Ukrainian hydrometeorological journal

ASSESSMENT OF SPRING REGIONAL RESPONSES OF THE THERMAL REGIME OF THE NORTHWESTERN BLACK SEA REGION TO GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

2026-02-05T14:31:59+02:00

The relevance of this study lies in addressing a fundamental scientific issue-examining the dynamics of specific indicators of climate-dependent natural resources to ensure sustainable socio-economic development in Ukraine under global climate change conditions. The North-Western Black Sea region is a leading, highly developed industrial-agricultural area of the country, where information on its thermal regime is crucial, as it constitutes an essential component of natural resources. Given its potential for use in the southern regions of Ukraine, this research focuses on determining temperature indicators that will aid in planning and adapting various economic sectors in southern Ukraine amid regional climate transformations.

The implementation directions of these objectives are formulated within the research projects of the departments of the Faculty of Hydrometeorology and Ecology at Odesa I.I. Mechnikov National University, including: 'Zoning of Ukraine's territory based on vulnerability to climate change and selection of optimal adaptation pathways.' (No. DR0125U001204). The underestimation of certain aspects of the dynamics of regional climate temperature characteristics in the context of global climate change has resulted in these aspects remaining insufficiently studied to date.

Analysis of previous research it proves the importance of studying the climatic indicators of the temperature regime of the North-Western Black Sea region, which is a leading highly developed industrial-agricultural region of Ukraine. The underestimation of certain aspects of the dynamics of climatic characteristics of the regional climate in the context of global climate change has led to these aspects being still insufficiently studied today.

This article aims (using the Odessa station as an example) to present the results of a physical-statistical approach to determining regional responses in the main indicators of the temperature regime of the North-Western Black Sea region to the changes occurring in the climate system of the present period. The implementation of the physical-statistical approach was conducted using classical methods of statistical and graphical analysis.

Based on long-term empirical data for 1909 spring days of the period 2001-2023, the dynamics of interdaily variability of air temperature was analyzed and the number of days with average daily air temperature in different gradations was determined. Comparing the two periods of the 21st century, it was determined that in March from the first (2001-2010) to the second (2013-2023) the number of days with average daily air temperature in the range from 5.1 to 15.0°C increases sharply: from 43.2% to 62.1% of days; not a single case with a temperature above 15.0°C was recorded in the first decade of the 21st century, unlike the period 2013-2023; the number of days with an air temperature of zero degrees and below decreased by 2.3%. In April, in the period 2001-2023, the air temperature ranged from 5.1 to 15.0°C and accounted for 88.7%. In the last month of spring, the number of days with an average daily temperature in the range from 10.1°C to 20.0°C increased by 1.4%: from 84.8% to 86.2%, but the indicator with a temperature in the range of 20.1-25.0°C decreased by 0.3%. In April and May of the last decade, no cases with an air temperature of zero degrees and below were recorded. The frequency of the average daily air temperature in higher temperature ranges increased, which indicates warmer springs, compared to the 20th century.

The obtained results provide a basis for analyzing the dynamics of regional climate changes in the context of global climate change. The rational and timely application of the climate information presented in this article will contribute to the development of effective adaptation pathways, which, in turn, will make a significant contribution to ensuring the sustainable development of Ukraine. Future tasks will focus on researching the thermal regime indicators of other stations in the North-Western Black Sea region, involving additional empirical data.

CHANGES IN METEOROLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC UNDER GLOBAL WARMING

2026-02-05T14:32:09+02:00

Trends in the ocean–atmosphere conditions of the North Atlantic under global warming, manifested since the second half of the 20th century and intensified in the early 21st century, are identified, and their relationship with storm activity is examined. Using data from the Climate Reanalyzer platform, the spatiotemporal variability of sea surface temperature, near-surface air temperature, the thermal contrast between the ocean and the atmosphere (defined as the difference between sea surface temperature and near-surface air temperature), mean sea level pressure, and wind fields at 250 hPa, which characterize the position and intensity of the jet stream, was analyzed.

Relative to the 1961–1990 climate baseline, sea surface temperature anomalies during 2021–2024 indicate widespread warming across the North Atlantic, with maximum values along the Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic Current. In contrast, anomalies relative to the 1991–2020 baseline are weaker and more spatially heterogeneous, with a persistent region of reduced warming in the subpolar North Atlantic. Seasonal analysis reveals springtime maxima along the Gulf Stream, a northward displacement of warm anomalies in summer, and predominantly weak or negative anomalies in autumn and winter.

