Natural Resources, 2004, No.1

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 1; 2004

CONTENTS

Climatic Resources

Summary: Correlation, regression and factor analysis of the statistical data on productivity of agricultural crops and meteorological indices (average monthly temperature and precipitation rate) has been carried out. Main crops have been considered: winter wheat, rye, oats, spring barley, sugar beet, potato, flax, silage corn. The data have been analyzed within 40 years (1960-2000). Using a regression analysis, linear models of relationships between variables have been found, statistically valid links of crops yield capacity with meteorological indices of specific months have been revealed. In the course of correlation analysis availability and strength of links between the studied variables have been stated. The factor analysis made it possible to single out and qualitatively characterize complex factors influencing crop yields. In the process of regression analysis the dependence of winter wheat yield on February - March temperature has been revealed, and that of winter rye - on January - March temperature. The yield of the springs (oats and barley) depends on June temperature, as well as June and August precipitation amount. Potato yield depends on the average July temperature. The precipitation rate in June affects corn yield and the volume of rains in August - flax yield. Based on the results of the factor analysis for the period from January to April three factors have been singled out: 1-t - "corn", 2-d - "sugar beet", 3-rd - "potato". A factor is a complex of temperature conditions and precipitation rate, which are most closely related to the yield of a specific crop. Factors are called in accordance with the above mentioned names. Four factors were similarly determined in May: 1-t - "corn", 2-d - "sugar beet", 3-rd - "potato", 4-th - "precipitation factor". Same factors were defined in summer period too. Two factors were determined in September -December: 1-t -"precipitation factor", 2-d - a complex "the winter crops "factor. Each factor selective influence on the crops productivity has been assessed.

Water Resources

Summary: Water is a valuable resource that is utilized every day. Polluted water can be very dangerous for human health and cases of serious diseases are often associated with it. Waterborne illnesses caused by various bacteria and viruses usually occur as a result of inadequately treated drinking water, insufficient quality of water in water objects and sources for their use. Human symptoms of waterborne illnesses range from fever and malaise to serious gastro-intestinal symptoms. Chemical contaminants with cumulative toxic properties, such as lead from water pipes, nitrates and chlorides from agricultural and natural contaminants such as arsenic and etc. are also a concern to researchers. In the past, the transmission of many infectious diseases was associated with drinking contaminated water. In the modern world waterborne diseases still frequently take place, though they are less distributed, than illnesses connected, for example, with the use of polluted or non-qualitative food. A connection between the use of insufficient quality drinking water and cases of diseases of a digestive path, cardiovascular and central nervous systems, cancer diseases has been established. The number of outbreaks can be reduced by improving wastewater disposal practice and through proper treatment and control of water supplies. The use of chlorine and iodine, major means of disinfecting drinking water in the world practice, might also cause waterborne diseases. The reasons of water contamination by heavy metals have also been considered. Special emphasis is given to studying contamination of water by nitrates. For territory of Belarus their behavior in a vertical cut of ground waters of Quaternary deposits is investigated. The connection of distribution of nitrate-ion with depth in ground waters caused by natural factors, and its impact on the chemical structure of fresh ground waters has been established.

Biological Resources

Summary: The data on growth and development of wood seed renewal in experiment pine cultures with planting density of 500, 1 000, 2 000 and 7 000 plants per hа are given. It is marked that increasing planting density promotes sharp increase in mortality. So, by the age of 20 years the amount of trees in case of planting density 7 thousand tree per ha decreases three times, and in plantations with density of one thousand trees per hа - by 34%. The density of trees in mossy-cowberry and cowberry-heather sites renders great influence on self-sowing of pines, the amount of which in rare plantations in comparison with dense ones increases 12...20 times. It is emphasized, that pine self-sowing is distributed on the area regularly, but the increase of its number is observed on mineralized plantations after processing by plough PKL-70. However, natural renewal compares unfavorably with cultivated wood plants by intensity of growth. So, at the density of 7 thousand plants per hа, the average diameter of pine self-sowing is twice lower than in cultivated largest trees. It is related with the age of plants of natural origin. The figures of their growth are lower. Other results are received for planting density of 1 000 and 500 plants per hа, where the amount of naturally renewed pines is 3...6 times higher than the number of the trees of artificial origin. By average diameter the largest wood plants from pine self-sowing there have the results in comparison to the same trees in plantations only 15...18% lower despite the distinctions in the age. It is possible to explain this by better hereditary properties of natural renewal trees formed due to mass selection of seeds in bumper-crop years. The conclusion is made that the natural renewal of pines in mossy-cowberry and cowberry-heather sites gives quite satisfactory results and it is possible to achieve essential economy of material and labor expenses. It is suggested to remove bureaucratic border between natural and artificial reforestation and to give the right to choose renewal method to the forester who in any particular case can use most rationally the natural forces for creation of highly productive and ecologically steady stands.

