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

Carpathian convention: ecological and legal analysis of Ukraine's implementation of its obligations in the context of sustainable development goals

O. O. Gololobova — 2026-05-30

Purpose. The objective of the study is to conduct an environmental and legal analysis of Ukraine's implementation of the provisions of the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians, as well as to assess the current environmental status of ecosystems in the Carpathian region of Ukraine in accordance with the criteria and effectiveness of compliance with the requirements set forth in this international treaty.

Methods. System analysis, SWOT analysis, calculation method.

Results. A detailed analysis of the implementation of the Decisions of the 7th Conference of the Parties confirmed the adoption of the Carpathian Framework Programme on Biodiversity, the intensification of cross-border cooperation on large carnivores, the integration of climate risk assessment into forestry, and the promotion of traditional cattle breeding to the UNESCO NCS list. By systematizing commitments, the direct correspondence of the provisions of the Carpathian Convention protocols to the UN Sustainable Development Goals has been confirmed. According to the results of the SWOT analysis, priority efforts should focus on cross-sectoral cooperation, the implementation of scientifically sound spatial planning, and the maximum use of positive experiences from cross-border projects. The calculated indicators of the PZF insularity index range from 0.32 to 0.41, confirming the fragmentation of forest areas and the disruption of ecological links, especially in the Chernivtsi region. The analysis of ecological cases confirmed the impact of local threats on the implementation of the Convention and demonstrated the potential for cooperation between the state, communities, and international partners.

Conclusions. A comprehensive ecological and legal analysis has shown that the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians is a key international mechanism for integrating global commitments (UN SDGs) into national environmental policy. Ukraine is taking consistent steps to implement the Protocols of the Carpathian Convention and has significant potential for full and effective implementation of the Convention by strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation.

Long-term dynamics of weather pathogenicity and bioclimatic comfort in the city of Kharkiv

N. V. Maksymenko — 2026-05-30

Purpose. To determine the main trends of long-term changes in weather pathogenicity indicators in Kharkiv based on the methodology for determining weather pathogenicity indices adapted by the authors.

Methods. The assessment was carried out on the basis of the weather pathogenicity index (J), which takes into account the complex impact of the main meteorological parameters on the human body.

Results. The investigates the long-term dynamics of weather pathogenicity and bioclimatic comfort in the city of Kharkiv. The assessment was carried out using the weather pathogenicity index (J), which considers the combined influence of major meteorological parameters on the human body. Seasonal and interannual variability of the indicators during 2017–2025 was analyzed. Based on the analysis of the main meteorological indicators (air temperature and humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure and their daily fluctuations), it was established that the highest values of weather pathogenicity are characteristic of the cold period of the year. The highest pathogenicity values were found during the cold period of the year, whereas relatively comfortable weather conditions prevailed in summer. At this time, increased values of the J index are observed (>20), which is due to a combination of low temperatures, significant wind speed and sharp inter-daily fluctuations in meteorological indicators. In the summer season, the most comfortable bioclimatic conditions generally prevail. The average values of the J index during this period are the lowest for the year (J < 9), which is associated with the relative stability of atmospheric processes and lower contrast of meteorological parameters. The spring and autumn periods are characterized by significant instability of weather conditions and increased variability of the pathogenicity index. Interannual analysis demonstrated a tendency to increase the variability of the pathogenicity index values during the studied period.

Conclusions. The obtained results confirm the feasibility of using the weather pathogenicity index as an integral indicator for assessing the bioclimatic state of urbanized areas. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of applying the results for medical and meteorological forecasting, assessing the recreational potential of the territory, as well as developing measures for the adaptation of the population to adverse weather conditions in the context of climate change.

Assessment of atmospheric air quality considering the stochastic nature of pollutant concentrations

S. Y. Adamenko — 2026-05-30

Purpose. Analysis of the state of atmospheric air, determination of the main factors of pollution formation and substantiation of the methodology for assessing guaranteed air quality, taking into account the random nature of pollutant concentrations.

Methods. Statistical and calculation of the integrated atmospheric pollution index (API).

