Development Vernadsky’ works on natural waters: biosphere processes and water quality

Abstract

The article considers the increasing of anthropogenic loads on surface waters. An analysis of the works of V.I. Vernadsky about natural waters and their importance in assessing modern biogeochemical processes. The scales of the input of elements and substances into the modern biosphere, such as the emission of greenhouse gases, the dispersion of nitrogen and phosphorus, acid-forming gases, as well as metals, are shown. Key changes covering regions and the biosphere as a whole are noted. Examples of the consequences of the development of anthropogenically induced processes in surface waters are given on the example of Arctic remote regions - the Kola North of Russia: the impact of climate warming, acidification, eutrophication and enrichment of waters with metals. Within the concept of V.I. Vernadsky about the role of natural waters in the life support of Planet population, approaches to assessing the quality of waters from the standpoint of the ecological paradigm are given.