Project Description

The project focuses on a comprehensive study of lithium in the natural waters of Bulgaria – an element identified by the European Commission as a critical raw material with a key role in the development of green technologies and the energy independence of the European Union. The importance of the topic arises from the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, as well as the limited opportunities for environmentally friendly extraction through traditional methods. In this context, the study of lithium in aquatic environments is considered an alternative and sustainable approach for identifying new resources.
The main objective of the project is to carry out an interdisciplinary assessment of the distribution and behavior of lithium in groundwater and surface waters in Bulgaria. The approach combines geological and hydrogeological surveys with chemical analyses, thermodynamic modeling, and GIS-based spatial analysis. By integrating these approaches, areas with elevated concentrations will be identified, and the natural processes controlling lithium’s behavior will be clarified. As a concluding stage, studies will be conducted to assess the prospects for lithium extraction.
 Field studies will involve sampling groundwater from natural springs and boreholes, as well as surface water bodies such as the Black Sea and coastal salt lakes. The samples will be analyzed in laboratory conditions using modern analytical techniques. The obtained data will be linked with the geological and hydrogeological characteristics of the studied areas through GIS and statistical models, enabling the creation of maps and schemes of lithium distribution.
A key component of the project is the investigation of the possibilities for experimental extraction of lithium from waters with varying mineralization. Modern adsorption/desorption methods based on selective materials, as well as conditions for precipitation of lithium salts, will be tested. The goal is to evaluate the efficiency and applicability of these technologies in the context of the low concentrations typical of Bulgarian waters.
 The expected results include: creation of the first national database of lithium content in groundwater and surface waters; preparation of GIS maps and distribution models; new scientific knowledge about its geochemical behavior; and assessment of potential resources for future sustainable use. These results will help fill an existing scientific gap while also providing a basis for the application of innovative technologies for the extraction of strategic raw materials.
 The project is aligned with national priorities in the field of “Energy and Environment,” as well as with European goals for strategic autonomy and the transition to a low-carbon economy. It is expected to strengthen the research capacity of the participating organizations, stimulate interdisciplinary cooperation, and create opportunities for the training and development of young researchers in a field of key future scientific and applied importance.

Administrative description