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Assessment of Results
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7.3. Assessment of Results
7.3.1. Assessment According to Weighted Scores
Weighted points for the category “environment, biodiversity and natural areas” were calculated based on the project methodology with the objective of carrying out a comparative assessment of the results and prioritizing the Hot Spots based on their impact on biodiversity and habitats. The higher the value of the weighted score the stronger negative impact of the Hot Spot on the environment and biodiversity. Annex D, Table D.1 shows the that the scores based on weighted averages varying from 2.314 to 3.704. The Hot Spots are listed according to the values of weighted points. If the values of points for two Hot Spots are equal, these Hot Spots are classified alphabetically. According to the scoring regime (Table D.1), the Minsk vodokanal has the strongest adverse impact on the environment and biodiversity. The following five Hot Spots have weighted scores, which are higher than 3: Gomel vodokanal, Mozyrsky petroleum refinery, Retchitsa experimental-industrial hydrolytic plant, Mogilev “Khimvolokno” and Orsha vodokanal.
The other Hot Spots have weighted scores, which are below 3. The Hot Spots with the least impact on biodiversity and habitats is the Slutsk vodokanal and the Soligorsk vodokanal. These Hot Spots are surrounded by agricultural land, which may explain the relatively low score generated.
It should be noted that those Hot Spots, which score below 3 may have strong negative impacts on individual components of biodiversity. For example, the discharge of partially treated effluent from the wastewater treatment facilities of the town of Bereza has caused the sedge-lake to become overgrown with reeds. As a result the extent of the habitat of the reedwarbler, a globally endangered species, has decreased. Approximately 70% of the world-wide population of reedwarbler is found in the lakes of Belarus.
In similar manner, all the Hot Spots identified contribute to considerable negative impact on the environment.
Detailed description of the first five Hot Spots, which have the strongest adverse impact on biodiversity is provided below. Characteristics of the other ten Hot Spots are presented in separate tables.
7.3.2. Retchitsa Experimental-Industrial Hydrolytic Plant
Annex D, Table D15 gives the characteristics of this Hot Spot with respect to all evaluation indices.
Floodplains: Upstream and downstream of the city of Retchitsa as well as at the effluent discharge point for the wastewater treatment facilities of Retchitsa Experimental Industrial Hydrolytic Plant, the floodplain of the Dnipro River is wide (up to 2 km and more from each shore), waterlogged and includes a large number of lakes in the former riverbed. The Dnipro River meanders, that is why flood lands are often formed only along one shore while the opposite shore remains high and not flooded. The City of Retchitsa and a number of villages are situated on the latter, that is, on such high shores. The areas of floodplains are vegetated with reeds or willows alternating with open water. The vegetative elements associated with wet-meadows, swamps and shrublands are the typical elements of the floodplains. Vegetation in areas of higher elevation, which were flooded only once in past several years, are not as much influenced by flooding.
The physical structure and vegetative cover of the floodplains are often favourable for fish spawning and waterfowl.
Fish species: The control and protection of fish resources are carried out by an inspector of the rayon’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (district level). The inspector is not generally a specialist in ichthyology.
Ichthyological fauna of the Dnipro River in the rayon of Retchitsa comprises 40 species of fish. The main fish species exploited for food are: bream, pike, pike perch, sazan, cat-fish, chub, roach, tench, perch and ide. During the last 10 years experts observed an accelerated reproduction of cat-fish. Dnipro barbel was found very rarely, 3 to 4 times a year (Red Book of the Republic of Belarus). Sterlet was caught extremely rarely, not every year.
Commercial fishing is carried out by four enterprises, each having 6 fishing crews of 3 to 4 men. Using 1990 as a base year, the catch has been reduced by 30-40%. The fishermen believe this reduction is a result of the decreased depth of the river. Most fish have migrated to the town of Loyev and Kiev storage pond, which are those areas where the river is deep. In the spring and autumn, during periods of high water, the fish return to Retchitsa. These seasonal migrations began after the creation of the Kiev storage pond. According to the monitoring data, the fish catches of August 2002 largely comprised 3 to 4 species of undesirable fish.