Results. The research was conducted based on data from the Eco-City public monitoring station No. 1162 in the area of the Faculty of Chemistry of Uzhhorod National University, taking into account the climatic and orographic features of the territory. It was established that the main source of atmospheric air pollution is motor vehicles. A pronounced seasonality of changes in pollutant concentrations was revealed. Formaldehyde was determined to be the main factor in exceeding the air pollution indices, while the KIZA values often corresponded to the level of “very high” pollution. The most critical indicators were recorded: for formaldehyde – throughout the year with maximum values in January and July; for fine dust PM2.5 and PM10 – in the winter period due to the influence of the heating season and unfavorable dispersion conditions; for nitrogen dioxide – in April, which is associated with transport load. The assessment of atmospheric air quality showed a systematic exceedance of the standards for formaldehyde throughout the year.

Conclusions. The results of the study indicate a tense environmental state of the atmospheric air in the study area and the need to strengthen control over pollutant emissions. Priority measures include optimizing transport flows, reducing emissions during the heating season, and improving local atmospheric air monitoring systems, especially regarding the control of formaldehyde sources.

Use of Sentinel-2 data for compensatory monitoring of surface waters of Ukraine under martial law

V. O. Maksymenko — 2026-05-30

Purpose. To substantiate the use of Sentinel-2 data as a compensatory component of surface water environmental monitoring in Ukraine under martial law.

Methods. The study has a conceptual and analytical design and combines structural-functional analysis of the traditional surface water monitoring system, comparative assessment of contact-based and satellite-based observation methods, analysis of the EU Water Framework Directive, technical interpretation of Sentinel-2 MSI capabilities and a demonstration analysis of satellite scenes of the Kakhovka Reservoir area.

Results. Sentinel-2 L2A scenes acquired before and after the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam were used to illustrate the compensatory potential of Earth observation, including True color visualizations and NDWI mapping for the identification of residual water bodies and transformed channel elements. Three main dimensions of the wartime environmental data gap were identified: spatial, temporal and analytical. Sentinel-2 cannot replace laboratory water quality monitoring, but it can support regular spatial-temporal screening of large water bodies, operational detection of water surface changes, mapping of flooding or drying areas, preliminary indication of turbidity-related anomalies and prioritization of sites for field validation. The Kakhovka Reservoir case demonstrates that satellite scenes make it possible to document large-scale transformation of a water body after the loss of safe ground access, including reservoir drawdown, exposure of bottom sediments and formation of residual water bodies.

Conclusions. The most scientifically justified model for wartime and post-war conditions is an integrated monitoring system in which Sentinel-2 acts as a compensatory spatial-temporal observation contour, spectral index analysis provides primary change detection, machine learning may support automated classification of scenes after proper validation, and laboratory monitoring remains the basis for metrologically confirmed water quality assessment.

Indicator-based assessment of ecosystem services in the transboundary section of the Styr River based on hydrochemical water quality indicators

O. A. Karaim — 2026-05-30

Purpose. To test an indicator-based approach for assessing ecosystem services in the transboundary section of the Styr River based on water quality parameters.

Methods. Analytical, hydrochemical analysis, and ecological classification methods for surface water quality assessment.

Results. An indicator-based assessment of ecosystem services in the transboundary section of the Styr River was carried out based on hydrochemical water quality parameters for 2021–2025. It was found that, according to annual average values, most indicators correspond to Classes I–III, indicating a generally satisfactory state of the aquatic environment. Supporting ecosystem services are maintained at high and good levels, while regulating and provisioning services are predominantly at a satisfactory level. At the same time, systematic exceedances were identified for certain indicators, particularly nitrogen compounds and organic matter, indicating anthropogenic pressure and reduced efficiency of regulating ecosystem functions. The analysis of temporal dynamics revealed an increasing trend in ammonium concentrations and the occurrence of episodic peak values, reflecting instability in self-purification processes. A decreasing trend in BOD₅ values was observed, indicating partial improvement in certain ecosystem functions. Assessment based on block indices showed that, under average conditions, water quality corresponds to Class III (satisfactory, moderately polluted waters), whereas under worst-case conditions it shifts to Classes IV–V (poor and very poor, polluted and heavily polluted waters), indicating significant variability in ecosystem condition.

Conclusions. The application of the indicator-based approach enabled the integration of hydrochemical water quality parameters into the assessment of river ecosystem functioning. Uneven provision of ecosystem services was identified: despite an overall satisfactory average condition, periods of deterioration occur, indicating the ecosystem’s vulnerability to anthropogenic pressure. The results demonstrate that water quality indicators can be used to quantitatively interpret the level of regulating, supporting, and provisioning ecosystem services. The proposed approach can be applied to improve water resource assessment and management in transboundary river systems.

