The results of works on reconstruction and development of the hydrogeological monitoring system at the Prydniprovsky Chemical Plant site, Kamyanske (PChP) and on the groundwater survey using the improved observation wells network are presented (first such survey since 2016). During the works, geology structure of the site was précised, hydraulic testing was carried out, and groundwater was sampled at a number of uranium production legacy objects that have not been previously covered by observations. Automated monitoring of groundwater levels (GWL) has been started. As a result, new information on the seasonal dynamics of GWL was obtained. New sources of serious chemical and radioactive contamination of the geological environment are identified at the Southern PChP site, in particular in the area of settling basins № 220 and 230. Radioactive contamination of groundwater with excess of background levels is also observed also in the zone of “historic” settling pond situated below the “Central Yar” uranium tailings. In addition to previously known chemical toxicants (Mn, Ni, Pb), the monitoring study revealed groundwater contamination by arsenic and mercury in the areas affected by the PChP facilities. Thus, groundwater contamination at the PChP industrial site is formed under the influence of more man-made legacy sources than previously thought. The identified new sources of pollution deserve additional characterization and consideration when predicting the long-term impacts of the PChP site on the surface water system of the Konoplyanka River—Dnieper River.
Водоносний горизонт: ал -алювіальні відклади; т -техногенні відкл ади; кр -кристалічний фундамент. ** ДСанПин 224-171-10 (із змінами, внесеними згідно з Наказом Міністерства охорони здоров'я № 505 (z1043-11) * Aquifer: ал -alluvial deposits; т -technogenic deposits; кр -crystalline basement. ** DSanPin 224-171-10 (with changes according to the Order № 505 (z1043-11) of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine
Radioactive and chemical contamination of groundwater and surface water (Konoplyanka and Dnipro Rivers) in the zone of influence of the soviet era uranium production legacy site - Prydniprovsky Chemical Plant (PChP, Kamianske) is a source of radiological and toxicological risks for the population. Modeled water use scenarios included drinking water consumption, crop irrigation, fishing, and usage of the river beaches for recreation. According to the assessment results, the radiological risks of water usage in current conditions are low. At the same time, a conservative assessment indicates potential future toxicological risks from uranium (use of groundwater for drinking) and from manganese (due to accumulation in river fish). In the long term, risks from groundwater may increase significantly due to the dispersion of contaminated groundwater plumes outside the industrial site, or due to unrestricted access of the population to the territory of the PChP. To reduce uncertainty in the risk assessment results, it is important to improve the groundwater monitoring network downstream from the PChP site and to collect site-specific data on manganese transfer coefficients to fish.
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