Western Bug River Research Articles

LEVELS OF HEAVY METALS IN SEVERAL RIVERS OF THE WESTERN BUG AND DNIESTER BASINS IN THE LVIV REGION (WESTERN UKRAINE)

Lviv region, one of the most urbanized and industrialized regions of Western Ukraine, faces environmental problems, including pollution of surface waters. The study was aimed to investigate the levels of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the waters of three tributaries of the Western Bug River (Poltva, Rata and Kamyanka), as well as in the Dniester River and its two tributaries (the Zubra and Vivnya rivers) within the Lviv region. The results show that the degree of contamination of the Western Bug tributaries with heavy metals is considerably higher at the mouths of the rivers compared to river sources. In particular, metal concentrations at the mouth of the Rata River were 1.23–3.98 times higher than at its source, while water samples at the mouth of the Kamianka River were characterized by higher levels of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cd (2, 12–6.55 times) compared with the source of the river. Concentrations of several heavy metals, especially Fe, exceeded the maximum allowable levels in the waters of the analyzed rivers. Results of the study suggest a significant anthropogenic load in the catchment areas of the analyzed rivers within the Lviv region.

Analysis of the dynamics of changes in the ecological state of surface waters of the Busk district

On the basis of the generalization and systematization of the results of the regime observations made by environmental monitoring services it has been made an ecological assessment of the water quality in the Ukrainian part of the Western Bug River basin (in six section lines of observation). It has been found, the largest source of mechanical contaminations, organic pollutants and nutrients in the Western Bug River is the river Poltva. That is why insufficiently treated waste water of Lviv increases the level of water pollution in this Basin. Main focus is concentrated on the river Western Bug and its stream tributary (the Poltva river), which significantly affects its ecological status. The data concerning pollution indicators for 2015–2018 years was analyzed. A comparison characteristics of the change of pollution of the investigated water objects is carried out in three lookout points: in the river Poltva before falling into the river Western Bug, in the river Western Bug (background area) the above-fall of the Poltva River, in the river Western Bug the below-fall of the Poltva River. Exceeding of the permitted values of most indicators was detected in 2017: suspended matters – 2.4 MPC, ammonium nitrogen – 8.7 MPC, phosphates – 8 MPC, low level of dissolved oxygen is observed, because of high content of organic matters. This situation is better in the basin of the Western Bug River in the sampled area in 2018. The water of the Poltva River is much cleaner in comparison to the previous year, containing up to 2.3 times less suspended substances, 5.1 times less phosphates and 1.3 times organic substances. In this year there is a significant improvement in the ecological state of the Western Bug River, after the falling into the Poltva River. The ecological state of water of these water basins depends on the efficiency of the treatment facilities, especially in Lviv. Municipal wastewater treatment facilities have undergone repair works over recent years in Lviv.

ПЕРЕДУМОВИ ФОРМУВАННЯ СУЧАСНИХ ЛАНДШАФТІВ МЕЖИРІЧЧЯ ЗАХІДНОГО БУГУ, РАТИ І СОЛОКІЇ (Частина 1)

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. Even a hundred years ago in the delta numbering over 80 separate branches and ducts that meandering in unstable sandy sediments, wetlands overgrown by willow and alder areas, not typical for Polissya rivers. 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 first part of the article processed and commented the works of famous Polish scientists A. Reman and M. A. Lomnytskyi that focus on detailed analysis of that time environmental conditions of the study area, functioning, dynamics and Yastrubetska delta river valley geosystems development. The Austrian maps of the First (1779–1783) and Second (1819–1820) topographical snapshots, compiled during the realization of the Josephine and Franciscan metrics, were analyzed. Topographic maps processing of the first two of the five historical and geographical sections made it possible to consider the conditions of small-Polissya landscapes development in the second half of the XVIII – the first half of the ХІХ century. Also interpret the probable directions of surface waters runoff and dominant air flows in the post-glacial period and in the process of formation of river valleys. Key words: landscape, river valley, delta, between rivers areas.