Recreational fishing is estimated to comprise about 30% of the commercial fishery. These catches are not taken into consideration in official data.
There is no evidence that frys are affected by the Hot Spot because there is no ichthyologist on the staff of the rayon inspection department.
Fish kills have not been reported since 1986.
There are two over-wintering pools in the river 15 km upstream and downstream of the outfall of the effluent discharge from the wastewater treatment facilities.
There are many nesting areas both upstream and downstream of the Hot Spot. Practically all wet meadows and numerous wetlands situated in the former riverbed are nesting areas, however the latter vary year to year subject to the water levels during flood events.
The spawning of sazan takes place annually nearby the discharge point of effluent from the treatment facilities. Other species of fish do not spawn in this area. Prior to the discharge from treatment facilities, numerous fish species had used this area for spawning. Apparently sazan adapted to the change in water quality, which has resulted from the mixing of the Dnipro River water with the effluent discharged from the wastewater treatment facilities, while other species did not.
Birds and Other Species: Hot Spot “Retchitsa Experimental-Industrial Hydrolytic Plant” is situated in the Dnipro flyway, a seasonal migration route for large numbers of migrant birds.
Numerous species of migrant water birds, including wild ducks, geese, sandpiper and others, use the river and floodplain within 15 km of the Hot Spot for resting and feeding during their migrations (spring and autumn). There is no direct evidence that the Hot Spot is having an adverse impact on migrant birds. It is possible, however, that adverse impacts may be occurring to those birds which nest and feed downstream the Hot Spot.
Data regarding the impact of the discharge of effluent from the Hot Spot on the aquatic and near-shore vegetation in the area was not available. Based on a visual assessment of the higher macrophytes, such as water-lily, reed, etc., these are identical according to the outward appearance both upstream and downstream of the outfall of effluent discharge from waste-treatment facilities, in other words signs of suppression of aquatic and near-shore vegetation were not revealed.
The following species of biodiversity which are in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus are found in the Dnipro River and its floodplains 15 km upstream and downstream of the Hot Spot:
- Birds – small gull, small egret (colony), fish-hawk, grey crane, ordinary halcyon, sandpiper-magpie and thick-knee;
- Fish – sterlet, Dnipro barbel;
- Plants – Floating Salvinia, water-lily.
There are no national parks, reserves, forest reserves 15 km upstream and downstream the Hot Spot.
7.3.3. Gomel Vodokanal
Annex D, Table D16 provides the characteristics of this Hot Spot with respect to all of the evaluation indices.
Floodplains: For fifteen (15) km upstream and downstream of Gomel City, the width of the floodplains of the Sozh River varies from several tens of meters to 1-2 km. In narrow areas of floodplains the shores are high and sandy; in the wider area, the shores are low and waterlogged with sandy or peat soils with lakes in the former riverbed. In wide low areas of floodplains open wet meadows alternate with sections overgrown with willow. Upper areas of floodplains are sandy with slight depressions and thalwegs, which serve as channels in the period of high water.
The areas of high ground, which are still considered part of the floodplains although they are flooded only in the event of very high water occurring not more than once in 10 years, are generally not used as nesting areas for some species as the areas of low elevations which are flooded annually. Areas along lakes and in the former riverbed are also important nesting areas for numerous fish species. Waterlogged and overgrown areas of the floodplain along with former riverbed are the preferred habitat for numerous species of waterfowl.
Fish species: Control and preservation of fish resources are carried out by the oblast fisheries inspection. Only registered fish catches delivered to stores and shops are subject to inspection and record-keeping. Fish caught by non-professional fishermen and poachers are neither inspected nor recorded.
