Vol 31, No 4 (2023)

Ecology

Iodine in soils, pasture vegetation cuttings, and local food products of certain regions of Russia affected by the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident

Berezkin V.Y., Baranchukov V.S., Kolmykova L.I., Kulieva G.A., Bagautdinova A.S., Topilskaya Y.V.

Abstract

Natural iodine deficiency, which in some regions of Russia provokes thyroid diseases, increases the consequences of the entry of short-lived radioactive isotopes of this element into the food chain as a result of the Chernobyl accident (1986). The aim of the work is to assess the risk of morbidity of the population of the Kaluga, Bryansk and Oryol regions with thyroid cancer at the level of individual settlements based on experimental data. The iodine content in soils and vegetation cuttings of pastures in geochemically contrasting landscapes, as well as in cows' milk and potatoes of private household farms in the regions affected by the Chernobyl accident in 1986: Bryansk (2021), Oryol (2022) and Kaluga (2023) regions was studied. Joint expeditions of the Laboratory of Environmental Biogeochemistry of GEOKHI RAS and the Department of Human Ecology and Bioelementology of the Institute of Ecology of RUDN, carried out on the initiative and with the participation of the authors, revealed a significant variation of iodine concentration in soils and food products, which may be crucial for assessing the risk of thyroid diseases, including thyroid cancer, among the local rural population. The iodine content was found to be highly variable in both topsoil (0.31-3.04 mg/kg) and grass cuttings (0.14-0.29 mg/kg) of the study area. The maximum natural and technogenic risk of thyroid cancer morbidity in the rural population as a result of the consequences of the Chernobyl accident of 1986 is specific for the studied settlements of Zhizdrinsky district of Kaluga region, Bolkhovsky, Dmitrovsky and Sverdlovsky districts of Oryol region, Rognedinsky district of Bryansk region.

RUDN Journal of Ecology and Life Safety. 2023;31(4):419-434
pages 419-434 views

Complex field survey of the Tyatinskiy part of the “Kurilskiy” state nature reserve, Kunashir island, Kuril islands

Grishchenko M.Y., Murman A.S., Tamarovskiy I.E., Terekhova D.A., Satosina E.M., Shelukho V.V., Avchyan A.S., Ushakov N.V.

Abstract

The study describes the results of field expeditionary research conducted by the authors on the territory of the Tyatinskiy cluster of the “Kurilskiy” state nature reserve (Kunashir island, the Great Kuril Ridge). The nature of the island is distinguished by its bright originality and is interesting for research both from the point of view of increasing the tourist, recreational and education attractiveness, and from the point of view of the implementation of environmental activities. During the research, a study of soils, vegetation cover and some climatic characteristics of the territory was carried out. It was revealed that the soils of the study area are mainly soils that combine the features of brown soils and volcanic soils; local plant communities are represented mainly by dark coniferous forests with a rich and varied admixture of broad-leaved species in the forest stand, the absence of pronounced undergrowth, a diverse grass-shrub canopy and a well-developed moss-lichen layer.

RUDN Journal of Ecology and Life Safety. 2023;31(4):435-446
pages 435-446 views

Restorative dynamics of pine phytocenoses in clearcut areas in the floodplain terraces of the Moscow River

Lezhnev D.V., Kulikova D.D., Polyakova G.A.

Abstract

Initial stages of restoration dynamics of phytocoenoses are of a special interest. Ecological conditions change crucially after timber harvesting. The exploration of two clearcut areas in the Moscow River valley in 3-5 years after felling allowed us to detect the direction of phytocoenosis dynamics. Scotch pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) losses the competition with deciduous species in both sites constituting less than 50 % of regeneration. The largest number of individuals of Pinus sylvestris L. at the research sites, they have a three-year age: clear cut area No. 1 - 55 % and clear cut area No. 2 - 47 %. An intensive height increment of prevailing tree species was registered. In the site No. 1, an annual increase in height increment was registered indicating favourable growth conditions, while in the site No. 2, the 4-centimeter reduction of height increment was observed in the last year. The soil vegetation cover is an important ecological factor regulating the restoration dynamics of phytocoenoses on clearcut areas. To estimate the restoration dynamics of soil cover vegetation, 45 geobotanical descriptions were made. Totally 102 species of vascular plants referred to 72 genera were found on clearcut areas. The families with the highest frequency were Asteraceae - 12,7 %, Apiaceae - 10,8 %, and Poaceae - 8,8 %. A noticeable presence of Poaceae in the vegetation cover limits successful reforestation. The percentage of the most widespread ecologo-coenotic groups is 45% of the total number of registered species for meadow herbs, 16 % for tall herbs, 11 % for nemoral species, and 9% for forbs. Summary average projective coverage of herbage is 65-75 %. Under the conditions of reed-grass - herbal type of clearcut areas, Scotch pine is suppressed by both deciduous species and herbal vegetation, which makes the perspectives of its predomination in the future stand doubtful.

