„Our research focuses on uncovering the hidden sounds of our rivers and understanding how human activity disrupts underwater harmony.“

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Research Goals of the WAVES Eco-Acoustic Study

The primary objective of this research within the WAVES project is to investigate the invisible impact of urban development on freshwater ecosystems through the lens of underwater acoustics.

Our specific research goals are:

• To Quantify Anthropogenic Noise: To detect, record, and measure underwater sound levels in urban river habitats using specialized hydrophone technology.

• To Conduct Comparative Mapping: To analyze and compare the acoustic profiles of pristine, natural aquatic environments against heavily altered urban locations (such as areas beneath transit bridges).

• To Assess Ecological Risks: To investigate the direct consequences of chronic noise pollution on river biodiversity, specifically focusing on phenomena like acoustic masking, physiological stress, and habitat fragmentation.

• To Drive STE(A)M Innovation: To bridge the gap between abstract environmental data and interactive education by converting recorded underwater frequencies into digital visual arts, AI prompts, and percussion rhythms.

• To Advocate for Acoustic Conservation: To raise awareness about underwater noise pollution as a critical ecological threat and advocate for urban planning solutions (e.g., bridge sound insulation).