The SturNet project (BSB00172) is making significant strides in environmental monitoring by acquiring modern equipment and building a team of experienced experts. These developments should expand our capabilities to collect and analyze critical environmental data, thereby contributing to our main goal of preserving biodiversity.
Acquisition of modern equipment
The State Organization “Institute of Market and Economic-Ecological Researches of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine” held a procurement for the purchase of modern and high-precision equipment for studying the aquatic environment and collecting samples, in particular, a multi-parameter portable device (pH meter / conductivity meter / salinity meter / oximeter / oxidation-reduction potential (ORP)) was purchased; a thermoreactor for sample decomposition during photometric determination of COD, total chromium, phosphorus, nitrogen and organic carbon; a portable photometric system with 4 reagent sets for determining COD 0-150 mg/l; portable turbidimeter with infrared light source (850 nm) for measuring water turbidity; single-seat vacuum filtration system for laboratory use with vacuum pump. This complex is essential for sample preparation, especially for the collection of environmental DNA (eDNA).
These devices will be essential for our sampling campaigns, monitoring and research of parameters such as pH, redox potential (ROP), conductivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity and nutrient concentration.
Formation of a field research team
To ensure the effective implementation of the terms of the grant contract, we have concluded a contract with a team of highly qualified specialists:
– 1 Doctor of Biological Sciences (specialty “ecology”);
– 2 Candidates of Biological Sciences (one in “zoology”, the other in “hydrobiology”).
Providing our team of specialists with such specialized professional equipment contributes to thorough environmental monitoring and collection of accurate data within the framework of the project.
We invite all stakeholders – researchers, policymakers, ecologists and biodiversity advocates – to join us in this mission. Together we can protect sturgeon populations, safeguard the Black Sea Basin ecosystem and pave the way for a more sustainable future!