Long-term records (1940–2024) indicate accelerated warming since the 1990s, with near-surface air temperature increasing more rapidly than sea surface temperature, leading to a reduction in the ocean–atmosphere thermal contrast, particularly during winter.

Wintertime (2021–2024) pressure fields exhibit negative mean sea level pressure anomalies over the central subpolar North Atlantic and higher pressure along the basin periphery, suggesting a concentration and partial reorganization of the extratropical storm track. Corresponding 250-hPa wind anomalies indicate localized jet strengthening and a northward displacement of the jet axis.

TRENDS AND VARIABILITY OF SNOW COVER IN SLAVSKO DURING 1948–2020 UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE

2026-02-05T14:33:03+02:00

Snow plays a significant role in the climate system by altering soil properties, land–atmosphere heat and moisture exchange, the surface radiation balance, and key components of the hydrological cycle. As a major element of the cryosphere, snow cover shapes local meteorological conditions while simultaneously influencing atmospheric processes across broader spatial and temporal scales, including general circulation anomalies, Rossby wave modifications, the dynamics of sudden stratospheric warmings, and features of the East Asian summer monsoon. Given the high sensitivity of snow cover to changes in temperature, analysing its long-term dynamics is critically important, particularly in the context of the strong positive air-temperature trends observed during the winter and winter–spring transition periods.

The paper presents a comprehensive analysis of long-term snow-cover dynamics at the Slavsko meteorological station (Ukrainian Carpathians) for the period 1948/49–2019/20, one of the longest continuous observational records in the high-mountain regions of Ukraine. Using daily meteorological data, a physico-statistical and climatic assessment was performed of the duration of the snow season, the period of stable snow cover, the timing of snow formation and melt, maximum and mean snow depth, and integral indicators of snow accumulation. For the first time for the Slavsko station, a classification of winter seasons was conducted using snowiness and winter-severity index, which allowed the identification and systematisation of 22 winter types and helped trace their evolution in response to climatic perturbations.

These results provide a detailed understanding of snow-cover dynamics in the Ukrainian Carpathians, capturing long-term trends and the rising variability of recent decades. Such evidence is vital for strengthening climate-adaptation strategies in winter tourism, hydrology, transportation infrastructure, and the broader mountain economy.

ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT CONDITIONS FOR SPRING BARLEY CULTIVATION TAKING INTO ACCOUNT BIOGENIC LOAD AND CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE ODESA REGION

2026-02-05T14:32:49+02:00

The yield of spring barley, the condition of the soil cover, and the stability of agricultural production are directly dependent on the combination of climatic conditions and the level of biogenic load. This article investigates the main methodological principles for the analysis and assessment of agroclimatic factors that determine the optimal conditions for growing spring barley in the Odesa region under conditions of intensified climate change.

The deterioration of agrometeorological indicators, the unevenness of precipitation, and the high variability of the temperature regime reflect the increasing anthropogenic impact on the soil-plant complex, driven by intensive land use, the application of mineral fertilizers, land transformation, and other types of economic activity. The study presents key indicators used to assess the biogenic load, the dynamics of the production process, and the adaptive properties of spring barley.

Prior to the intensification of climate change, the agricultural landscapes of the Odesa region were subjected to one of the highest levels of anthropogenic load within the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. Forecast indicators of the biogenic load on the soil and plant cover for the coming years indicate a stable trend of its growth for most agroecological characteristics of the region. Regarding the northern districts of Odesa region, the increase in load is expected primarily for the nitrogen and water regimes, while for the coastal territories, it is expected for the humus status and structural properties of the soils. The article examines the main groups of factors that reduce the productivity of spring barley and limit the possibilities for optimizing crop areas under the influence of climate change. As a result of the increased biogenic load, the possibilities for the stable use of soil resources are significantly reduced. The deterioration of agroclimatic conditions and the moisture deficit considerably reduce the productive potential of agroecosystems.

The primary task is to determine the actual needs of agricultural production regarding a rational cropping structure, the collection and generalization of data on the state of soil-plant systems, the harmonization of methods for assessing the biogenic load, and conducting such an assessment within the region. It is necessary to identify ways to transition to adaptive management models for the agroecosystems of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine, considering the decrease in productivity resulting from both climate change and excessive biogenic load on soil resources.

