Natural Resources, 2001, No.3

PRIRODNYE RESURSY (Natural Resources) Published by The National Academy of Sciences of Belarus & The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Protection of the Republic of Belarus, Minsk, Belarus

Number 3; 2001

CONTENTS

Water Resources

Summary: The paper considers the pollution of household and drinkable water in the zone of influence of the 4-th Ore Administration of PA "Belaruskali". Investigation has been performed of the water of 36 wells and 16 hydrological bore holes. Physical properties of the water were determined as well as the chemical composition of heavy metals: Ni, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd. Biological indicators of the water were defined too. The wells were investigated in the settlements in the vicinity of farms. Depending on the size of a settlement the number of permanent wells for water investigation was determined. The water of the wells in the investigated area is polluted by a lot of chemical elements. The concentration of these elements exceeds the Maximum Permissible Concentration (MPC). The average content of chemical components in the water of the wells and of hydrological bore holes was: Na - 60,91 и 8,93 mg/l, К - 59,50 и 1,18 mg/l, Cl- - 112,22 и 13,92 mg/l, SO4- - 85,4 и 36,71 mg/l, NO3- - 84,0 и 10,34 mg/l. There is a considerable difference of heavy metals content in the well water. The pollution of the well water is dependent on their sanitary condition and on their relief location. The pollution of hydrological bore holes water was lower than that of the wells. Only the concentration of two elements: Cd and Fe exceeded the MPC. The next (conducted in six years) investigation showed the pollution increase in particular by Na, K, NO3 and heavy metals. The statistical information shows the progress of illness growth in the polluted zone. In the paper proposals for improving the quality of drinkable water are presented.

V. V. Kotsur
SULPHATIC CONTAMINATION OF UNDERGROUND WATERS OF THE ACTIVE WATER EXCHANGE ZONE WITHIN THE TERRITORY OF GOMEL CHEMICAL PLANT HYDROGEOLOGICAL IMPACT. pp. 22-39

Summary: The paper presents some results of many-year monitoring of hydrogeological conditions in the active water exchange zone that was carried out on the territory of Gomel chemical plant hydrogeological impact. The principal objects of this study were regularities of sulphates' migration, their transportation forms as well as patterns of underground waters` saturation with gypsum. It has been shown that in natural conditions the following factors influence sulphates` migration and the composition of migratory forms: intensity of technogenic pressure, genetic types of filtering sediments, underground water levels and hydraulic exchange between surface and underground waters. Under rather long and steady impact of technogenic factor, layers in Quaternary deposits became gypsum-logged, therefore upper aquifers are in balance with firm phase by gypsum. Scarcely permeable sandy-loamy layers of the Dnieper horizon, which form regional aquifuge, detain sulphates badly. The detaining capability does not depend on the layer depth, it depends only on the content of clay fraction, which determines colloidal characteristics of layers. The experiments showed up that the migration of sulphates in sandy-loamy layers depends on their concentration in cavernous waters as well as on the intensity of infiltration. The uniformity of the resulting curves for sulphates and chlorides indicates their low imbibition by these layers. The study of sulphates spreading by lateral filtration flow showed effective concentration lowering through filtration, decrease of saturation with gypsum and increase of free SO42- ions in the balance of migratory forms. This research enables to forecast future advancement of mineralized sulphatic water intrusions into the depth of the active water exchange zone on the territory of Gomel chemical plant hydrogeological impact.

Biological Resources

Summary: While performing the project, estimation technique of measures for the removal of windfall effects was tested. This method can also be used for other natural disasters influencing forestry. The essence of the method consists in drawing up an imitating model reflecting the system of forestry and wood industry of the region. The basic script is then formed (realization of the model with the assumption of no measures smoothing the influence of natural disasters on forest economic system). Subsequent scripts characterize diversity and intensity of measures and are compared to the basic script. It enables to get a quantitative estimate of these measures efficiency. Also, it is necessary to note one more technique that enables to form macroeconomic models successfully: the assumption that flexibility of the offer and demand is equal to +1 and -1. If necessary, it is possible then to proceed to assumption that flexibility is equal to other values and estimate how it influences the economic situation. As a result, one can get an additional number of scripts describing macroeconomic environment. This technique is especially important for the CIS countries where there is no required statistics for definition of the appropriate dependencies.

