soil.
To fund the development of the prototype, 10,000 euros must be raised through a fundraising campaign on Ideaginger.it. The project is part of the VI edition of BiUniCrowd, an initiative of the University of Milan-Bicocca. A2A has agreed to co-finance the crowdfunding campaign. Supporters can donate on the project page and may receive rewards like having their garden soil analyzed for health.
The “Many Little Pigs!” project aims to revolutionize soil pollution assessment by using earth pigs’ behavior and advanced technology to identify contaminated soil accurately and efficiently. By working together with the community and supporters, the researchers hope to create a sustainable method for protecting the environment from pollution.
Earth pigs are ancient crustaceans that colonized the mainland millions of years ago. They adapted to their new environment by exhibiting gregarious behavior, sticking together to reduce individual contact with air.
Under stress from contaminated soil, these social creatures fragment, indicating pollution levels in their surroundings.
The first step in combating soil pollution is monitoring contamination levels accurately and efficiently.
That’s why researchers at Milan-Bicocca University have developed a unique method using earth pigs’ behavioral responses combined with artificial intelligence tools.
