Undermining of Kakhovka HPP: environmental consequences and remediation of damaged territories

Abstract

Purpose. Study of the environmental consequences of the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric station, analysis of the impact of water pollution for the population, flora and fauna, assessment of the impact on agriculture and study of possible ways to restore the territory.

Methods. System analysis, statistical methods.

Results. Water pollution by garbage, oil products, chemical and hazardous, organic and biogenic substances, as well as bacteria and viruses has been identified. It is determined that negative phenomena as outflow of water and flooding caused large-scale damage not only to the population, which were forced to evacuate due to the threat to life, but also to the economy of the country, which suffered as a result of the defeat of agricultural land. In particular, a decrease in the area of   irrigated land and, as a consequence, a decrease in the total production of agricultural crops, such as vegetables, grains and legumes, oilseeds, etc. The tragedy also caused the death of a large number of representatives of the plant and animal world due to significant flooding of the territory. Considered promising ways to overcome the environmental consequences of this disaster. Urgent tasks are the use of methods of restoring land depending on environmental conditions and available resources.

Conclusions. Significant negative impact on both environmental elements, including water bodies and soils, and on the country's economic development due to damage to agricultural lands has been identified. The importance of the task of applying means to restore damaged areas, including methods of biological remediation, geoengineering and carbonate mineralization technologies, has been proven.