Assessment of surface water quality of the Seversky Donets river within Kharkiv region in 2024

M. I. Kulyk — 2026-05-30

Purpose. To provide an assessment of the quality of surface waters of the Siverskyi Donets River within the Kharkiv region in 2024 according to state monitoring data based on the determination of water quality indices.

Methods. Analytical, modified water pollution index (MPI), combinatorial water pollution index (CPI).

Results. An analysis of monitoring data of the Siverskyi Donets River within the Kharkiv region in 2024 was carried out for the posts of the village of Pechenyhi, the village of Eskhar, the village of Zadonetske according to six main indicators. It was determined that the water quality in the Pechenyhi Reservoir belongs to the II quality class according to two methods, but according to the modified MPI method it is characterized as “clean”, and according to the CPI method – as “polluted”. Water quality below the mouth of the Uda River, the village of According to the modified IZV method, Eschar belongs to the III quality class and is characterized as “moderately polluted”, and according to the KIZ method, the water belongs to the IV quality class and is characterized as “very dirty”. The water quality at the post of the village of Zadonetske belongs to the III quality class according to two methods, but according to the modified IZV method, it is characterized as “moderately polluted”, and according to the KIZ method, it is characterized as “dirty”. In 2024, compared to 2023, the water quality in the Pechenizhsky reservoir improved, and at the post of the village of Eschar it deteriorated. At the post of the village of Zadonetske, according to the IZV method, a deterioration in water quality is noted, and according to the KIZ method, on the contrary, an improvement. The hydrochemical indicators that determine water quality are BOD5, nitrogen compounds and sulfates.

Conclusions. Along the watercourse of the Siverskyi Donets River within the Kharkiv region in 2024, changes in water quality occur. Deterioration of water quality is observed after the confluence of the Uda River, which is subjected to significant anthropogenic pressure. Water quality in the Siverskyi Donets varies from “clean” to “moderately polluted” according to the modified IZV method, and from “polluted” to “very dirty” according to the KIZ method.

Ecological assessment of water quality and ichthyofauna condition of the Pechenihy reservoir

I. A. Kryvytska — 2026-05-30

Purpose. To assess the quality of surface waters of the Pechenihy Reservoir based on hydrochemical and microbiological indicators, as well as to determine the possible impact of the aquatic environment condition on the ichthyofauna of the reservoir.

Methods. Field, analytical for determining indicators of microbiological and chemical pollution of surface waters..

Results. Surface water samples were collected in autumn 2025 and spring 2026 at four monitoring sites within the Pechenihy Reservoir. The collected samples were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations (Mn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Pb, Cd) and total microbial count (TMC) using certified laboratory methods in accordance with current regulatory and methodological standards. The conducted studies revealed seasonal changes in the hydrochemical and microbiological condition of the Pechenihy Reservoir. In spring 2026, compared with autumn 2025, an increase in concentrations of most investigated heavy metals and higher total microbial count values were recorded. The highest exceedances of maximum allowable concentrations were detected for manganese and total iron. Local exceedances of standards for copper and cadmium were also observed in the area of Pechenihy settlement. The spatial distribution of pollutants indicated their accumulation in the lower part of the reservoir. A significant increase in total microbial count values in spring reflected elevated organic loading and intensified microbiological processes within the aquatic ecosystem. It was established that deterioration of water quality may create unfavorable conditions for fish habitation, contribute to the development of bacterial, parasitic, and fungal diseases, and negatively affect the physiological condition of ichthyofauna.

Conclusions. The ecological condition of the Pechenihy Reservoir is characterized by a moderate level of pollution with signs of increased anthropogenic pressure during the spring period. The greatest environmental threat is associated with elevated concentrations of manganese and iron, as well as increased total microbial count values. The obtained results indicate the necessity for systematic water quality monitoring and implementation of environmental protection measures aimed at reducing pollutant inputs into the reservoir.

Geoecological features of the formation and development of mining landscape-technical systems of Ukraine

T. S. Koptieva — 2026-05-30

Purpose. To analyze the patterns of formation, structure, and functioning of mining landscape-technical systems of Ukraine, to identify their typological features, and to substantiate directions for their optimization and rational use under current geoecological challenges.