Cross-sectoral projections of future land-cover change for the Upper Western Bug River catchment, Ukraine

Projections of future land-cover (LC) change are challenging because of the multitude of spatial and dynamic drivers involved, such as politics, economics, demographics, and the environment. This paper presents a combined qualitative and quantitative scenario approach for giving consistent projections of urban and rural land-cover change (LCC), considering both the demands of certain LC types, and their allocation. The approach has been implemented in the Upper Western Bug River catchment in Ukraine in the context of integrated water resource management. Special attention is paid to the identification of spatial and dynamic drivers of LCC, the scenario formulation and projection of the identified drivers, and the projections of alternative plausible LCC. The identification of spatial and dynamic drivers is based on the detection of retrospective LCC, statistical analysis of interrelations between LCC and drivers, and expert validation of transition rules. The scenario formulation and projection of the drivers involve storylines with inputs from expert interviews. The creation of future LC change projections followed four steps: suitability maps from retrospective LCC detection, expert validation, the future development of drivers, and the allocation of LCC. Results indicate demographic change and GDP development as dynamic drivers mainly influencing the LCC, as other studies have implied. Furthermore, there are spatial drivers influencing the local allocation such as the regional capital of Lviv, and they are shaped by, for example, environmental laws, distances to roads and settlements, slope, and soil fertility.

Estimation of Environmental Sustainability of the Landscape of the Basin Western Bug Rivers In Volyn Region

Purpose. Determination of ecological stability of landscapes of the basin of the Western Bug River and its tributaries in Volyn region. Methods. Comparative-geographical, analytical, generalization, systematization, calculation of ecological stability of the landscape on the basis of the method of E. Clementova, V. Heinig. Results. The calculation of the quantitative assessment of the ecological stability of the landscapes in the basins of the Western Bug tributaries revealed that the KESL1 index of the Pischadka, Neretva and the Zolotoha River ranges from 1.3 to 1.6. That making basin landscapes conditionally stable. River Studyanka and Luga range from 0,027 to 0,026, which testifies them to the unstable structure of the landscapes of the basin with pronounced instability. It is established that in the landscapes of the basin of the Western Bug River of Volyn Region, their ecologically balanced structure is predominant at the KESL1 1.04 index. This is due to the structure of the lands of the basin, where agricultural (arable land) cause a big loading and destabilized landscapes occupies in most of the area. The largest plots of arable land occupy the sub basins of the rivers Studyanka and Luga, and the smallest ones in the sub basins of the Neretva, Zolotukha and Gapa rivers, which is due to the significant forested areas of the basin. The qualitative assessment of ecological stability of the landscape is characterized by the coefficient of ecological stability of the biotechnical elements of the entire landscape of the K ESL2. Calculations of KESL2 showed that the landscape structure of the basin of the Western Bug River in the Volyn region is slightly stable and the index is 0.48. The KESL2 coefficients of the Studyanka and Lug lakes are 0.21 and 0.23 respectively, and characterize them as unstable geosystems. The structure of the landscapes of the basins of the Peschadka and Kopayevka rivers for KESL2 - (0,95 - 0,67) is stable. Consequently, intensive settlement of land, drainage of marshes, deforestation violated the integrity of landscapes led to their denaturalization. Particularly significant changes occurred in the southern part of the basin. Conclusions. As a result of the calculations of the quantitative assessment of the ecological stability of landscapes (KESL1), the landscapes of the basin of the Western Bug River in the Volyn region are conditionally stable. And according to the indicators of qualitative assessment of ecological stability of the landscape (KESL2), they are characterized as low-static geosystems. In general, determining the stability of the landscape is important for assessing the ecological situation of the basin of the Western Bug River, since it fully reflects the overall ecological status of the river basin.

ГІДРОХІМІЯ ТРАНСКОРДОННОЇ РІЧКИ ЗАХІДНИЙ БУГ НА ТЕРИТОРІЇ УКРАЇНИ

The purpose of the article is to study the hydrographic features of the transboundary Western Bug River basin in Ukraine, its hydrochemical regime and ion flow, as well as possible manifestations of anthropogenic influence on them. Methods. The methods of statistical processing of data of observation series, the method of calculating the ion flow were used. Results. The features of the hydrochemical regime and the ionic runoff of the transboundary river are estimated. Western Bug on the main ions in Ukraine. Especially noted anthropogenic influence r. Poltva, into which the wastewater of Lviv is dumped, on the quality of water of the Western Bug. Scientific novelty. The flow of chemicals with the waters of the Western Bug basin from the territory of Ukraine and Poland within the general part of the basin has been calculated. Practical significance. Noted the need to comply with hydro-environmental conditions on the river. Poltva, which introduces a significant portion of chemicals in the river. Western Bug and affects the quality of its waters.

