Western Bug River Research Articles

Plankton and contour algal communities in the Ukrainian section of the Western Bug River and its tributaries

The paper deals with spatial dynamics of cell count, biomass, dominant species complexes, information diversity of planktonic and contour algal communities in the Western Bug River and its tributaries. The trophic state and water quality of the rivers under study have been assessed. The spatial heterogeneity of phytoplankton, microphytobenthos and phytoperiphyton brought about high cell count and biomass values during the low-water summer-autumn season. The cell count and biomass have been shown to increase from the upper reaches downstream, correlating with the river bed width. High quantitative diversity of algal communities was due to Bacillariophyta dominance. Cyanobacteria and Chlorophyta were recorded as subdominants. The trophic state of the aquatic ecosystems under study varied between oligotrophic and eutrophic. The Shannon’s index made up 1.58–4.62 bit/cell and 1.60–4.40 bit/mg. The trophic state and information diversity assessed according to contour algal communities were higher than according to phytoplankton. This is indicative of the clear water regime forming in the rivers under study during the low-water summer-autumn season. The obtained findings differ from the data, published earlier for the Kaniv Water Reservoir, where the primary role belonged to phytoplankton. The spatial heterogeneity of algal communities is related to the dominant complexes structure. As a rule, these are monodominant Bacillariophyta complexes or oligodominant Bacillariophyta – Cyanobacteria or Bacillariophyta – Chlorophyta complexes. The water quality assessment according to the abiotic variables and saprobiologic characteristics has shown that the modal classes of water quality are the 2nd–3rd classes (clean waters – satisfactory clean waters). Therefore, the water quality of the Ukrainian section of the Western Bug River and its tributaries does not pose any substantial hazard to the adjacent European countries.

Plankton and contour algal communities in the ukrainian section of the Western Bug River and its tributaries

The taxonomic diversity of algae in the Western Bug River and its tributaries during the low-water summer-autumn season comprised 303 species (318 intraspecies taxa, ist) from 131 genera, 74 families, 45 orders, 16 classes and 8 phyla. Bacillariophyta dominated, Chlorophyta were recorded as subdominants. The phytoplankton taxonomic diversity included 140 ist, microphytobenthos – 191, phytoperiphyton – 172. The floristic nucleus of algal communities was formed by 17 families. In phytoplankton the highest rank belonged to Scenedesmaceae, while in contour algal communities – Naviculaceae. The highest floristic similarity was observed for microphytobenthos and phytoperiphyton, and the highest dissimilarity – for phytoplankton and phytoperiphyton. The spatial differentiation between contour and plankton communities during the low-water period, rather high similarity of their floristic structure indicate the unity of structural organization of algae from different ecological groups as an important component of biodiversity in the transboundary rivers. According to geographic distribution cosmopolites dominated; according to flow and oxygen regime – indifferents; according to pH preference – alkaliphilic and indifferent species; according to salinity preference – indifferent species; according to saprobiological characteristics – χ-ο- and β-mesosaprobic species. According to biotopic preference eurytopic and benthic forms prevailed. The dialectic unity between contour algal communities and phytoplankton to a great extent depends on morphometric and hydrological characteristics of the rivers under study. High taxonomic diversity, clearly marked spatial differentiation between planktonic and contour communities, interesting species of Bacillariophyta – all these features are indicative of the uniqueness and importance of algae in forming the biodiversity of the transboundary Western Bug River and its tributaries as the components of the EU hydrological network.

