Effects of Main Pollution Sources on Parameters of Water Quality of the Prut River Within the Limits of Chernivtsi in the Last Seven Years and Consequent Environmental Impacts

Abstract

Abstract. The results of the Prut River water quality monitoring in the last 7 years are dealt with. Attention is paid to situation of water quality worsening and to the reasons that caused it. Application of the method of water quality index's integrated assessment has confirmed that it is not solely the degree of anthropogenic impact that affects the water quality, but also the effects of natural factors. IntroductionHuman disturbance of the environment most intensely affects the territories of big urban settlements, and the hydrosphere is among the most vulnerable environmental components.Growing attention towards river water quality which is an indicator of ecosystem's state insistently challenges the study of the conditions, factors and processes that form the water chemical composition and quality. The study of rivers state within urbanized territories should specially focus on such water pollution sources as waste discharge, municipal runoff, etc. Analysis and assessment of natural and anthropogenic effects on hydrological regime of rivers and hydro-chemical characteristics of water would allow for better prediction of their spatial-temporal dynamics. The present study aims at establishment of spatial regularities in the Prut River water quality changes within the territory of Chernivtsi; substantiation of factors that cause such changes; and disclosure of negative consequences thereof.