Mineral Resources

Summary: Mineral resources reserves in the Republic of Belarus have been preliminarily estimated. Five groups of mineral resources according to the degree of their examination and industrial exploration have been singled out. The raw-material base of the country is not capable to meet current and prospective demands of the national economy in many sorts of mineral resources. The world tendencies of mineral resources markets have been studied taking into account intensive globalization processes. The comparative analysis conducted by specialists shows that the Republic of Belarus according to its mineral resources reserves belongs to countries with import-depending model of development which weakens the state economy and thus threatens the national security. The general strategy directed to meet the needs of the national economy should be based on the concept of governmental policy in the regulation of mineral resources reserves. The main tendencies should be the following: complex evaluation of current and prospective demands in mineral resources products, intensive development of Belarusian mineral resources base, intensive integration of the republic into the world system of mineral resources markets, development of the national mineral security indices, measures of governmental support and the pattern of the balanced mineral resources maintenance of the state.

Nature Management

Summary: The results are given of implementation of four State scientific and technical programs: "Scientific provision of the republican complex program of environmental protection for 1991-1995 years"; "Development of the strategy of rational use of nature and environmental protection, assessment of the state of environmental components and forecast of their change and use"; "Development of the system of rational use of nature for ensuring sustainable development of the Republic of Belarus"; "Assessment of the influence of economic activities on the environment, development of the forecast of its change till 2010 and a set of measures in order to ensure ecological safety of the Republic of Belarus". The results of the programs related to investigation, normatization, utilization and use of wastes can de divided in two large blocks: creation of legistative documentation, waste utilization and its secondary use.

O. V. Lukashev, V. V. Savchenko, I. I. Kasyanenko, S. V. Savchenko
MODERN ESTIMATION OF ECOLOGO-GEOCHEMICAL CONDITION OF SOILS AND PLANTS IN TERRITORY OF THE NATIONAL PARK "BRASLAV LAKES". pp. 63-70

Summary: For investigation of the processes of environment technogenic pollution it is necessary to know of background values of the basic geochemical parameters describing ecological state of its components. In this connection it is necessary to conduct ecological-geochemical examination of reserves and specially protected territories. In the north of Belarus such a territory is the national park "Braslav lakes". The field works were carried in the summer period of 1999-2000 on the whole territory of the national park on a network of approbation 2ґ2 kms with binding to quarter division. Samples of surface soil (0...10 sm) and coniferous trees (Pinus sylvestris L.) were collected. Constant test sites for monitoring were also created. They represent typical for the park natural complexes within the limits of elementary geochemical landscapes where approbation of soils and plants was also carried out. As result of landscape-geochemical study of the national park "Braslav lakes", the background parameters have been received and the laws of spatial distribution of the total contents of B, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Zr, Mo, Cd, Ba, Pb and mobile forms of (1M HCl) Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb in soils have been investigated. Also, concentrations of B, P, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Mo, Cd, Ba, Pb in dominant kinds of vegetation have been investigated. The investigation results show that now on the territory of the national park there are no steadily-expressed geochemical anomalies of the total contents and mobile forms of chemical elements, which confirms background landscape-geochemical conditions of this territory and background character of the established laws and parameters, and also testifies to absence local technogenic sources of pollution. The revealed zone natural distinctions (from the north to the south) in concentrations of the majority of chemical elements in soil cover and vegetation of the national park are caused by the change of landscape structure of the territory. The received materials on the ecological-geochemical characteristic of soils and dominant vegetation kinds of the park form the basis for the subsequent background monitoring of surface ecosystems of the Northern part of Belarus.