Methods. Historical-geographical approach, landscape-geomorphological analysis, cartographic modeling using GIS technologies (Google Earth), generalization method, and anthropogenic-landscape forecasting method.

Results: The mining territories of Ukraine represent complex landscape-technical systems formed as a result of long-term interaction between natural conditions and technogenic processes. These systems extend beyond the boundaries of mining and land allotments, encompassing extensive adjacent areas transformed by mining activities, including post-mining landscapes. It has been found that the dominant elements of these territories are geo-mining technical systems, whose structure includes natural, technological, and information blocks, while their functioning is associated with the movement of mineral matter and intensive geodynamic processes. It has been established that mining landscapes are formed under the influence of both open-pit and underground mining methods, which determines their morphological diversity (quarry-dump, subsidence-related, lake-wasteland, etc.). It has been proven that the Kryvyi Rih Landscape-Technical System (KLTS) serves as a unique testing ground for the formation of technogenic landscapes, where a wide range of their types is concentrated. It has been determined that anthropogenic landscapes occupy significant areas, forming a complex altitudinal-landscape structure with accumulative, denudation-accumulative, and denudation levels. It has been revealed that the intensive development of mining activities has led to substantial transformations of relief, the hydrological network, microclimate, soil cover, and vegetation of the region. The features of the Donetsk and Pre-Carpathian landscape-technical systems have been analyzed; they are characterized by a high level of anthropogenic pressure, significant disturbances of geosystems, activation of exogenous processes, and the formation of technogenic landforms. It has been established that within the Donbas region there is intensive soil and water pollution, disruption of the hydrogeological regime, and the emergence of hazardous geodynamic phenomena. The Pre-Carpathian region is characterized by slow processes of natural restoration of vegetation and soils, accompanied by significant mosaicity of the landscape structure. It has been identified that the formation of mining landscapes is accompanied by the development of negative natural-anthropogenic processes (erosion, karst, subsidence, flooding, pollution), which determine the current geoecological state of the territories. It has been substantiated that the optimization of mining territories should be based on a systemic approach, taking into account structural, functional, and dynamic characteristics of geosystems, and should include land reclamation, the development of geoecological monitoring, and rational environmental management.

Conclusions: The mining landscape-technical systems of Ukraine are complex natural-anthropogenic formations, whose functioning is determined by the interaction of natural factors and technogenic processes. They are characterized by significant transformation of natural components, the formation of specific morphological structures, and active migration of matter. The current state of these systems is associated with the development of geoecological problems, which necessitates the implementation of comprehensive optimization measures, including reclamation, monitoring, and rational resource use. The identified patterns of formation and development of mining landscapes should serve as a basis for further research and practical measures aimed at stabilizing and restoring disturbed territories.

A methodological approach to comparative assessment of water–energy sustainability of urbanized areas based on DPSIR, ESG and IWE

V. K. Puzik — 2026-05-30

Purpose. To develop and test a methodological approach to the comparative assessment of water-energy sustainability of urbanized areas based on the integration of the DPSIR model, ESG indicators, and the integrated IWE index.

Methods. The study combines conceptual and quantitative approaches. The DPSIR model (Driving forces – Pressures – State – Impact – Response) was applied to structure the relationships between resource pressure, the condition of the urban environment, and management responses. The ESG approach was used to select indicators related to environmental performance and infrastructural modernization of urban systems. Quantitative assessment was carried out using the integrated IWE (Integrated Water-Energy Sustainability Index), calculated by a weighted additive aggregation method with min–max normalization of indicators.

Results. The index includes five indicators: water losses in distribution networks, energy intensity of the housing sector, specific CO₂ emissions, the share of renewable energy sources, and the wastewater treatment rate. The methodology was tested on four major Ukrainian cities: Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro. A sensitivity analysis was performed by varying the weighting coefficients in order to assess the stability of the model. The highest IWE value was obtained for Lviv, which is associated with lower energy intensity of the housing sector, the lowest specific CO₂ emissions, a higher share of renewable energy sources, and the highest wastewater treatment rate among the studied cities. The lowest value was obtained for Kharkiv, due to the highest water losses, the highest energy intensity of the housing sector, higher specific CO₂ emissions, and the lowest share of renewable energy sources. Kyiv and Dnipro demonstrated intermediate values. The sensitivity analysis showed that varying the weighting coefficients within the defined scenarios did not change the final ranking of the cities, indicating the relative stability of the model. It was found that the greatest contribution to intercity differentiation of the index is made by indicators related to energy transition and environmental infrastructure, primarily the share of renewable energy sources and the wastewater treatment rate.