Microaggregate composition of alluvial soils of floodplain of Western Bug river

The study of the microaggregative composition of soils of the floodplain of the Western Bug River has been carried out. The microstructure of these soils is characterized by considerable strength, especially in the transition horizons. In the alluvial sod short-profile soils, the fraction of fine sand prevails. The microaggregate fractions dominant in alluvial turf typical soils are micro aggregates in the size of 0,05-0,01 mm. Alluvial meadow soils are characterized by the lack of a clear distribution of microaggregates by profile. In the humus horizon of these soils dominated particles in the size of 0,05-0,01 mm. In alluvial meadow and wetland soils, there is an even distribution of the profile of microaggregates of all fractions. For the in-depth assessment of the results of the microaggregate analysis, a number of indicators have been calculated that assess the potential soil potential for microstructure formation: the Kachinsky dispersion factor (K, %), the Fageler structural factor (Kc , %), the degree of aggregation by Baver and Roathers (Ka , %), the microstructure rate for Dimo (Kd , %) and the number of aggregation for Pustovoitov (Kp , %). Consequently, the study of the microorganic composition of alluvial soils in the floodplain of the Western Bug River has shown that they are characterized by an extremely stable microstructure of the soil, high water resistance of microaggregates. The highest values of these indicators are alluvial turf and meadow soils, and somewhat lower – alluvial turf short-profile soils. Key words: microaggregate composition, alluvial soils, stability of microstructure.

THE TRENDS OF DEVELOPMENT OF PHOSPHATE REGIME IN WESTERN BUG SURFACE WATERS ON THE TERRITORY OF UKRAINE

The article stipulates that one of the primary issues regarding surface waters of Western Bug river, specifically eutrophication, is caused by influx of excessive amount of biogens (which include phosphates).In order to study the dynamics of change of phosphate regime in Western Bug river basin, analysis of phosphate concentrations change alongside river bed has been performed, season-related features of phosphate contents in representative observation points have been determined, main phosphates influx sources and most polluted sections of the river have been identified.Finally, the attention has been focused on the necessity to restore and guard the "good" ecological state of transboundary rivers.

Environmental problems of water resources the Busk district

There is studied the ecological status of surface waters in Busk district. The attention is focused on the largest river Western Bug and its tributaries which essentially influence on the ecological condition. The analysis of hydrological monitoring in the basin of the Western Bug is done. Analysis of water pollution in the river is performed with use of fixed position state hydrological monitoring system posts. There are studied the data concerning pollution indicators for 2015 year and 3 seasons of 2016. A comparison of contamination in two points outside the district is carried out. There are considered river Poltva before its waters reach the district and flow into Western Bug and the river Western Bug after it lefts the district. The exceeding of the threshold limit values for some indicators is revealed. In all cases there is a slight excess of the TLV over the content of iron and ammonium ions. In Poltva have been considerable (3–6 times) exceeding the TLV for COD and BOD5, ammonium salt 8.4 times, total iron – 4.3 times, nitrites – in 6.75 times, suspended solids – 3.3 times, phenol – at 2.45 times. Therefore, the section of the city Buzka to the city Kamenka–Bug, Radekhiv bridge river water is not suitable for any water use. The self–cleaning of the water is happening within the district is and the second point of monitoring shows these indicators are within limits. The largest source of organic pollutants and nutrients into Western Bug River is the river Poltva. Insufficiently treated sewage of Lviv increases the level of water contamination. In the district however there are also a source of pollution of surface water with ions of ammonium and iron. For their identification the further observation are required.

