Peculiarities of the distribution of heavy metals in bottom sediments under different natural-anthropogenic conditions

Abstract

The article considers the issue of bottom sediments qualitative composition methodology studying. Bottom sediments, as the most stable component of surface water bodies, accumulate pollutants, but can subsequently cause secondary water pollution. Therefore, sediment contamination poses a significant threat to both surface and groundwater, especially the uppermost aquifers. The factors of Ukrainian rivers bottom sediments state formation under natural and anthropogenic conditions were analyzed. It has been proven that despite the long-term man-made pressure on the surface water bodies of Ukraine, natural factors are decisive. This is confirmed by the results of detailed ecological and geochemical studies within the city of Kyiv and regional studies throughout Ukraine. The inheritance of heavy metals content in the bottom sediments from the qualitative state of catchment areas soils was confirmed. The peculiarities of the qualitative state of bottom sediments formation under the man-made conditions are considered, using the example of typical in anthropogenic pressure and industry structure Chernihiv City. Within urban areas the influence of anthropogenesis on bottom sediments state is determined by the level of pressure and characteristics of watercourses, primarily water availability and dynamics of water flow. Within the city of Chernihiv with a moderate man-made pressure the main water artery – the Desna River – at the time of the study was characterized by an acceptable level of pollution of bottom sediments, and in the bottom sediments of Desna’s tributaries with low water flow (Stryzhen and Bilous) a moderately dangerous level of pollution was recorded. The identified features of distribution of pollutants in bottom sediments can be used for planning and conducting environmental monitoring.

Keywords

• bottom sediments
• formation factors
• qualitative state
• heavy metals
• pollution