Ecological Safety of the Bottom Sediments in the Voronezh Reservoir

Abstract

The aim of the study is to assess the bottom sediments quality in the Voronezh River basin and the Voronezh reservoir within the Voronezh Urban agglomeration. Materials and methods. The article presents the results of chemical analysis of the state of the bottom sediments in the Voronezh reservoir and the Voronezh River (the left tributary of the Don River) in the zone of direct impact of the developed industrial centre - the city of Voronezh. The quantitative chemical analysis of pollutants in the bottom sediments was carried out on the basis of the certified Ecological and Analytical Laboratory of the Faculty of Geography, Geoecology and Tourism of Voronezh State University using potentiometric, titrimetric, voltammetric, gravimetric and granulometric methods of analysis. Results. The current state of the Voronezh reservoir is characterized by a high degree of anthropogenic load due to developed industry and dense residential development. According to the dynamics of the spatio-temporal accumulation of pollutants in the reservoir, zones with different levels of eutrophication are distinguished. Conclusion. The studied samples of the bottom soil contain microplastics particles of anthropogenic origin, the negative impact of which on the state of the reservoir ecosystem is largely underestimated.