MEADOW-STEPPER CHERNOZEMS (TYPICAL) OF LVOV REGION: GEOGRAPHY AND REGIONAL PECULIARITIES OF THE PROFILE CONSTRUCTION

Purpose. The available cartographic and printed materials show us the presence of meadow-steppe Chernozems (Typical) in the structure of the soil cover in Lviv region as typical zonal components. This fact cannot be considered to be completely true. The main aim of research is to reveal the true nature of the spatial mosaic of Typical Chernozems, their place in the landscape structure of the region.Data & Methods. The basis of the researches are large-scale soil maps (scale 1:10 000 and 1: 5 000) of collective farms of the Lviv region, advanced schemes of geomorphological and physic-geographical zonation of Ukraine, and materials of field and laboratory researches of the Lviv region chernozems. At the base comparative-geographical method within of the Lviv region (Pidpodilskyi natural area, Sokal-Torchynska and Syansko-Dnisterska hills, Pasmove Pobuzhya and Opillya) were selected representative of key areas. Within each of them, in the way deep trenching and soil-environmental profiles, using historical-evolutionary and genetic-morphological methods, have researched formation of the soil cover structure and modern geochemical contiguity of chernozems with other soils. In order to identify quantitative parameters of regional differences of chernozems are used complex laboratory standard methods.Results. The spatial mosaic of Typical Chernozems of Lviv region has a definite regional lithological and hydrological restriction. They are the main component of soil cover found only on the left bank-side of the Western Bug river and on the Nearpodolian natural area and to a lesser extent on the Range Pobuzhzha. These soils have been formed on well aerated loess plains. Typical Chernozems are not zonal soils in Lviv region. They hold local or island positions among zonal and a little podzolized soils. These Chernozems genetically belong to a group of leached and mycelial-calcareous Chernozems.Typical Cernozems of the Sokal plateau are mostly shallow and medium profound (53-66 cm). They have a lumpy structure and the bedding line of calcium carbonate is closer to the surface (40-45 cm) with rapid boiling. There are mole drains within the transitional humus horizon. Also, there is relatively high occurrence (70-80 cm) of segregational carbonate neoformations with the humic transition horizon of clearly tongue or pocket form in the soil profile. Morever, these soils do not have a clear-accumulative carbonate horizon. Chernozems of the Range Pobuzhya are mainly medium profound, gleyey, leached without the accumulative carbonate horizon. Chernozems of the Nearpodolian region are profound and medium profound, mycelial-calcareous, not gleyey or profound-gleyey. Also, they have a strong grain structure, mainly carbonate. Chernozems typical for terrace complexes are profound or over profound, leached and have well grained structure that makes them similar to meadow-chernozemic soils, yet they are not gleying.

Retrospective Analysis of Systematic Land-Cover Change in the Upper Western Bug River Catchment, Ukraine

Retrospective Analysis of Systematic Land-Cover Change in the Upper Western Bug River Catchment, Ukraine

Supporting decisions in water management by exploring information and capacity gaps: experiences from an IWRM study in the Western Bug River Basin, Ukraine

Key problems of Integrated Water Resources Management refer to interactions between various levels, scales and existing coordination gaps, such as inadequate governance structures and insufficient knowledge and capacities. In this study we describe a management framework that aligns model-based systems analysis with capacity assessments suggesting a concept for improving cross-scale interactions and thus for overcoming both, water-related pressures and coordination gaps. In the study we (i) identify the missing link between technical development approaches and capacity development, (ii) outline interrelations between environmental pressures on aquatic systems and capacity and information gaps in a transparent way, and (iii) introduce a practice-relevant method to combine model-based system planning with capacity assessments for deriving management options that support water management actors in reducing pressures and gaps. The results of the integrated analysis are made explicit by introducing a matrix approach that is inspired by an existing framework to systematically differentiate water quality-related pressures (cf. Blumensaat et al. 2013). The approach confronts pressures and gaps and so jointly addresses technical issues, institutional challenges, organizational development, information needs, and human resources development. The concept supports a transparent decision making process by identifying knowledge and capacities required for the implementation of corresponding technical intervention options and vice versa. The application of the method in the International Water Research Alliance Saxony model region ‘Ukraine’ is illustrated to demonstrate the added value as a boundary object between scales that is supporting actors in streamlining model-based planning and capacity development.

Hydrologic effects of climate change in a sub-basin of the Western Bug River, Western Ukraine

