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No 3 (2025)
Articles
THE LATEST NEOTECTONIC STRUCTURES IN THE EASTERN DAGESTAN
Abstract
Late orogenic structural plan was distinguished with orotectonic method in addition to two well-known structural plans, i.e., late geosyncline and early orogenic, in the territory of Eastern Dagestan, which is the western near-orogenic flank of the Tersk-Dagestan foredeep. This structural plan unites the youngest neotectonic structures and determines the main features of the modern relief. It is characterized by the predominance of blocky structures associated both with the activation of arched orogenic uplift and with the taphrogenic influence of developing Caspian depression. The block structures of this structural plan determine localization of modern exogenous processes including geohazards and disruptures, which must be taken into account upon construction, irrigation and other economic activities. Therefore, the study of this structural plan is not only of theoretical, but also of practical significance.
Environmental Geoscience. 2025;(3):3–18
3–18
MODELS IN ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY
NUMERICAL MODELING OF FILTRATIONAL WATER EXCHANGE WITHIN POORLY DRAINED WATERSHEDS OF LESNAYA AND MUKHAVETS RIVERS (BELARUS)
Abstract
A new methodological approach to the quantitative assessment of infiltration water exchange in poorly drained river basins is presented. Its implementation is demonstrated by the example of a numerical geofiltration model of the watersheds of Lesnaya and Mukhavets rivers. The model calibration consisted in matching the model and actual groundwater heads and subsurface flow into rivers. A quantitative assessment of the long-term resultant infiltration recharge and the components of the balance of ground-, interstratal and surface water is given.
Environmental Geoscience. 2025;(3):19–37
19–37
SOIL AND ROCK ENGINEERING AND MECHANICS
PECULIARITIES OF HIGHER PLANT RESPONSE TO HYDROCARBON CONTAMINATION IN SANDY SOIL UPON PHYTOTESTING
Abstract
Based on a model experiment involving hydrocarbon contamination of sandy soil, the response of higher plants to varying concentrations of the pollutant was studied during phytotesting. The experimental research aimed to assess the acute toxic effect and was conducted using the plate phytotesting method, with white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) as a dicotyledonous test crop and sweet sorghum (Sorghum saccharatum L.) as a monocotyledonous test crop. It was established that the plant response to hydrocarbon contamination (diesel fuel) in sandy soils is nonlinear, with a pronounced toxic effect at low concentrations (1–2 wt. %) and reduced toxicity in the range of 3–5 wt. %. It is hypothesized that this effect may be due to the organic nature of hydrocarbon contamination and the presence of available nutrients within the tolerance range of the higher plants used. These assumptions were supported by the results of assessing changes in the total microbial population in contaminated sandy soils during phytotesting, where an increase in the number of active microbial communities was observed at low diesel fuel concentrations (1–3 wt. %). The metabolic products of these microorganisms may have a pathogenic effect on the developing test crops. The identified patterns will further enhance the efficiency of the biological stage of reclamation carried out in areas with hydrocarbon-contaminated sandy soils.
Environmental Geoscience. 2025;(3):38–47
38–47
ENVIRONMENT CONTAMINATION
GEOECOLOGICAL PROBLEMS OF THE KHOLBOLDZHINSKOE BROWN COAL DEPOSIT DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
The object of research included surface- and groundwater in the area of the Kholloldzhniskoe brown coal deposit located in the strand of Lake Gusinoe, which is of great fishery and recreational importance for local population. The deposit was developed for 38 years and occurred in a mothballed state for 24 years. The purpose of study was to reveal the regularities in changing chemical composition of surface- and groundwater during the field development and long-term storage of mining waste. The tasks were to determine the water volume contained in mine workings and to find sources of its inflow into the quarries; to study the regularities of groundwater formation within overburden dumps; to describe the chemical composition of surface- and groundwater and to compare them with the maximum permissible values for fishery water. Field and laboratory studies were carried out to solve the tasks set. Observation wells were drilled at the foot of overburden dumps to monitor the groundwater table and its chemical composition. The trace element composition of water was studied using the inductively coupled plasma method (ICP MS) on the quadrupole Agilent 7500 ce mass spectrometer. It was found that the groundwater flow direction changed in the technogenically disturbed area to discharge into the mine workings. The total volume of quarry water reaches 2 million m³. In technogenic water bodies, water of several aquifers mixed. Concentrations of molybdenum, copper, zinc, and strontium were found to exceed significantly the MPC for fishery water. Mine development has increased rock permeability, and a significant portion of surface runoff has been turned into underground runoff. Precipitation falling in the mine working area infiltrates through overburden dumps, interacts actively with weathered coal and host rocks, and dissolves toxic components. The groundwater flow discharging into Lake Gusinoe shows high levels of chemical elements of the second, third and fourth hazard classes. Among them, molybdenum, lead, strontium, tungsten, copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, manganese, iron, aluminum, phosphorus are detected. To prevent contamination of Lake Gusinoe with liquid waste from coal mining, it is necessary to rehabilitate overburden rocks and eliminate the threat of water outbursts from technogenic water bodies. To reduce environmental hazard in the area, it is necessary to pump technogenic water into the quarries with the surface level below Lake Gusinoe.
