HEAVY METALS AND TOXIC IMPURITIES IN UKRAINEʼS WATER RESOURCES: CURRENT CHALLENGES AND DETECTION METHODS

DOI: 10.31673/2786-7412.2025.040706

Abstract

The article examines the relevance of the problem of water resource
pollution in Ukraine caused by heavy metals and toxic impurities, which necessitates a
comprehensive assessment of their concentrations and impacts on ecosystems. It is
established that Ukraineʼs regulatory framework, in particular the Water Code and
related standards, provides the systemic foundations for water quality control and the
assessment of water body conditions. It has been determined that methodological
approaches to the classification of water masses make it possible to identify their
ecological and chemical status, ensuring scientifically grounded forecasting of pollution
consequences. It is emphasized that the integration of physicochemical, biological, and
hydromorphological indicators creates a comprehensive understanding of the state of
water resources and facilitates the identification of zones of hazardous substance
concentration.
It is found that monitoring at the regional and basin levels reveals significant
spatial and seasonal fluctuations in pollution, which are associated with anthropogenic
pressures, the condition of water treatment infrastructure, and natural factors.
Monitoring data from the Dnipro, Dniester, Danube, Southern Bug, Don, and Vistula
river basins confirm the existence of local zones of critical pollution, including low
oxygen levels and elevated concentrations of organic, nitrogen, and phosphorus
compounds, which contribute to the accumulation of heavy metals and toxic impurities.
The need for implementing an integrated information and analytical state
monitoring system is highlighted, as it ensures timely identification of environmental risks
and forecasting of technogenic impacts. The application of innovative methods for
detecting toxic compounds has been found to improve the efficiency of environmental management and provide scientifically based support for governmental decisions on the
protection of Ukraineʼs water resources. It is established that systematic observation of
chemical water indicators is an essential element in assessing the ecological condition of
water bodies and identifying priorities for their protection measures. The results of the
analysis form the foundation for developing state policies aimed at reducing the risks of
water toxification and ensuring the sustainable functioning of aquatic ecosystems.

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