RIVER-BASIN SYSTEMS OF SMALL RIVERS OF THE WESTERN PODILLYA IN THE CONDITIONS OF ANTHROPOGENIC LOADS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

The results of complex studies of the basins of the small rivers Dzhuryn, Gnizna, Nichlava, from the point of view of the transformation of natural complexes, the introduction of optimal forms of nature use and effective systems of nature protection for the effective management of the process of ecological, social and economic development are highlighted. Land use optimization models of basin systems have been developed, and an integrated network of nature conservation areas and protected and recreational facilities has been substantiated. The conducted comparative analysis of hydro-ecological, nature protection and land use parameters made it possible to establish.
 The problems of nature management and nature protection in the river basin are closely related. Analysis of the structure of nature use, the ratio of ecologically safe and ecologically dangerous forms within the upper, middle and lower reaches of river valleys demonstrates the degree of balanced nature use and the effectiveness of nature protection regimes.
 The development of the materials of the monograph took place in the process of field research by the authors as part of data collection for writing candidate and master theses. In addition, the authors rely on their own publications in scientific periodicals and approbation of materials in reports at scientific forums on the problems of nature management and nature protection in the basins of the small rivers Dzhuryn, Nichlava, and Gnizna.
 Special attention is paid to small rivers, because they perform extremely important functions in the formation of the hydrological regime of surface waters, directly influencing the system of relations with the local population, being in natural resource relations with them. Small rivers are the only water arteries in settlements, performing economic, recreation and health, aesthetic, climate-regulatory functions. Their general condition is derived from the peculiarities of interaction of local communities with the natural environment, which is based on the principles of productive life of people in harmony with nature. Achieving harmonious relationships primarily depends on the level of ecological culture of citizens, their tolerant and responsible attitude towards nature.
 The small rivers of Western Podillia: Dzhuryn, Gnizna, Nichlava were considered in a comparative analysis with the aim of highlighting general and individual deviations of basic parameters from their normative values, substantiating measures for their optimization. The object of the research is the basins of small rivers of Western Podillia: Dzhuryn, Gnizna, Nichlava. The subject is a comparative analysis of hydrogeoecological and nature protection parameters of anthropogenic influence on their basins.
 The general similarity of the natural and climatic conditions of the territory, the proximity of the location does not guarantee the similarity of anthropogenic loads on river basins.
 The conducted comparative analysis of hydroecological and nature protection parameters of river basins demonstrated. low forest coverage of the territories, which will contribute to increased soil erosion, a specific water and wind regime, less intensive assimilation of greenhouse gases, etc. The indicators of the protection of river basins differ significantly, but all of them are significantly inferior to the optimal value within 10.5%. The indicators of plowing of river basins differ significantly. They are significantly higher than the normative ones by approximately 2 times. The negative consequences of excessive plowing are manifested in increased erosion processes, activation of surface runoff into the river washed humus horizon with mineral, organic fertilizers, toxic chemicals, which definitely manifests itself in the deterioration of water quality. The high built-up area of the Nichlava river basin has a negative impact on the growth of pollution by domestic sewage, solid household waste, the absence of water protection zones within the boundaries of settlements, etc. In general, we have reason to claim that the river landscapes are highly economically developed due to the dominance of anthropogenic lands, on almost 2/3 of the area. Accordingly, the indices of anthropogenic transformation of natural lands by economic activity are high.
 Key words: small river, Western Podillia, Gnizna, Dzhuryn, Nichlava.