Peculiarities of the composition of surface and groundwater in eastern Ukraine during the war: assessment of environmental and carcinogenic risks

Abstract

Russia’s war against Ukraine has devastating humanitarian, social, economic and environmental consequences. To assess them, it is important to monitor environmental pollutants in the eastern regions of Ukraine. This study analyses the chemical composition of surface and groundwater near the frontline in Zaporizhzhia region and justifies the need to develop a state plan for the restoration of damaged areas.

Aim. To study the content of environmental toxins, organic compounds and heavy metals in surface and ground waters in the south-east of Ukraine near the frontline and to identify areas of high risk of pollution.

Materials and methods. During the period of 2024, 70 drinking water samples were collected and examined from the centralised water supply networks of the city of Zaporizhzhia of the Municipal Enterprise “Vodokanal” and Enterprise of State Criminal-Executive Service of Ukraine. Groundwater samples were taken by professional hydrogeologists on November 9, 2024, near Tarasivka village (geographical coordinates: 47°46′41′′N 35°26′36′′E / 47.77806°N 35.44333°E) and near Vilne village (geographical coordinates: 47.57286°N 32.61995°E) of Komyshuvakha village, Orikhiv district, Zaporizhzhia region, at a depth of 5, 14 and 190 meters. The water was not preserved and was delivered to the laboratory within a few hours. The chemical analysis was carried out in the laboratory of Ukrkhimanaliz LLC of the Center for Preventive Medicine of the State Administration of Affairs. The presence of heavy metals and organic compounds (50 indicators in total) was studied by atomic emission spectral, photometric, titrimetric, ionometric, colorimetric, chromatographic and calculation methods.

Results. Analysis of 70 samples of drinking water in Zaporizhzhia from the centralised water supply networks of the Municipal Enterprise “Vodokanal” and Enterprise of State Criminal-Executive Service of Ukraine showed that 67–96 % did not meet hygiene standards for trihalogen methanes. Chemical analysis of groundwater showed significant contamination of aquifers at the 5- and 14-meter levels near the frontline due to a significant increase in nitrate and aluminium content. The groundwater was characterized by high levels of salts, sulphates, calcium and magnesium. Such groundwater quality indicators may be related both to the natural features of the area, namely the chemical composition of the soil, and man-made factors caused by the hostilities. The high mineralisation and hardness of the water, and the excessive content of nitrates and heavy metals (aluminium) made the water unsuitable for drinking purposes. At a depth of 190 meters (interstitial water – artesian water), no chemical pollutants were detected, and the organoleptic, sanitary and toxicological indicators met the sanitary and hygienic requirements according to State Sanitary Rules and Norms 2.2.4-171-10 “Hygienic Requirements for Drinking Water Intended for Human Consumption”.

Conclusions. Drinking water from centralised water supply networks in Zaporizhzhia in 67–96 % of cases does not meet hygiene standards for trihalogen methanes. Groundwater in Zaporizhzhia region near the frontline at a depth of 5 and 14 meters is highly mineralised, containing high concentrations of nitrates and aluminium, making it unsuitable for drinking. The artesian water in this region does not contain pollutants of man-made and military origin, which indicates that the interlayer is not damaged, and this water is suitable for drinking. High levels of salt and general hardness of groundwater are associated with the geochemical features of the area. The high nitrate content and 1.4 times higher aluminium levels are the result of soil contamination in the area.