Оценка диффузного загрязнения Саратовского водохранилища

Abstract

The article presents outcomes of the investigations and developed methodological approaches to assessment of the Saratov Reservoir pollution with mineral phosphorous. The novel approach applies the data of water bodies’ monitoring and is based on the statement that the Saratov Reservoir diffuse pollution is formed not only by pollution sources but by the general environmental condition of the lateral tributaries and their catchment territories, as well. According the monitoring results, we gave a quantitative assessment of mineral phosphorous supplied to the Saratov Reservoir basin with river runoff from the catchment territories of the 1st order main tributaries. We have found that 763 tons of phosphorous per year are transported to the reservoir with the river runoff, 328.7 t/year are supplied as diffuse pollution. The main part of the pollution is supplied from the Samara River catchment territory (66 %), remaining 34 % are related to the Sok River (12.3 %), the Syzranka River (12.6 %), the Chapayevka River (5.6 %), the Maly Irgiz River (2.1 %), and the Chagra River (1.4 %). The Samara River catchment territory first of all requires ant measures aimed at mitigation of the diffuse discharge to the Saratov Reservoir.