RUDN Journal of Ecology and Life Safety. 2023;31(4):447-467
pages 447-467 views

Environmental Monitoring

Assessment of the disturbance of peat bogs of the Mogilev region

Ratnikova O.N., Navosha Y.Y., Ageichik I.V.

Abstract

The analysis of high- and ultra-high-resolution satellite images of 1,385 peat bogs (with an area of more than 10 hectares) located on the territory of the Mogilev region of the Republic of Belarus showed that about 37 % of the total area of 221 thousand hectares of peat bogs were preserved in their natural state, the rest was subjected to hydraulic reclamation. The share of drained lands with peat soils of agricultural use was about 30 %, covered with forest vegetation - about 7 %, disturbed swamps - 26 %.

RUDN Journal of Ecology and Life Safety. 2023;31(4):468-475
pages 468-475 views

Stabilization of petroleum and oil emulsions by bioorganic compositions based on humic acids

Gertsen M.M., Golysheva A.N., Perelomov L.V.

Abstract

The stabilizing ability of humic acids isolated from reed fen peat of the Ryazan region in the relation to oil and petroleum products under various abiotic conditions of the aquatic environment has been studied. The applicability of the used biological products in conditions of low temperature and increased salinity of the medium is determined. The stabilizing ability of the developed biological products was determined by the transmittance of emulsions. It was found that in the condition of increased salinity, the transmission coefficient decreases by 5-24% relative to the control experiment for crude oil, diesel fuel and waste oil when using monocultural biological products. It was found that the use of polycultures in the composition of biological products significantly reduces the transmittance by 24-43% for “HAs from reed peat of the Ryazan region + Rhodococcus erythropolis S67 + Rhodococcus erythropolis X5” and 10-29% for “Humic acids of reed peat of the Ryazan region + Rhodococcus erythropolis S67 + Rhodococcus erythropolis X5 + Pseudomonas fluorescens 142NF”. The applicability of the studied biological products in conditions of low temperatures is confirmed by a decrease in the transmission coefficient to 68-73% for diesel fuel, to 60-64% for used synthetic engine oil and to 64-69% for crude oil. It was found that the transmission coefficient decreases in the series: “Humic acids of reed fen peat of the Ryazan region + Rhodococcus erythropolis X5” → “Humic acids of reed peat of the Ryazan region + Pseudomonas fluorescens 142NF” → “Humic acids from reed fen peat of the Ryazan region + Rhodococcus erythropolis S67”. It was revealed that the reduction of the transmission coefficient of oil emulsions occurs due to the combined use of humic acids isolated from reed peat of the Ryazan region and the association of bacteria (both when using 2 and 3 strains). The stabilizing ability of humic acids in conditions of increased salinity was comparable to it in conditions of reduced temperature. It has been established that cane humic acids of the Ryazan region can be used as a basis for biological products that stabilize oil and oil emulsions.

RUDN Journal of Ecology and Life Safety. 2023;31(4):476-493
pages 476-493 views

Ecological situation in European cities in 2013-2023: transition to green economy

Mironova M.N., Nevedomskaya A.O., Sotnikova V.V., Massarova A.R.

Abstract

The study is devoted to the study of the relationship between the structure of the economy and the level of pollution of European cities in the context of the environmental imperative. Based on comparative statistical analysis, the level of pollution in European cities in 2013 and 2023 was considered and cities with the most and least favorable environmental situation were defined. Studied cities were divided into 7 groups by pollution index; stable trend of their location was determined through carrying out a cartographic analysis: groups of the most polluted cities are located mainly in the southeast of Europe and the least - in the northwest. Five types of cities with different trends in pollution index dynamics were identified. Based on a comprehensive synthetic analysis of cities with maximum improvement and deterioration of the environmental situation, the main factors of multidirectional dynamics are described - activity of environmental policy, sectoral structure transformation of urban economy. Main spatial trends in the environmental situation of European cities were identified: cities with positive dynamics of pollution index predominantly concentrated in the southeast, with a negative - in the east. The analysis showed that 2/3 of the largest cities in Europe improved their ecological condition mainly due to the effectiveness of environmental measures, the green political movement, the development of the tertiary and quaternary sectors in their economy.

RUDN Journal of Ecology and Life Safety. 2023;31(4):494-509
pages 494-509 views

Geoecology

Zoning of the city of Shelekhov, Irkutsk agglomeration, based on the assessment of acoustic pollution

Novikova S.A.

