IMPROVING THE LEVEL OF WATER QUALITY AND PLANT SPECIES DIVERSITY IN A RESERVOIR ACCUMULATING NATURAL RUNOFF FROM A RECLAIMED URANIUM-CONTAINING INDUSTRIAL LANDFILL

Abstract

In light of the need to uphold the principles of sustainable development and to deepen the understanding of phytocenosis formation processes in areas subjected to man-induced load, this study evaluated the ecological condition of the Grachevsky uranium mine (Kazakhstan), which underwent conservation measures approximately 25 years ago. The assessment included a qualitative research method (analysis of documents) to determine agro-climatic conditions and empirical methods of collecting information. The authors studied the intensity of ionizing radiation of the gamma background of the water surface of the reservoir (and sections of the shoreline and territories adjacent to the reservoir), and hydrochemical parameters of the reservoir water, and performed a description of the botanical diversity. The vegetational cover of the sections of the reservoir shore is at different stages of syngenesis and is represented by pioneer groupings, group thicket communities, and diffuse communities. Favorable ecological conditions for the settlement and development of plants develop within the shores of the reservoir. The intensity levels of ionizing radiation do not exceed the maximum permissible levels and practically do not affect the formation of phytocenoses. An anthropogenically modified dry meadow with the participation of plants typical of the steppe zone has been formed on the floodplain terrace. Concerning the indicators of quality and toxicology of this reservoir, the water can be used for household and drinking purposes under the condition of prior water treatment. It can be concluded that a high level of natural purification of the reservoir waters occurred within twenty years after the reclamation of the uranium mine.