Conclusions. The proposed methodological approach makes it possible to integrate the water and energy components of urban sustainability within a unified quantitative assessment framework. The IWE index can be used as a tool for comparative analysis of urbanized areas, municipal monitoring of resource efficiency, and identification of priorities for modernization of water and energy infrastructure. The practical value of the approach lies in the possibility of its application under conditions of limited availability of standardized municipal data.

Soil contamination of military agrolandscapes

A. B. Achasov — 2026-05-30

Purpose. Testing methodological approaches to the environmental audit of potentially contaminated soils of agricultural landscapes affected by hostilities.

Methods. Field, analytical, decoding of satellite images to identify craters, atomic absorption spectrophotometry method.

Results. Studies of the ecological and geochemical state of soils of agricultural landscapes affected by hostilities were conducted in 2025 on the basis of a research site in the Rohansk territorial community of the Kharkiv region. Based on the analysis of publications on military soil contamination, the use of GIS and remote sensing to identify bomb-turbation zones was justified. Deciphering of satellite images was combined with field sampling and determination of mobile forms of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb. Exceedance of background content without exceeding the MPC was established. A zoning map of agricultural landscapes of the Rohansk community was developed.

Conclusions. The proposed zoning of agricultural landscapes by bomb-turbation density for assessing potential contamination serves as a model for developing landscape transfer functions and extrapolating data to other deoccupied territories.

Multi-criterion assessment of the priority of environmental protection measures based on open online data

N. O. Brynza — 2026-05-30

Purpose. To develop and test a methodology for multi-criteria assessment of environmental protec-tion priorities using open online data under conditions of incomplete information and interval uncertainty.
Methods. Systems analysis, multi-criteria assessment, an additive utility function, expert weighting of criteria, normalization of heterogeneous indicators, interval analysis, and scenario analysis. Open online sources selected as the information basis: NASA FIRMS for active fires, JRC Global Surface Water for water dynamics, ESA WorldCover and Sentinel-2/Copernicus Data Space for land cover and vegetation indicators, OpenAQ for air quality, HDX for administrative boundaries, Global Forest Watch for tree cover loss, and EkoZagroza as an auxiliary source of environmental threat reports.
Results. The study addresses a practical problem in environmental management: how to justify pri-ority actions when several measures are relevant simultaneously, and the available data have different spatial resolutions, reliability, and completeness. A pilot computational experiment conducted for a condi-tional urbanized area in the Kharkiv region. Six environmental alternatives assessed: greening, cleaning water bodies, reclamation of disturbed lands, strengthening air monitoring, improving waste management, and fire-prevention measures. Six criteria used: environmental effect, implementation cost, implementa-tion time, social significance, risk of inaction, and availability of online data. The highest baseline utility scores obtained for waste management improvement, and fire-prevention measures. The following priori-ties water body cleaning, greening, strengthening of air monitoring, and reclamation of disturbed lands. Scenario analysis showed that the first two alternatives remain the highest-priority group under different weighting assumptions.
Conclusions. The proposed methodology enables formalizing preliminary environmental decision-making even when online data are incomplete. Interval representation does not eliminate uncertainty but makes it explicit and useful for assessing the reliability of ranking results. The method can support the preliminary justification of local environmental protection programs and should be further tested using actual datasets for specific territorial communities.

Regional differentiation of environmental risks and environmental protection financing in Ukraine based on open data

Y. O. Malyshko — 2026-05-30

Purpose. To assess regional differentiation in environmental risks and environmental protection financing in Ukraine and to test a transparent risk-oriented screening approach for detecting oblasts where the relative level of environmental pressure is not matched by an adequate financial response.

Methods. The empirical analysis is based on open statistical and analytical data. Mathematical modeling is based on the differentiation of environmental risks and environmental financing, taking into account pollutant emissions from stationary sources, air pollution in cities, capital investments and current expenditures of enterprises on environmental protection. The risk index was formed by min-max normalisation of the emission and air-pollution variables.