Abstract

The study carried out the zoning of the city of Shelekhov, based on the assessment of acoustic pollution of the territory. Field observations were made and the number of vehicles moving along intracity roads and the federal highway R-258 “Baikal” was calculated. With the help of sound level meters, instrumental measurements were made in the daytime and at night, and maps of the sound pressure level of the road network were built. The calculation of statistical characteristics was carried out and the daily course of the distribution of the noise level on the main and secondary roads was constructed. The analysis of the obtained results and their comparison with the established sanitary standards for their excess was carried out. Evidence has been identified to support the implementation of strategies aimed at reducing acoustic pollution and, as a result, creating favorable conditions for the population to live.

RUDN Journal of Ecology and Life Safety. 2023;31(4):510-520
pages 510-520 views

The factors of the low iodine concentration in soil cover and drinking waters of the second ridge of the Mountain Crimea

Berezkin V.Y., Glebov V.V., Kayukova E.P.

Abstract

Low iodine content in the environment can be one of the main factors of iodine deficiency diseases in humans and farm animals, including hypothyroidism, nodular thyroid tumors, irreversible brain damage in the fetus and newborn. Endemic goiter, caused primarily by iodine deficiency, is an urgent problem for most regions of modern Russia, including the Republic of Crimea. For the Republic of Crimea, along with other regions of the Crimean-Caucasian mountain zone, there is a deficiency of iodine in the lower links of the trophic chain, which provokes iodine deficiency diseases. The aim of the work was to reveal the contrast of iodine distribution in the lower links of the trophic chain: different types of soils for agricultural use and natural waters for drinking purposes from various sources in the Crimean Mountains. The article presents data of the iodine content in the soil cover and drinking water in the Crimean Mountains, on the example of the Bakhchisarai area (in Bodrak river valley). The dependence of the iodine content in the upper horizons of different types of soils, on the content of humus, pH-water soils and cation exchange has been established. It has been confirmed that the content of iodine in natural waters (springs, rivers, lakes) is determined primarily by the composition of water-bearing rocks.

RUDN Journal of Ecology and Life Safety. 2023;31(4):521-532
pages 521-532 views

Assessment of the impact of vehicle emissions on the geoecological state of soils and vegetation in the cities of the Irkutsk agglomeration

Novikova S.A.

Abstract

The study examines the problem of the influence of vehicle emissions on the condition of soils and vegetation of roadside strips in the cities of the Irkutsk agglomeration. Sampling was carried out near intersections characterized by intense traffic flows. As a result of a mass (semi-quantitative) full spectral analysis of selected samples, the content of heavy metals in them was revealed to be higher than the maximum permissible and background concentrations. Calculations of the total pollution indicator were carried out, which made it possible to establish that the soils of roadside zones in urbanized areas of the agglomeration belong to the categories “dangerous” and “extremely dangerous”. Recommendations for improving the geoecological condition of soils and vegetation in urban areas are given.

RUDN Journal of Ecology and Life Safety. 2023;31(4):533-543
pages 533-543 views

Biological resources

Influence of phytoplankton on the water quality of surface water sources and drinking water

Kalinina E.V., Rudakova L.V.

Abstract

The problem of the appearance of odors in drinking water associated with the development of algae and cyanobacteria in reservoirs of drinking water sources is considered. The results of the analysis of information on the main types of organisms that are sources of odorants in drinking water, chemicals produced by them and a description of odors are presented. Most often, the causes of odors in drinking water are the massive development of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Oscillatoria agardhii , which are producers of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol. The classification of hazard levels for water pollution by cyanobacteria and recommended measures, including the frequency of monitoring and sampling, are given. The measures implemented with a decrease in the number of cyanobacteria in reservoirs of drinking water supply sources by physical, chemical and biological methods are presented. Methods of removal of intracellular and extracellular cyanotoxins from drinking water are described. The analysis of the efficiency of removal of various substances with odorizing effect from drinking water is presented.

RUDN Journal of Ecology and Life Safety. 2023;31(4):544-555
pages 544-555 views

Evaluation of the effect of antibiotics on the growth reactions of higher plants - potential phytoremediants

Timofeeva S.S., Tyukalova O.V., Timofeev S.S.

Abstract

The relevance of the work is due to the need to study the assessment of the toxicity of antimicrobial drugs for environmental objects. The simplest and most obvious methods of assessing the impact of antibiotics on the environment are bioindication methods, in particular, the assessment of phytotoxicity of drugs. The study presents the results of the analysis of the cytotoxic effect of antibiotics of different nature in relation to herbaceous plants of various systematic groups in a laboratory experiment. The phytotoxic effect of the considered antibiotic samples was determined by comparing the indicators of the test function of the seeds of the control and experimental groups. The dependence of the magnitude of the phytotoxic effect on the pharmaceutical group of the antibiotic is shown. The data obtained are the basis for further research to assess the negative impact on the environment and the development of technologies for phytoremediation of environmental objects. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of antibiotics on the growth reactions of higher plants - potential phytoremediants.

