Natural Resources, 2004, No.4

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 4; 2004

CONTENTS

Water Resources

Summary: One of parameters of fertility of ground is humidity of a root layer, therefore the estimation of transformation of a water mode mineral soil Belarus is rather actual. We carried out the analysis of time lines of productive watersupplies of 50 cm layer of Belarus mineral soil for the period of 1960 to 2001. The results are presented as maps on the basis of which spatial and time variability productive watersupplies was estimated. The time course of fluctuations productive watersupplies was traced with the help of chronological schedules and differential integrated curves. The quantitative estimation of change of time lines productive was carried out with the help of gradients of linear trends. The analysis of change productive watersupplies shows, that the basic changes occured in the central part of Polesye and the Grodno area where significant growth watersupplies was marked. In the southeast part of Minsk area and the southwest part of Mogilyov area growth watersupplies also was essential. The executed work has allowed to establish existential laws of change watersupplies Belarus for the last 3...4 decades and to describe them with the help of various statistical receptions and methods.

G. I. Sachok, V. F. Ikonnikov
GEO-ECOSYSTEMS HYDROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT. pp. 15-19

Summary: Data and existing evaluation methods were generalized and systematized, a common two-level hydroecological assessment theory of aqueous ecosystems state and transformation as simulation methods was provided. Most developed trends of hydro-ecological estimation as a methodological technology and its results use to a water site were marked; these are ecology-sanitary assessment, water sites hydrobiological assessment, landscape-hydrological assessment of a territory, surface water resource assessment, aimed at water consumption and supply, qualitative and quantitative assessment of anthropogenic load on water sites and landscape water geocomponent. Special attention is paid to the development of water block in information-modelling systems of local and regional levels, this is related to more complicated tasks and intensive development of information technologies, including computation methods and software. The regarded classification of hydro-ecological assessment method reflects their target orientation, hierarchy of water object management and openness.

E. V. Sanets, O. V. Kadatskaya, V. S. Khomich
BEREZINA RIVER SULPHATE FLOW AND ITS ANTHROPOGENIC COMPONENT PART. pp. 20-26

Summary: The results of the investigations of the Berezina river sulphates flow are presented in this article. The dynamic of SO42- flow during the period 1965-2000 and the growth of anthropogenic component part of sulphate flow downstream the Berezina river are considered. The influence of Borisov, Bobrujsk and Svetlogorsk on the volume of sulphate flow are analyzed as well. The method of quantitative estimation was used for the distinguishing of the anthropogenic component part of sulphate flow. According to this method, the alteration of the ratio between hydrocarbonate ions concentration and sulphate ions concentration can be used as an indicator of anthropogenic influence on the chemical composition of river's water. The influence of cities on sulphate flow was analyzed on the basis of calculation of sulphate flow growth after the city and coefficients of geochemical influence which are reflecting the sulphate concentrations growth under the influence of the city. The regional background hydrochemical conditions in Belarus in the second part of the XX century are characterized by smooth increasing of general sulphate flow because of sulphates of anthropogenic genesis. The average value of anthropogenic component part of the Berezina river sulphate flow in background conditions is about 43%. Downstream the river the sulphate flow of anthropogenic genesis is increasing more than 16 times and anthropogenic component part of sulphate flow after Svetlogorsk rises up to 77%. The ratio between sulphates of natural and anthropogenic genesis in the Berezina river flow corresponds to the analogous ratio for rivers over the world. In the lowest stream of the Berezina river this ratio shifts to the prevalence of sulphates of anthropogenic genesis. This is the feature of more significant sulphur loads on the watershed of the Berezina river comparing to the average value for rivers watersheds over the world. Borisov and Bobrujsk do not have significant influence on the Berezina river sulphate flow. Their contributions to the sulphate flow of anthropogenic genesis during the period 1965-2000 were 22 and 4%. Svelogorsk influences the anthropogenic component part of sulphate flow in a large extend. The contribution of this city to the Berezina river sulphate flow of anthropogenic genesis is 48% in average.

