Sediment quality and quantity, Remote sensing applications for sediment transport,Fluvial processes, Stream ecology and biodiversity, Environmental risk analysis for rivers
An emerging solution in mine waste remediation is the use of biological processes, such as microb... more An emerging solution in mine waste remediation is the use of biological processes, such as microbial sulfate reduction (MSR), to immobilize metals, reducing their bioavailability and buffering the pH of acid mine drainage. Apart from laboratory tests and local observations of natural MSR in, for example, single wetlands, little is known about spatiotemporal characteristics of freshwater MSR from multiple locations within entire hydrological catchments. We here applied an isotopic fractionation (δ34S values in SO42−) and a Monte Carlo‐based mixing analysis scheme to detect MSR and its variation across two major mining regions (Imetjoki, Sweden and Khibiny, Russia) in the Arctic part of Europe under different seasonal conditions. Results indicate a range of catchment‐scale MSR values in the Arctic of ∼5%–20% where the low end of the range was associated with the non‐vegetated, mountainous terrain of the Khibiny catchment, having low levels of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The high end of the range was related to vegetated conditions provided by the Imetjoki catchment that also contains wetlands, lakes, and local aquifers. These prolong hydrological residence times and support MSR hot spots reaching values of ∼40%. The present results additionally show evidence of MSR persistence over different seasons, indicating large potential, even under relatively cold conditions, of using MSR as part of nature‐based solutions to mitigate adverse impacts of (acid) mine drainage. The results call for more detailed investigations regarding potential field‐scale correlations between MSR and individual landscape and hydroclimatic characteristics, which, for example, can be supported by the isotopic fractionation and mixing scheme utilized here.
<p>Lake Kultuchnoe applies to lakes of lagoon type and is located in the historical center ... more <p>Lake Kultuchnoe applies to lakes of lagoon type and is located in the historical center of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The area and volume of the lake in connection with human economic activity was repeatedly reduced during backfilling. In the early 90s of the last century the lake was divided into two parts. The area of the water mirror of both lakes is about 2 km<sup>2</sup>. The maximum depth of the Big lake &#8211; 7 m, Small lake&#8211; 1.2 m. Compared to the conditions that took place 30 years ago, there is an improvement in the state of the aquatic ecosystem and a decrease in the level of pollution. This is due to the reconstruction of urban sewage systems, in the 2000s, the release of fecal and industrial wastewater stopped. During the open water period a direct stratification is formed in the lake, and in the deepest part of it during the summer, low water temperatures remain in the bottom horizons and there is a lack of oxygen. The stratification is due to the insufficient length of wind acceleration for mixing the lake to the bottom and creates prerequisites for the formation of oxygen-free conditions below the boundary of the mixed layer (2-3 m). The systematic discharge of drainage wastewater into Lake Kultuchnoye through sewers with three outlets in the littoral part of the Big Lake and one in the Small Lake was revealed. According to the complex of components and indicators of water quality, the water in the Big and Small Lakes has a high level of, although the concentrations of many pollutants have decreased during the last 30 years. Compared to the state of the lake in 1990s, there was a decrease in the lake water of copper and manganese, phenols, petroleum products, ammonium nitrogen and BOD. Silty bottom sediments had a uniform composition, olive color. The content of organic matter reaches 14.4-16.9%, which indicates the active mineralization of organic residues. According to the content of mineral phosphorus (more than 10 &#956;g/l), due to the influx of polluted waters, water masses do not experience a limit for the development of biota. In the Big Kultuchnoe Lake, the content of mineral phosphorus in the bottom horizons is 74-163 &#181;g/l. In Small Kultuchnoe Lake, the content of mineral and total phosphorus is lower &#8211; up to 60 &#181;g/l, which may be due to a more active process of its consumption by higher algae, which the lake is almost completely overgrown. Methane emission is the highest from the surface of the Small Lake (37.4 mgC / m<sup>2</sup>h), which is due to its high content in the water and low (up to 1 m) depth. For Big Kultuchnoe lake specific flow rate not exceeding 20,7 mgC/m<sup>2</sup>h. To preserve the ecosystem of the lake, which is located in the historical part of the city near important tourist infrastructure and has great recreational value, it is proposed to create phyto-treatment facilities that would intercept drainage runoff and not violate the overall appearance of the landscape.</p>
