Muddy Bottoms Research Articles

New Material of Thylacocephala from the Early Ladinian (Middle Triassic) of Northern Grigna (Lecco, Lombardy, Northern Italy)

Here we report and describe a new assemblage of Thylacocephala (Crustacea) from the Early Ladinian Buchenstein Fm. (Middle Triassic) of Grigna, Northern Italy. The assemblage consists of at least four species from three different genera: Ankitokazocaris lariensis sp. n., Ankitokazocaris sp., Austriocaris sp., Stoppanicaris grignaensis gen. et sp. n. This thylacocephalan assemblage is rather diverse compared to the others of the Triassic. The largest size and ornamentation type of thylacocephalan species is compared among different periods of the Triassic and indicates that taxa with ridges on the carapace are generally smaller than those with smooth carapaces. This may be related to their different modes of life, such as inside or above the sediment with low oxygen levels. Large and smooth taxa were possibly more adapted to a life above sandy bottoms in shallow waters, under a somewhat high wave energy, while small, ornamented taxa are better suited for deeper environments with muddy bottoms, inside which they could move freely. The EDS analysis of Austriocaris sp. reveals that the cuticle mainly consists of apatite, which is in accordance with previous interpretations.

The genus Kelliella (Bivalvia) in the Atlantic Ocean

ABSTRACT Kelliella M. Sars, 1870 is a genus of small epibenthic bivalves inhabiting muddy bottoms of the outer shelf and slope worldwide, commonly in habitats that are oxygen-poor or enriched in organic carbon. Currently, there are five accepted species of Kelliella with an Atlantic type locality, and six more Atlantic species, including Vesicomya atlantica (Smith, 1885), the type species of Vesicomya Dall, 1886, were at some time placed in Kelliella. In this work, we revise the genus Kelliella from the North Atlantic waters, based on large amounts of new material from both sides, and describe a new species from Martinique (Kelliella madininae n. sp.). We here propose, after revision of the shell morphology, the synonymy of K. biscayensis Allen, 2001 with K. miliaris (Philippi, 1844), and consider a single West European and Mediterranean species of Kelliella. The fossil “Kelliella” barbara is also excluded from the genus Kelliella and reallocated as Coralliophaga barbara (Studencka, 1987) n. comb. In the Atlantic margin of America, we consider that Diplodonta pilula Dall, 1881 remains a nomen dubium. The type material of K. concentrica Allen, 2001 is figured, and this species considered a member of the Vesicomyinae. The new Caribbean species, K. madininae, resemble K. brasuca Passos, Machado & Fantinatti, 2017 from southeastern Brazil. We recorded new localities for Kelliella goesi Odhner, 1960, so far known only from its original description. Diagnostic characters discriminating Vesicomya from Kelliella, stated by Krylova et al. (2018), Journal of Molluscan Studies, 84: 69–91, are discussed, and we consider the hinge architecture as the most robust.

Megahabitats shape fish distribution patterns on the Amazon coast

The Brazilian North Coast (BNC) encompasses the intersection of multiple oceanographic features such as strong currents, a large continental shelf under the influence of the Amazon River freshwater and sediment outflow, extensive muddy and sand bottom, as well as a mesophotic reef system. As a result, the BNC hosts a diverse fish fauna, consisting of estuarine and freshwater species, including species endemic to the region. These fish species are distributed across a mosaic of megahabitats within the region. Here, we present the first comprehensive effort to understand the distribution patterns of ray-finned fishes and cartilaginous fishes among these different megahabitats. On 1891 samples, we recorded 616 species from 147 families distributed across five distinct megahabitats. The Continental Slope megahabitat had the highest number of families and consisted primarily of pelagic species, indicating its close association with the open sea. The Sand and Mud megahabitats exhibited high species richness and shared similar generalist fish families in terms of habitat use. The Amazon Plume megahabitat was characterized by freshwater and marine euryhaline species, emphasizing the influence of the Amazon River on the BNC's ecological dynamics. The Reef megahabitat had species closely associated with consolidated substrates and shared many species with the Sand megahabitat. This study offers valuable insights into fish species distribution and composition in the BNC, contributing to biodiversity assessments and conservation efforts in the region.