Recreational and sports nature usage in Lviv region: origins and geospatial analysis

In the process of recreation, nature acts as one of the leading factors of rest and recovery, restoration of physical and neuropsychological strength of a person. Recreational and sports nature usage is implemented through a complex of activities related to the usage of natural resources for the purpose of improving people's health, restoring their physical and psychological well-being, and expanding the ecological and cultural outlook. The study of geospatial features of recreational and sports resources contributes to their use and perspective of their consumption. Purpose. To study the retrospective principles of formation, historical and natural prerequisites for development and geospatial analysis of the recreational organization of sports and nature usage in Lviv region, as well as prospects for further their development. Results. In general, the climatic conditions within Lviv region are equally suitable for recreational and sports usage. Favorable conditions for seasonal recreation types in the region are approximately 10 months within the year. The mountainous realm of the region is the major region for the winter sports and recreation. Mountain skiing recreational and sports nature usage is developing in 10 of the 73 united territorial communities of the region. Lviv region has a good supply of water resources for recreational and sports nature usage. Water bodies within the Dniester basin are the most involved in recreational activities. They are used for rafting, diving, swimming, fishing. Less developed reservoirs within the basin of the Western Bug River, which are involved in swimming, rafting and fishing. An important direction of sports recreation is air space usage, such as paragliding, ballooning, parachuting, and flying on light aircraft. Conclusions. Irrational and non-professional lands usage for health and recreational purposes do not always contribute to the development of recreational and sports nature usage within the territorial communities of the Lviv region. It is expedient to ensure the introduction of market regulators into the practice of recreational and sports nature usage; the development of methods of recreational ecosystem services assessment and the implementation of monitoring of the state and use of recreational and sports resources.

THE SACRAL SPRINGS OF THE LVIV REGION IN THE STRUCTURE OF LANDSCAPES

Water springs as a component of the landscape not only ensure the water balance of the territory, but also influence the formation of culture and traditions of regional communities. The scientific interest of studying water springs, in particular sacral ones, is connected with their important social and natural functions.
 In the period when Russia's aggression (war) against Ukraine continues, the study of the sacred features of geographical objects will provide not only a scientific result, but also contribute to the preservation of the leading worldview ideas and values of society.
 The article describes the physical and geographical prerequisites for the formation of water sources in the Lviv region. The greatest potential of fresh groundwater in the region is recorded in the Volhynian-Podolian artesian basin, where aquifer complexes are confined to Neogene, Upper Cretaceous, and in the east to Devonian deposits. The studied territory has a significant potential of mineral waters of different chemical composition and medicinal properties.
 According to the materials of the Basin Management of Water Resources of the Western Bug and San Rivers, there are 454 water sources in the territory of Lviv region, of which 111 are consecrated, with a total flow rate of 65.94 l/s. 84% of the sacral springs of the Lviv region are in satisfactory condition and equipped. The largest number of them is confined to the basin of the Dniester River. In this basin, out of 72 functioning sanctified springs, 58 are in satisfactory condition and equipped, 14 need improvement and cleaning. Undoubtedly, the largest number of springs in the Dniester basin is due to the fact that it is the main water artery of the Lviv region, with a catchment area of 11,420 km2 and a length of 207 km. Within the region, the basin of the Western Bug River covers an area of ‒ 6,586 km2. There are 20 sacral springs, 16 of them are in satisfactory condition and equipped. In the basin of the Styr River, 16 sacral springs are recorded, which are characterized by a satisfactory condition. The smallest number of sacral springs is located in the basin of the San River, the discharge of which reaches only 1.2 l/s.
 Spatial analysis of the placement of sacral springs within the physical-geographical regions/districts proves that their highest concentration is recorded in the flat part of the region. The largest share of them is observed in the Roztochia-Opillya mountainous physical-geographical region (45), in particular in the Mykolaiv-Berezhany physical-geographical district (33). There are 24 sacral springs in the Precarpathian highland region; in the region of Male Polissya – 17; Outer Carpathian region – 13; West Podillya highland region − 11. The rest of the physical and geographical regions within the Lviv region (Volyn highland region, Vododilno-Verkhovyna region) occupy relatively small areas, where almost no sacral springs have been recorded.
 The revealed dependencies of the spatial placement of sacral springs within the Lviv region show that their distribution, density, grouping and functioning clearly depend on the surrounding natural features, which forms their structural organization. Such organization is largely implemented in the spatial grouping of springs. There are single, double, blocks (groups), compacted-spatial, network-dispersed and ribbon groupings of sacral springs. Each of the types of such groups is characterized by its own characteristics, which is realized in their sacral use.
 The current state of the most famous sacral springs of the region, which are characterized by a large flow of visitors, is analyzed. All these sources have a good infrastructure, which ensures the realization of spiritual, cognitive educational needs of visitors.
 Performing the role of the central object of the formation of the sacral landscape, sacral springs have a landscape-organizing function, which gives them an exceptional stabilizing and order-protecting value.
 Keywords: sacral landscape, sacral spring, Lviv region.

