Scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed a new AI tool that can accurately identify which pollutants in UK waters are having the biggest impact on biodiversity. The findings, published in Environmental DNA, could change how we tackle water pollution and protect vulnerable species.
Using samples from 52 freshwater lakes across the UK, the AI tool analysed vast amounts of data to connect the dots between pollution and biodiversity loss. Insecticides and fungicides came out as the biggest threats. The study also identified 43 other contributing factors including heavy metals and water alkalinity.
Until now, scientists have mostly relied on DNA-based techniques to track how certain species react to environmental changes. But these older methods tend to focus on individual factors like pH or temperature, missing the broader picture of how multiple stressors work together to impact ecosystems.
This new approach considers the full complexity of environmental interactions, making it far more effective at spotting the real causes of biodiversity decline.
The AI-driven system doesn’t just reveal which chemicals are the most harmful—it also helps prioritise which species need protection. By embracing the complexity of nature, the tool provides data that can support targeted, science-backed conservation strategies.
It’s a more efficient way to develop policies and take action on the environmental threats that matter most.
Some of the chemicals flagged by the study were banned shortly after the research was completed, confirming the accuracy of the method. The approach also helps identify chemicals that continue to harm ecosystems even after their use has stopped, due to their persistence in the environment.
This work shows what good AI can do. By focusing on real threats, it supports smarter, more proactive conservation efforts.
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