Emajõe Veevärk acquires a mobile laboratory vehicle under the Balt-Plast-Free project

As part of Balt-Plast-Free, a project co-funded by the European Union’s Interreg Central Baltic Programme, AS Emajõe Veevärk has acquired a modern mobile laboratory vehicle. Outfitted with real laboratory equipment and educational materials, it will be used in various activities in the future.

In addition to research and monitoring activities, the mobile laboratory will also play an important role in environmental education. In the future, the laboratory vehicle will combine modern laboratory equipment, digital measuring devices and interactive learning tools, enabling engaging educational programmes to be offered to schools, educational institutions, events, and other interested groups. The learning activities will introduce the principles of water management, wastewater treatment processes and the environmental impact of microplastics.

In addition, the mobile laboratory will be used in various cooperation activities involving the project partners, helping to strengthen knowledge exchange between Estonian and Finnish organisations in the water sector. Knowledge gained during the project on microplastics and sustainable water management will be shared by project partners and water-sector specialists. In the future, the laboratory vehicle will also be used in environmental education workshops organised by AS Emajõe Veevärk.

The mobile laboratory is owned by AS Emajõe Veevärk, and will support more effective monitoring of wastewater quality, contribute to science-based water management and increase public awareness of the impact of microplastics on the aquatic environment.

The mobile laboratory vehicle was first presented to a wider audience at the Estonian Waterworks Association’s summer event, held on Saaremaa from 17 to 19 July. Over the three days, representatives of water utilities from across Estonia had the opportunity to explore the vehicle, and interest in its capabilities was high. Throughout the event, information was actively shared about the vehicle’s objectives, technical solutions and potential future uses in both microplastics monitoring and environmental education. The positive reception confirmed that the mobile laboratory is of interest to the Estonian water sector as a whole and creates a strong basis for further cooperation and exchange of experience.