Accumulated Damage to the Environment of Burnakovskaya Depression in Nizhny Novgorod City as a Source of Long-Term Pollution of the Volga

Abstract

The article gives the results of studies of the pollution level of soils, grounds, groundwater, water, and bottom sediments in water objects in Burnakovksyaya lowland in Nizhny Novgorod City as factors governing Volga water quality. The obtained data were used to reveal a polyelemental pollution of all environmental components in the study area with different levels, mostly caused by the past economic activity (accumulated damage to the environment). The present-day activity, primarily the accumulation of snow removed from city streets also contributes much to the pollution of the territory. The pollutants lying in the study area are carried out into the Volga by subsoil and surface water. A conclusion is made regarding the need to organize and perform works for clearing the territory of Burnakovskaya lowland to stop and prevent Volga pollution.