A. A. Shvetsov, T. N. Kozlovskaya
PROBLEMS OF RATIONAL NATURE MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ON PAGES OF THE INTERDEPARTMENTAL BULLETIN "NATURAL RESOURCES". pp. 71-78

Summary: The analysis of the papers published in the interdepartmental bulletin "Natural resources" during 2001-2003 has been conducted to assess the quantitative contribution of Belarusian scientists and experts into the study of natural resources and environmental protection. The choice of the information source is determined by the fact that this periodical provides most comprehensive coverage of the subject and is open for all authors. 312 papers written by Belarusian authors with the total volume of 1 783 pages have been analysed. To assess the contribution of different institutions, the publications were divided into three main groups: the papers presented by the institutes of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, those of branch establishments (including those of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection) and papers presented by higher educational institutions of the country. The results of the quantitative analysis are given in the form of diagrams. Figure 1 shows the relationship of articles on the basic thematic sections. Figure 2 gives the ratio of articles on different categories of natural resources. The relationship of articles on different thematic categories in the section on nature management is given in Figure 3. The ratio of articles in the field of environment pollution is shown in Figure 4. The ratio of articles devoted to investigation of other impacts is presented in Figure 5. The number of publications of research structures of different departmental subordination is given in Figure 6. The structure of interests and activity of research institutions of different departmental subordination on the basic categories is shown in Figure 7. The structure of interests and activity of research institutions of different departmental subordination on the basic kinds of natural resources is given in Figure 8. The structure of interests and activity of research institutions of different departmental subordination in nature management area is shown in Figure 9. The structure of interests and activity of research institutions of different departmental subordination in the field of environment pollution is given in Figure 10. The structure of interests and activity of research institutions of different departmental subordination in the field of other anthropogenic impacts is presented in Figure 11. Apparently, the existing rate of differentiation and specialisation of activity in this field is inadequate for effective solution of the tasks set to scientists in conditions of limited resources. One can see duplication of efforts in some areas and lack of interest to the others. In particular, inadequate attention is paid to practical issues which are supposed to be examined in the first place. The reasons of these drawbacks are obviously objective. They are caused by the low level of general theoretical developments specific for this branch of science both on the national and international levels.

S. V. Kakareka, T. I. Kukharchyk
ASSESSMENT OF DIOXIN/FURAN EMISSION ON THE TERRITORY OF BELARUS. pp. 79-86

Summary: In the paper sources of dioxin/furan emission on the territory of Belarus are analyzed. Procedure and results of emission estimation on the basis of EMEP methodology are described. The methodology is based on emission factors application together with production statistics. According to estimates total emission of dioxin/furan from sources on the territory of Belarus can reach 22,6 g I-TEQ (by the activity level of 2001). Main sources are thermal processes: solid fuel combustion in domestic sector, industrial wastes burning, electrical steel smelting. Some other processes with chlorine participation can act as dioxin/furan sources, for instance, water chlorination, as well as products with dioxin/furan impurities (pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls), but input of such sources in total contamination can be now assessed only qualitatively. Comparison with dioxin/furan emission levels in other European countries was done. By the estimates in transboundary context Belarus is not a large source of dioxin/furan emission. This is stipulated by the fact that there are no such source with high content of dioxins in emission as sintering, municipal wastes burning, secondary non-ferrous industry. But this do not mean that there is no necessity to pay considerable attention onto potential sources of dioxin/furan emission and their instrumental testing. It is shown that methodology used is applicable generally for identification of potential dioxin/furan emission sources and can't fill gaps stipulated by lack of knowledge on experimentally determined levels of dioxin/furan in emission, as well as in environment, waters, food, products.

L. M. Sapegin, N. M. Daineko, S. V. Zhadko
TECHNOGENIC POLLUTION OF WATER AND MEADOW PLANTS IN THE VALLEY OF THE RIVER DNIEPER AT CITIES ZHLOBIN AND RECHITSA. pp. 87-99

Summary: The authors carried out the syntaxonomy of plant life on the basis of field studies of water, bank and meadow plants in the valley of the river Dnieper near big industrial centres Zhlobin and Rechitsa. It has been founded out that the industrial enterprises of Zhlobin and Rechitsa pollute soil and water with their waste water containing easily oxidized organic compounds, oil products, phosphates, iron and microelements. Water, bank and meadow plants in the valley of the river Dnieper play important role in the process of self-purification of the basin of the Dnieper in industrial area. In self-purification the most important role belongs to such plants, as Lemna minor, Elodea canadensis, Butomus umbellatus, Sagittaria sagittifolia. Among meadow plants the accumulation goes faster in Glyceria maxima, Equisetum fluviatile, Rorippa palustris, etc.

