Visnyk of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. Series Еcоlogy

Study of photosynthetic pigments in the hyperhaline Kuyalnik Estuary and its inflows (Ukraine, north-western Black sea region)

2025-01-03T16:36:13+00:00

Purpose. To investigate the interannual and intraannual analysis of the content of chlorophyll "a", "b", "c" and pheophytin in the Kuyalnik estuary (KE) and its tides for the period 2008-2012, to evaluate the spatial distribution of chlorophyll "a" in the water area of the estuary in different seasons year and reveal the connection of the specified characteristics with the abiotic factors of the environment.

Methods. Hydrochemical, biological and static analyses. The original geo-informational database of comprehensive monitoring of the KE basin was used.

Results. According to the results of generalization, analysis and systematization of the experimental studies materials of the photosynthetic pigments content (chlorophylls ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’) and pheophytin (the primary product of chlorophyll decomposition) in the surface waters of the hyperhaline Kuyalnik Estuary (KE) and its main water inflows (Velykyi Kuyalnyk river, drainage channels from the Peresyp and Korsuntsivsky ponds) during the period of low water content in the estuary (2008-2012) the interannual and intraannual distribution of pigment content is presented, their ratio in the specified water bodies and the spatial distribution of chlorophyll "a" content in the water area of KE in different seasons of the year are evaluated. It has been revealed that in the periods of low water content in KE and high salinization of its waters production activity is insignificant, but it does not stop. Adaptive mechanisms of algal communities in relation to extreme conditions of KE (salinization, decreasing of water level and increase of water temperature, decreasing of freshwater inflow) are expressed in an increase in the share of auxiliary pigments (chlorophylls "b" and "c"). The obtained ratios of pigments indicate mainly the dominance of diatom algae in all water bodies of the basin during the research period. A correlation analysis of the relationships between the concentrations of chlorophylls "a", "b", "c", concentrations of different chlorophylls and pheophytin and between chlorophyll "a" and the main abiotic factors of the environment (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen in water, BOD₅, COD, ammonium nitrogen and phosphorus phosphate) were carried out.

Conclusions. The results of the study of the pigment fund Cl indicate that the characteristics of the content of photosynthetic pigments and their ratio can be used as integral characteristics of the productivity and ecological state of water bodies.

Assessment of ecological risk of soil contamination by heavy metals

2025-01-09T11:38:44+00:00

Purpose. To assess the ecological risk of soil contamination by heavy metals and analyze their concentrations in protected areas in the Zmiivska community of the Kharkiv region and the impact zone of the Zmiivska TPP.

Methods. Field techniques, atomic absorption spectrophotometry; Hakanson methodology was applied to evaluate ecological risks, including the calculation of contamination factors (Cif), potential ecological risk indices (Eir), and the total risk index (RI).

Results. The study involved soil sampling from four locations: the botanical reserves "Tsykalove," "Mokhnachanskyi," "Skrypaivskyi," and the area near the Zmiivska TPP. The concentrations of heavy metals in soils from the protected areas (reserves "Tsykalove," "Mokhnachanskyi," and "Skrypaivskyi") did not exceed permissible levels, except for elevated zinc and iron content. In the soils near the Zmiivska TPP, significant exceedances of background levels were observed: iron, copper, cobalt and zinc. The total risk indices (RI < 4) for protected areas indicated low ecological risk: "Tsykalove", "Mokhnachanskyi", and "Skrypaivskyi". However, the Zmiivska TPP area (RI = 25,98) demonstrated a much higher risk. The highest potential risk indices (Eir) were associated with cobalt and cadmium.

Conclusions. Soil contamination by heavy metals in the Zmiivska community is localized, with the most hazardous concentrations observed near the Zmiivska TPP. The protected areas exhibit minor contamination risks, although high bioavailability of zinc and other metals indicates the need for continuous monitoring. The Hakanson methodology proved effective in evaluating health risks associated with heavy metal exposure. These findings highlight the necessity of mitigation measures, including emissions control, soil remediation, and reduced anthropogenic pressure.

Reproductive ecology of the great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) in the conditions of the drainage canal of the Poltava mining and processing plant

2025-01-09T11:39:31+00:00

Purpose. To investigate the reproduction ecology of the great warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus in the territory of the drainage canal of the Poltava Mining and Processing Plant in order to preserve the species in the conditions of a technogenic landscape.

Methods. Field: bird counts on permanent routes. Statistical: processing of the obtained data.

Results. The ecological features of large warblers within the drainage canal were studied. Biotope conditions, nesting adaptations, and population dynamics of the species were analyzed. A decrease in the nesting density of warblers from 11.8 pairs/km² (2022) and 9.5 pairs/km² (2023) to 6.2 pairs/km² (2024) has been established, it is associated with several factors, but most of all it is due to disturbance during the nesting period and abiotic factors. It has been proven that drainage canals with dense riparian vegetation provide a favorable environment for nesting and feeding birds. The behavioral nesting strategies of warblers and their response to parasitism by the cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) have been studied. The reproductive period of the Great Warbler was approximately 41 days, depending on external environmental conditions (natural factors, food availability). The nests are located at a height of 120–160 cm above the water level to avoid flooding during rising water levels in the drainage canal. The average distance between neighboring nests was 28.3±3.5 m. Appropriate measures should be implemented to increase the number of the Great Warbler nesting population on the drainage canal.

Conclusions. The role of artificial wetlands in maintaining biodiversity is described. Recommendations are proposed for the conservation of greater warblers by minimizing negative impacts, maintaining the stability of the drainage canal ecosystem, and regular monitoring of this man-made area.

Analysis of cases of moose (Alces alces) occurrence in the transformed environment of Kyiv

2025-01-09T11:40:18+00:00

Purpose. Justification and application of the analysis method of moose occurrence in Kyiv based on mass media data with further analysis of its spatial and chronological distribution.

Methods. System analysis, cartographic, statistical.

Results. As a result of the study of mass media data from the beginning of 2010 to October 2024, 26 separate cases of the occurrence of moose within the transformed environment of Kyiv were found and in the proximity of the city. The first case was reported in mass media in May 2015. Based on these data, a methodology was developed, a table and a map were compiled, which allowed for a spatial and chronological analysis of the appearance of moose in the transformed environment of Kyiv.

Conclusions. Using the analysis method of moose occurrence in Kyiv, three natural nurseries of moose occurrence in the transformed environment of the city were identified: Svyatoshynskyi (Svyatoshynske forestry), Holosiivskyi (Holosiivskyi forest and Lisnyky sight) and Darnytskyi (Darnytske forestry). Moose can penetrate into the urban environment of Kyiv for more than 2 km, and in some cases - more than 6 km, overcoming significant natural and anthropogenic obstacles, in particular the Dnipro River with intensive river transport traffic. Two periods of increased moose occurrences were identified - 2017-2024 and 2023-2024. Preliminary assumptions regarding the reasons for the first period are the ban on moose hunting since 2017, and for the second period - a complete ban on hunting since 2022.

The jubilee XX All-Ukrainian scientific Taliyev readings – a meeting of like-minded people

2025-01-19T17:03:35+00:00

On October 25, 2024, the Karazin Educational and Research Institute of Ecology will host the jubi-lee XX All-Ukrainian Scientific Taliev Readings, organized by the Department of Environmental Monitor-ing and Nature Conservation. The conference featured presentations on the following topics: the impact of war on environmental components, current problems of rational nature management and nature protection, and assessment of the ecological state of environmental components and complexes. In addition, the re-ports highlight scientific and educational issues of ecology and nature conservation in Ukraine.