EXCAVATION OF THE BURIAL GROUND KARIV I OF ROMAN AGE IN THE WESTERN BUG BASIN IN 2019—2020

The paper highlights the results of research conducted in 2019—2020 at the archaeological site cremation burial ground Kariv I of the Roman period in the basin of the Western Bug River. During the excavations 3 cremation burials were found which perhaps included the remains of one male and two females. Noteworthy is the partially destroyed female burial 12. Rich items of funeral inventory were found there, including the household items, metal costume details, jewelry, including jewelry made of yellow metal. The tilth soil layer contained fragments of glass and ceramic imported utensils, brooches, weapons and horse harness, armour ect. In total 12 cremation burials (including one pair burial) with a variety of equipment were found on the area of 1456 m2 during the entire period of research on the burial ground Kariv I. The remains of thirteen people were found in the burial assemblages: seven men, five women and one adolescent child (infantilis II group). We can suppose that the site may have been a burial place for barbarian elite and members of its inner circle. On the basis of numerous finds (brooches, spurs, tips of drinking horns, amphorae, glass and bronze vessels, etc.), most of which come from closed assemblages, the chronology of the burial ground is ascertained by the second half of the 2nd century CE (phase B2/C1). The people who left the site had mixed cultural traits. The mix of funeral traditions of the Przeworsk culture with notable South Germanic (Suebian), Baltic and Venetian elements can be found on the site. The events of the Marcomannic Wars, during or after which some members of the barbarian coalition tried to leave the troubled areas of the Middle Danube, moving away from Roman political influence in the European Barbaricum, perhaps may be the reason of appearance in the region of the population whom the burial ground belong.

Інвазивні види риб у річках басейну Західного Бугу в межах України

Purpose. To determine the occurrence of invasive fish species in ichthyofauna of rivers of the Western Bug basin in Ukraine. Methodology. Ichthiological studies were carried out during 2019-2021 in the Western Bug River and on its tributaries - Rata, Bushkov, Poltva and Mlynivka. Fish species identification was carried out in situ and was performed according to the identification keys of Yu.V. Movchan and A.F. Koblytska, incomplete biological analysis of invasive species was performed in the laboratory according to the methods of I.F. Pravdin, G.V. Nikolsky and I.I. Chugunova. Findings. The obtained data showed that invasive species in the composition of ichthyofauna in the studied rivers of the Western Bug basin were represented by five species: Prussian carp Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782), Stone moroko Pseudorasbora parva (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846), Pumkinseed Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758), Chinese sleeper Perccottus glenii Dybowski, 1877, Monkey goby Neogobius fluviatilis (Pallas, 1814). These species entered the ecosystem due to human activities through deliberate or accidental introduction into rivers of the Western Bug basin, where conditions are quite favorable for their vital activity and growth, due to a fairly warm climate and changes in hydrological regime of many rivers as a result of human impact. Originality. The article presents for the first time a list of invasive fish species of rivers of the Western Bug basin in Ukraine and provides a description of their habitats. Practical value. The obtained results can be used to regulate recreation fishery, for planning of conservation measures for rare fish species and for planning prevention of negative consequences from the spread of invasive fish species. Key words: ichthyofauna, the Western Bug River, invasive alien species, Prussian carp, Stone moroco, Pumkinseed, Chinese sleeper, Monkey goby.

