Content of Heavy metals in the Lipetsk City Watercourses

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to monitor surface watercourses in the area of the City of Lipetsk: Matyra, Voronezh, Lipovka Rivers and Matyrskoye water reservoir. Water and bottom sediments sampling was carried out in summer 2021. Materials and methods. The content of heavy metals of hazard classes 1 and 2 (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni) and Fe by atomic absorption method was studied. Contamination of water and bottom sediments was assessed in relation to sanitary-hygienic and ecological-geochemical indicators. Results and discussion. The maximum concentrations of lead and iron (total), significantly exceeding the maximum allowable concentrations (MAC) of harmful substances in water of cultural and domestic water bodies, are observed in the Voronezh River within the boundaries of the City of Lipetsk. The concentration of heavy metals in the bottom sediments of the Voronezh River within the City of Lipetsk increases significantly in comparison with the Matyra River and the Voronezh River upstream of the city. Conclusions. The condition of water in the Voronezh River within the boundaries of the City of Lipetsk corresponds to the "Ecological Emergency" category. The condition of the Matyrskoye water reservoir and the Matyra River in terms of heavy metal content corresponds to "relatively satisfactory situation".