O. V. Morozov
REGENERATION CAPABILITY OF ORDINARY RED BILBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) WHEN USING IT'S OVERGROWTH AS RAW MATERIAL. pp. 44-51

Summary: The paper presents some investigation results of red bilberry overground phytomass regeneration after complete cutting of partial bushes. The importance of the study is due to the increasing necessity of industrial storing up plant raw material of red bilberry ordinary and is based on the principle of continuous and inexhaustible use of the forest. Experimental objects were located in the subzone of oak-darkneedle trees (West-Dwinsk geobotany district, Rossony forestry), hornbeam-oak-darkneedle trees (Nemansko-Predpolessky geobotany district, Negorelsky experimental forestry) and wide-leaf-pine trees (Bugsko-Polessky geobotany district, Gantsevichy forestry), in pines forests with red bilberry moss, red bilberry-bilberry and bilberry associations with different taxation characteristics. The collection of plant mass was carried out in two steps: before active vegetation (first decade of May) and at the end of vegetation (the first decade of September). The results of the study showed that the wild grown bilberry in Belarus has sufficiently well expressed capability to regenerate overground phytomass after cutting. Depending on geobotanical conditions, location, period of time required for achieving the initial size is from 3 to 4 years. The process of regeneration is more successful in red bilberry moss association of the subzone of oak-darkneedle forests. Such conditions are the most favourable for red bilberry in Belarus, and during three years phytomass increases by 12,8% in comparison with the initial. In red bilberry-bilberry association of the mentioned subzone, as well as in red bilberry moss association, hornbeam-oak-darkneedle forests during the similar period the mass of berry trees only reaches the initial condition. In subzone wide leafed pine forests during three years the overgrowth of berry trees in none of ecotops reaches the initial parameters. The analysis of its renewal shows - in these conditions this will require four years. With removal from phytocentral optimum, in red bilberry and bilberry associations the intensity of the renewal process of red bilberry plants decreases. Storing up in spring, before vegetation, more effectively influences the renewal of plants than in autumn. Cutting of plants facilitates its rejuvenation that can be used for creation of red bilberry semiculture.

Nature Management

Summary: The objective of this review is to acquaint scientists, hydraulic and mechanical engineers with the present state of investigation of physical properties and flow of aqueous solutions in frozen grounds affected by pressure and temperature gradients. At first, thermodynamic basis of the process of mass transfer in frozen zone is considered, and namely the process of thermal crystallisation flow of non-freezing water directed to the cold side. The rate of the flow is determined by the heat of ice melting, and by hydrodynamic resistance of non-freezing communications in a porous body. Then, the results of experimental study of thermal crystallisation flow through thin non-freezing channels between ice and bulk liquid water are systematically considered. For this purpose, model systems with well-known structure were used. This enables to verify the correctness of the developed theoretical approach. Then, the results of measurements of non-freezing interlayer thickness obtained using different methods (calorimetry, dilatometry and KMR) are presented and analysed. Non-freezing layers are formed between ice and solid walls of capillaries and silica particles. Mean thickness value ranges from 1...2 nm (at -10 °C) to 30...40 nm, at -0,2 °C. It has been shown, that for such interlayer the concept of disjoining pressure may be applied. For determination of the disjoining pressure isotherms, the dependencies of interlayer thickness on the external pressure applied to ice phase were used. The results obtained have shown that both non-freezing interlayer thickness and stability are determined mainly by the action of structural forces. Electrostatic forces give much lower contribution to the disjoining pressure. The disjoining pressure acting in the non-freezing interlayer between ice and surface of pores causes mechanical stresses in the skeleton of the ground. This may result in the formation of local defects in porous structure and even frost heaving. As an example, calculation results of water transfer rates are presented taking into account the increased values of water viscosity. These values were assessed using the motion rate of an ice column in a cylindrical capillary under pressure gradients. When considering mass transfer of a dissolved substance in the frozen ground, apart from convection flow the influence of osmotic pressure gradient and diffusion of substances (electrolyte and radionuclide) were taken into account. From this standpoint stationary state of the frozen ground was analysed, when thermal transfer is balanced by convection counter flow under the action of disjoining pressure. When stationary state is violated, for instance, by cooling the upper layer of the ground, concentration of dissolved species increases due to the transition of some water into ice. Similarly if the temperature of the upper ground layer rises, concentration of a solute decreases as a result of partial melting of ice. Redistribution of the dissolved components inside the layer of the ground is considered in dependence on the temperature changes. Rates of relaxation to the new stationary state of the frozen ground depend not only on the rates of mass transfer but also on the thermal conductivity of the ground that will require a solution of interrelated equations of thermal- and mass transfer. In case of weak grounds (for instance peat deposits), the problem becomes much more complicated, because viscoelastic deformation and local rheological properties must be supplementary taken into account.

