Scientific Mobility at the Polytechnic University of Timișoara on Modern Technologies for Monitoring Algal Blooms

A professional and scientific internship entitled "Testing and Applying Innovative Equipment for Monitoring Algal Blooms in Aquatic Ecosystems" was held June 15–19, 2026, at the Polytechnic University of Timișoara, Romania. This scientific exchange took place as part of the bilateral project between Romania and the Republic of Moldova titled “Monitoring algal blooms aggravated by eutrophic pollution and climate warming in Danube Delta ecosystems” (ALGA-MONITOR), project number 25.80013.5107. 28ROMD, project leader—Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, Prof. Dr. hab. Laurenția Ungureanu.

The internship was attended by Dr. Daria Tumanova, Coordinating Research Scientist, and Dr. Liubovi Lebedenco, Senior Research Scientist, both from the Laboratory of Hydrobiology and Ecotoxicology, Institute of Zoology, Moldova State University.

The activities carried out during the internship included assembling equipment components, calibrating measuring instruments, verifying operating parameters, and testing them both in laboratory conditions and in the field on the Bega River, near the Department of Hydrotechnics at the Polytechnic University of Timișoara. Throughout these activities, online meetings (via Zoom) were organized, which were also attended by other team members from the project at the Institute of Zoology, Moldova State University.
The knowledge and experience gained during the mobility program will contribute to the implementation of modern monitoring methods in future research conducted in the aquatic ecosystems of the Danube Delta. The application of these technologies will enable the early identification of eutrophication and algal blooms, the assessment of the influence of anthropogenic and climatic factors, and the analysis of the response of hydrobiological communities.

This exchange represents an important step in consolidating the scientific partnership between the Institute of Zoology at Moldovan State University and the Polytechnic University of Timișoara, promoting interdisciplinary cooperation, knowledge transfer, and the development of innovative solutions for the monitoring and sustainable protection of aquatic ecosystems.

The training program took place in the laboratories and technical facilities of the Department of Hydrotechnics at the Polytechnic University of Timișoara, under the guidance of Dr. Vasile Gherman and Dr. Radu Popa, to whom we extend our sincere thanks for their support, professional openness, and valuable exchange of experience.

Liubovi Lebedenco