Metamorphization of zonal hydrochemical composition of surface and groundwater of Ukraine under the influence of anthropogenic and natural factors

An integrated method of functional diagnostics of basin geosystems through quantitative assessment of anthropogenic (drainage reclamation) or natural factors (climate) on the change of hydrochemical composition of surface and groundwater is presented. The method is based on the natural latitudinal and vertical zonation of the hydrochemical composition of surface and groundwater, as a manifestation of the geomembrane properties of the pedosphere. The stages of the quantitative assessment of the impact of increasing drainage reclamation areas in the Styr and Irpin river basins, were a linear regression analysis of chronological series of the content of each of the macrocomponents of the river water composition in the closing line for 1947-1989, and also the dynamics of increasing reclamation areas and correlation analysis of the obtained dependencies. To increase the closeness of the correlation, the hydrochemical composition was presented in %-equivalent form, which most accurately characterizes the ratio of macrocomponents, but does not depend on the total mineralization of water. A decrease in the content of such typomorphic ions as hydrocarbons and calcium and an increase in the content of other macrocomponents and mineralization were found statistically significantly with increasing drainage areas. In general, with increasing areas of drainage reclamation, there is an aridization of the hydrochemical composition of river water. The change of hydrochemical type of river water according to the classification of О.О. Alekina. The obtained parametric models of time trends of the content of macrocomponents of hydrochemical composition allowed to determine the limiting area of reclamation of the basins of two rivers and to predict changes in the hydrochemical type of water in the direction of its aridization.
 Stopping the construction of new reclamation systems and reducing the efficiency of agricultural use of drained lands leads to the restoration of the hydrochemical composition of rivers in the direction of their reclamation development.
 Approbation of the created method of functional diagnostics was carried out on five reclamation systems of Prykarpattia and in the basin of the Western Bug river and its branches proved its high efficiency and perspective for the creation of parametric models of the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors on chemical composition and quality of water resources.

Орнітофауна лучних екосистем у прикордонних районах Львівщини та Волині

Meadow ecosystems comprise a significant part of the area of Ukraine, especially in its western regions. Those ecosystems are subjects of concern today because of the active agricultural use and droughts that also threatens the animal population of meadows, including birds. Studies of meadow bird species of western Ukraine are limited to atlases, which results in a lack of precise data. This work was part of an international project on the conservation of the great snipe Gallinago media and allowed us to collect valuable data on the abundance and occurrence of meadow bird species nearby to the Polish and Belarusian borders of Ukraine — territories that are commonly ignored by Ukrainian researchers. The surveys of meadow birds conducted near the Ukrainian-Polish border in 2020 have shown that the general state of the marshes is worse compared to 2019: even close to the Western Bug river, only deep oxbow lakes were wet or contained some water, but minor lakes and wetlands of the valley were found to be dry. In total, we observed 141 bird species belonging to 17 orders. Among them, 26 were common by abundance and frequency, such as the great egret Ardea alba, the white stork Ciconia ciconia, the common quail Coturnix coturnix, the corn crake Crex crex, the northern lapwing Vanellus vanellus, the common redshank Tringa totanus, the common cuckoo Cuculus canorus, the Eurasian skylark Alauda arvensis, the meadow pipit Anthus pratensis, the western yellow wagtail Motacilla flava, the sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus, the marsh warbler A. palustris, the great reed warbler A. arundinaceus, the common whitethroat Sylvia communis, the whinchat Saxicola rubetra, the thrush nightingale Luscinia luscinia, the common linnet Linaria cannabina, the corn bunting Emberiza calandra, the common reed bunting E. schoeniclus, and 7 more species, which were observed frequently though are not typical marshland species. We have identified the species that can be used as indicators of parameters of marsh ecosystems such as grass height (corn crake, western yellow wagtail, and sedge warbler), moisture (common redshank, common cuckoo, and the sedge and great reed warblers), and habitat type (corn crake, European bee-eater Merops apiaster, sedge warbler, common reed, and corn buntings).