N. C. Shevtsova
MODERN STATE AND PROSPECTS OF RECREATIONAL USE OF WATER OBJECTS OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS. pp. 27-31

Summary: The article is devoted to the assessment of modern state and definition of potential opportunities of perspective recreational use of water objects of Belarus. In the article the characteristic is given of the modern recreational infrastructure located along the rivers, lakes and water basins, presented by medical and sports establishments. The results of complex assessment of natural potential of water areas of lakes for contact, contactless and trade kinds of rest, as most perspective reserve of recreational use of reservoirs of Belarus are given. The complex assessment of natural recreational potential of 1500 water areas of lakes was made by a system of target parameters (general, special, specific and individual) and has allowed to reveal rather favorable and unfavorable conditions for some kinds of rest. As a result of complex assessment rather favorable conditions on water areas were found: For bathing depending on a parameter - from 0,5% (on BOD5) up to 68,7% (on the weighed substances); For skin diving - from 14,5% (on a biomass underwater macrophits) up to 68,7% (on the weighed substances); For waterskiing - in 2,5% (on the area of water area); For amateur fishery - from 0,4% (on a biomass phitoplankton) up to 48,1% (on the dissolved oxygen). Favorable recreational potential: For bathing from 36,4% (on bichromat oxidability) up to 95,4% (under the contents of the weighed substances); For skin diving - from 50% (on a biomass underwater macrophits) up to 95,4% (on depth of water area); For waterskiing, sailing courts and yachts - from 4,4% (on the area of water area) up to 92,5% (on depth); For boat racing by boats and kayaks - from 11,6% (on the area of water area) up to 99,6% (on width of a reservoir); For amateur fishery - from 61,3% (on a biomass) up to 99,7% (on a specific variety of ichtiophauna). Limited favorable character of the environment : For bathing and skin diving - at 3,2% of water areas (on the weighed substances) and at 62,9% of reservoirs (on nickel); For boat racing by boats - from 2,1% (on width of water area) up to 12,7% (on depth of a reservoir); For driving on sailing courts and yachts - in 1,9% of lakes (on the area of water area); For waterskiing - at 0,9% of lakes (on the area of a mirror). In the adverse natural recreational potential which is not providing an opportunity of recreational use of water areas of lakes of Belarus: For bathing and skin diving - from 59,1% (on БПК5) up to 60,4% (on a transparency); For waterskiing - from 62,7% (on length of water area) up to 95,6% (on the area); For boat racing by boats - from 67,7% (on length) up to 88,4% (on the area of a mirror); For driving on sailing courts and yachts - in 99,6% of water areas (on the area of a reservoir). The results of complex assessment will allow the state bodies and other subjects of the industry of rest to carry out updating of schemes of spatial - functional accommodation of recreational infrastructure according to the structure of kinds of rest, determined on prospect for the lakes of Belarus.

A. Kalmakova
ANTHROPOGENIC COMPONENT OF ION AND NUTRIENT DISCHARGE AT THE NEMAN DRAINAGE BASIN. pp. 32-40

Summary: The present article is devoted to the evaluation of anthropogenic component of ion and nutrient discharge for the case study of the Neman drainage basin. The anthropogenic ion and nutrient run-off is evaluated for the watercourses, for which the need information exists: r. Servech, Oshmjanka, Naroch, r. Vilija - at Vileyka, Berezina, Cotra, Svisloch, r. Neman - at Stolbtsi and Grodno. The data of hydrochemistry observation period (from 1948 till 2001 year) is analyzed. Anthropogenic components of chlorides, sulphates, sodium, potassium, nitrites, phosphates run-off are evaluated. The dynamics of chemical elements removing for long period is analyzed. The tendency of anthropogenic chemical discharge increasing as a result of human activity is described. The ion and nutrient run-off of rr. Naroch, Cotra, Berezina changed less due to human pressure, than run-off of rr. Oshmjanka, Servech, Svisloch and Neman in the upstream. It is fixed that at modern conditions the pollution load has the main importance in chlorides discharge formation. Anthropogenic components of sulphates, sodium and potassium discharge are equal with the natural ones. At small rivers nitrites are mainly from natural sources, at bigger rivers as Neman and Vilija nitrites have both natural and anthropogenic origin. During the observation period the anthropogenic ions are dominating in phosphates discharge, only the latest years they are decreasing at several watercourses.