Today, integrated water resources management (IWRM) is an important approach for sustainable management and protection of catchment areas. One of the core challenges for a successful IWRM program is the assessment of climate change impacts on the quantity and quality of water resources as well as related socioeconomic sectors. In this context, the climate impact on the hydrology of the catchment “Inflow Reservoir Dobrotvir” situated in Western Ukraine was investigated. The results of the regional climate model CCLM (COSMO—Climate Limited-area Modeling) were used to evaluate the climate conditions for two 30-year future periods in the framework of the future emissions scenarios A2 and B1 as laid out by the IPCC. Based on the projected climatic conditions, a hydrologic impact study was conducted using the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Signals of possible future climate and future water budgets were analyzed having the period 1961–1990 as a reference for current climatic conditions. Climatic and hydrologic indices were calculated to assess possible risks and opportunities for the water management sector. In a more generic manner, the implications of climatic changes for the sectors of agriculture, forestry, ecology, energy business and human health were examined with respective literature. Increasing temperatures, declining summer rainfalls and a decreasing climatic water balance were the primary simulated results for the period 2071–2100. These meteorological conditions lead to decreasing soil water content as well as decreasing runoff and groundwater recharge through nearly all seasons. Reduced water yields may affect the energy sector, water supply and water quality negatively. Water stress, especially in summer, might cause declining yields in agriculture and forestry. By contrast, rising temperatures will lead to an extended growing season, which represents an opportunity for higher agricultural and silvicultural yields. However, rising temperatures may also cause indirect effects such as higher risks of pest infestation and germs, which can have a negative impact on a variety of the evaluated socioeconomic sectors. In this work, the impact of possible future scenarios on climate and hydrology as well as resulting risks and opportunities have been identified to serve as a basis for further investigations.

The long road to improving the water quality of the Western Bug River (Ukraine) – A multi-scale analysis

• We analyse water quality along a river basin and identify relevant pollution sources. • Administrative, spatial and temporal scales have to be equally considered for the analysis. • Wastewater sector is identified as dominant polluter due to deteriorated infrastructure. • River basin management approach has the potential to overcome conflicting scales. • To improve water quality substantial reforms and investments are required. River basin management (RMB) was introduced to combat high levels of water pollution across Ukraine. The Western Bug River provides an example of how water quality is impacted by industrial and domestic wastewater discharges as well as pollution from agriculture and mining activities. The paper draws from a broader interdisciplinary study which aims to outline the sources of pollution within the upper Western Bug River catchment and identify the driving institutional forces behind this enduring environmental problem. The results of this study show that the administrative and spatial scales concerning river catchment management in the Western Bug River basin are not aligned. Furthermore, the temporal scale is often conflicting with the two above mentioned scales. The current political and financial situation of the State, as well as outdated administrative structures hinders effective water governance and results in low water quality. Despite these findings, there is also some evidence that in the longer term the RBM approach could succeed in the Western Bug River, especially if political and legal reforms are properly implemented and enforced.

Climate change in the Western Bug river basin and the impact on future hydro-climatic conditions

Within the IWRM research project IWAS, we generated regional climate projections via dynamic downscaling for the catchment area of the Western Bug river in the border area of Poland, Belarus, and Ukraine. Data sources used are WMO meteorological station data and global climate ERA40 reanalysis data for an evaluation run, as well as global simulations from the ECHAM5 model for a twentieth-century control run and for the IPCC emission scenarios A2 and B1. We evaluated the performance of the regional climate model CCLM on the basis of simulated 2m temperature and precipitation. Furthermore, we analyzed the hydro-climatic conditions of the past and their projected future changes in the catchment based on 2m temperature, precipitation, potential evaporation and climatic water balance. The latter is discussed as an indicator for potential water availability in the region. Our evaluation, like many other studies, attests that the CCLM performs well for 2m temperature. Precipitation is not modelled adequately for the Western Bug basin. Remarkably, the precipitation bias is five times higher in the ECHAM5-driven control run than in the ERA40-driven evaluation run. Despite all the uncertainties, the significance of the modelled changes clearly suggests robust model results for the last three decades of this century. Up to the end of the century, both scenarios A2 and B1 lead to highly significant warming for each month in the long-term mean, with highest warming rates in winter. Instead, precipitation does not change significantly in the long-term yearly mean, but the intra-annual distribution of monthly precipitation sums shifts, with an increase in winter and a strong decrease in summer. Combined, this leads to a changed climatic water balance with a stronger deficit in summer and a higher gain in winter. Particular in the south-eastern part, the summer deficit cannot be compensated within the annual cycle. This might have serious implications for many socio-economic sectors.

Фракційно-груповий склад гумусу алювіальних ґрунтів заплави ріки Західний Буг

Fractionally-group composition of humus alluvial turf, meadow, meadow marsh and bog soils of floodplain of Western Bug River was characterized. The results of studies of quality of soil humus of floodplain of this river by Ukrainian and foreign researchers were analyzed. The main indicators of fractionally-group composition of humus soils were studied. Key words: alluvial soils, humus of soil, fractionally-group composition of humus, humic acids, fulvic acids.