L. S. Lis
HEALTH OF THE RESIDING POPULATION AND ECOLOGICAL STATE OF THE TERRITORY. pp. 100-113

Summary: The article deals with the solution of the task of finding complex indices interrelations of the ecological territory state and of the residing population health (morbidity) characteristics. Graphical models of index dynamics of nature-ecological potential and its elements are provided for 3 administrative districts of Brest region: forest and mire tracts of land, natural meadows, surface water sites, and also technological loads indices: industrial, agricultural, transport and demographical. The variation character analysis of the enlisted indices for the period of 1980-2000 has been done and possible explanations of the revealed peculiarities have been expressed. The solution of the task set has been realized by means of calculation of interrelation functions of time series couples, consisting of ecological state indices and morbidity characteristics. The analysis of the results obtained enabled to reveal the existence of true correlation links between the analyzed indices of various time intervals (lags). Both a positive group of ecological state indices (nature-ecological potential) and a negative one (technogenic loads) have been found to be significant factors in the residing population health formation; and for adults and children this impact start occurs in various time gaps. For adults the first group time lag is 6...8 years, for the second - 2...4 years; and it is 4...5 years and 1...2 years for kids, respectively. As for infectious respiratory diseases and tuberculosis, a comparatively more close correlation link with technogenic loads parameters has been found (the correlation coefficient values are higher), especially for Brest region with high rural population share. The results obtained testify to the stability of mutual impact of complex indices of the ecological territory state on the residing population health.

D. G. Grummo, N. A. Zelenkevich, I. V. Bernyakovich
PHYTOINDICATION OF HEAVY METALS DISPERSION IN THE IMPACT ZONE OF LARGE-SCALE INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES IN MOGILYOV. pp. 114-123

Summary: The zone of industrial emission of Mogilyov factories has been investigated. Methodical approaches and the results of biogeochemical pollution of this zone by heavy metals are presented in the article. Accumulation of 15 most dangerous technogenic pollutants by some components of biota has been investigated. As a result, the scale of quantitative estimate of pollutants content in bioindicators is proposed. Environment condition in 25 km zone around Mogilyov is analyzed by means of lichen indication. Clear correlation between chemical composition of test-plots and the distance from the pollution source is shown. The zone of most metal containing emissions is located mainly within the radius of 3 km. Extension of this zone increases and reaches 10...15 km in the directions of prevailing winds. Cadmium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, vanadium, titanium and tungsten are considered as the main metal pollutants.

Scientific Communications

Summary: Mathematical basis, data provision and software have been developed for the prognosis estimation of mineral water soluble pollutants of the environment considering vertical and horizontal migration, surface flows and formation of hydrothermal regime of the ground active stratum. It was realized for the Republican unitary enterprise "Production Amalgamation "Belaruskali".

S. V. Kakareka, T. I. Kukharchyk, V. S. Khomich
METHODOLOGICAL PROVISION OF HEAVY METALS AND PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS EMISSION WITH THE APPLICATION OF EMISSION FACTORS. pp. 126-129

Summary: The ways of improving the procedures of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) inventory are discussed in the paper. Methodological principles of emission estimation using the emission factors are given. The structure and content of Methodological recommendations on identification and estimation of sources of heavy metals and POPs emission, elaborated in the framework of the task within the State Scientific-Technical Programme "Ecological Safety" are described. These recommendations are aimed at emission estimation on different spatial and source categories levels.

N. F. Farino, T. N. Grushkovskaja
THE INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON CHILDREN'S HEALTH IN MINSK. pp. 129-131

Summary: The environmental risk factors and their contribution to deterioration of children health have been studied. Great influence of environmental factors on the children disease level in Minsk has been determined. The normative documents providing unification of the approaches to social and hygienic monitoring of children health have been worked out.

V. V. Shevlyakov
ESTIMATION OF THE ALLERGIC DANGER LEVEL OF THE INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT AND RISK OF THE PROFESSIONAL ALLERGOZIS FORMATION. pp. 131-133

Summary: The criteria, methodical approaches and principles for the integrated quantitative estimation of the allergic danger level of the workers labor conditions have been developed.

I. V. Arbuzov, S. S. Hudnitsky
INFLUENCE OF LOW-FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD ON THE FORMATION OF DESEASE STRUCTURE. pp. 133-136

Summary: Disease structure of the population living in various conditions of low-frequency electromagnetic radiation is given. The difference between the levels of disease of the population in control and experimental areas is shown.

A. I. Kotelenets, I. S. Poznyak, N. I. Marusich, L. M. Kremko, G. A. Sokolov, J. J. Navosha, E. I. Kolomiets, I. K. Volodko, N. A. Galynskaya, O. V. Shulyakovskaja
METHODS OF HYGIENIC NORMALIZATION OF EXOGENOUS CHEMICALS IN PEAT SOIL. pp. 136-138

Summary: Methodical approaches to hygienic normalization of exogenous chemicals in peat have been developed. Maximum permissible concentrations of cadmium, phenanthrene and Tilt in peat soil have been scientifically substantiated.