A. N. Rachevski, G. A.Zhaleiko, A. V. Yakovenko, V. M. Burak, E. P. Burkо
ENVIRONMENT INFORMATION COLLECTION TECHNOLOGIES AND CREATION OF THE DATA BASES. pp. 77-81

Summary: Ecology occupies an important place among other fields of research. This science has a great potential to define further steps for the transition to sustainable development model, to conserve nature and resources, the environment for the living and future generations. Since 1996 scientists of the Belarusian Research Center "Ecology" have been studying the information on scientific and research developments, creating an integrated model of data base creation based on branch and government programs, separate projects and agreements implemented in the Republic of Belarus. Two databases are already completed (Environment and Nature Protection Technologies). The data base on technologies contains all the rich and diverse information on gas and air cleaning, waste handling and utilization representing the waste nomenclature as wide as possible. The information marketing studies are carried out concerning the demand on some types of it (waste producing and utilization, the information products consumption spheres. Environmental soft and non-waste and resource saving technologies are paid most attention. The base contains more than 2000 technologies. There is no other similar database in the Republic of Belarus for the time being. This information is of great interest for foreign users. But before the start of data exchange, the structure of similar databases of other countries should be studied. Planning the information for mutual exchange, it is necessary to connect it with national problems, their solution and other development priorities of the country and national features. Handling of this information will help other countries to better understand joint activity advantages, to develop environmental protection strategies and those of rational nature use. As to the financial matters, two- or multilateral projects intended to create and perfect environmental systems will be more appropriate. Organizations implementing environmental projects should provide complex information, i.e. it will be necessary to find a balance between common and specific aims for the future environmental protection systems.

I.G. Tanovitsky, T.V. Selivonchik, V.V. Smirnova, S.G. Belenky, V.A. Rakovich, N.V. Molokova
POSSIBILITIES OF USE OF WORKED OUT PEAT DEPOSITS IN VIEW OF NATURE PROTECTION. pp. 82-88

Summary: At present the area of worked out peat deposits in the republic makes 318,500 hа. Each year this area grows. Taking into account the ecological significance of anthropogenically disturbed peat deposits( it is expedient to restore some of them by repeated bogging up so as to make them fulfil their biospheric functions. Therefore the authors consider recultivation to be of prime importance. Another way of using worked out areas is agricultural. The third direction of use is forestry. Other directions of target use, such as fish farming, hydroeconomy, recreation, building, etc., should be substantiated in the design documentation for the construction of a specific object. Objectives of recultivation of peat deposits should be developed in view of nature protection. The parameters of criteria are offered which are subdivided into obligatory and recommended. Geomorphological conditions of peat deposit bedding and its hydrological state are considered to be obligatory ones. Other parameters, for example, the time past after the end of production, industrial use of peat deposits, the rate of aforestation of the area are of recommended character when choosing the direction of use.

А. V. Neverov, O. V. Redkovskaya, D. A. Neverov
ECONOMIC ESTIMATION OF BIODIVERSITY OF SPECIALLY PROTECTED NATURAL AREAS OF BELARUS. pp. 89-96

Summary: The problems of economic estimation of biodiversity of Belarusian specially protected natural territories (SPNA) are investigated. The basic concepts of economic estimation of natural resources and their application to nature biodiversity are considered. As a theoretical basis for the development of the economic estimation of nature biodiversity the concept of alternative cost of nature conservation is offered. It is shown that the concept of the alternative cost integrating expense and rental approach to the economic estimation of natural resources is more appropriate for the economic relations of sustainable nature management , strengthening their ecological orientation. In the offered technique of the economic estimation of biodiversity based on concept of the alternative cost, environment-forming value of natural resources SPNA is determined by their possible operational value. The latter is estimated on the basis of discount value of the economic (differential) rent. Alternative products of nature management for different ecosystems of SPNA are the following: forest ecosystems - saw-timber; water ecosystems - drinking water; meadow and marsh ecosystems - grain (wheat). Economic estimation ofbiodiversity includes estimation of primary and secondary product of ecosystems. The primary product is ecosystem's producing capacity. The secondary product is created as a result of destruction of some primary product by animals reducents. The method has been tested on the example of Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve.