Healthy assemblages of Isidella elongata unintentionally protected from trawling offshore of Asinara Island (northwestern Sardinia, NW Mediterranean Sea)

Deep-sea coral assemblages are marine biodiversity hot spots. Because of their life history traits, deep-sea corals are highly vulnerable to the impacts of human activities such as fishing. The critically endangered “bamboo coral” Isidella elongata is a key structuring species of deep muddy bottoms that is susceptible to habitat destruction, particularly from trawling. A shallow population of this species was recently discovered by a multibeam and ROV survey offshore of the Asinara Island marine protected area (MPA) (northwestern Sardinia, NW Mediterranean Sea). This vulnerable marine assemblage has been found under healthy conditions at depths ranging from 110 to 298 m. Isidella elongata occurs on a muddy seafloor locally characterised by boulders associated with black coral species (Parantipathes larix and Antipathes dichotoma). The lush colonies of I. elongata seem to be related to natural protection from bottom trawling activity; nevertheless, the presence of lost fishing artisanal nets has been observed in the study area. These structuring species are indicators of vulnerable marine ecosystems, and their conservation is essential for preserving marine biodiversity. Therefore, enlarging the perimeter of the Asinara Island MPA into its deeper western waters is suggested to ensure the protection of these valuable and vulnerable marine ecosystems.

Biodiversity dimensions of fish communities inhabiting coastal muddy bottoms in the Tropical South Atlantic

This study provides insights into the intricate dynamics of coastal muddy bottoms within tropical regions spanning from the Amazon to the São Francisco River estuary. Through species analysis, distinct species pools distributed across the Tropical South Atlantic have been identified, revealing diverse patterns in fish biodiversity that transcend mere species richness and abundance, extending to their functional composition. More precisely, significant variations in taxonomic composition among the studied areas were observed, with differences in species composition and the presence of exclusive species contributing to the rise of unique patterns in functional diversity, partly attributed to differences in biogeographical provinces. Moreover, local processes such as salinization and estuarization also play crucial roles in shaping the taxonomic and functional diversity patterns within coastal muddy bottoms. By acknowledging the distinctive characteristics and ecological significance of these habitats, we can ensure the preservation of fish communities and uphold their crucial roles as vital nursery and fishing grounds.

The spread of the non-indigenous species Bregmaceros nectabanus Whitley, 1941 (Osteichthyes: Bregmacerotidae) in the eastern Mediterranean

This study reports the first record and some features of two individuals of the Lessepsian migrant species smallscale codlet, Bregmaceros nectabanus, found in the stomachs of two individuals of European hake, Merluccius merluccius, sampled in the northern Ionian Sea (eastern Mediterranean) during the MEDITS International Bottom Trawl Survey. The two European hake were collected on muddy bottoms in September 2021 at 63 m depth (39.34950 ºN; 16.52350 ºE) and at 240 m depth (39.07156 ºN; 17.12626 ºE). Their morphological traits together with otolith and scale characteristics allowed the identification of the two specimens found in the stomachs as B. nectabanus. The analysis of the stomach contents for the larger individual is also reported. This finding underlines the utility of stomach content analysis as an indirect method to study the biodiversity of deep-sea ecosystems, including the spread of non-indigenous species as indicators of global warming.

Effects of pockmark activity on iron cycling and mineral composition in continental shelf sediments (southern Baltic Sea)

AbstractPockmarks are formed as a result of gas (methane) or/and groundwater outflow from the sea bottom. Methane, the second most important (after CO2) greenhouse gas, has a significant impact on biogeochemical processes in the bottom sediments by affecting the cycling of some elements, e.g. C, Fe, and S. Active pockmarks may also lead to changes in water column conditions by causing nutrients release from sediments. In the present study, we have focused on the impact of biogeochemical processes in pockmarks (methanogenesis, anaerobic methane oxidation, and groundwater seepage) on the transformation of iron (Fe) and the mineral composition of the sediment. In pore water, concentrations of hydrogen sulfide, phosphate, ammonia, sulfate, chloride, dissolved inorganic carbon, iron, and methane were analyzed. In the sediment, Fe speciation was performed using sequential extraction. The mineral composition was determined using powder X-Ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results from two pockmarks (with active gas seepage and groundwater infiltration) and two reference stations in the southern Baltic Sea show that geochemical conditions in pockmark sediments are significantly different from those in the typical muddy sea bottom. Pore water in pockmarks is characterized by lower sulfate and higher dissolved carbon concentrations as compared to areas of the seafloor where such structures are absent. This is due to the outflow of groundwater, which was confirmed by lower chloride concentration. In addition, sulfate is used to oxidize methane diffusing from deeper layers. Sediments in pockmarks are enriched in Fe(II) carbonates and depleted in Fe(III) (oxy)hydroxides, resulting from the anaerobic oxidation of methane with Fe(III) (Fe-AOM). Ferrous iron produced in large quantities during Fe-AOM is precipitated with carbonates.