V. S. Kovalevsky, M. M. Cherepansky, N. M. Tomina
HYDRO-GEOLOGICAL ESTIMATIONS OF ALLOWABLE MODES AND VOLUMES OF WATER-SELECTION AT SHARING SUPERFICIAL AND UNDERGROUND WATERS. pp. 41-47

Summary: Sharing of superficial and underground waters, under condition of periodic work of the basic and additional water-fences, allows to raise (increase) resource potential of territory and security of natural complexes from negative influence of the concentrated water-selection. The main principle of work of such systems consists in use of underground waters for repayment of deficiencies of a superficial drain in the separate shallow periods. Thus completion of the stocks of underground waters reduced in the shallow period should occur in the subsequent abounding in water period. The satisfaction of these conditions is provided with calculation and the account of time of delay of display of damage to a river drain at water-selection of underground waters which depends first of all on a choice of a site of an additional water-fence, settlement hydro-geological parameters and boundary conditions of interrelation of superficial and underground waters. In this connection there is necessary a comparison of designed dynamics (changes) of damage to an actual hydrographer of a drain with the purpose of a choice of such site of an additional water-fence at which the period of display of damage to a drain would coincide with the abounding in water period of a drain or that possible (probable) damages to a drain in the critical periods when it is inevitable, would not exceed 5...7% from the charge of the river. The example of concrete calculation of a hydrographer of a drain is carried out for the typical small river the Llama located in Moscow suburbs, the minimal monthly average charge of 95% of security makes 1.0 m3/s. At the water-selection equal 0.6 m3/s and accommodation of a water-fence on distance of 400 m from the river, the damage to a drain will begin to be shown only in 47.5 day, i. e. all 13 day prior to the end of selection of water, and will make at this time only 5% from water-selection.

Biological Resources

Summary: Estimation of country biopotential is a pivotal task of nature management. Bogs occupy extensive territory of Belarus, influencing man's life conditions. Therefore, geoecology cousiders urgent issues relating to the development of information-modeling systems, allowing to estimate organic substance stocks of mire ecosystems and their bioproductivity. This article deals with development in the field of structural modeling, used in "Biogeocenosis variety of Belarus" information-modeling system. A simple object is described by one line of symbols (numbers) with strict observance of each position sense, a complex one is designed as a matrix from simple objects stating their weighs in common structure. The object of the research is set functionally, algorithmically. The complex of hierarchical classifiers, appropriate computer means and information provision allows to simulate nature objects with accuracy, acceptable to the research and practical purposes. The model uses the flexible system of parameters. Any terrain in natural object can be viewed as a two-member formation "phytocoenosis - edafotop". The technological solution of the task of formalized representation of a biogeocenosis variety of bog geoecosystems is considered on the example of Berezovsky administrative area. The developed a system of codes for phytocoenosis and edafotops allows to present any natural object as a construction from code coordinates of elements of the lowest classification levels with sufficiently high accuracy of specific bioproduction and chemical parameters.

Ecologically Safe and Resource Saving Technologies

Summary: The research of growing norms of mineral fertilizers application influence on biological activity of soils of different genesis are presented. There were investigated peat soils (on carex and reed peats), organic-mineral and soddy-podzolic sandy loam soils at the use of ammonium nitrate, super phosphate and potassium chloride in quantities of basic elements appropriate to dozes from N30 P22,5 K30 to N600 P450 K600. The obtained results allow with a sufficient measure of validity to note different, depending on dozes of application of mineral fertilizers, their action on biological activity of soils of different genesis and properties. Thus, the stimulating action of small dozes of mineral fertilizers and overwhelming influence of high ones on activity of soil enzymes, total number of microorganisms and producing CO2 by soil and also characteristic changes of microbocenosis structure, connected with increase of mold funguses, actinomycetes and denitrifying bacteria number was traced at the use of their high norms. The range of mineral fertilizers dozes, determining the trend of their action appreciably depended on their kind, genetic properties of soil and contents of organic substance in it.