JUSTIFICATION OF THE LIMITING MODULES OF SLOPE INFLOW DURING THE SPRING FLOOD ON THE RIVERS OF VINNYTSIA REGION UNDER CURRENT CLIMATE CONDITIONS

2026-02-05T14:35:43+02:00

The relevance of this study is driven by the need to address a key scientific and applied problem—understanding the dynamics of maximum runoff formation during spring floods in the context of increasing climate variability. In Vinnytsia Region, the transformation of snow cover, altered flood genesis, and rising temperatures significantly influence maximum runoff values and associated flood risks. Therefore, identifying limiting characteristics of slope inflow under current climatic conditions is essential for sustainable water management and hydraulic engineering.

Numerous studies have highlighted climate-induced changes in the hydrological regime of Ukrainian rivers; however, the dynamics of slope inflow formation and the spatial variability of maximum runoff modules for the rivers of the Vinnytsia Region remain insufficiently studied. Existing gaps relate primarily to the lack of quantitative assessments of extreme slope inflow modules and their dependence on watershed characteristics under contemporary climate trends.

This article aims to determine the limiting values of maximum slope inflow modules and to assess the current hydrological conditions of spring flood formation using long-term observational data from hydrological stations across Vinnytsia Region.

The study employs classical statistical techniques (method of moments, maximum likelihood estimation, and Kritzky–Menkel gamma distribution), as well as numerical methods for determining slope inflow duration and unevenness, and an operator-based runoff formation model grounded in channel isochrone theory.

Presentation of the main research material. Based on multi-year observational data from 11 hydrological stations, the study demonstrates that current climatic conditions are characterized by a 1.5–2.0 °C rise in mean annual air temperature relative to 1961–1990, a marked decrease in snow cover depth, and a shortened snow-cover duration. These changes reduce the water yield of spring floods or transform them into mixed rain–snowmelt events. The mean spring flood runoff depth varies from 17 to 36 mm, with high spatial variability depending on basin morphology. Numerical calculations show that slope inflow duration ranges from 136 to 404 hours, while the limiting 1% slope inflow modules vary from 0.79 to 2.79 m³/s·km². Watershed elevation was identified as the dominant factor controlling spatial differences, whereas the influence of latitude and forest cover is less pronounced. The spatial distribution of the limiting modules shows the highest values in the northern part of the region (Dnieper basin) and in the upper reaches of the Southern Bug, while the lowest values are characteristic of the rivers of the Dnieper basin within Vinnytsia Region.

The obtained results form an important scientific basis for assessing spring flood hazards, estimating rare-probability maximum discharges, designing hydraulic structures, and developing river basin management plans for the Vinnytsia Region. The study demonstrates that the observed reduction in spring flood water yield under climate change must be integrated into future regional water management and adaptation strategies. Further research will involve expanding the analysis to additional watersheds within the region using broader empirical datasets.

PECULIARITIES OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION OF THE SOIL COVER IN THE CITY OF ODESA

2026-02-05T14:35:50+02:00

Among the substances that pollute the environment of urbanized areas, particularly the soil cover, a special place is occupied by heavy metals, which are usually defined as metals with an atomic mass exceeding 50 atomic mass units and a density greater than 5 g/cm³. Depending on the sources of entry into the soil cover and the properties of soils, heavy metals associated with the characteristics of parent rocks are distinguished from those entering the soil cover as a result of anthropogenic activity. Pollution with heavy metals contributes to a decrease in soil porosity and adversely affects the processes of air, water, and nutrient circulation. Unlike the more dynamic atmospheric and surface water environments, where active self-purification processes take place, the soil cover practically lacks such an ability; the processes of purification from heavy metals occur very slowly, only through leaching, plant uptake, and water erosion, which determines the long-term ecological hazard in urbanized territories. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the peculiarities of heavy metal contamination in the soil cover of a city whose territory is characterized by rather diverse soil-geochemical conditions. In the process of intensive urbanization, the soil cover has been exposed to numerous anthropogenic factors, resulting in changes in its physicochemical properties and increased concentrations of heavy metals. Analysis of previously conducted studies shows that the most contaminated soils with certain heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Co) are those of industrial zones and areas adjacent to highways with heavy traffic. Among these technogenically stressed areas of urban territory, a special place is occupied by park and square areas, where the recorded concentrations of lead and zinc exceed background levels, while copper content at all sites remains below the background concentration. However, the calculated range of geoaccumulation index values for these heavy metals corresponds to soil contamination levels ranging from low to moderate, depending on the distance of the sites from sources of technogenic pollution. According to the results of experimental biosensor bioluminescent analysis of the studied soils from certain parks and squares of the city of Odesa, no pronounced inhibition of luminescence levels in microbial cells, which constitute the basis of sensor elements, was detected. This indicates the absence of substances toxic to soil microorganisms. During the analysis, a slight stimulation of microbial cell luminescence was recorded, which may be associated with the influence of an increased content of organic components in the soil samples; the analyzed soil samples were classified as having a low level of ecological toxicity, corresponding to their contamination level as indicated by the geoaccumulation index. The highest calculated values of the total ecological risk index (RI) are characteristic of the industrial (27.19) and transport (10.19) functional zones of Odesa, and these indicators correspond to a minor risk magnitude.

METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF ASSESSING THE TECHNOGENIC IMPACT ON THE AIR BASIN (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE ODESA INDUSTRIAL-URBAN AGGLOMERATION)

2026-02-05T14:36:00+02:00

The Odesa industrial and urban agglomeration is formed around the city of Odesa and includes part of the surrounding settlements that are closely connected with the regional center. This territory is the largest port and industrial complex in Ukraine, located on the North Western coast of the Black Sea. An important issue for the Odesa industrial and urban agglomeration is ensuring adequate air quality, as this territory also serves recreational purposes. The purpose of the study is to assess the technogenic impact on the air basin of the Odesa industrial-urban agglomeration using various methodological approaches. It has been determined that the highest values of the environmental damage coefficient С_ED are observed for the city of Odesa. The level of environmental safety of industry in the cities of Chornomorsk and Pivdenne is significantly better than in Odesa. The best conditions for environmental safety are observed in the cities of Teplodar and Bilyayivka. In the value of the integral indicator of the environmental state Patm the cities of Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdenne are characterized by approximately comparable values. The Patm values for the cities of Teplodar and Bilyayivka are two orders of magnitude lower. The trend in the change in the module of technogenic load on the air basin of the M_AB fully corresponds to the trend in the change in the Patm indicator for individual cities of the Odesa industrial-urban agglomeration. A point rating is proposed to determine the level of technogenic load on the air basin. It was obtained that the group with the highest scores is formed by the cities of Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdenne, while the group with the lowest scores is formed by Teplodar and Bilyayivka. The total technogenic impact, taking into account environmental damage, is mainly formed by three cities: Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdenne. These three cities are also the main ones in the assessment, taking into account the ecological and economic components of the territory. In terms of M_AB values, the predominant total impact is formed by four cities of the Odessa industrial and urban agglomeration.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENT OF THE UKRAINE–EU ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT: CURRENT STATUS, CHALLENGES, AND PROSPECTS

2026-02-05T14:43:05+02:00

The article presents a comprehensive study of the implementation process of the environmental component of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, which constitutes a key element in the country’s system of European integration reforms. Since September 1, 2017, after the Agreement entered into full force, Ukraine has assumed clear obligations to harmonize national legislation with EU law, particularly in the field of environmental protection. The study analyzes the legal and regulatory framework for the implementation of 26 EU directives and 3 regulations concerning air and water quality, waste management, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and industrial pollution prevention.

Special attention is paid to the implementation of Directive 2010/75/EU on Industrial Emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) and the introduction of an integrated permitting system, which serves as the primary tool for controlling industrial emissions in EU countries. The content and significance of the Law of Ukraine “On Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control,” adopted on July 16, 2024, are examined; this law established a new model of state environmental governance focused on the application of Best Available Techniques and Methods (BAT/BEP). The main stages of reform implementation, its advantages, and associated risks are identified, particularly in the context of military actions, economic instability, and the need for industrial sector modernization.

A separate section is devoted to analyzing the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC, which introduces a river basin–based approach to water management. The creation of basin councils, development of river basin management plans, and implementation of a national water monitoring system in line with EU standards are highlighted. The adaptation of Ukrainian legislation to other water-related directives is also considered, including urban wastewater treatment, nitrate pollution, flood risk management, and the assurance of drinking water quality.

The conclusions emphasize that fulfilling environmental obligations is not only a requirement of the Association Agreement but also a fundamental condition for Ukraine’s transition to a sustainable economy and for enhancing environmental security. The need to strengthen institutional capacity, provide financial support for eco-modernization of enterprises, and continue regulatory convergence with EU law is underscored.