The structure of species in fish catches is recorded by fisheries inspectors, who join fishing crews. They assess the size, weight and age groups of various species of fish, as well as the overall proportion of young fish. Investigations on fry have not been carried out for many years due to insufficient staff in the fisheries inspection agencies.
The main species of desirable fish (for market) in the Sozh River are: bream, pike, chub, pike-perch, sazan, cat-fish, ide, crucian, perch and roach. Sterlet is extremely rare, only appearing in occasional catches as single specimens.
Areas of fish congregation in the Sozh River vary so that no specific areas can be identified as fishing grounds. In the event of low water levels, fish migrate to the Kiev storage pond, but return back to the Sozh River when the water rises.
Commercial fishing is undertaken by 13 enterprises, with 1 to 3 crews, comprising 2 to 4 fishermen. Since 1990 fish catches have steadily declined and have decreased to one third of 1990 levels. This is evidence that the state of the fishing grounds has been deteriorating. However, over the last two years fish catches have either stabilized or increased by several per cent. This may have resulted from the improved methods and experience of the workers implementing the commercial catch. Regardless, the annual projections of the commercial fish catch have been fulfilled only by 60-70%.
Recreational fishing takes place over the whole length of Sozh River from 15 km upstream to 15 km downstream of Gomel. According to experienced fisheries inspectors, the quantity of fish caught by non-professional fishermen is 2 to 3 times more than the quantity caught by commercial fishing crews. This is due to Gomel’s large population and the popularity of recreational fishing.
Studies of fry upstream and downstream of Gomel have not been conducted for many years because of decrease in the number of staff in fisheries inspection.
Despite expectations due to the effluents from Gomel, no decline in the quantity of fish caught was observed between locations upstream and downstream of the town was observed. Fisheries inspection specialists feel this is a result of the better forage conditions due to characteristics of floodplains downstream of Gomel as compared with the section of Sozh River upstream of the town. Therefore, the improved forage conditions compensate for the possible losses of fish caused by pollution from Gomel.
There are several areas where fish commonly over-winter (over-wintering pools) as well as spawning areas 15 km upstream and downstream of Gomel. One of the over-wintering pools is located directly nearby Gomel where the Iput River flows into the Sozh. Spawning areas of bream, sazan, pike, roach and many other fish species are located in the floodplains of the Sozh River, its tributaries and numerous water bodies in the former riverbed. Subject to water levels and quality, some fish species may change the areas that they use for spawning.
Downstream of Gomel there is a permanent chub spawning area near the village of Chonki and a permanent bream spawning area located in large creek in a former riverbed near the Sevruki settlement. Spawning areas of several fish species are also located on the Uza River downstream of the Gomel Vodokanal’s treated effluent outfall.
There have been no mass fish kills as a result of contamination caused by effluent discharge according to regulatory records and interviews.
Birds and Other Species of Biodiversity: The Hot Spot is located in the flyway of migrant birds active during the spring and autumn migrations. For a distance of 15 km upstream and downstream of the Gomel Vodokanal’s treated effluent outfall, the Uza River is frequented by numerous species of sandpipers, ducks, gulls and other birds. Many of these birds remain in the area for nesting, predominantly downstream of the confluence of the Uza and Sozh Rivers, in the floodplains of the Sozh River and in the creeks and water bodies of the former riverbed. No directly attributable evidence of an adverse impact from the Hot Spot on the nesting areas and other habitats of waterfowl has been identified. Only potential adverse impacts on birds that use contaminated forage have been proposed.
Sampling programs involving the analysis of metals in aquatic flora of water bodies located on the outskirts of Gomel identified many samples exceeding the background values of nickel (by 135 times in plantain), copper (in above-water plants, in particular, in Susak umbelliferous), lead (especially in reed and other above-water plants), zinc and other metals. Submerged macrophytes (Characeae algae, Ceratophyllum, pondweed and others) had the highest observed capacity for accumulation of heavy metals.
