The Development Policy Foundation, in partnership with Yüreğir Municipality in Turkey, has launched the IMRHMCSR project—Integrated Monitoring and Remediation for Heavy Metal Contamination in the Seyhan River. This nine-month initiative is part of the EU-funded iMERMAID programme, which promotes smart, nature-based solutions for water quality monitoring across Europe. The project seeks to address serious environmental and public health risks caused by heavy metal pollution in one of southern Turkey’s most important waterways: the Seyhan River.
The IMRHMCSR project aims to replicate successful practices from Use Case 3 in Turin, Italy, by piloting an advanced mobile sensor system capable of real-time monitoring of heavy metals such as chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), and others. These contaminants have long-term effects on biodiversity, aquatic ecosystems, and local communities that rely on the river for agriculture and recreation. Through accurate data collection and stakeholder engagement, the project will deliver a comprehensive roadmap for the prevention and remediation of heavy metal pollution in the region.
The project is structured in three phases: team formation and planning, sensor deployment and data collection, and final analysis leading to strategic recommendations. The first phase has already commenced, with coordination meetings and ex-ante mapping of pollution hot spots along the Seyhan River. Stakeholder consultations are also being prepared, involving representatives from local government, environmental agencies, water utility companies, NGOs, businesses, and the public. These efforts aim to foster dialogue, build shared understanding, and ensure that the final roadmap reflects both scientific evidence and local realities.
Ultimately, the IMRHMCSR initiative seeks to create a replicable model of environmental monitoring and remediation that can be adopted by other municipalities across Europe and beyond. It supports the broader goals of the iMERMAID initiative by combining technological innovation with participatory governance and long-term sustainability planning. The Development Policy Foundation remains committed to empowering local communities through evidence-based environmental action and inclusive policy development.