V. T. Lipik, N. R.. Prokoptchuk
POLYMERIC FRACTION OF BELARUS HOUSEHOLD WASTE. pp. 61-66

Summary: For definition of qualitative and quantitative polymers structure getting on ranges with the household waste the experimental estimation of polymeric fraction in the waste products of Byelorussia which are taken out on ranges during the summer period is made. At performance of researches some ranges in cities with a different population in each region of Belarus it has been surveyed. Sampling was carried out according to a technique authorized by the Ministry of natural resources and preservation of the environment of Belarus. At definition of polymer kind the analysis on marks, on physical and chemical properties and fire method was used. As a result of researches the average quantity of the polymers contained in municipal waste products is established, that, makes 11,75% of weights. At division of polymeric fraction polythene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylchlorid, polyethylentherephtalat, polyuretan, polymethylmetakrilat, rubber and other polymers were allocated with definition of the mass contents. The quantity of each polymer kind in household waste is determined. The average mass quantity of polymers in polymeric fraction has made: polythene - 48,3%, polypropylene - 7,1%, polyvinylchlorid - 4,0%, polystyrene - 6,9%, polyethylentherephtalat - 25,4%, polyuretan - 1,1%, polymethylmetakrilat - 1,1%, rubber - 4,2%, other polymers - 1,9%. Dynamics change of polymeric fraction structure depending on a population of city, month, day of week is investigated. The assumption is confirmed, that with increase of population in city the contents of polymers increases in municipal waste. For cities with a different population the following contents of polymers in household waste have been received: in the city of Minsk - 15,1%; in the regional centers (including Minsk) - 13,22%; in cities with a population of 100-200 thousand person - 11,27%; in cities from 50 up to 100 thousand person - 10,9%; in cities less than 50 thousand person - 9,3%. At calculation of the average contents of polymeric fraction in household waste on regions of Belarus the following results have been received: Brest - 10,6%; Vitebsk - 10,75%; Grodno - 10,73%; Gomel - 9,83%; Minsk - 11,82%; Mogilev - 10,75%. As a result of increase of food waste in the common structure of household waste there is a reduction of relative contents of polymeric fraction on months from June by August. In June the polymeric fraction in household waste made 13,2%; in July - 12,58%; in August - 10,46%. At definition of average value of quantity of polymeric fraction in household waste depending on days of week the following dependence is received: Monday - 10,2%; Tuesday - 10,9%; Wednesday - 12,8%; Thursday - 10,4%; Friday - 9,7%. Results of researches will be applied at calculation of actions on sorting waste products and processing of secondary polymeric raw material.

E. V. Gapanovich V. M., Kraiko
ELECTRIC-CHEMICAL TERTIARY TREATMENT OF THE SEWAGE OF PIGSTY COMPLEX. pp. 67-71

Summary: The article describes the efficiency of electric-chemical application for tertiary sewage treatment of livestock raising complexes from ions of ammonium, phosphate-ions, organic matters in dissolved and colloid states, that allows a repeated cleared waters use for technological needs. To substantiate the creation of local closed technical waters supply system at a livestock raising complex with the use of electric-chemical sewage treatment a comparative analysis of the efficiency of electrolysis process has been carried out at various current density with electrodes of low-carbon steel, aluminum, copper in the course of cleaning from pollutants of organic and non-organic origin, bacterial micro-flora. The investigations were done with beforehand cleaned at the constructions of biological sewage cleaning of the soviet-farm integrated works "Borisovskiy" having a sufficiently high pollution level. The experiment results served as a basis for stage-by-stage treatment of a pigsty complex by electric-chemical method with various kinds of electrode material.

Nature Management

Summary: Scientific approaches to reclamation of surroundings of lake Naroch are considered. An assessment of present environmental state of the lake is given as well as nature conservation measures taken within the lake catchment area in the past. Lack of efficiency of these measures is determined. Priorities in investigations in the field of environmental circumstance reclamation are set up. One of them deals with prevention of water contamination. The next one is related to elimination of nature nidus of infection. The necessity of setting up special scientific council for the operative scientific accompaniment of nature protection measures, which will be realized on the territory of the lake and its basin, is grounded.