Reconstruction of the suspended pedestrian bridge through the River Bug to border island

The results of the technical examination of the pedestrian bridge over the Western Bug River on the territory of the Brest Fortress are presented. A new constructive solution of the bridge, the results of its numerical modeling and the features of installation are presented. The fullscale tests of the bridge with a movable test load confirmed the design decisions made by the authors. The resulting efforts in the ropes did not exceed the calculated values.

Assessment of the ecological condition of the Western Bug river basin according to the macrophyte index for rivers (MIR)

Introduction. To restore and preserve the optimal ecological status of the Western Bug river basin, it is necessary to adhere to the strategic principles of environmental management, and since the river is transboundary and tributary basins are located in Ukraine and Poland, it is important to determine the ecological status of small rivers. In the territory of the Volyn region, the rivers-tributaries Luha and Studyanka are most affected by anthropogenic impact. An ecological assessment of water quality based on the condition of macrophytes is given, as macrophytes llow to determine the degree of surface water degradation, first of all, in terms of their trophic status. The purpose of article. The purpose of article aims to assess the ecological status of the rivers of the Western Bug river basin using bioindication methods and determination of the Macrophyte Index for Rivers (MIR). Methods. Research methods are expeditionary, methods of mathematical statistics end bioindication methods and determination of the Macrophyte Index for Rivers (MIR). Results. To determine the ecological status of the rivers of the Western Bug basin and to conduct research, three test sites with a length of at least 100 m were laid on two tributaries of the first order - the rivers Luha and Studyanka. To determine the MIR (Macrophyte Index for Rivers) in the test riverbed areas, 42 indicator species of macrophytes were selected, of which 1 species belongs to the division Polipodiophyta and Equisetophyta, 40 species to the division Magnoliophyta, of which 15 belong to the class Magnoliopsida, and 25 belong to the class Liliopsida. According to the classification of the MIR indicator, to determine the ecological status, the rivers Luha and Studyanka belong to lowland watercourses, with the type of macrophytes - M-VIII (organic rivers). As a result of the calculated Macrophyte Index for Rivers (MIR), it was established (Table 4) that the water quality in the Luha river in test site 1 (Zavydiv village) has a good ecological status, MIR is 39,0; and test site 2 (Volodymyr-Volynskyi city) has a satisfactory or moderate ecological status, MIR is 31,56; in the river Studyanka, the test site 3 (Ustyluh town) has a satisfactory or moderate ecological condition, MIR is 28,31. Conclusions. According to the ecological status of rivers determined by the Macrophyte Index for Rivers (MIR), it is established that the waters of the Luha and Studyanka rivers have a satisfactory or moderate ecological condition. This suggests that the research conducted on test sites and calculations of the Macrophyte Index for Rivers (MIR) are identical and fully reflect the ecological status of the rivers Luha and Studyanka determined by hydrochemical parameters, which allows the use of this research algorithm for other rivers in the Western Bug river basin and is promising during research on other rivers of Ukraine.