Results. The problem is considered in the context of the spatial concentration of industrial emissions, the need for evidence-based allocation of environmental resources, and the growing importance of recovery planning under wartime constraints. A pilot sample of four oblasts was selected: Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kyiv. These regions were chosen because comparable environmental and financial indicators were simultaneously available for them. For each region, the regional share of national emissions, the maximum urban air pollution index, the cumulative financial response for 2014-2023, the share of this response, the environmental pressure-to-finance ratio and an integrated risk index were calculated. The selected regions together accounted for the largest number of pollutant emissions from stationary sources in 2021, confirming the pronounced spatial concentration of industrial atmospheric pressure. Dnipropetrovsk oblast ranked first by the integrated risk index, and also had the largest share of cumulative financial response. Donetsk oblast ranked second by risk, but demonstrated the strongest imbalance between pressure and financing. Zaporizhzhia oblast also showed an imbalance, Kyiv oblast had a lower atmospheric risk profile but a relatively higher financial share.

Conclusions. Open data can be used for preliminary diagnostics of regional discrepancies between environmental pressures and environmental protection financing. The proposed approach does not replace a full environmental assessment, but it can serve as an initial analytical module for identifying territories that require more detailed verification, targeted monitoring and priority consideration in regional environmental programmes. Further research should extend the model to a full panel of oblasts and include wartime environmental damage, waste, water, budget expenditure, environmental tax and socio-economic control variables.

Project-based approach to the implementation and performance evaluation of environmental management in the hotel and restaurant business

V. L. Bezsonnyi — 2026-05-30

Purpose. To substantiate a project-based approach to implementing an environmental management system in the hotel and restaurant business and to develop an applied model that combines environmental audit, work planning, stakeholder management, risk assessment and environmental performance indica-tors.
Methods. The study applies systems analysis, online content analysis of open web sources, compar-ative analysis, project modelling, WBS structuring, RACI logic, risk matrix and KPI analysis.
Results. The empirical basis consists of 30 open online sources: 8 corporate sustainability or re-porting pages of hotel groups operating in the European market and 22 restaurant chains represented in an open sustainability ranking. The sample is purposive; therefore, the findings are interpreted as indicators of public environmental disclosure rather than statistically representative evidence for the whole HORE-CA sector. Frequencies, percentages, ranking of indicators and the public environmental disclosure index were used for quantitative generalization.The results show that energy and climate goals, waste and plastic practices and general targets are the most visible components of public disclosure. Weaker areas include transparency of water consumption, quantitative disclosure of food waste, responsible sourcing and local-ization of responsibility at the level of individual establishments. The generalized public environmental disclosure index reached 82.5% for hotel groups and 63.6% for restaurant chains, indicating a higher insti-tutionalization of environmental management in the hotel segment. A project model of EMS implementa-tion was developed, including initiation, environmental audit, planning, implementation, monitoring, in-ternal audit and corrective actions.
Conclusions. The implementation of an EMS in HORECA should be organized as a project with clear phases, responsibilities, risks and KPIs. The proposed model enables hospitality enterprises to move from fragmented green initiatives to systematic environmental performance management and can be used in professional education related to project management in the hotel and restaurant business. The scope of generalization is limited by the purposive sample and the use of open online sources.

Ecological and nutritional justification of recipe components for a new technology of minced fish products

O. Yu. Davydova — 2026-05-30

Purpose. To substantiate the use of pumpkin puree as a local vegetable raw material in the technology of minced fish products from the perspective of human ecology, sustainable nutrition, food safety, and resource-oriented restaurant production.

Methods. The study used an analytical review of current literature on sustainable healthy diets, dietary fiber, bioactive components of pumpkin and quality of fish products; normative analysis of raw material requirements; technological modelling of the formulation; calculated assessment of nutritional and energy value; descriptive organoleptic assessment of the experimental sample; and interpretation of microbiological indicators of the finished dish. Traditional fish patties without pumpkin puree were considered as a recipe prototype; however, quantitative experimental comparison with a control sample was not performed due to the lack of repeated primary measurements.

