Two state-of-the-art autosamplers are now operating at the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, strengthening the country's capacity to monitor wastewater for public health and treatment performance.
The equipment, donated by the City of Vienna (Wien Kanal), automatically collects water samples every five minutes over a 24-hour cycle. One sampler is placed at the inlet—before wastewater is treated—to monitor public health risks, such as the presence of pathogens like COVID-19 or typhus, and can also indicate high levels of pharmaceuticals or substances related to drugs. The second sampler is positioned at the outlet, helping assess the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment process.
This automated system provides a much more comprehensive and reliable data set than manual sampling, while also reducing the workload for on-site staff.
The donation was made possible through cooperation under the EU4Environment Water and Data programme, funded by the European Union. Austrian and Ukrainian experts, working together through the programme, identified the equipment need and helped secure additional support. The City of Vienna stepped in with the donation and the UNEP office in Kyiv facilitated the transport from Vienna—showcasing a strong Team Europe approach, where EU funding mobilises further contributions from EU Member States to benefit Eastern Partnership countries.
Credit picture: Krivbasvodokanal