A modeling framework to assess water and nitrate balances in the Western Bug river basin, Ukraine

Abstract. The objective of this study was to assess the utility of the eco-hydrological SWAT model (Soil and Water Assessment Tool, Arnold et al., 1998) for representing water balance and nitrate fluxes given limited input and calibration data. The investigated catchment is located in Western Ukraine with an area of approximately 2616 km2. Land use is currently dominated by agriculture with significant areas of pasture, and has undergone a high degree of changes in land-use and agricultural practice since the end of the Soviet Union. Model application produced a fitted water balance (calibration: R2 = 0.52, NS = 0.46; validation: R2 = 0.47, NS = 0.51) and plausible ranges and dynamics of nitrate in stream loadings. Groundwater parameters were found to be highly sensitive. The results indicate that SWAT is an appropriate tool for water resource investigations in the Western Bug catchment, and can provide a useful tool for further eco-hydrologic research in the region (i.e. diffuse pollution impacts).

Socio-ecological safety towards natural and technological disasters: Earth observations and ecological monitoring for water quality analysis

This paper examines the possibilities of using Earth observation techniques and applicable capabilities for coupled analysis of risks. The techniques are concerned with sustaining the socio-ecological safety of river basins and coping with drastic losses of landscape and bio-productivity and natural and anthropogenic disasters, such as floods and pollution. The research aims to improve oriented policy making and assist robust ecological management strategies for the development of the Western Bug river basin in Ukraine. Ecosystem changes are critical for evaluating disasters and their consequences. Analysing landscape vulnerability is possible by using satellite data to detect plant changes and to monitor vegetation indexes coupled with ground data and ecosystem models.

How to assess hydromorphology? A comparison of Ukrainian and German approaches

Recently, the Ukrainian Western Bug water authorities developed a national field survey to assess the quality of river habitats. The Ukrainian government already cooperates with EU member states along transboundary rivers and also orientates itself towards the European Water Framework Directive (WFD). As a future application for EU membership is feasible, the water authorities started to implement WFD criteria into their national survey schemes including the assessment of rivers’ hydromorphology. This article compares two different hydromorphological survey methods to identify similarities and differences of the classification approaches with regard to the conformity of obtained outputs with the WFD demands. The field surveys, the Ukrainian (UA-FS) and the German (LAWA-FS), were applied in parallel on 14 river sections along the Western Bug River and parts of its tributaries. Results show a wide range of conformity, but also several differences between and gaps within all methods. The UA-FS generally lacks the idea of reference condition in rivers’ hydromorphology and the definition of different stream types or near-natural land uses. The UA-FS and the LAWA-FS approaches are similar with respect to their incorporated compartments and most main parameters, but differ in definition and interpretation of specific functional units and single parameters. Greatest similarities down to single parameters exist in aspects of land use, bank vegetation, currents diversity, and within-stream variation of water depths. Differences include the assessment and interpretation of lateral erosion, sinuosity, type and depth of profile, substrate diversity, as well as special structures of bank and riverbed. Overall, the LAWA-FS is more conservative in its rating than the UA-FS. Still, UA-FS can be regarded as an important improvement for a systematic and reliable monitoring of river hydromorphology in the Ukraine that will help to successfully engage with both the integrated water resources management and the WFD harmonisation process in the future.

Heavy load and high potential: anthropogenic pressures and their impacts on the water quality along a lowland river (Western Bug, Ukraine)

A pronounced pollution of surface water bodies in the Western Bug River Basin, Ukraine, has been caused by outdated or overloaded wastewater treatment plants, agriculture, industry and coal mining. These pressures have led to a generally poor state of both chemical and microbiological variables creating health risks of various kinds. The state of surface water quality for the Western Bug and five main tributaries was assessed by measuring physical, chemical and microbiological indicators during field campaigns in autumn 2009 and spring 2010. Longitudinal profiles were sampled to identify major sources of pollution and to reveal dominant processes of matter turnover. In addition, the occurrence of antibiotic resistant strains in isolates from stations along the Bug River was investigated. Results clearly underpin the negative impact of the Poltva River as a major source of pollution for the Bug River and further outline an elevated potential health risk from pathogenic bacteria originating from this source. Despite these devastating impacts, a high elimination potential of the Bug River with respect to primary organic loads as well as elimination of pathogenic bacteria was observed particularly at Dobrotvir Reservoir. Further downstream, pollution is kept high because of untreated waste effluents and phytoplankton mass developments due to high phosphorus concentrations.