V. G. Gusakov
METHODOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGIZATION OF AGRICULTURE. pp. 77-82

Summary: The article is about the interrelation between the agricultural production and the environment. The intensification of agricultural production should not cause any deterioration of the situation with natural recourses. On the contrary it should create conditions for their maintaining, preservation, adequate use and reproduction. One of the main objectives of modern agro-industrial production is to maintain environment properly. However the public does not yet appreciate fully how pressing this objective is. As a result many agricultural production targets are reached at the expense of natural factors or, what's even worse, they cause damage to the environmental balance. A human being can not live and develop in a normal way if the environment is degrading. The deteriorated nature takes vengeance to people. The more the nature deteriorates the stronger is its revenge. This is why it is so important to adopt now, while it is not too late, a new concept of co-existence of people and the nature, production and the environment, economy and ecology. This concept should not contain any conflicting statements and it should become the basis for balanced development and strengthening of both the agro-industrial complex and the environment. This article gives an explanation of the role of ecology and nature in agricultural production and in improving its efficiency. It gives an outlook for agricultural production organised in line with the environment protection criteria. The article defines the principles of ecological balance that should be taken into account in the course of agricultural production: in land cultivation and plant growing, in animal production, in mechanisation of agriculture and also when defining the future of agricultural economics, making provisions for social development of rural areas and when defining priorities of state policy for agriculture and ecology. The article makes a fundamental conclusion that people should aim to bring the environment as much as possible to its natural state. Only natural, self-managed, self-regulating and self-reproducing complexes possess great vitality. This is true for both nature and economy. Artificial systems appear to be absolutely not viable and short-lived. Of course during a certain period of time they can be supported with strong external efforts. But without such efforts or when the efforts become weak the artificial systems collapse and disappear. The development of mankind was taking place in harmony with the nature. A human being is not only part of the nature but one of its products. In a well-balanced natural environment it feels comfort and confidence. And on the contrary, in a degraded environment it feels discomfort and confusion. This is why it is very important to reach mutually acceptable co-existence of nature and people, ecology and economy so that by complementing each other they would create a balance between production process and initial natural production factors and would provide for their sustainable functioning.

A. S. Senko, N. A. Lysukha, V. S. Zubrytski
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO CALCULATION AND MAPPING OF CRITICAL LOADS FOR NITROGEN AND SULFUR ON BELARUSSIAN ECOSYSTEMS. pp. 83-92

Summary: In this article existent approaches to calculation and mapping of critical loads for nitrogen and sulfur for terrestrial ecosystems in Belarus have been considered. Methods of static condition are under the principal attention. Examples of basic equation used for the calculation of Critical Loads and admissions, resulting from the uniform approach calculations are given. An estimation procedure of exceeding atmospheric precipitation on terrestrial ecosystems is given. In this case, according to international standards, the last ones are: forestry, grassland and peatland ecosystems. The use of the adapted method for the territory of Belarus was demonstrated on the model area of Zhitkovichi District of Gomel Region. For this region values of the fundamental quantity using for the calculations and results of the analyzed algorithms calculations are shown. For the creation of the National GIS the use of small-scale maps, created on the basis of soil and vegetation maps of 1:1 250 000 scale is more appropriate. All stages of a vector map creation with the description of software support and methods of map-making information treatment are shown, methodological foundations of its construction for regional level were described. The results of Critical loads calculations obtained by this method are applied to the Belarus Commitments Under the Convention on long-range transboundary air pollution.

S. V. Savchenko, S. E. Golovaty, N. K. Lykashenko
SPATIAL STRUCTURE AND LEVELS OF SOIL POLLUTION BY HEAVY METALS OF DNEPR RIVER VALLEY IN ORSHA. pp. 93-96

Summary: Studying of the contents of heavy metals in soils of Dnepr-river valleys in borders of Orsha has allowed to receive quantitative parameters and to reveal existence in soils polyelement anomalies having spatial and fasies heterogeneity. Field investigations were conducted during the summer period of 2004. For selection of soil samples, the method of landscape-geochemical profiling was used. Total contents of heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Mn) were determined by a chemical extracting method of mix of acids (HF, HNO3 , HCl, НClO4), mobile forms - 1 M solution HCl with atomic-absorbing ending. For a geochemical estimation of soil condition absolute contents of chemical elements, and also relative sizes (factor of concentration Кс) - the attitude of the contents of an element in the investigated object to a background or MCL(RCL) and total factor of pollution Zc which pays of at polyelement character of soil-geochemical anomaly were used. The basic pollutants, present in soils of Dnepr-river valleys in the vicinity of Orsha are chrome, cadmium and copper, to a lesser degree, nickel and zinc. Thus in floodplain soils where prevails water-stream genesis of pollution, by the maximal degree of accumulation are characterized chrome and cadmium which contents exceeds the background and MCL (RCL). For over floodplain terraces where contents of heavy metals in ground is connected to atmospheric losses and plane washout from overlying territories,the major pollutants being copper and chrome, and also nickel and cadmium. The most contrast polyelement anomaly was generated in soils on a site of Dnepr-river valley which is lower than the city where the contents of the majority of metals achieves or exceeds RCL (MCL) on the average in two times. Calculation of the total parameter of pollution showed that the investigated ground has allowable level of pollution and, hence, ecological conditions in a valley of the river in borders of Orsha it is possible to characterize as rather satisfactory. The analysis of mobile forms of elements has shown that copper and zinc have the greatest mobility, the share of their mobile forms of odes of total contents achieves 85...90%. Concentration of mobile form of chrome, being one of the basic soil pollutants in this territory, is extremely insignificant and makes from four up to 8% from total values.

