Rivers in Moldova to be cleaned using a new eco-technology

Positive results from the pilot testing of an advanced water purification technology on the Ișnovăț River will allow its future application to other Moldovan water bodies, reports Logos Press.

The GISmart Rhemediation project, implemented from September 2025 to May 2026, is coordinated by the Agency for Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre (AGCC) in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, “Apele Moldovei” Agency, the Institute of Zoology, the Environmental Protection Agency, and European partners, with the financial support of the European Union.

The initiative tests the GREEN DUNE® modular photobioreactor, which uses microalgae for bioremediation of water contaminated with nitrogen, phosphorus, heavy metals, and pesticides. The system is compact, energy-efficient, and allows modular expansion. The resulting microalgae biomass can be reused as bio-fertilizer, bioenergy source, or aquaculture feed.

The project integrates biological purification methods with digital spatial analysis tools within the national GIS platform SIGSNL, helping local authorities make evidence-based environmental decisions. Five municipalities — Sîngera, Ialoveni, Băcioi, Dănceni, and Nimoreni — are involved and will receive training in GIS use.

Funded through Horizon Europe / EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”, under the RHE-MEDiation – OC4ARs sub-granting mechanism, the project has a total budget of €100 000.

Comment by the Institute of Danube Research

The GISmart Rhemediation project illustrates a synergy between biotechnology, digital innovation, and community participation in water management.
For the Danube basin, where water quality directly affects sustainable development, such initiatives can become models for cross-border cooperation and eco-innovation transfer.

Microalgae-based purification offers not only cleaner water but also resource recovery and circular economy opportunities for agriculture, energy, and aquaculture sectors.
IDR highlights the importance of expanding similar projects to Ukrainian and cross-border waters, particularly in the Lower Danube region.

Source: Logos Press, AGCC, Ministry of Environment of Moldova, Horizon Europe / EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”