ASPEK BIOLOGI DAN HABITAT IKAN LURAI (Corica soborna Hamilton, 1822) DARI HILIR SUNGAI MAHAKAM, KALIMANTAN TIMUR [Biological Aspects and Habitat of Lurai Fish (Corica soborna Hamilton, 1822) from the Lower Mahakam River, East Kalimantan

The Lurai fish, scientifically known as Corica soborna Hamilton, 1882, belongs to the small freshwater fish in the Clupeidae family of the Clupeiformes order. Local communities in the lower Mahakam River, East Kalimantan, have long exploited this species for consumption and trade. At the same time, the biological information regarding this fish, which forms the fundamental basis for its conservation, is yet unknown. This study aimed to analyze the biological aspects and habitat of the lurai fish in the lower Mahakam River. A total of 812 fish samples were analyzed using measuring and weighing methods. The results showed that the fish's length ranged from 42.48 to 63.89 mm and their weight from 0.70 to 2.56 g. Mature lurai fish with 52.48-54.47 mm length dominated the highest mode. The regression model of the length-weight relationship was W= 5×10-6L3.18 for the total sample. The growth pattern of the fish was isometric, and the relative condition factor ranged from 0.765 to 1.123. The sex ratio was 1 male : 1.68 females. The highest percentage of gonadally mature fish was found in February. Fish lengths at first gonad maturity ranged from 52.55 to 53.38 mm for males and 59.94 to 61.25 mm for females. The habitat of the lurai fish is at the edge of the river with vegetation, a muddy bottom, a dissolved Oxygen range of 3.70-4.17 mgL-1, a temperature range of 27.50-28.40 °C, a TDS range of 50-80 mgL-1, a clarity range of 19-29 cm, a water depth range of 2.80-3.60 m, and a current velocity range of 0.65-1.07 mst-1.

Reconstruction of the Maërl habitat to better understand its ecological integrity

Maërl habitats are composed of coralline red algae species that can live freely rolling on the seabed and forming nodules, the so-called rhodoliths, or incrusted forming coralligenous habitats. Maërl habitats are generally distributed in the Mediterranean at a depth of between 30 m and 70 m and are considered one of the most emblematic Mediterranean seabeds. In the present study, the complex structure of maërl habitats was investigated to i) characterise the relief features and classify the different sediments, ii) to estimate the abundance of the coralline red algae (both rhodoliths and encrusting ones) and iii) to analyse the biodiversity of the species inhabiting the habitat. Data were obtained from an approximately 11 km-long transect, using non-intrusive sampling methods, integrating information from video images collected using the Remotely Operated Vehicle LIROPUS (IEO_CSIC), and multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data. Video images were used to reconstruct (using GIS) the habitat structure and characteristics. Throughout the transect, a strong relationship between habitat characteristics and the effect of trawling activity and the geomorphology of the studied area was observed. The closed area to fishing activity showed a high abundance of rhodoliths in well-structured megaripples reliefs. Contrarily, the areas affected by fishing showed an important destructuring of the relief with a low density of rhodoliths. Last, the muddy bottoms showed areas with no characteristic features and no rhodoliths. All this information has allowed to reconstruct the maërl habitat in the Blanes continental shelf (NW Mediterranean) and analyse the fragmentation of the assemblages seen in the video to assess its good environmental status (GES), and finally to identify the level of ecological integrity of this vulnerable habitat.

Almost half of the Gymnura van Hasselt, 1823 species are unknown: Phylogeographic inference as scissors for cutting the hidden Gordian knot and clarify their conservation status

