New method for detecting pollutants in water wins the 2026 Mülheim Water Award

The Mülheim Water Award celebrated its tenth presentation on 16 September 2026. Mülheim’s Lord Mayor, Marc Buchholz, acting as patron of the award, presented the prize during the Mülheim Water Analysis Seminar (MWAS 2026) at the Stadthalle Mülheim.

The award was given to the project

GCI-pipe passive sampler

The selected project involves a passive pipe sampler for pollutants, which is operated in a bypass system with a controlled flow of sample water. This significantly expands the possibilities for monitoring raw water, drinking water and treated water. The patented system has been tried and tested in practice, is already in successful use and is easy to implement.

The passive in-line sampler can be used in water supply and drinking water systems, as well as for monitoring groundwater, well fields or effluent from sewage treatment works. The calibration concept presented also enables the method to be applied to different sites and water matrices.

A key advantage is the time-integrated sampling. It provides more reliable results than individual spot samples, particularly where pollutant concentrations are very low – below the usual detection limits – and where contaminant levels fluctuate significantly. At the same time, the effort required for sampling and laboratory analysis is reduced, which also makes the system attractive from an economic perspective.

The use of commercially available extraction materials allows a broad spectrum of pollutants to be detected. This enables targeted and flexible monitoring of various groups of substances.

Overall, the use of the passive pipe sampler improves the data basis for risk assessments and the planning of appropriate measures. The system thus makes an important contribution to the protection of water resources and the sustainable safeguarding of water quality.