RESEARCH OF THE PHYTOGENIC COMPONENT OF THE URBOSYSTEM USING QUANTITATIVE INDICATORS OF CITY GREENING

2026-02-05T14:57:27+02:00

The characteristics of modern urbanisation are leading to the expansion of urban areas at the expense of natural features, primarily green spaces. Green spaces play a fundamental role in shaping the ecological balance of urban systems, ensuring the health of the population and increasing the resilience of urbanized areas to anthropogenic loads. The shortage of green areas in cities, their reduction in area and deterioration of the quality of plantings constitute one of the most acute environmental problems. This article examines indicators, the definition of which is based on the quantitative characteristics of the greening of an urbanized area. The aim of the study is to develop an approach for quantitative assessment of the phytogenic component state based on indicators of greening of the territory and to test the algorithm for certain urbanised areas based on analysis of available statistical data. Among the indicators, general (level of greening of the territory, provision of green spaces for the population) and specific (number or area of structural elements, level of greening of structural elements, recreational load) indexes are highlighted. Calculations of the provision of green spaces have shown significant spatial unevenness of the level of greening of cities. The natural conditions of the city of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi are characterized by a shortage of green areas in parks and squares, and sufficient (per inhabitant) greening of residential areas and the general territory of the city. The analysis shows that no district of Odessa meets the minimum requirements of national standards and recommendations of international organizations. The situation of Peresypsky and Kyivsky districts is especially critical, where there is a shortage of green areas per inhabitant. The qualitative state of green areas was additionally assessed. The most balanced in terms of the quality of green areas is the Primorsky district, while the Peresypsky district is distinguished by the worst indicators of both qualitative and quantitative provision. A comparison of the calculated indicators with the standards shows that the actual provision of green areas in Odessa is on average only 15–30% of the recommended values. This indicates systemic ecological instability and a high level of technogenic load on the urban territory.

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO FORMING AN INNOVATIVE MODEL OF INTEGRATED FRESHWATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL

2026-02-05T15:46:22+02:00

The paper highlights the issues of assessing the main methodological approaches to forming a model of integrated freshwater resources management at the regional level, which include: the basin principle, the system approach, the integration of water resources management with land use management, etc., multi-purpose use of natural resources, environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. The main components of the national water strategy of Ukraine at the regional, sectoral and resource levels are characterized. It is noted that regional strategies provide for a certain combination of resource and sectoral strategies at the level of individual administrative-territorial units, taking into account the level of provision of territories with freshwater resources, as well as the structure of the economic complex of the region in terms of types of economic and production activities, the distribution of the number and structure of the population by type of settlements in the region, as well as the forecast characteristics of the development of these socio-economic indicators.

A model of integrated management of freshwater resources at the regional level is proposed, which is based on a systemic approach, the study of regional water resources as a holistic system of socio-humanitarian and environmentally balanced approaches in the field of water use. The proposed innovative model necessitates the transformation of target guidelines for the functioning of the water management complex of both individual regions and the country as a whole, in the direction of meeting the needs of present and future generations in freshwater resources, ensuring a safe environment and protection from natural water capabilities, which should contribute to the necessary institutional and structural transformations at the level of regions, districts and communities. Guidelines for the strategic development of the regional freshwater resources management system are determined: updating public activity, ensuring productive and balanced use of natural and economic resources, including human capital, on the basis of diversification of innovative forms of relationships in the management system itself in the context of institutional transformations.

ANALYSIS OF WATER SUPPLY AND WASTEWATER SERVICES IN THE REGIONS OF UKRAINE

2026-02-05T15:49:01+02:00

Ukraine is among the countries of the world with insufficient water resources. The article examines indicators of water supply and wastewater services in the regions of Ukraine during the period preceding the outbreak of large-scale hostilities, serving as a basis for further measures aimed at improving the situation in the future.

It is shown that in recent years Ukraine has experienced an overall decline in water abstraction from natural sources—including both surface and groundwater—along with a decrease in water consumption and the discharge of wastewater into surface water bodies.

Based on 2021 data, groups of Ukrainian regions were identified using hierarchical cluster analysis, taking into account such indicators as abstraction of surface and groundwater and water use (included in one calculation), as well as total water abstraction from natural sources, water use, and wastewater discharge into surface water bodies (included in another calculation). The results of both analyses were similar: Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, and Odesa regions formed separate clusters, while the remaining regions included in the study were grouped into one large cluster.