S. Golovaty, S. Savchenko, T. Belenkaya
THE ROLE OF HUMUS ACIDES IN THE ACCUMULATION OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN THE FLOODPLAIN SOILS. pp. 97-101

Summary: The estimation of the trace element content in soils is important for the geochemical characteristic of the ecosystem state as a whole. The purpose of the study is the establishment of humic and fulvoacid role in concentration of Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Co, Ni in floodplain soils of the natural and contaminated areas. The investigation was conducted in two sites near rivers, located in the central part of Belarus. Technogeochemical load affecting these sites was different. The background study site is the Beresina River in the Beresinski Bioshere Reserve, where floodplain ecosystems are in the natural non-disturbed conditions. The second study site is Svisloch River downstream industrial centre of Minsk, where floodplain soils are severely contaminated by heavy metals. Under contamination the marked growth of trace element concentrations due to fulvoacids is observed. With the increase of the total content of Cu by 26 times, Cr - 21, Ni - 8, Zn - 5, Pb - 1,6 times compared to the Beresina River the increase of trace element concentrations in fulvoacids is much higher and makes up on the average for Cu - 69, Cr - 50, Ni - 72, Zn - 14, Pb - 3. The role of humic acids in contaminants accumulation is not significant. However absolute contents of heavy metals in these acids are also higher for the contaminated soils. In metal contaminated floodplain soil is marked not only increase of the absolute contents of trace elements, bound with humic and fulvoacids, but there is also a change of their quantitative distribution between the given acid groups. If in natural landscapes these differences on the average makes for Zn 1 :10, for soils of the Svisloch River they reach 1 : 36, for Cu - 1 : 7.2 and 1 : 8,8; Pb - 1 : 49 and 1 : 4,4; Cd 1 : 11 and 1 : 27; Cr 1 : 4 and 1 : 2,7; Co 1 : 11 and 1 : 70; Ni 1 : 1,8 and 1 : 4,6 accordingly. Thus, soil humic substance is capable to concentrate a significant amount of trace elements. The dominating role in accumulation of contaminants belongs to fulvoacids. Therefore analysis of heavy metal content in fulvoacids is more effective for monitoring and pollution control. in soils of the Svisloch River.

A. S. Timofeyev
RADIOECOLOGICAL SITUATION DEVELOPMENT FORECAST WITH APPLICATION OF GEOINFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES. pp. 102-111

Summary: Geoinformation technology is considered to be the most appropriate instrument for the solution of the problems related to the population residence and agricultural production in the areas contaminated with radionuclides, as well as for making a prognosis of radioecological situation change there. The radioecological situation of the area is described by such parameters as geographical position, density rate of the area contamination, agricultural product contamination by radionuclides, radionuclide transfer factors in a chain soil - plant - man, radiation stress on the population living in contaminated areas. In order to forecast ¹³⁷Cs contamination density, an empirical formula was used that excludes ¹³⁴Cs contribution to the value of aggregate contamination density. Using the data available (about 2000 values) and the above-mentioned method a map of contamination density of Narovlya area in 2000 was built. Electronic topographic and soil maps built by GIS software were used to calculate specific activity of milk produced in private farms. A special program was developed for calculation of different soil types area in 3-kilometer radius zone from the center of Narovlya settlement. The soils were grouped together by basic types. The formula for calculation of activity includes averaged factor of contamination transfer from soil to plant in the neighborhood of the settlement and contamination density in the settlement. This formula was also used for evaluation of milk specific activity in collective farms. However, for evaluation of averaged value of transfer factors the electronic maps were used with field geometry, information on their use, the field areas and other data. One of the objective estimates of contamination rate is annual aggregate dose rate obtained by the population. Using above-mentioned procedures and methods, a prognosis was made of an aggregate annual dose rate for the population living in contaminated areas of Narovlya district for the year 2010. GIS-technologies enable to solve complex problems with minimum expenses related to the population residence and agricultural production in the areas contaminated with radionuclides. GIS helps to make calculations of deposition levels in contaminated areas, specific activity of agricultural produce, as well as evaluate the dose rate for the population. Calculation results are presented in a convenient form for visual estimation of modeling results and for further decision making.

A. P. Goosev
INDICATORS OF FOREST LANDSCAPE TRANSFORMATION IN ZONES WITH CHEMICAL POLLUTION OF THE ATMOSPHERE. pp. 112-116

Summary: The paper shows the way forest landscape is transformed. under the influence of atmospheric pollution. We attempted to estimate the rate of pollution of pine forest ecosystems depending on the distance from the emission source (Gomel chemical plant). In this article new approaches of indication (compositional analysis) are considered. The results obtained permit to pick out components of landscape, which have priority indication significance for the estimation of the environment contamination levels. As a result of the study of pine forest ecosystems, different components (stand, growth, grass stratum, depth of letter layer, epiphytic lichens, etc.) have been distinguished. The study of individual reactions of various plant species and communities on the anthropogenic impact showed that they could differ. Some correlation was found between the distance from discharge sources and diversity of vegetation, projection coverage of plant species, depth of letter layer, etc.). These indicators can be used for estimation of chemical pollution of the atmosphere and the environment.

