TIIAME National Research University operates a comprehensive, regulation-compliant system to protect its water infrastructure from pollution. All procedures are aligned with the national legal framework, including Law O‘RQ-784 (2022) on drinking-water supply and wastewater disposal, Cabinet Resolution VMQ-11 (2010) on the acceptance of wastewater into municipal sewers, as well as SHNQ 2.04.01-22 and QMQ 2.04.03-19, which set standards for internal and external water-supply and drainage systems. These documents define permissible discharges, mandatory pre-treatment requirements and institutional responsibilities for environmental protection.

1. Control of Laboratory Wastewater

All laboratories follow a mandatory “Do-Not-Drain List”, established in accordance with VMQ-11 and national sanitary regulations (SanPiN). This list prohibits discharge of:

Ø  concentrated acids and alkalis

Ø  heavy-metal salts

Ø  organic solvents and toxic reagents

Ø  oils, greases and emulsions

Ø  biologically hazardous materials

Chemical residues generated during teaching and research are collected in certified containers and transferred to licensed hazardous-waste operators, as required by VMQ-11 §13 and Law O‘RQ-784, Article 22. Only neutralised and diluted wastewater meeting sanitary norms is allowed into the internal sewer network.

To reinforce safety, several laboratory blocks are equipped with NEUTRALIZE multi-stage compact treatment units and electro-hydraulic disinfection devices developed by TIIAME researchers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqDHTKPjPsU). These systems use membrane filtration, UV irradiation, adsorption and pulsed-electrical disinfection to reduce organic load, color, odor and microbial contamination at the point of generation.

2. Kitchen and Food-Service Wastewater Management

All kitchens, canteens and food-service areas are fitted with grease traps in full compliance with SHNQ 2.04.01-22 §9.1 and VMQ-11 §16.

Grease traps prevent fats, oils and grease (FOG) from entering pipelines, and are maintained under a scheduled service plan. Maintenance logs are kept for inspection and internal audits.

Dishwashing units are equipped with sediment strainers, and staff receive periodic training on safe disposal of detergents, food waste and cleaning chemicals to prevent sewer contamination.

3. Stormwater Protection and Solid-Waste Control

The university’s rainwater drainage network is designed in accordance with QMQ 2.04.03-19 §7.3, which requires the installation of protective structures at inlets and channels. All stormwater inlets are equipped with:

Ø  sediment capture baskets

Ø  fine-mesh litter screens

Ø  periodic cleaning protocols

These measures significantly reduce the entry of plastic waste, organic debris and sediments into stormwater lines and the surrounding environment. Car parks and fuel-handling areas feature bunded containment, absorbent spill-kits and emergency-response procedures defined by VMQ-11 §23.

4. IoT-Based Real-Time Monitoring of the Water Network

To meet the monitoring obligations of Law O‘RQ-784 (Article 28), TIIAME has deployed IoT-based pressure and flow sensors designed by its own researchers. Initially developed for smart-irrigation applications, these sensors now supervise the potable-water and sewer system by:

Ø  detecting sudden pressure drops

Ø  identifying leaks and pipe failures early

Ø  monitoring abnormal flow patterns

Ø  reducing water losses and pollution risk

Sensor data is transmitted to a cloud-based dashboard used by maintenance personnel for rapid decision-making.

5. Field Monitoring Using the Mobile Melioration Laboratory

The university’s mobile melioration laboratory provides on-site sampling at:

Ø  drainage ditches

Ø  collectors

Ø  stormwater discharge points

Ø  perimeter monitoring zones

Water samples are analysed for turbidity, TDS, nitrates, phosphates, pH, sulfate concentrations and microbiological indicators. All measurements taken in 2024 remained within the permissible limits of O‘zDSt 950:2011 and national environmental regulations.

This laboratory-based verification demonstrates that preventive measures are functioning effectively and that no harmful substances are entering off-campus water bodies.

6. Advanced Water-Quality Monitoring (O‘zDSt 950:2011 Standards)

In addition to structural and operational controls, TIIAME carries out systematic monitoring of potable-water quality. Regular tests include:

Ø physical parameters: turbidity, transparency, color, odor

Ø chemical indicators: pH, mineral composition, iron, manganese, fluoride, oxidability

Ø microbiological indicators: coliform bacteria and pathogen presence

Table 1. Water Quality Standards (O‘zDSt 950:2011)

All drinking-water samples collected in 2024 fully complied with these standards.

7. Sustainable Agricultural Practices to Prevent Off-Campus Water Pollution

As TIIAME maintains educational and research fields in Uch-Xoz, sustainable agricultural practices are used to prevent nutrient runoff and groundwater contamination:

Ø reduced chemical fertilizer and pesticide use (organic agriculture principles)

Ø water-efficient irrigation systems

Ø controlled application of minerals and fertilizers

Ø monitoring of drainage water quality

These practices limit nitrate and phosphate pollution and protect both soil and surrounding water bodies.

8. Educational and Community Outreach Measures

To ensure long-term water-system protection, the university implements extensive awareness and educational programs:

Ø workshops and seminars for students, staff and local communities

Ø student-led research projects addressing water contamination issues

Ø training sessions on preventing illegal discharge and chemical misuse

Ø interactive laboratory demonstrations and field monitoring activities

By combining training, applied research and community engagement, TIIAME strengthens a culture of responsible water management on and off campus.