AbstractGymnurid rays are found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions around the world, where they are associated with sandy or muddy bottoms in coastal areas, being easily distinguished from other rays by the width of the disc. In recent years, the systematics of this family have been revised extensively. However, there has been no comprehensive molecular review of the family based on an adequate sample of species and localities, which may have obscured the presence of distinct evolutionary lineages. The present study was based on samples of 12 of the 13 valid species of the genus Gymnura, which were used for a multilocus reconstruction of the evolutionary history of the family Gymnuridae. Our results indicate the existence of several cryptic gymnurid lineages, within the species Gymnura micrura, Gymnura lessae, Gymnura altavela, and Gymnura poecilura. Also, we indicate that only half of the species that compose the genus are known, as well their conservation status. The analyses also indicate that the gymnurids originated during the Paleocene, with events of dispersal and vicariance occurring through the formation of oceanographic barriers, and species diversification peaking during the Oligocene and Miocene. The results of the present study reinforce the need for a comprehensive revision of the systematics of the family, in particular, the widely distributed species that are considered valid taxa, but may, in fact, represent different cryptic species. The inadequate classification of this cryptic diversity may have negative implications for the development of effective conservation measures.

Histology and morphometry of the skin of purple spaghetti-eel Moringua raitaborua (Anguilliformes, Moringuidae)

The purple spaghetti-eel Moringua raitaborua lives on the sandy or muddy bottoms of estuaries, which are subject to rapid and wide changes in salinity, pH, and osmoregulatory and hypoxic conditions due to the influx of organic materials from sources of freshwater. The species has adapted to hypoxic environments by developing a thicker epidermis with stratified polygonal cells, club cells, two types of mucous cells (goblet and, oval cells), stratified cuboidal cells and dermis with abundant blood capillaries. Among them, histological modification of thinner dorsal, lateral, and ventral body skin to include abundant capillaries and well-developed dermal vascularization may provide cutaneous respiration, permitting survival in brackish waters with low levels of oxygen and variable environmental parameters.

The marine fish Terapon theraps calling in tropical Australia

Calling by fish of the family Terapontidae, primarily Terapon theraps, is a dominant component of sea noise recorded in northern Australian tropical coastal waters. These fish produce nightly choruses over a few hours at frequencies from 50 Hz to a few kilohertz, with spectral peaks up to 30 dB above background. Choruses are heard over muddy bottoms <30 m depth. The two commonly heard calls range from 73–260 ms in length and comprised 11–21 pulses with repetition rates of 87–121 Hz. Calls were produced by muscle action on a two chambered swim bladder, and differed by muscle contraction rates, damping, and possibly the opening state of a sphincter separating chambers. Swimbladder carrier frequencies varied from 570–1465 Hz. Source levels varied from 141–154 dB re 1 mPa @ 1 m. Heavily damped alarm calls were sometimes heard. Chorusing fish schools were up to 2 km across although they were diffuse and actively calling fish extended beyond this region. A chorus could be detected out to 8 km from its center, well beyond the detection range of an individual call. Choruses may advertise school location during spawning, be used for mate attraction or mediate gamete release in dark turbid waters.

New distribution record of fish Clupisoma garua (Hamilton, 1822) (Siluriformes: Ailiidae) from the Sarpang District in southern central part of Bhutan

This study provides the first report of Clupisoma garua (Hamilton, 1822) from Bhutan. The species was recorded from Ayechu in Gelephu under Sarpang District at an elevation of 200m. Ayechu is perennial running and slow-flowing river with sandy and muddy bottom where C. garua is inhabited. The current report revealed the extended distribution of C. garua towards Bhutan and will helps in understanding the distribution range and conservation status of the species.

The molluscan fauna of Chella Bank and surroundings (Western Mediterranean Sea)

Molluscs of Chella Bank and its surroundings were studied from 21 samples collected with a van Veen grab in the depth range 95-729 m. A total of 299 taxa were identified (77 live-taken), thus increasing by more than 95% the species of molluscs reported in the recently declared site of community importance “Sur de Almería-Seco de los Olivos”. Two of the species are new records to Spanish waters and one to the Alboran Sea. The high species richness observed could be related to the location, the hydrological characteristics and the topographical heterogeneity of the area within the Alboran Sea. Four significant groups of samples were discriminated through multivariate analysis of quantitative data of live-taken molluscs: (I) bathyal muddy bottoms with buried rhodoliths; (II) bathyal muddy bottoms with coral rubble; (III) bathyal hemipelagic muddy bottoms and (IV) bathyal sandy bottoms. Molluscs were more diverse on coral framework bottoms than on sedimentary bottoms around Chella Bank. Most of the live-taken species are widely distributed along the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, and a few are strictly Mediterranean. The most striking feature was the occurrence of two species with planktotrophic larval development for which Chella Bank is the sole recorded locality in the Mediterranean (Episcomitra angelesae and Mitrella templadoi) and which elsewhere extremely rare (Mathilda spp.).

