Kingston University expert joins NATO mission to save Ukraine's toxic tap water

April 11, 2026

South London News Smart London Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

A chemistry expert from Kingston University has joined a elite global taskforce to stop war-torn Ukraine's drinking water from becoming a deadly health hazard.

Dr Rosa Busquets was one of just 25 academics from across the world invited by NATO to find urgent solutions to the country’s water crisis. The Kingston University professor is working on a specialised programme to protect supplies as the ongoing conflict continues to batter energy and infrastructure.

Fighting warfare contaminants

The NATO Science for Peace and Security programme brings together top minds to tackle massive security challenges. Dr Busquets recently presented her research in Lisbon, focusing on how dangerous warfare contaminants move through the environment.

She is currently leading a working group that looks at environmental analysis and water treatment solutions. This vital work helps identify how military activities are poisoning local rivers and wells used by millions of people.

A public health crisis

Water supplies have been hit hard because the conflict has knocked out the energy needed to keep treatment plants running. Experts from 14 different countries are now sharing knowledge to fix the "pathways" of pollution before more people get sick.

Dr Busquets has deep ties to the region following her previous research projects in Ukraine. She believes that bringing scientists and engineers together is the only way to keep the taps running safely during the war.

Dr Rosa Busquets said: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is affecting the supply of energy and subsequently of safe drinking water and it’s vital that scientists and engineers that work around drinking water come together to find solutions to this public health crisis.

She added: The efforts and leadership of scientists from Ukraine are immensely valuable.

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South London News Smart London Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

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