Data regarding the presence of heavy metals in the tissues of animals in the area around Gomel were not available.
The following species which are recorded in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus are found in the Sozh River and its floodplains within 15 km upstream and downstream of the Hot Spot:
- Birds – small bittern, herring gull, fish-hawk, hooping swan, small egret, ordinary halcyon and goldish bee-eater. It should be noted that fish-hawk, herring gull and egret are adapted to urbanization and are often encountered in the outskirts of Gomel.
- Fish – sterlet, in the last years has been encountered very rarely.
- There are no environmentally protected natural areas in the area of Gomel.
7.3.4. Mozyrsky Petroleum Refinery
Annex D, Table D17 provides characteristics of this Hot Spot with respect to the evaluation indices of the prioritization methodology.
Floodplain: The Pripyat River passes through the Mozyr Hills near the City of Mozyr. In the vicinity of Mozyr, the shore of the river has a high steep bank with lands of high elevations being undercut by the river. The width of the floodplain on this side of the river is limited to a few tens of meters.
The National Landscape Reserve, Mozyrskiye Yary, is located in the vicinity of the refinery. Effluents from the refinery as well as storm water from the Town of Mozyr do not have an adverse impact on the reserve. Within a 15 km area upstream of Mozyr, the floodplain of the Pripyat River are wide (up to 2 and more kilometres) with numerous former riverbeds and meadows overgrown with shrubs. Within 15 km downstream of the effluent outfall from the treatment facilities of the Mozyr Petroleum Refinery, the floodplains are one to two km wide and often water-logged. The vegetative cover in regularly flooded areas is representative of wet meadows, shrub lands and wetlands. The higher elevations in the floodplain comprise sand banks that are flooded sporadically (only in the years of extremely high water). In such areas, the vegetative cover is representative of meadows and willow bush.
Fish Species: The control and protection of fish resources is carried out by the Fisheries Inspection Department of Mozy Rayon, which serves the whole Pripyat River and its tributaries in the territory of Gomel Oblast. They record the fishing methods utilized as well as the characteristics of the fish catches (structure of species, age and size groups) using the same procedures as the Fisheries Inspection Department of the Gomel Oblast.
The ichthyological fauna of the Pripyat River in the Rayon of the City of Mozyr is represented by 34 fish species. The main local food fish species are as follows: bream, pike, pike-perch, chub, cat-fish, sazan, roach, perch, tench and ide. Approximately 30 years ago fish catches in the area of Mozyr City contained Russian sturgeon, sterlet and Dnipro barbel, although these species have since vanished.
According to the data obtained from questionnaires the structure of fish species in one of the recent takings of fish in percentage terms is as follows:
- bream – 35;
- “gustera” – 44;
- pike – 8;
- roach – 8;
- perch – 1.7;
- chub – 0.2;
- sazan – 0.1;
- tench – 0.8;
- ide – 0.3.
Cat-fish and grig are often present, but only as single specimens.
Commercial fishing is carried out by eight crews of fishermen, who lease a 200 km section of the Pripyat River including the area downstream and upstream of the Hot Spot. In comparison with 1990 data, fish catches are 25to 30% less than in 1990. This is indicative of a general deterioration of the fish stocks. The share of non-professional catch of fish comprises approximately 40% of commercial fish catch. This is much less than in the Gomel area, due to the smaller population in the Town of Mozyr.
Fish fry surveys are not carried out by regulators due to insufficient staff in the Fisheries Inspection Department. Fishing enterprises conduct fish fry surveys themselves. Results of fish fry surveys, both upstream and downstream of Mozyr, were published in 1997 as follows:
- Number of young fish upstream of Mozyr 1147 pieces/hectare;
- Number of young fish downstream of Mozyr 603 pieces/hectare;
- Biomass of young fish upstream of Mozyr 7.4 kg/hectare;
- Biomass of young fish downstream of Mozyr 6.5 kg/hectare.
