Toni Venelinov

Professor Toni Venelinov serves as Vice-Rector for Information Technologies and Development at the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (UACEG) in Sofia, Bulgaria, while maintaining his academic position in the Faculty of Hydrotechnics, Department of Water Supply, Sewage and Water Treatment. He has been with the institution since at least 2010, progressing from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and ultimately to full Professor, while also heading the Laboratory for Water Analysis throughout this period.

• 2001: Master's in Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry from Sofia University "St. Clement of Ohrid"
• PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Sofia University

Professor Venelinov's research focuses on water quality analysis, environmental chemistry, and analytical methodologies. His primary areas include analytical atomic spectroscopy, determination of microelements in environmental samples, water analysis techniques, and laboratory accreditation according to ISO standards. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of aluminum distribution in Sofia's water supply system, wastewater treatment plant efficiency assessment using water quality indices, and PFAS contaminant detection in water sources. His work bridges analytical chemistry with practical environmental engineering applications, particularly in the Bulgarian context.

His extensive publication record shows a clear trend toward integrated approaches for water quality assessment, combining traditional physicochemical parameters with chemometric analysis and ecotoxicological testing. Recent work emphasizes practical tools like Water Quality Indices for wastewater treatment plant evaluation and innovative detection methods for emerging contaminants like PFOS. His research consistently addresses real-world water management challenges in Bulgaria, particularly focused on Sofia's water supply system and regional wastewater treatment facilities.

• Best peer-reviewed scientific paper award from Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (2009)

Professor Venelinov has been instrumental in developing laboratory accreditation systems at UACEG, particularly for water testing laboratories. His research group has secured funding for projects assessing wastewater treatment plant impacts on receiving water bodies, as indicated by his publications on the subject. The Laboratory for Water Analysis, which he has headed since 2010, serves as the primary research hub for his work on water quality assessment, contaminant detection, and analytical method validation. This laboratory appears to collaborate extensively with other Bulgarian research institutions, particularly Sofia University, and has contributed significantly to national water quality monitoring efforts.