T. Selivonchik, N. Molokova
NATURE PROTECTIVE OBJECTS ON ANTHROPOGENICALLY DESTROYED PEATLANDS. pp. 97-101

Summary: Anthropogenic influence on mire ecosystems results in essential change of the environment and occurrence of negative processes: degradation of natural landscapes, pollution of surface and earth waters, soil erosion, reduction of biodiversity, occurrence of fire-danger situation and other. For prevention of negative phenomena and restoration of biospheric functions of mire, anthropogenically destroyed peat deposits of the concern "Beltopgas" and peat sites of Belselhozchemistry located in different regions of the republic have been investigated. The peat deposits watershed, ancient terraces and river valleys of geomorphological conditions of bedding are considered. On the example of peat deposits Berezina and Rady-Golyshevka the necessity of restoration of the cutted areas is shown by secondary swamping with the subsequent creation of nature protective objects on them. The allocation of objects of the nature protective direction of use is made according the developed criteria. It is marked, that the cutted peat sites of Belselhozchemistry after realization on them of measures on ecological rehabilitation can carry out functions of natural landscape-ecological niches and migrative corridors. Scientific substantiations of reservations of local significance are developed. Using the developed substantiations, reservations of the total area of 9854 ha for stabilization of ecological conditions in the area of their arrangement and restoration of biospheric functions of a mire are created.

L. N. Ryabova
MIGRATION OF CHEMICAL ELEMENTS IN SOILS OF THE RIVER DNIEPER VALLEY AT THE ZHLOBIN - LOYEV AREA. pp. 102-113

Summary: Comprehensive geochemical investigations were carried out in the Dnieper river valley of the Zhlobin - Loyev region in summer 2002. A considerable amount of information obtained describes the landscape and geochemical pattern of the region under investigation, types of parent and soil-forming rocks, some special features observed in the redistribution of major (Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, K, Na, S, P) and trace (Ti, Mn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Co, V, Cr, Zr) elements in soil. The organic matter content, group and fractional composition, medium pH, amounts of exchangeable Ca +2, Mg+2, H+ were also determined in soil samples. Accumulations of Mn > Cr > Zr > Ti > Al in the studied soil were found to be 2.5...1.2 times their amounts in soils of Belarus. The studied soils are enriched in Cr > Fe > V > Mn > Ni (3.0...1.2 times as much) and depleted in Ca, Mg, Ti, Zr as compared to that from the valley in the Dnieper Middle reaches. A terrace floodplain acts as a landscape - geochemical barriers, where considerable amounts of trace elements are accumulated in the sod layer. The Ni concentration was determined to be 1.6 times, Cu - 1.4, Cr - 1.2 times their background values in the Zhlobin region, Cu is 6.0 times, Mn - 3.2, Ni, Pb - 1.2 times their background values in the Rechitsa region, Cu was found there to be 1.5 and Mn - 1.3 times their maximum permissible concentrations, Cr and V were determined to be 2.2 times, Cu - 1.8, Pb - 1.6, Ni - 1.4 times their background values in the Loyev region. Soil of accumulative landscapes show rather high pH values and increased levels of exchange bases. Ca, Mg, Fe were determined to be accumulated there, high amounts of Cr, V, Cu were noted at geochemical barriers in illuvial horizons. Investigations carried out showed that heavy metal contamination is transformed in soil with depth depending on the soil granulometric composition, redox conditions, organic matter amount and composition, soil absorbing capacity, presence of radial pedogeochemical barriers.