Consequently, these data indicate that the effluents of the Town of Mozyr, including the Mozyrsky Petroleum Refinery taken as a whole, have had an adverse impact. This is expressed in the reduction of number and average weight of young fish. It would be logical to assume that this may be a result of inadequate treatment of wastewater. The data do not allow the separation of impacts of the refinery versus impacts from the town. Such analysis may be impossible and if attempted, would require special fry shoots made in several areas near specific outfalls, including the refinery’s treated effluent outfalls and the town’s storm water outfalls.
There are spawning areas both upstream and downstream of the Hot Spot, however these spawning areas may or may not be used depending on water levels during spawning season. The primary spawning areas are wide sections of the floodplains of the Pripyat River and its tributaries where water levels are low. These areas often include former riverbeds. At Mozyr, the river passes through hills, therefore, spawning areas are not in the immediate vicinity of the town but tend to be located in flat sections of the floodplains located upstream and downstream of Mozyr.
There are five over-wintering pools in the Pripyat River within 15 km (upstream and downstream) of Mozyr and the effluent outfall from the Mozyr Petroleum Refinery.
No recorded mass fish kills caused by the effluents from the wastewater treatment facilities of Mozyr Petroleum Plant have occurred.
Birds: The Mozyrsky Petroleum Refinery is situated at the intersection of two major flyways for migrant birds – Dneprovsky (North-South and South-North) and Polessky (West-East and East-West). Both of these flyways have a width of more than 100 km. Within a 15 km radius of the Hot Spot, numerous species of migrant near-water birds and waterfowl frequent the rivers and tributaries in the area. Flocks of birds are regularly observed on the Pripyat and its floodplains both upstream and downstream of the Hot Spot during the spring and autumn migrations.
There is no direct evidence of adverse impact caused by effluent discharges from the treatment facilities of Mozyr Petroleum Refinery. There have been adverse effects observed in the river and the refinery has the potential to be a contributor to impairment. For example, birds can be affected by their diet of fish, mollusca and aquatic plants, which generally concentrate contamination, such as, heavy metals, that may be present in their local environment. (Note: just because of that the numbers of young fish and their dimensions downstream of Mozyr are less than in the section of river upstream of the town).
Numerous species of sandpipers, ducks and other birds build their nests at the Pripyat River and its floodplains within 15 km upstream and downstream of the Hot Spot.
Data relating to the impact of the effluent discharges from the treatment facilities on the Pripyat River aquatic flora are not available. According to our visual assessments, macrophytes such as plantain, reed, pondweed, water lily, susak umbelliferous, Ceratophyllum and others have developed normally. These plants can accumulate large quantities of heavy metals without demonstrable signs of impact.
The following species are recorded in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus as inhabiting the Pripyat River and its floodplains within 15 km upstream and downstream of the Hot Spot:
- Birds: black loom, big merganser, halcyon, black stork and grey crane;
- Animals: tortoise;
- Fish: sterlet (last years this species were not taken in fish catches, most possibly, this species has vanished).
There are no national parks, nature preserves or environmentally protected natural areas within 15 km upstream and downstream of the Hot Spot apart from the above-mentioned landscape reserve “Mozyrskiye Yary”.
7.3.5. Minsk Vodokanal
Annex D, Table D18 provides the scores of this Hot Spot with respect to evaluation indices of the project methodology.
Floodplain: In the vicinity of the Hot Spot, the Svisloch River has a width of 10-20 meters. The floodplains in the area vary in width from several tens of meters to as much as 200-500 meters. The floodplain areas are differentiated by elevation into various habitat zones including the following: river bank, low-lying terraces, central flood plain and high terraces. The low terraces of the floodplain occur at the lowest elevations which experience frequent flooding and are often waterlogged. The upper and central terraces are only flooded during extreme high water events. Habitat in these areas consists of wet meadows with interspersed shrub communities providing an environment that creates favourable conditions for nesting.
