Impact of electric power facilities on natural phytocenotic diversity

Abstract

The relevance of studying the impact of electric power facilities on natural phytocenotic diversity lies in the necessity to preserve ecosystems due to the increasing number and size of electrical facilities, which potentially can affect the functioning of natural environments. The research aims to investigate the impact of electric power facilities on species diversity. The research is carried out at 46 monitoring sites in the immediate vicinity of the source of electromagnetic and noise pollution within the influence of the Burshtyn thermal power plant, the Bohorodchany solar power plant, the Shevchenkove wind power plant, the Tereble-Rytska hydroelectric power plant, under regional and cross-border power transmission lines. The representation of plant species at the monitoring sites is analysed. In general, 196 plant species are identified. Herbaceous plants dominate (from 74 to 100% of all plant life forms) at all monitoring sites, except for one site. Shrubs are present in 11 monitoring sites (from 5 to 25% of all plant life forms). The trees are represented in 20 monitoring sites (from 4 to 75% of all plant life forms). 179 species belong to the first class of constancy, 12 species belong to the second class and 5 species belong to the third class of constancy (91, 6,5 and 2.5%, respectively). The last plants have been identified as indicators of the influence of power plants. The most common plant families that exist under the influence of electrical installations are established. The largest number of species is represented by the Asteraceae, Rosaceae and Poaceae families — 37, 19 and 15 species, respectively. The species of the third constancy class have the highest representativeness. Daucus carota L., Achillea millefiolium, and Trifolium pratense L. are the dominant plant species in the areas impacted by electric power facilities. 180 species belong to the first constancy class. They cannot be suitable as phytoindicators of the ecological state in the areas affected by power plants. The results can be used to develop environmental protection strategies and measures to reduce the negative impact of power generation facilities on flora