Ранньослов’янське житло з околиць Белза

Territory of the upper reaches of Western Bug River, especially the annalistic of Belz in Solokiya and its surroundings, is rich in archeological sites. In 2016, as part of the Program «Protection and Preservation of the Cultural Heritage of the Lviv Region for 2016–2018», conservation research was conducted at the settlement Belz 22 (Hora). It is a multi-layered settlement with cultural and chronological horizons from the final Paleolithic to modern times. Information and research on it were conducted with advantages during XX century however, for the first time in the settlement; remains of a Slavic dwelling-semi-dugout (object 20) of the Prague culture were discovered and studied. Research has shown that dwelling had two periods of functioning. Traces of restructuring were confirmed, which led to a reduction of the area and changing of the shape – from rectangular to square. Evidence of the reconstruction was the remains of two clay ovens, the oldest of which was partially cut down by a later wall. Under the remains of this wall above the furnace a Roman denarius of the II century was found. Ovens are built on special sites made of compacted clay. The older oven has a dome lined with special rollers. Discovered material is represented mainly by handmade ceramic pots, some of them are reconstructed. Some of the forms of utensils were common during the late V – early VI centuries, and the other part – during the second half of VI – early VII century. This division corresponded to the periods of housing. An important find was the weights for the loom, which were reused to build the oven. An additional evidence of the development of weaving in the settlement is a bi-conical spinner with flat platforms, which comes from dwelling. The settlement on the outskirts of the annalistic Belz is characterized by permanence and genetic connection throughout the Middle Ages – from individual Slavic settlements in this region to the creation of a separate principality around the big city. Key words: Prague culture, Belz, Solokiya, dwelling, oven, ceramics, denarius.

MODERN STATE OF THE WESTERN BUG RIVER BASIN WITHIN THE VOLYN REGION

MODERN STATE OF THE WESTERN BUG RIVER BASIN WITHIN THE VOLYN REGION

Bryophytes of the upper reaches of the Western Bug River (Lviv Region, Ukraine)

In the article, the bryophytes of the upper reaches of the Western Bug River, which is physically and geographically located within Male Polissya, partly Roztochia, and to a minor extent in the Gologoro-Voronyatsky denudo-structural hills, have been studied. Based on our survey, a list of the bryophytes has been compiled for the first time. Ecological features, substrate preferences and life forms of the bryophytes have been analysed. According to the ecological features, subheliophytes (30.9%) and hemisciophytes (30.9%) predominate in the spectrum of heliomorphs; mesophytes (29.7%), hygromesophytes (21.2%) and xeromesophytes – in the spectrum of hydromorphs (19.4%); cold-tolerant species (59.4%) – in the spectrum of thermomorphs. Based on the analysis of the substrate preferences of the bryophytes, the following groups were identified: epigeans (116 species), epixils (56 species), epiphytes (46 species), epiliths (43 species), aquatic (22 species). The prevailing life forms are turf (30.3%), rough mat (18.2%), weft (15.2%), tuft (10.3%) and smooth mat (9.7%). 3 species that are officially recognised as rare and 16 species that are recognized as regionally rare have been found. In the group of bryophytes associated with wetland ecosystems, 2 officially rare and 6 regionally rare species were found in the study area. Given the large areas of drained land in Lviv Region, these species are of particular value, especially in the context of conservation of the biodiversity and protection of the valuable natural areas in accordance with the Development Strategy of Lviv Region by 2027.

Assessment of surface water pollution in Western Bug River within the cross-border section of Ukraine

Monitoring of surface waters within the transboundary section of the Western Bug River showed, that during 2014–2018, a significant excess of the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) was observed for some substances for fish ponds. As a result of this, the water in the river for these substances was rated as “dirty” in terms of purity and correspond-ed to water quality class IV, namely: phosphorus was observed to exceed the MPC at the observation point Ambukіv vil-lage in 2015 (9.7 times), for manganese – an excess of the MPC at the observation point Ambukіv village in 2018 (9.7 times) and in point Zabuzhzhia village in 2014 (7.9 times), 2015 (8.0 times), 2017 (7.1 times), 2018 (8.3 times); for the total iron – the exceeding of MPC at the observation point Ambukіv village in 2016 (5.95 times) and 2017 (6.13 times); at the observation point Ustilug town in 2016 (5.23 times); in the observation point Zabuzhzhia village in 2016 (9.44 times) and 2017 (5.27 times). The assessment of the surface waters based on the determination of the pollution factor showed that during the study period their quality did not deteriorate but did not meet the norms. In general, surface waters of the river correspond to the second class of quality and are characterized as “poorly polluted” waters by the level of pollution.