M. N. Brilevski, S. M. Novik
GEO-ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF MINSK REGION NATURAL RESOURCES' CAPACITY. pp. 114-124

Summary: The methodology for the geo-ecological assessment of natural resources capacity in a large region is recognized as a highly demanded research, for it will assist to assess existing environmental systems and to identify major opportunities to improve them. Such a work, based on GIS, was undertaken for the first time for Minsk region. The geo-ecological assessment of the region capacity is an integrative assessment of the state of use of the basic capacities. These basic capacities include outcomes of the assessments done for natural, economic and social components. The basic capacities have been integrated in order to get overall picture of the region's capacity, and to identify major opportunities to improve it. Results of the geo-ecological assessment reveal low and middle indices of the natural resources capacity in most districts of Minsk region, and low indices of their capacity use. The assessment of the optimization capacity of natural resources recognizes districts of optimized, insufficient and intensive use of natural resources. This methodology for geo-ecological assessment of Minsk regions natural resources capacity and GIS based on it can be employed in similar studies for other regions of the Republic of Belarus.

Protected Objects of Nature

Summary: As a result of investigation of military sites it was shown that contrary to current opinion on destruction of nature on the sites during military actions, unique natural complexes, reference landscapes were saved, fauna and flora of which sometimes has no analogues in Europe, as a whole. The scientific investigation of Ruzhany and Bobruisk military sites has been carried out. It was shown that valuable and unique landscape complexes were preserved on their territories. They are characterized by a high biological diversity and availability of a number of protected animal and plant species. Taking into account the natural value of the studied territories as well continuous process of demilitarization, it is recommended to establish republican reserves on the territory of these sites. This measure will allow to improve an ecological situation in ranges immediately as well as in the nearby region. The investigations have confirmed the necessity of further study of military sites to protect natural complexes.

Dz. Kanaplianikau
TRADITIONAL WORLD VIEW BASES OF NATURE PROTECTION: SACRED SITES OF NATURAL AND NATURAL-ARTIFICIAL ORIGIN. pp. 132-138

Summary: For many peoples of the world, as well as Belarusian, sacred natural sites are important areas for environmental conservation. Traditional respect for the sacred sites have often led to well-conserved areas with high biological diversity within otherwise degraded environments. Such nature protection efficiently grounds on traditional world view and is an important factor of sustainable development. Establishing the conservation of the environment on traditional cultural values and land-based belief systems natural and natural-artificial sacred sites can play an important complementary role to legally protected areas such as national parks, strict nature reserves, or forest reserves. Sacred sites are the associative cultural landscape where there are religious, artistic or cultural associations with its natural element rather than material cultural evidence, which may be insignificant or even absent. The Seville Strategy for Biosphere Reserves suggests establishing, strengthening or extending biosphere reserves "to include areas where traditional lifestyles and indigenous uses of biodiversity are practiced and including sacred sites" The range of kinds of Belarusian sacred sites of natural or natural-artificial origin actually includes all the diversity of of natural or natural-artificial objects. Belarusian laws do not maintain the term "sacred sites of natural or natural-artificial origin" the only possibility to legally protect them is enrolling into lists of historical-cultural values or of natural memorials according to the law. In contradiction to international legal practice Belarusian laws do not take into account traditional nature using activities, religion practice, customary law. As a result, a great number of sacred sites of natural or natural-artificial origin are not legally protected. A greater part of well-known sacred stones are protected as natural memorials, but only 2 sacred lakes, a few sacred hills and brooks while there are more than 122 sacred brooks in Belarus, often regard is not paid to the complex structure of sacred site which can include several objects. All the sacred sites must be legally protected, and not only some separate objects, but the whole associative cultural landscapes. The conservation of sacred natural sites can be greatly enhanced by establishing "buffer zones" around the sacred site itself, promoting ideas of sustainable development and biodiversity conservation on the basis of traditional nature using and cultural practice. All activities in sacred sites must be held after analysis and estimating of their ecological, social, economic, cultural sequences. Well-conserved areas with high biological diversity can become models of land management and of approaches to sustainable development. To achieve these goals further complex investigations of traditional nature use and sacred sites of natural and natural-artificial origin are necessary.