Dynamics of Changes in the Content of Cadmium and Nitrate Ion Compounds in the Ecosystem of the Ciscarpathia

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to form an algorithm for constant control of the content of cadmium and nitrate ions as an important component of environmental monitoring in the Ciscarpathia ecosystem. Materials and methods. The soils and drinking water of the plain, foothill and mountainous areas of the region were the object of research. The cadmium content was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry on a C-115 PC spectrophotometer. The concentration of nitrate ions in drinking water was determined potentiometrically using an ion-selective electrode. Results and discussion. The Ciscarpathia is a unique region of Ukraine with rich natural resources, diverse flora and fauna. At the same time, more than 500 industrial enterprises (more than 4% of the total area) of the chemical, energy, oil and gas, woodworking and other industries are located in the region. These enterprises cause a significant man-made load on all components of the natural environment. The ecological situation of the Ciscarpathian region is closely related to the state of soils and water resources. In this regard, it is appropriate to study and control the level of cadmium and nitrate compounds in the environment of the region. The study of the soils of the Carpathian region confirmed the growth of the cadmium toxic element, the content of which was by 1.3–1.5 times higher than the background indicators. It is determined that the level of nitrate ions in the drinking water of the plain zone exceeds the maximum permissible concentration by 1.5–2 times, and the physiological water completeness indicator – by 160–606 times; in the foothills and mountain zones the content of nitrates does not exceed the maximum permissible concentration, but it is by 35−253 times higher than the physiological water completeness indicator. The main stages of entry and accumulation of cadmium in the plant body have been analyzed. Conclusion. The results of our research made it possible to establish significant differences in the content of cadmium and nitrate ions in the soils and drinking water of different geographical zones of the Carpathian region. In particular, a significant number of the population living in the plains and foothills consumes water with a high content of nitrate ions and cadmium, which leads to an increase in the combined effect of these toxicants on living organisms. It is proposed to carry out constant monitoring of the level of toxicants in the ecosystem as an important component of environmental monitoring. The use of cultivated plants is recommended for cleaning the soil from cadmium contamination