Ecological state of water bodies of Kharkiv region in conditions of martial law (on the example of the Uda river)
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Purpose. Assessment of the dynamics of physicochemical water quality indicators of the Uda River in 2023 and identification of potential sources of pollution. Methods. Field, chemical and physicochemical, statistical. Results. Water sampling of the Uda River was carried out monthly during 2023 at two stationary observation points: within the settlements of Zolochiv and Eskhar, Kharkiv region. Water quality indicators were determined: dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, orthophosphates, dry residue and petroleum products. The most critical indicators are BOD₅, CSD, ammonium, phosphates and oil products, which systematically exceed the maximum permissible concentrations, especially at the observation point of the Eskhar settlement, which determines the increased organic load, pollution with nitrogen compounds, phosphorus and oil products, which may be associated with leaks of fuel and lubricants from military equipment, destroyed warehouses and transport routes. At the same time, the concentrations of nitrites, nitrates and nitrite nitrogen remain within the norms, which indicates the absence of acute nitrification processes and a certain ability of the reservoir to self-purify. Seasonal dynamics confirm that the highest levels of pollution occur in the spring-summer period, which coincides with an increase in temperature, activation of biochemical processes and possible consequences of hostilities and storm washouts from the territories of settlements and fields. Conclusion. According to the results of observations during 2023, the ecological state of the Uda River remains tense and is characterized as moderately polluted with local areas of high levels of organic and phosphate loading, which is due to a combination of natural and military-technogenic factors. To stabilize the hydroecosystem, a comprehensive restoration of water protection structures, wastewater treatment systems, and further scientific monitoring of the dynamics of water quality indicators is required.
Authors: D. V. Shepelenko, N. S. Tsapko
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7125716639