THE REASEARCH ON WATER POLLUTION DUE TO MILITARY-ANTHROPOGENIC INFLUENCES

Abstract

This work examines the experience of the European Union regarding research of water resources in the territories of past military conflicts, as well as comparative studies of water samples from the Ukrainian territories that were under occupation for a short time. A significant amount of research in Europe was conducted in the 21st century and found that the consequences of the First and Second World Wars still affect public health and water quality in the affected areas. The use of harmful chemicals at military bases, including on Unalaska Island (Aleutian Islands, United States), points to this problem, as past military operations have continuously contaminated nearby water supplies. While quantitative analysis has shown low risks of exposure to drinking water, the mere presence of pollutants such as arsenic, lead, aluminum, or petroleum products still poses a hidden threat to local ecosystems and human health. In Ukraine, during the war, it is impossible to conduct such research in areas of active hostilities, but it must be carried out in areas that were freed from occupation and that can be used in agriculture in the future. Water sampling was carried out in some areas of the Kyiv region and their research was carried out in laboratory conditions. A slight increase in the content of aluminum and petroleum products in some samples compared to samples taken in the Lviv region was noted. Taking into account the conditions of sampling in areas that were under short-term occupation and came under artillery fire, namely, at the risk of mines and unexploded ordnance, a more detailed analysis is not possible, but after the deactivation of explosive residues, a detailed study of the composition of chemical elements in surface and groundwater in the liberated territories is a necessary procedure for their further use.