MP3 Lake is the initiative that addresses the monitoring and mitigating priority pollutants in Pomorie Lake, Bulgaria—a sensitive coastal lagoon heavily impacted by agricultural and urban runoff. The initiative actively supports the integration of innovative sensing technologies and adaptive water management practices, aligning with the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters.”
The project utilizes a comprehensive approach combining baseline monitoring, laboratory validation, and the deployment of the iMERMAID electrochemical sensor system to deliver real-time, high-resolution water quality data. Sensors were deployed at two representative sites—an inflow channel and an in-lake point near the Visitors Centre—to capture both pollutant inflow and in-lake transformation processes.
Baseline laboratory analyses using GC-MS and LC-MS confirmed the presence of petroleum-derived hydrocarbons, Tebuconazole (a pesticide commonly used in nearby vineyards), and traces of Paracetamol or its by-products. Standardized protocols were established to guarantee data comparability and reproducibility.
MP3 Lake Project will focus on continuous monitoring, data integration, and intensive stakeholder engagement aiming to achieve sustainable lake management and provide a replicable model for other vulnerable Black Sea lagoons.