PALEOCOMUNITÀ A MOLLUSCHI BENTONICI DEL PLIOCENE DI VOLPEDO (Alessandria)

The present paper deals with Pliocene molluscan assemblages coming from a stratigraphic section, some 30 m thick, surveyed near Cascinetta di Volpedo in the Alessandria Province. Its aim is to reconstruct and illustrate the originai commu­nities, as documented in 5 bulk-samples (25 dm3) taken from silty-clays and sandy-silts. Known and/or inferred informations on species autoecology as well as a statistica! treatment of data enabled us to point out that Corbula (Varicorbula) gibba (Olivi) is the dominant taxon in each community, always accompanied by species linked to sandy and muddy bottoms, being the respective frequencies of these two latter stocks of Molluscs dependent from the grain size as well as from the amount of organic matter.

Genetic Variability and Connectivity in the Western Mediterranean Populations of the Bathyal Crab Geryon longipes

Geryon longipes is a crab species that inhabits the muddy bottoms of the middle and lower slopes, as well as bathyal bottoms ranging from 400 to 2000 m in depth. To assess its molecular diversity, a fragment of 572 bp of the COI (Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I) mitochondrial gene was sequenced in eight Western Mediterranean locations. Within the studied area, two oceanographic fronts are present (Almeria-Oran Front and Ibiza Channel). From the 124 sequences obtained, only 7 distinct haplotypes were identified. The population distribution indicated three well-differentiated regions: the Alboran Sea, the Gulf of Vera and the Levantine/Catalan coasts. The molecular diversity was compared with that obtained in the same year for the same gene in Liocarcinus depurator, a crab species that is captured on the continental shelf and upper slope (40 to 500 m). The estimates of molecular diversity parameters for the COI gene fragment were rather similar between both species, but the number of haplotypes was higher for L. depurator. Finally, the obtained COI sequences of G. longipes were compared to those from other populations of the species distribution range, recovered from the DNA repository. Only one additional, different haplotype was reported (Sicily), whereas all the rest were common with those described in our study. Therefore, the COI gene fragment would indicate that all the sequences analysed in the Mediterranean and NE Atlantic belong to the same species, G. longipes.

The chromosome-level genome and key genes associated with mud-dwelling behavior and adaptations of hypoxia and noxious environments in loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus)

BackgroundThe loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus), the most widely distributed species of the family Cobitidae, displays a mud-dwelling behavior and intestinal air-breathing, inhabiting the muddy bottom of extensive freshwater habitats. However, lack of high-quality reference genome seriously limits the interpretation of the genetic basis of specialized adaptations of the loach to the adverse environments including but not limited to the extreme water temperature, hypoxic and noxious mud environment.ResultsThis study generated a 1.10-Gb high-quality, chromosome-anchored genome assembly, with a contig N50 of 3.83 Mb. Multiple comparative genomic analyses found that proto-oncogene c-Fos (fos), a regulator of bone development, is positively selected in loach. Knockout of fos (ID: Mis0086400.1) led to severe osteopetrosis and movement difficulties, combined with the comparison results of bone mineral density, supporting the hypothesis that fos is associated with loach mud-dwelling behavior. Based on genomic and transcriptomic analysis, we identified two key elements involved in the intestinal air-breathing of loach: a novel gene (ID: mis0158000.1) and heat shock protein beta-1 (hspb1). The flavin-containing monooxygenase 5 (fmo5) genes, central to xenobiotic metabolism, undergone expansion in loach and were identified as differentially expressed genes in a drug stress trial. A fmo5−/− (ID: Mis0185930.1) loach displayed liver and intestine injury, indicating the importance of this gene to the adaptation of the loach to the noxious mud.ConclusionsOur work provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of biological adaptation to adverse environments.