Protected Territories

Summary: After the Chernobyl accident, the problem of possible rehabilitation of radiocontaminated areas is urgent for Russia, the Ukraine and especially for Belarus. Therefore the peculiarities of radionuclide accumulation by different plant species depending on climatic and other factors attracts attention. The study was carried out in 1998-1999 in Mozyr - Bragin - Khoiniki area of PSRR on various sites which were located near evacuated villages and differed by the type and mechanical composition of soils, landscape conditions and radionuclide concentration. It has been found that according to average values of plant accumulation factors (ca, ratio of specific activities of phytomass and soil - SAph, bq/kg and SAs, bq/kg) of cesium-137 their habitats are arranged in the following way: glade and birch grove (Ca = 0,194) > glade and pine grove (0,148) > dry meadow, podzol soil (0,106) > lowland meadow, glay soil (0,021) > layland, sandy soil (0,018) > layland, sandy loam soil (0,012). It has been also shown that the species with creeping rootstock have higher ca of ¹³⁷Cs as compared to species with filaceous and main root systems. The conclusion has been made about the isolation of species with creeping rootstock into a separate third group. The obtained results are to be taken into account in decision making about the use of medicinal raw materials and food stock produced in radiocontaminated lands.

B. P. Vlasov, G. S. Gigevich, G. V. Dudko, J. P. Kachkov, G. V. Vynaev, T. V. Arkhipenko
NATURAL COMPLEX OF LANDSCAPE RESERVУ "SVEETYAZ": PRESENT STATE, PROSPECTS OF PROTECTION AND PROBLEMS OF USE. pp. 126-133

Summary: Landscape reserve "Sveetyaz" that is ofrepublican importance, including the lake Sveetyaz and adjancent forest areas, was created to protect a unique natural complex having great scientific and cultural-aesthetic value. The territory of the landscape reserve "Sveetyaz" is chracterised by significant biological and landscape variety. About 40 types of soil, 27 types of wood, 15 species of rare plants and 7 species of rare animals that are included in to the Red Book of Belarus are found here. It has been established, that during 30 years of the landscape reserve "Sveetiyaz" existence ecosystem of the lake and territory around it degraded considerably. The absence of practical protection measures and uncontrollable recreational stress have caused intensive pollution of water that has resulted in decrease of its quality. A complex of measures on protection and rational use of naturallandscape reserve "Sveetyaz" is offered.

Scientific Communications

Summary: This article deals with the outcomes of a recreational estimation of a water area of lakes of Republic Belarus. Estimation was been maked on the bases of conceptual model of recreational usage of lakes and the system of four groups of target yardsticks and indexs, designed in view of modern of structure of rest and specificity of radiological, toxicological, microbiological pollution of aqueous objects of republic. In outcome are detected problems the factors for concrete sorts of rest on lakes, that will allow the organizers of recreational activity on aqueous objects in time to accept indispensable standards on adjustment of pattern of their recreational usage with the purposes of a safety of rest and conservation of aqueous ecosystems.

A. R. Tsyganov, T. F. Persikova, A. V. Kakshintsev
GRAIN YIELD FORMATION AND PHOTOSYNTHESIS PRODUCTIVITY OF BLUE LUPINE WHILE APPLYING BACTERIAL PREPARATIONS AND MINERAL FERTILIZERS. pp. 137-140

Summary: The results of the two-year research are given. The research was carried out in the experimental field of the Belarusian State Agricultural Academy in 1999-2000 to study grain productivity and photosynthesis activity of the blue lupine while applying resource and ecology saving technologies: simbiotic and associative preparations, phosphate mobilizing bacteria and local application of mineral fertilizers. It was shown, that the application of the bacterial preparation - sapronit, sapronit+risobacterin - facilitates the leaf surface increase to 30 080...42 000 m2/ha, raises grain yield by 3,9...5,8 cwt/ha and grain index frow 0,26 to 0,33. Local phosphorous-potassium fertilizer application at the rate Р30К60 provides yield increase by 2,3...2,4 cwt/ha, increases leaf surface to 39 100...43 000 m2/ha and grain rate in the total biological yield to 0,31. The rate increase frow Р30К60 to Р60К90, in spite of good parameters of photosynthetic activity, at the given fertility level doesn't result in obtaining additional yield and reduces grain index to 0,21 because of the changes in assimilant use direction.