Results. The addition of pumpkin puree to the formulation of minced fish products had technological, nutritional, and preliminary Ecological significance. It increased the share of a locally available plant component, formed natural colour, supported juiciness and soft texture, and supplemented the fish protein base with dietary fibre, pectin substances, and carotenoids. According to calculated data for fish patties with pumpkin without potato garnish, 100 g of product contained 4.06 g of protein, 9.80 g of fat, 0.98 g of carbohydrates, and 105.73 kcal. The experimental sample had an even surface, an orange shade, homogeneous tender consistency, and a characteristic fish taste with a moderate sweet pumpkin aftertaste. Microbiological indicators did not exceed established limits; pathogenic microorganisms, including Salmonella spp., were not detected in 25 g of product.

Conclusions. The developed recipe and technological model can be considered a preliminary substantiated direction for ecological and nutritional improvement of minced fish products. Its ecological interpretation is based on the local origin of the vegetable raw material, the combination of animal and plant components, and the use of gentle heat treatment. Further validation requires control experiments, statistically confirmed sensory assessment, instrumental determination of quality indicators, and quantitative life-cycle-based environmental assessment.

Ecological and economic aspects of the functioning of the bakery industry in Kharkiv region under current challenges

K. B. Nechepurenko — 2026-05-30

Purpose. To identify the ecological and economic features of the bakery industry in Kharkiv region by analyzing production dynamics, sales channels, logistics, storage conditions, packaging and safety indicators of bakery products, and by outlining practical measures to improve resource efficiency and environmental safety.

Methods. The research is based on systematic, comparative, statistical-analytical and structural-logical methods. Production and sales statistics were used to assess ecological and economic trends, while the production and sales chain was examined through the sequence “production - storage - packaging - transportation - sale”. This made it possible to distinguish resource-related, logistics, sanitary-hygienic and waste-generating factors.

Results. The study shows that the environmental dimension of the bakery industry is formed throughout the product chain, from the use of raw materials, energy and water to packaging, delivery, storage and sale. The main factors include energy and water consumption, sanitary treatment of equipment and vehicles, short shelf life, generation of organic and packaging waste, and the need for regular road transportation. The reduction in specialized bakery retail outlets may affect product accessibility, complicate distribution planning and contribute to finished product losses and food waste; the actual effect on transport burden requires a separate assessment based on freight turnover, trip frequency and route length.

Conclusions. The environmental improvement of the bakery industry in Kharkiv region requires coordinated technological, logistics and retail measures. Priority directions include energy-efficient equipment, rational water use, optimized delivery routes, reduced losses of unsold products, safe and recyclable packaging, stronger control of raw material and finished product safety indicators, and the introduction of environmental management elements at bakery enterprises.

Features of environmental education for preschool children

A. N. Nekos — 2026-05-30

Purpose. To determine the current state of environmental education for preschool children in Ukraine and to propose a comprehensive set of methodological developments for preschool education institutions and family upbringing.

Methods. Systematic and comparative analysis of the content and quality of preschool environmental education, sociological research methods, the atomic absorption spectrometry method as an example of visual and practical learning.

Results. A comparison of approaches to preschool environmental education in Germany, the USA, England, Japan and Sweden determined that effective preschool environmental education is based primarily on the child's direct experience in the natural environment, and not on the isolated assimilation of theoretical information. The Swedish model of "forest schools" is considered in studies as an effective way to develop independence, social interaction and a responsible attitude towards the environment. An online survey of parents of preschoolers from Zaporizhia, Uzhgorod, Vinnytsia, Poltava, Lviv, Kyiv and Kharkiv revealed a significant gap between the attitudes and actions of parents: the majority recognize the importance of environmental education of preschoolers; slightly more than half turn to environmental topics; A very small number of parents systematically participate in environmental activities; in the home practice of environmental education, conversations prevail, while the implementation of practical experiments and joint environmental projects by parents is used much less. Spectrometric analysis of the content of heavy metals in plant products, performed during the demonstration of practical work, demonstrated a successful approach to visualizing research activities for children. The proposed methodological cycle contains 8 developments for children 3-7 years old.

Conclusions. The period of preschool childhood is key for the formation of primary ecological ideas, emotional and value-based attitudes towards nature and skills of environmentally appropriate behavior. Practical activities in nature should be considered as a basic component of the educational process, and not as an episodic addition. The lack of adapted methodological materials and weak participation of families mutually reinforce each other, therefore they require a comprehensive pedagogical solution. The proposed methodological cycle takes into account the age characteristics of preschoolers and can be applied both in preschool education institutions and in family education.