Ecological-Geochemical Features of the Main Rivers of the Ugolsk-Shyrokoluzhansk Massif of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve

Abstract

Presented are the results of studies of the chemical composition of the waters of mountain rivers and their tributaries of the Ugolsk-Shyrokoluzhansk protected massif of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve (CBR) — the Velyka Ugolka river and its left tributary — the Kamensky stream; the Mala Ugolka river and its right tributary — the Vezhansk stream; the Luzhanka river and its left tributary — the Vonyacha Zvoryna stream. According to the results of statistical processing of the chemical composition of the waters, the average content of the salt composition was established — SO42–, Cl–, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3–, Na+ + K+, total dissolved solids (mineralization) and pH values. Based on the results of many years of research (2003-2019), the ionic composition of the waters was determined and the similarity of the Velyka and Mala Ugolka rivers (hydrocarbonate-calcium waters) and the difference between the Luzhanka river (hydrocarbonate-sodium waters) were revealed. The main difference in the composition of the waters of the river. Luzhanka has a low content of magnesium and calcium, with an increased content of sodium and potassium, the pH value is 7.04, while in other rivers it is 7.10-7.5. A direct relationship was established between HCO3 and mineralization (from lower to higher): the Luzhanka river — the Velyka Ugolka river — the Mala Ugolka river. The natural factors of the formation of the chemical composition of waters are identified — the composition of rocks and atmospheric precipitation (snow), climate and relief. It was revealed that the main factor influencing the formation of river waters is the composition of rocks: flysch with a predominance of sandstone (Luzhanka river), flysch with a predominance of limestone (Velyka and Mala Ugolka rivers). According to the standards for drinking water, there is an insufficient content of calcium and magnesium (Luzhanka river) and in all rivers — sulfates, chlorides, sodium. Recommendations are given to the population on replenishing the diet with microelements, which are not enough for the physiological needs of the body in the case of using river waters as drinking.