The City of Minsk is the source of elevated concentrations of various contaminants in the soil of the floodplain. Studies have estimated that up to 70% of the soil and sediments in the floodplain have elevated concentrations of heavy metals, including chromium, nickel, copper, silver, zinc, lead, tin, molybdenum, cadmium and iron.
Elevated concentrations of these elements up to seven times the maximum allowable concentrations in soils (based on background concentrations). Soil and sediments with elevated concentrations of heavy metals have been found in pockets in the floodplain running parallel to the river. These pockets are deposits remaining from high water events. Studies have estimated that over the last ten years, the Svisloch River has had significant annual contaminant loadings estimated to at 100 tonnes of nitrite nitrogen, 3800 tonnes of organic matters, 90 tonnes of mineral oil, 540 tonnes of phosphates and 35 tonnes of heavy metals. Although no sample results are available to verify it, it is likely that bottom sediments of the Svisloch River are contaminated by heavy metals to a similar degree to the floodplain soil. It is also likely that the contaminated soil and sediments adversely affect near-bottom organisms and higher aquatic fauna.
Fish Species: There is Fisheries Department of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus as well as Rayon (District) Fisheries Inspection Department in Minsk. Commercial fishing is not undertaken in the Svisloch River, however some recreational (non-commercial) fishing takes place in both Minsk itself and downstream of the Hot Spot. More than thirty species of fish frequent these waters, predominantly pike, perch, bream, sazan, crucian, roach, rudd, tench and others.
There are spawning areas and over-wintering pools within 15 km areas upstream and downstream of the Hot Spot.
Research of fish in the Svisloch River identified the presence of heavy metals in their tissue. The study found that this is the most important factor in the reduction of the European Mink population in the area. The European Mink had historically been present in this area in large numbers. Studies have identified fish contaminated with heavy metals in the Svisloch River and the Osipovichsky Reservoir which is 120 km downstream of Minsk. No mass fish kills attributable to the Hot Spot have been recorded.
Fish fry assessments have not been carried out as commercial fishing is not undertaken in the region.
Other Species of Biodiversity: The immediate vicinity of the observed portion of the Svisloch River to the big city creates unfavourable conditions for the habitat of a number of species of birds. This is particularly true for rare and endangered species. Regardless, Minsk hosts large numbers of waterfowl during the spring and autumn migrations. Many waterfowl rest and feed in the floodplains of the rivers and tributaries in the area, including wild geese, hoopers, ducks, gulls and sandpipers. Some wild ducks, sandpipers and gulls as well as near-water birds, such as sand-martins, orioles and others, may stay in the area for nesting.
The Hot Spot is likely having an adverse impact on birds through the contamination of fish, molluscs, aquatic and floodplains plants by heavy metals.
Plants: Data from monitoring surveys conducted in 2000 give the unambiguous evidence of contamination of higher aquatic plants (macrophytes) with heavy metals. The high concentrations (from several times to tens of times natural background concentrations) of nickel, chromium, zinc, copper and other metals are accumulated in such aquatic plants as Ceratophyllum, pondweeds, deed, etc., which are commonly sources of food for waterfowl.
The data presented in Table D17 (Annex D) and the description given above provide evidence of considerable adverse impact of this Hot Spot on biodiversity and its habitat.
7.3.6. Mogilev “Khimvolokno”
Annex D, Table D19 summarizes the scores given for the Mogilev Khimvolokno with respect to all evaluation indices of the project methodology.
Floodplains: The width of the floodplain of the Dnipro River within 15 km of the Hot Spot (upstream and downstream) varies from two to four km. Wet meadows alternate with areas of shrubby vegetation and numerous former riverbeds throughout the floodplain. The upper elevations of the floodplain comprise alluvial-sandy soils that act as channels during flood events. In the area, the floodplain of the Dnipro River provides favourable habitat for wildlife, particularly for waterfowl and near-water birds.