Results of Surface Water Quality Monitoring of the Western Bug River Basin in Lviv Region

Results of Surface Water Quality Monitoring of the Western Bug River Basin in Lviv Region

GREEN SPACES IN CITIES AND SURROUNDINGS. SEARCH FOR THE WAYS TO OPTIMIZE ENVIRONMENTAL RELATIONS IN THE CONCEPT OF «GREAT LVIV»

Forming of green spaces in Lviv has a long-lasting historical tradition starting from city inclusion into Austro-Hungarian Empire and continuing in the period be-tween wars (Polish) (1919–1939) and German-Soviet period (1939–1989). Landscap-ing was treated differently in these periods. Relevant approaches to city landscaping and architectural techniques were formed. Currently the intensification and concen-tration of developments is taking place in the city, anthropological pressure on bio-logically active city territories is growing, “green islands” are disappearing, air pollu-tion is increasing, integrity and continuity of green spaces are being violated and the requirements enshrined in the laws, rules and urban planning documents are not com-plied with. The number of green spaces in the city is reducing and their quality is de-teriorating. Characteristics of natural-landscape conditions of Lviv suburban zone and its resources indicates the unique natural-landscape peculiarities of the territory: it is lo-cated on the main European watershed. There are certain natural areas here with complicated configuration (geomorphological area of Lviv Roztochya, Lviv plateau, Hryadove Pobuzhzhya (banks along the tributaries of the Western Bug River), plain of Small Polissya, etc). The corresponding regimen of “nature’s life” was formed. The system of settlement in suburban areas has been formed historically and is de-pendent on natural-landscape conditions: the khutir (isolated farmstead) system is preserved in the Western direction; established settlement system was ruined in the course of construction of military training area; settlements are concentrated towards the direction of Lviv and transport communications. New construction within the area under research is characterized by non-systemic and chaotic nature — the decisive role here is played by specialists in land management, who set the perspectives of set-tlements development and urbanization processes expansion by their local decisions. In general, the territories have considerable natural-landscape capacity and reserves for development. However, the integral concept of landscapes protection and per-spective use and development of Lviv suburbs is lacking. Main activity is taking place at the level of newly created territorial communities, creating environmental and social-economic threats for Lviv and the territories in future. The problems of green spaces and their interaction with surroundings are out-lined. Main attention is focused on project mistakes and violations of standards and requirements of urban planning documents. Analysis of strategic documents devel-oped in the recent decades shows that they are of declarative nature; there isn’t any objective statistics; the structure is not developed and city processes are not moni-tored; local programs and experts’ views are manipulated. Of special concern are the issues of ignoring of master plan requirements, speculative approach of local territo-rial communities to development and use of territories (including the development of nature protection areas); orientation solely on capital inflow. Existing suggestions on improvement of environmental situation in the city and optimization of city interac-tion with surroundings are examined and the authors’ suggestions are outlined. Lviv and its suburbs will have to change — to be oriented on human-centered and envi-ronmentally sound approach to co-existence, improvement of socio-environmental-economic efficiency of the use of resources, — which the concept of urban planning system “Great Lviv” is oriented on.

Оцінка екологічного стану поверхневих вод малих річок басейну р. Західний Буг за рівнем забрудненості (на прикладі р. Гапа)

Goal. To assess the condition of surface waters of the Gapa river by the level of pollution. Methods. Overall assessment of the level of pollution of the waters of the river was carried out using the method of calculating the rate of pollution. The value of the coefficient of pollution describes the concentrations exceeding the standards in fractions of maximum permissible concentration. Using the obtained numerical values of the coefficient of pollution it is possible to assess the state of water pollution. It is established that throughout the period of research, deviations from the norms of maximum permissible concentrations are traced in the following indicators: biological oxygen demand (BOD5), the content of ammonium, nitrite, phosphorus, manganese, total iron. The study is based on the average values of hydrochemical parameters for the period of 2014–2018 on the approved point of state monitoring over the quality of water of the Gapa river (2 km upstream from the mouth of the river, below the lake Yahodynske). Results. On the basis of generalization, systematization, and analysis of the results of routine observations of service monitoring over surface water quality assessment is made of surface water of the Gapa river by the level of pollution. It is determined that the greatest impact on the functioning of the river ecosystem provides the human factor, disrupting the natural state of the watercourse, bringing unusual elements that directly degrade its quality. Conclusions. It is established that the condition of the water in the Gapa river for the level of pollution now corresponds to class III of quality that characterizes the surface water as «moderately polluted». Determination of the level of water pollution of the Gapa river is of great importance for the assessment of the environmental health situation in the basin of the Western bug river, the main directions of water protection, improvement of the ecological status of each water body and the establishment of environmental standards of water quality.

