Spatial Dynamics of Nitrogen Pollution of Small Rivers of Belgorod

Author(s):  E.A. Storozhenko, Belgorod National Research University, Belgorod, Russia, 706230@bsu.edu.ru

A.G. Kornilov, Dr., Prof., Belgorod National Research University, Belgorod, Russia

S.N. Marynych, Belgorod National Research University, Belgorod, Russia

Issue:  Volume 42, № 3

Rubric:  Earth sciences

Annotation:  The article presents the results of a field study of the content of nitrogen compounds in September 2017 in the river Bolkhovets (Vezelka) Belgorod, Russia. The data about the content of nitrite, nitrate and ammonium concentrations as you move from the source to the mouth of the river Bolkhovets in Belgorod. Presents an analysis of the dynamics of nitrogen compounds in the background anthropogenic zoning of the catchment of the river Bolkhovets. Throughout the watercourse in the city of Belgorod was allocated 14 observation points on the river Bolkhovets (Vezelka) and 2 observation points on the river Seversky Donets (above and below the mouth of the river Bolkhovets). As a result of the analyses of observed variation in the concentration of nitrites from 0.483 to 1.583 mg/l, nitrate from 1.144 to 6.349 mg/l, ammonium nitrogen 0.459 to 0.542 mg/L. In high-flow areas, as in the upper reaches of the river, and on the site of the abutment, along the banks, overgrown with higher aquatic vegetation, selfpurification processes are observed for nitrites – by 30–54 %, for nitrates – 32–82 %, for ammonium nitrogen 3–5 %. In regulated areas with a weak current, there is a tendency to increase the level of contamination, for the entire cascade of pond sites growth is: for nitrates – 73 %, for nitrites – 80 %, for ammonium nitrogen – 8 %. The results of the study show that the high residential load in the watercollecting basin of the river Bolkhovets with a large share of non-canalized private sector causes the intense flow of nitrogen compounds into the river. The content of nitrate and ammonium ions, as a whole, does not exceed MPC, and the content of nitrite ions is much higher than the established standards, which is typical for domestic wastewater.

Keywords:  surface water, nitrogen contamination of water objects, hydrochemistry, small river, anthropogenic zoning

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