Fish Species: Management and protection of fish resources in the area is undertaken by Mogilev Oblast’s Department of Fisheries Inspection. Only commercial fish catches, registered when delivered to the stores and shops by commercial fishing enterprises are recorded.
Over the last 10 years, fish catches have decreased by 25-30% compared with 1990 data, thus indicating a deterioration in the condition of the fishery. Recreational fishing is intensive in this area due to the number of recreational fisherman in the town of Mogilev and its outskirts. According to experienced fisheries inspectors, recreational fish catches are equal to or exceed the quantities of fish caught by the commercial fishing crews.
Fisheries inspectors, who join commercial fishing crews, have recorded the structure of species in fish catches. The main species of desirable fish (for consumption) observed in the vicinity of the Hot Spot are pike, chub, bream, pike perch, sazan, cat-fish, ide, perch, roach, crucian, rudd and others (altogether more than 35 species).
Data from 1997 fish fry studies conducted in the vicinity of Mogilev are as follows:
- Number of young fish upstream of Mogilev 610 pieces/hectare;
- Number of young fish downstream of Mogilev 380 pieces/hectare;
- Biomass of young fish upstream of Mogilev 5.6 kg/hectare;
- Biomass of young fish downstream of Mogilev 3.6 kg/hectare.
The decrease in the number of fry and the biomass of fry when comparing areas upstream of Mogilev to downstream of the town indicates that the town (or something in it) may be causing an adverse impact on the fishery. Additional fish fry studies are required to determine whether the source of the adverse impact is the Town of Mogilev in general, or the Hot Spot in specific, or another source.
Over-wintering pools and spawning areas are present within 15 km areas of the Hot Spot (upstream and downstream). These are likely affected by the Hot Spot and the town. There have been no reported mass fish kills as a result of contamination caused by discharge of untreated wastewater in the area.
Other Species of Biodiversity: The Hot Spot is located near the migration flyways of waterfowl and near-water birds which are active in the spring and autumn. According to the available data, the area within 15 km upstream and downstream of the Hot Spot is frequented by wild geese, ducks, gulls, sandpipers, swans, white storks and other birds. Many of these birds build their nests in the flood-prone and shrub-covered areas of the floodplain of the Dnipro River. These areas provide rich forage and safety for the birds.
According to the monitoring data, aquatic vegetation in the vicinity of Mogilev is contaminated by heavy metals, such as nickel, zinc, copper, chromium, lead and others. The highest levels of contamination have been observed in macrophytes as Ceratophyllum, pondweeds, reed, etc. In spite of considerable contamination, few of the above-mentioned plants have any visual evidence of adverse impacts (signs of suppression). They grow, develop and propagate normally, however, they may be having a negative impact on the animals which feed on them.
The following species have been recorded in the area of the Hot Spot, according to the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus: sterlet, sandpiper-magpie and water chestnut.
Based on the data of Table D19 (Annex D) and the description given above we can draw a conclusion about the essential adverse impact of effluent discharges from the Hot Spot “Mogiliv Khimvolokno” on biodiversity of the Dnipro River and its flood-lands.
REFERENCES
The list of materials is given below:
1. List of enterprises, which discharge their effluent to the Dnipro River and its tributaries provided by Central Research Institute of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.
2. Data submitted by oblast committees and rayon inspections of natural resources and environmental protection about the present-day condition of biodiversity (fish, birds, plants) as well as about environmentally protected natural areas in the influence zones of Hot Spots.
3. Data supplied by Fisheries Department of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection as well as oblast fisheries inspections regarding fish resources, areas of spawning, nesting and forage reserve.
4. Data from the Belarus Hydrometeorology Department of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection concerning the Woodiwiss Biotic Indices and influence zones of Hot Spots.
5. The Red Book of the Republic of Belarus. Prepared by State Committee of the Republic of Belarus for Ecology Issues and Academy of Science of Belarus, Minsk, 1993.
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