ISHMPGR

Lentekhi is located on the southern slopes of the Caucasus Range. Its territory is shaped by the Tskhenistskali River basin, joined by the Khledura, Laskadura, and Pishkori rivers. The Tskhenistskali flows through the Lower Svaneti Basin and connects to the Tsageri basin via the 20 km-long Tskhmeluri Gorge. 

The region’s relief is mountainous and geodynamically active, with steep slopes (30–50°), dense river networks, and thick Quaternary sediments (5–20 m), making it prone to landslides and erosion. The Pishkori River is of particular concern, as its suspected contamination and absence of aquatic life indicate severe environmental risks for the wider Tskhenistskali basin. 

• Historical contamination: Since the late 1930s, arsenic sulfide ores were mined and processed in the region, leaving behind large amounts of toxic waste. Soil near the former Uravi plant contained up to 61,814.9 mg/kg of arsenic (MPC: 2 mg/kg), while sediments reached 36,373.7 mg/kg. 

• Water pollution: Surface water samples from the upper Tskhenistskali River exceeded the arsenic MPC of 0.05 mg/L, and River Pishkori shows signs of extreme toxicity, evidenced by the absence of aquatic life. 

• Public health risks: River Tskhenistskali is a major source of irrigation and drinking water, flowing into the Rioni River, which supplies Kutaisi (Western Georgia’s largest city). Contaminants threaten not only local communities but also regional food and water security. 

• Ongoing hazards: Lentekhi still hosts unsecured arsenic waste in leaking storage sites and damaged containers. Flooding and rainfall spread pollutants downstream, while municipal authorities lack the capacity for large-scale monitoring or remediation. 

The project will systematically investigate contamination in the Pishkori and Tskhenistskali Rivers in Lentekhi Municipality. It includes field surveys, water sampling, and the deployment of iMERMAID heavy metal sensors for continuous monitoring. Laboratory analyses will identify heavy metal and arsenic contamination. The project also maps pollution sources, monitors seasonal changes, and engages local stakeholders to guide sampling and monitoring activities. Through a structured plan of site selection, sensor deployment, and data collection, the initiative ensures a robust, replicable, and scalable approach to assessing river pollution. 
 

Expected results:

1. Heavy Metal Monitoring – Deployment of iMERMAID sensors provides innovative detection method of heavy metals in rivers, enhancing local water quality monitoring. 
2. Evidence-Based Pollution Mitigation – Collected data supports experts and authorities in developing targeted strategies to prevent and reduce river contamination. 
3. Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer – Local stakeholders, including municipal authorities and environmental NGOs, gain skills and experience to maintain and expand monitoring activities. 
4. Sustainable Integration into Local Frameworks – The project establishes a replicable model for incorporating innovative sensor technology into existing water quality monitoring systems in Georgia. 
5. Cross-Border and Policy Support – Data-sharing agreements and collaboration with regional partners enable informed policymaking and support transboundary water management initiatives.