RUDN Journal of Ecology and Life Safety. 2023;31(4):556-571
pages 556-571 views

Biosafety evaluation for some remediants and their effectiveness in detoxication peaty soils with heavy metals

Zambrano-Gary C.C., Sergeeva Y.D., Terekhova V.A., Kirichuk A.A.

Abstract

Contamination soils with heavy metals is a problem with high interest, because contamination with heavy metals affect food chains and human health by intake and accumulation in living beings. Although all of these methods not quite effective for recovering contaminated environments, however they are still good options for recovering contaminated soils. In this research evaluated the recovering potential in different concentrations and combinations of dolomite with additives like zerovalent iron, Fe-Mn concretions, iron powder, ferrihydrite and iron nanoparticles. With these treatments, achieved reduction of concentration of all heavy metals founded (Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) and also reduction in toxicity, confirmed with a biotest with Daphnia magna. These findings confirms that the optimal remediants are nanoparticles with biochar and iron powder with and without biochar.

RUDN Journal of Ecology and Life Safety. 2023;31(4):572-582
pages 572-582 views

Industrial Ecology

Author’s innovative technical solutions in the field of ecology and life safety for use in fuel-burning and ash-collecting devices

Katin V.D., Zhuravlev A.A.

Abstract

The study reviews and recommends fundamentally new technical solutions in the field of ecology and safety in the technosphere, confirmed by patents for inventions and utility models developed by scientists and graduate students of the Department of Technosphere Safety of the Far Eastern State Transport University. Innovative developments that are of practical interest and deserve attention include installations for preparing water-oil emulsions for combustion, energy-saving devices for environmentally friendly combustion of liquid fuels, rational designs of low-toxic gas and oil burners, as well as effective filter-cyclone and group cyclone devices for purification of flue gases from coal and fuel oil boiler and furnace units.

RUDN Journal of Ecology and Life Safety. 2023;31(4):583-592
pages 583-592 views

Minimization of residues generated during the operation of treatment facilities

Volkova V.N., Shevtsov M.N.

Abstract

The activity of sewage treatment plants for the treatment of domestic wastewater is not limited only to wastewater treatment. The main problem in this activity is the treatment and disposal of the resulting sediments at sewage treatment plants, where the main task is to reduce the volume of sediment and then transform it into a useful product that does not cause environmental pollution. Currently, representatives of landfills refuse to accept this type of precipitation, explaining that this type of precipitation does not belong to the category of solid municipal waste. The issue of using sediments from sewage treatment plants as raw materials for manufacturing remains open, but in our opinion this type of sediment can be recycled in wastewater treatment technology. The practical value lies in conducting industrial tests of the converter of sewage sludge into liquid effluents, including all waste generated during the operation of sewage treatment plants with subsequent post-treatment of liquid effluents at wastewater treatment plants. These tests will reduce the amount of sediment by up to 90%, which will minimize the intensive accumulation of precipitation from sewage treatment plants and improve the state of the environment.

RUDN Journal of Ecology and Life Safety. 2023;31(4):593-606
pages 593-606 views

Ecological and technological efficiency of the innovative coal-watercoal cluster of housing and communal serviсes

Zommer T.V., Simonyan V.V., Morozov A.G.

Abstract

The possibilities of increasing the ecological and technological efficiency of the innovative coal-watercoal cluster of housing and communal services, including the mechanics of coal destruction in a hydraulic shock installation, are considered. The creation of an experimental coal-watercoal cluster of housing and communal services involves the use of innovative coal-watercoal technology in boilers under construction or in operation, including the processing of solid coal fuels into innovative coal-water fuel suspension with subsequent combustion in specially equipped furnaces. The set tasks of managing environmental and technological qualities in the process of preparing an innovative coal-water fuel suspension based on statistical analysis of the granulometric composition correlate with the tasks of obtaining micro- and ultrafine coal-water suspensions in order to achieve high environmental and technological qualities. The control of an innovative coal-watercoal fuel technology based on automatic control of the granulometric composition using the natural fracturing of coal for the control action during the destruction of coal by the method of water hammer is proposed. Technological patterns of reducing the negative technogenic impact on the geospheres are revealed, including a method for managing the environmental and technological qualities of an innovative water-coal suspension based on automatic control of the granulometric composition during coal grinding by the hydraulic shock method.

RUDN Journal of Ecology and Life Safety. 2023;31(4):607-617
pages 607-617 views

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