Environmental Geoscience. 2025;(3):48–61
48–61
ORGANIC MICROCOMPONENTS OF WATER AND APPLIED ASPECTS OF ASSESSING THEIR CHANGES UPON STORAGE IN PET PACKAGING
Abstract
The main goal of the study is to identify the composition of dissolved organic matter in different types of natural water impacted by the contact with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging materials during the storage. The objects studied are natural waters from underground and surface sources. After the contact with a PET material there are clearly visible changes in a microcomponent composition that can be explained as a consequence of exchange processes between PET and a solution (water of different composition and geochemical type). The article presents the results of an experiment on the assessment of the interaction of methane, hydrogen sulfide and fresh groundwater with PET packaging, as well as data on the chemical composition of dissolved natural organic microcomponents in water of various origin. The activity of the compounds contained in packaging materials (polymers) entering the solution, as well as their absorption by the packaging material during water storage, is quantitatively estimated. Attention is focused on the interaction of water of different chemical composition and different types with the same kind of packaging (glass and polyethylene terephthalate). This is a direct consequence of the nonequilibrium of water as a geochemical component of systems, which predetermines changes in the water composition depending on many factors. Significant changes in the composition of the polyarenes and phthalates complex in groundwater of various geochemical types have been revealed. Activation of the entry of organic matter from containers is explained by the electrolytic properties of the stored water composition and the properties of packaging materials. The need to introduce fundamentally new water quality standards is shown: the current SanPIN 2.1.4.1116-02 "Drinking water. Hygienic requirements for the quality of water packaged in containers. Quality control" should be supplemented by expanding and revising the list regulating the content of dissolved organic substances taking into account the influence of packaging materials.
Environmental Geoscience. 2025;(3):62-72
62-72
UTILIZATION AND DISPOSAL OF WASTE
DIOXINS AND OTHER PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS IN RESIDUE OF SOLID MUNICIPAL WASTE INCINERATION: TYPES, CONTENTS, FORMATION, AND DETOXIFICATION
Abstract
Based on domestic and foreign publications, the classes and main characteristics of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including dioxins and furans(PCDD/Fs), their formation and content in bottom ash and fly ash(FA) from the combustion of municipal solid waste(MSW) are described. The role of total organic carbon content as a key parameter influencing the formation of PCDD/Fs during the combustion of MSW is considered. Modern incineration technologies that prevent the formation of POPs and methods for detoxification FA before disposal are presented.
Environmental Geoscience. 2025;(3):73–85
73–85
RESEARCH METHODS AND TECHNIQUES
STUDY OF SOIL COMPOSITION INDICATORS BASED ON HYPERSPECTRAL SURVEY DATA
Abstract
The article discusses modern technologies for assessing soil composition indicators based on hyperspectral satellite survey data, and critically analyzes the possibility of using hyperspectral data to improve the informativeness of engineering geological studies. The features of available hyperspectral data and processing algorithms are reviewed. The main limitations related to the influence of vegetation cover, terrain, and spatial resolution are indicated. It is shown that, considering existing constraints and features, hyperspectral data can be used to estimate soil moisture, organic matter content, and mineral and granulometric composition. The necessity of developing a domestic soil spectral library linked to GOST 25100 and adapting processing algorithms to national standards is emphasized.
Environmental Geoscience. 2025;(3):86–100
86–100