Geology, geography and global energy

Scientific and Technical Journal

Geo-ecological assessment of intra-urban water bodies in the Caspian region

2013. №1, pp. 145-152

Bolonina Galina V. - C.Sc. in Geography, Associate Professor, Astrakhan State University, 20a Tatishchev st., Astrakhan, Russian Federation, 414056, GalaJim@mail.ru

Sharova Irina S. - C.Sc. in Geography, Astrakhan State University, 20a Tatishchev st., Astrakhan, Russian Federation, 414056, kerina-best@mail.ru.

Dmitrieva Marina V. - Post-graduate student, Astrakhan State University, 20a Tatishchev st., Astrakhan, Russian Federation, 414056, abarmin60@mail.ru

The article presents data on a geo-ecological assessment of Caspian region intra-urban water bodies varying from rivers, lakes, streams and reservoirs to wetlands, canals and other places of constant water concentration on the land surface. The different water bodies, as well as snow, comprise the region’s water resources. The study of water bodies, the critique relates, applies a hydrological regime for measurement and analysis. From an ecological perspective, the paper states, water bodies in the municipality and flood plains have a common appearance and vast recreational potential. Urban ponds, for instance vary according to their type of functional application; they may be used, inter alia, for decorative, recreational (i.e. sporting-oriented such as fishing), water supply and scientific-educational activities. At this stage, the study indicates that intense urbanization has led to a number of environmental problems causing a sharp decline in the quality of aquatic systems employed by the cities. To mitigate these challenges while enhancing the status of municipal water bodies, it says that effective urban technogenic activities could be undertaken. City reservoirs, the commentary states, form an integral part of the urban ecosystem, which could be greatly influenced by anthropogenic enterprises. The primary impact, it speculates, would be to diminish the natural pollution level. Subsequently, the research paper refocuses its attention on the causes and effects of urban pollution. Poor environmental conditions of water, it notes, could have a negative impact on health, leading to unfavorable epidemiological situations, widespread chronic illness, and local environmental catastrophes. The blueprint, in conclusion, has stated that urbanization ultimately transforms the water balance and the hydrological regime through the formation of industrial and domestic wastewater, storm-initiated runoff and construction-related water incidents.

Key words: aquatic systems,geo-ecological assessment of watercourses,urbanization,environmental conditions,water pollution,monitoring

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