Exploring the Etymological Sources of the Place Name Knyazhaya guba

The article attempts to identify the etymology of the place name Knyazhaya guba (name of a settlement in the Murmansk Region of Russia). The material for the study included the available written sources from different time periods, works of the Murmansk Region historians and local lore experts, field materials from the toponymic card indexes of the Institute of Linguistics, Literature and History of the Karelian Research Centre RAS and the Ural Federal University. Methods of historical and toponymic research were applied to analyze the corpus of versions, the central one being that this place name is linked to the Russian lexeme knyaz ‘prince.’ As a result of this multidimensional study accounting for historical and cultural context in which the local toponymic system was formed, socio-economic characteristics of the region, physiographical features of the site, the analysis of the available historical sources, and the linguistic and toponymic parameters of the name, the authors arrive at the conclusion that the Knyazh-place names in northernmost regions may have different etymological sources than in the rest of the Russian North. Where the most likely original motivation for a majority of places names with the Knyazh-stem is to mark princely land holdings (and the source here is the Russian knyaz’), the place names with the same stem in the north of Karelia and in the Murmansk Region may have non-Russian sources. The original motivation for the place name Knyazhaya guba is drawn from a natural attribute of the site — muddy bottom, wherefore the base of the name can be traced to the Sami language (Sami ńieș̌ș̌e ‘silt, mud; dirt’). The reinterpretation of the primary meaning presumably happened during integration of the place name into Russian through replacement of the original lexeme with a similarly sounding Russian one with a prosthetic consonant.

Sclerobionts and some representatives of the endobenthos of soft substrates of the Lower Frasnian of the East of the Main Devonian Field

The article considers sclerobionts on the shells of the Frasnian bivalves and brachiopods of the east of the Main Devonian field, as well as common traces of bioerosion of biogenic and abiogenic substrate. In contrast to the averaged data on the Frasnian brachiopod sclerobionts, which demonstrate a clear dominance of auloporids, craniform brachiopods, bryozoas and microconchids, microconchids predominate among Frasnian bivalves sclerobionts and brachiopods of the Main Devonian field and among the eroding sclerobionts — the ichnogenus Arachnostega Bertling. Next in the degree of frequency of occurrence are cornulitids, then auloporids and eroding sclerobionts of the ichnogenus Trypanites Mägdefrau. The ichnogenus Arachnostega Bertling was first identified in the Frasnian rocks of this region. Some Frasnian sclerobionts of the east of the Main Devonian field were inhabitants of a fairly wide range of conditions. For example, microconchida Palaeoconchus omphalodes (Goldf.) are found both on shells burrowing bivalves of inhabitants of soft muddy bottom, and on shells of various representatives of epifauna that lived in conditions of both firmground and hardground. Representatives of three different ethological groups have been identified in cornulitids — fully cemented to the substrate; with a raised anterior part and free-living, attached only at the juvenile stage. The maximum morphological and ethological diversity of cornulitids was recorded on the bivalves of the Main Devonian field from the Dubnik beds corresponding to the maximum of the Frasnian regression. The active development of cornulitids in the Dubnik time was probably favored by the lack of competition with other groups of organisms of similar ethology. A fairly wide range of morphological types of cornulitids isolated within one stratigraphic level indirectly confirms O. Vinn's hypothesis about cornulitids as a group of biological opportunists. The author proved for the first time the presence of two morphologically similar ichnogenera Trypanites Mägdefrau and Palaeosabella Clarke in the Frasnian rocks of the Main Devonian field.

Water reservoirs and the war in Ukraine: environmental problems

The aim of this article is to analyze the consequences of the military invasion of the Russian Federation on February 24, 2022 on the water bodies of Ukraine. In particular, this article presents an analysis of the consequences of military operations on reservoirs.
 In order to prevent the enemy from reaching the dam of the Kyiv Reservoir and to protect Kyiv from the aggressor in late February-early March of this year, the sluice of the pumping station on the Kozarovychi Dam was blown up. Because, the possible destruction of this dam could have enormous destructive consequences for the entire cascade of reservoirs and the territories adjacent to them. As a result, a huge area of about 2,500 hectares of the Irpin’ floodplain was flooded, fundamentally changing both the military and the environmental situation.
 Also, Russian troops launched a missile attack on the dam of the Karachuniv Reservoir near the Kryvyi Rih city. The water level in the Ingulets River rose sharply by 2 meters, flooding the territories near the river, including part of the Kryvyi Rih city. The ecological condition of this territory was significantly damaged, private buildings were heavily flooded. Water quality in this river has deteriorated, the content of nitrogen and other elements has increased in it. The Oskol Reservoir in the east of Ukraine was also destroyed. As a result of the leakage of a significant amount of water, the muddy bottom has been exposed to water and is subject to wind erosion. The hydrological regime of the coastal area has changed. Rare species of flora and young fish population have been lost.
 Destruction of reservoirs and damage to the environment will continue until the war ends. And it is necessary to do everything possible so that it ends as soon as possible