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Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, critical infrastructure has suffered significant damage, leading to a severe environmental and public health crisis. Hydroelectric power plants, water pumping stations, purification plants, and wastewater treatment facilities have been destroyed, further exacerbating the situation.

To address this issue, a delegation from Odesa State Environmental University visited the University of Stirling to collaborate on a joint research project aimed at monitoring water quality using satellite data. The technology, developed by experts from the Scottish university, is capable of providing consistent data and assessment of water quality, even in challenging conditions such as an active war zone.

The University of Stirling’s involvement in this project was made possible by funds from the Universities UK International’s (UUKi) twinning initiative. This initiative aims to prevent the loss of academic talent during the conflict and support post-war reconstruction efforts. A total of £4.42 million was allocated through this program to bolster research in Ukrainian universities.

As part of the project, students from Odesa State Environmental University received practical training on the satellite-based technology, enhancing their qualifications and knowledge of hydro-ecological research.

The impact of the conflict on water quality in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and the coastal environment has been significant. “Water quality is crucial to human health, and the war in Ukraine has severely affected the quality of water in these areas,” said Andrew Tyler, project lead and Scotland Hydro Nation chair.

The goal of the collaboration is to equip academics from Odesa State Environmental University with the necessary expertise to utilize national monitoring capabilities effectively. The water quality data obtained through satellite observation will provide a robust approach to national monitoring, contributing to the improvement of the monitoring system and facilitating the proactive implementation of emergency measures in case of significant deterioration.

Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, efforts are being made to address the environmental and public health crisis caused by the destruction of critical infrastructure and the deterioration of water quality in Ukraine.

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