Quality level of surface water at the control points of the western bug river (Lviv region)

The article analyzes the negative impact of enterprises and public utilities on the surface water quality of the Western Bug River basin (within the Lviv region). The dynamics of changes of indicators of the main pollutants at six control points (2016-2018) and the assessment of surface water quality for 2018 are presented. It is proposed to replace the control units on the Western Bug River and its tributaries in order to obtain more accurate information and improve the work on the basin water management.

THE PRECONDITIONS OF MODERN LANDSCAPES FORMING BETWEEN WESTERN BUG, RATA AND SOLOKIA RIVERS (Part 2)

Actual problems of origin, formation, anthropogenic transformation and disappearance modern geosystems between Western Bug, Rata and Solokiya rivers are considered. Special attention devoted to formation conditions research of Yastrubetska Delta as uncharacteristic for region of the Western Bug river valley. Based on retrospective-geographic analysis of literature and cartographic sources of the XVIII–XX centuries are traced stages of the Yastrubetska delta geosystems development and surrounding landscapes of between-river basin. In the second part of article analyzes the large-scale (1 : 25,000) cartographic works, in particular, the Austrian maps of the Third Topographic Survey (1869–1887), the Polish maps of the Military Geographical Institute (1929–1939) and the USSR Soviet General Staff maps (1968–1989). An overview of last three of five historical and geographical stages topographic maps made it possible to investigate and interpret conditions of Small-Polissya landscapes functioning and development in second half of XIX-th – second half of XX-th centuries. Maps of scale 1 : 50,000 – 1 : 300,000 used for clarifying geographical and landscape-ecological situation. The main tendencies of Western Bug, Rata and Solokiya rivers interfluve landscapes transformation for the last 240 years was analyzed. The best indicator for natural conditions transformation are changes in river network, forestation and territory bogging. The analysis of cartographic materials shows that the majority of channels and distributaries of Western Bug and its tributaries, especially within limits of Yastrubetska Delta and a significant reduction of forested areas and wetlands. Key words: landscape; geosystem; river valley; channel; delta; rivers interfluve.

Dynamics of changes in surface water quality indicators of the Western Bug River basin within Ukraine using GIS technologies

Abstract The environmental assessment of the surface water quality of the Western Bug River has been made using the system of classification quality of land surface water of Ukraine in accordance with the approved methodology, which allows comparing water quality of separate areas of water objects of different regions. The calculation of the environmental assessment of water quality has been carried according to three blocks: block of salt composition, block of trophic and saprobic (ecological and sanitary) indicators and block of indicators of content of specific toxic substances. The results are presented in the form of a combined environmental assessment, based on the final conclusions of the three blocks and consists in calculating the integral ecological index. Comprehensive studies of changes in the water quality of the Western Bug River have been conducted within the territory of Ukraine for a long-term period. The water quality of the river on the final values of the integral indicators of the ecological condition corresponded mainly to 4nd category of the 3rd class – the water is “satisfactory” by condition and “little polluted” by degree of purity (except for points of observation that located within the Volyn region, where the water quality corresponded to 3rd category and the 2nd class. It is “good” by condition and “fairly clean” by the degree of purity). Visualization and part of the analysis are performed using GIS technologies in the software of the ArcGIS 10.3.