The influence of water quality in the Western biogeochemical zone of Ukraine on the organisms of farm animals

Abstract

The research of water indicators in the farms of the Western biogeochemical zone of Ukraine is important and relevant in terms of ensuring water quality for cattle. The aim of the study was to investigate the chemical regime of groundwater used for animal watering in the farms of Lviv and Rivne regions. Methods that were used in the study included: drinking samples; atomic absorption spectrophotometry; turbidimetry; and removal of microbiological and organic biofilm and bacteria. During the study of drinking water supply for cows, it was found that water turbidity was increased in all seasons, especially in summer, but the organoleptic properties of water, such as smell, colour, taste and aftertaste, met the standards. It was found that the alkalinity index exceeded the standard threshold limit value in spring. The amount of calcium ions increased in autumn and winter and generally ranged from 115±25.2 to 156±12.7 mg/dm3. It was also found that the levels of manganese were increased by two times and iron by three times above normal. Nitrate levels in the water samples were close to exceeding the permissible limit and ranged from 15.2±8.91 to 26.3±14.68 mg/dm3, while mercury was also within the sub-threshold range and reached 0.1±0.1 to 0.3±0.11 μg/dm3. It is worth noting that the use of hydrogen peroxide and activated silver solution not only improved the health and productivity of cows but also ensured an increase in the quality of milk produced. The results of the study can be used in practice by ecologists, agricultural workers, and state and local governments to develop and implement programmes and projects to manage the quality of water supply on farms

Keywords

• source
• watering trough
• cows
• heavy metals
• turbidity
• cavitation