Cluster analysis (K-means method) was also applied to study indicators such as the provision of centralized water supply and centralized wastewater services (in cities, urban-type settlements, and villages). The results showed that the most favorable situation in terms of centralized water supply is observed in Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, and Khmelnytskyi regions, while the least favorable conditions are found in Volyn, Zhytomyr, Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Cherkasy, and Chernihiv regions. The highest level of centralized wastewater service provision is recorded in Kyiv region, whereas the lowest levels are observed in Volyn, Odesa, Poltava, Sumy, Cherkasy, and Chernihiv regions. To improve the situation regarding the provision of centralized water supply to the population, attention should be paid, first of all, to the construction of water supply facilities in villages. Regarding wastewater services, measures are needed to expand the sewage network in urban-type settlements and villages.

STATISTICAL METHODS IN RIVER WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE

2026-02-05T15:51:35+02:00

The study is devoted to the development of scientifically grounded recommendations for integrating the requirements of the European Union Water Framework Directive (WFD) and River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) into the process of calculating the maximum allowable discharges of pollutants from wastewater using current national methodologies. The Danube River basin is considered as an example based on monitoring data from 2015-2024. Special attention is paid to the assessment and forecasting of water quality, which are key elements of the water quality regulation procedure.

The study analyzes the water legislation of the European Union countries regarding the assessment of surface water quality. According to the provisions of the WFD and at the initial stage of RBMPs, the water quality in a water body over a certain past period is considered compliant with EU standards if the probability of exceeding the normative values (assurance level) for each indicator does not exceed a specified limit, F. Based on this, it is proposed to carry out regulation, as well as the associated assessment and forecasting of surface water quality, using indicators with assurance level F. This approach ensures alignment of national methodologies for these calculations with EU legislative requirements. The proposed provisions were tested using the analysis of temporal variability of water quality indicators in the Danube river. It was shown that when using average values of indicators, the WFD and RBMP requirements are often not met because the assurance level of these values can significantly exceed the established limits for the frequency of MAC exceedances. To gradually achieve “good status” of surface water bodies according to the WFD and RBMPs, it is advisable to use values of indicators with assurance levels of 10%, 5%, and 2.5% as the design (background) values when regulating pollutant discharges from wastewater. In addition, when temporal trends of indicators are present, their values should be forecasted to ensure compliance with the WFD requirements, especially in the case of positive trends.

ASSESSMENT OF THE SUITABILITY OF RESIDUAL QUARRY WATERS IN THE DNIPRO DISTRICT FOR RECREATIONAL USE

2026-02-05T15:55:43+02:00

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of water quality in flooded mined-out quarry spaces of the Dnipro District, aimed at assessing their potential for further utilization in industrial or recreational purposes. The research includes a detailed description of the applied methodology, which combines visual-geographical, organoleptic, instrumental-field, and laboratory-analytical methods, thereby ensuring an integrated evaluation of the current state of these technogenic water bodies.

Visual-geographical observations involved recording the spatial coordinates of quarries using GPS navigation and assessing their general morphometric characteristics. Organoleptic surveys were conducted directly on site and allowed the identification of odour, colour, turbidity, and water temperature. Instrumental field measurements provided data on the level of ionizing radiation in adjacent territories. Under laboratory conditions, water mineralization, total hardness, acidity, and other key physicochemical parameters were determined, which are essential for evaluating compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards.

Based on the obtained results, a ranking methodology for the studied water bodies was developed, enabling an objective assessment of the suitability of each site. The rating identified the best quarry reservoirs: the Novomykolaivskyi Quarry received 7 points, the Small Quarry in Zoryane Village received 6 points, while the Starokodatskyi Quarry received 3 points.

The study demonstrated that other quarries currently cannot be recommended for recreational use due to exceeding concentrations of certain pollutants relative to the maximum permissible levels. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the first comprehensive comparison of technogenic water bodies in this region using three normative systems, which ensured a more detailed and substantiated evaluation of their environmental safety.

The practical significance of the results is reflected in their potential application by local authorities when making decisions regarding the regulation of recreational activities on technogenic water bodies and determining the permissible anthropogenic load on such sites. The findings may serve as a basis for developing programmes for the improvement and rehabilitation of coastal areas, identifying priority directions for environmental protection measures, and forming local strategies for environmental safety.

Furthermore, the results are valuable for the population and visitors, as they provide access to objective information on water quality and potential health risks associated with recreational use of these water bodies. This supports informed decision-making when choosing recreation sites and helps prevent possible adverse health effects, which is particularly relevant given the growing popularity of recreation on technogenic reservoirs.