Effects of wildfire on the water chemistry of the northeastern part of the Great Vasyugan Mire (Western Siberia)

Abstract

In this study, we determined the effect of wildfire in 2016 on the water chemistry of the northeastern drained part of the Great Vasyugan Mire. The influence of the pyrogenic factor on the water chemistry of the Great Vasyugan Mire was marked by an increase in concentrations of Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fetotal, SO4 2–, HCO3 –, NO– 3, Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd. The maximum concentrations were observed in the spring (April) during the snow melting period, as well as during the rewetting period after the summer drought. In 2018–2019, there was a decrease in the concentration of the components in the waters after the fire in 2016 (SO4 2–, HCO3 –, NO– 3, Pb, Cd, Zn). An increase in the content of Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, NH+ 4, and Cu was noted, which is associated with the intensification of the processes of mineralisation of plant residues in the upper burnt peat layers.