&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A deep understanding of the land - atmosphere - ocean feedbacks and inte... more &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A deep understanding of the land - atmosphere - ocean feedbacks and interactions is required to make impact on the sustainable and just development of the Arctic region. The science based knowledge of the Arctic environments would lead to improved mitigation and adaptation plans, sustainable services for the Arctic communities and stakeholders and to well targeted policy actions. At the same time with the science approach we need a process of making&amp;amp;#160; policies acceptable and normative to the people living in the Artic. &amp;amp;#160;AASCO &amp;amp;#8211; &amp;amp;#8220;Arena gap&amp;amp;#160; analysis of the existing Arctic science co-operations&amp;amp;#8221; highlights key areas for the Arctic interactions &amp;amp;#8211; feedbacks research from the atmospheric, oceanic, cryospheric and social perspectives, and summarizes the potential improvements stemming from the holistic understanding of the Arctic climate system. Furthermore, AASCO aims to provide an outlook and benefits of the bridges between other international approaches like Pan-Eurasian Experiment (PEEX) Program, University of Arctic network (U-Arctic), The Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme of WMO, Sustainable Arctic Observation Network (SAON) e.g &amp;amp;#160;it&amp;amp;#8217;s strategy process called &amp;amp;#8220;ROADS&amp;amp;#8221; and the Digital Belt and Road (DBAR) program and, in general, of bridges between research and society impact.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;
Microbial sulfate reduction (MSR) has increasingly been investigated for its potential to immobil... more Microbial sulfate reduction (MSR) has increasingly been investigated for its potential to immobilize metals and reduce their bioavailability while also increasing the pH of acid mine drainage (AMD; e.g., Nielsen et al., 2018). The process involves microbes (bacteria and archaea) converting sulfate into sulfide that together with toxic dissolved metals precipitate into less mobile forms. Laboratory bioreactor experiments on MSR show a metal retention of 70% or more under favorable conditions (e.g., Sinharoy et al., 2020; Zhang & Wang, 2016). The activity depends on several factors, such as (bioavailable) carbon and sulfate supply, oxygen level, pH, and temperature (Xu & Chen, 2020). MSR has also been observed in the field at certain locations and time periods, for example, in individual wetlands or near tailing deposits at particular points of time (Mandernack et al., 2000; Praharaj & Fortin, 2004). Recently, Fischer, Jarsjö, et al. (2022) additionally showed evidence of ongoing and considerable MSR in multiple locations (so-called “hot spots”) within an AMD-impacted catchment (Imetjoki, Northern Sweden), which is essential if MSR is to be used as an effective mitigation solution for spatially extensive mining sites and their downstream regions. However, large knowledge gaps remain regarding catchment-scale MSR in freshwater systems, where specific catchment and seasonal conditions could differ substantially from site to site. It is therefore not known to what extent MSR more generally could provide a basis for viable bioremediation, for instance, as part of nature-based solutions for sites impacted by (acid) mine drainage across the world. This includes the Arctic, which counts as one of the world's larger mining regions with numerous examples of largescale mine drainage development, and where cold conditions and pronounced seasonality may hamper the activity of freshwater sulfur-reducing microbes (SRM).
The paper discusses the basin, soil and biogeochemical paragenetic associations of landscapes. «C... more The paper discusses the basin, soil and biogeochemical paragenetic associations of landscapes. «Cationophilic» and «anionophilic» components and subsystems of landscapes, specializing in accumulation, depletion or the presence of correlations of chemical elements, are identified. The landscape-geochemical studies of ancient weathering crusts, Paleogene, Neogene and Pleistocene continental deposits, soilgeochemical catenas and plants in various regions of Kazakhstan, Central Asia, the Caspian Sea region and the rivers of the Baikal Lake catchment are synthesized. There are three paragenetic associations of chemical elements in aquatic landscapes of a heterolithic river basin. The first prevalently includes cationic metals – Fe, Mn, Pb and some lithophilic complexing agents (hydrolyzate elements) – Al, Bi, W, Be, migrating in water mainly in suspended forms. The second includes anionic heavy metalloids – Mo, U, Sb, As, as well as light metalloid B, which are presented mainly in dissol...
DIE ERDE – Journal of the Geographical Society of Berlin, 2018
The transboundary river basins shared between Russia, Ukraine and the European Union pose unique ... more The transboundary river basins shared between Russia, Ukraine and the European Union pose unique challenges for management because of differences regarding not only the legal framework but also related to monitoring practices and water utilization. Using the example of three river basins – the Desna (shared by Russia and Ukraine), the Western Dvina (shared by Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia) and the Western Bug (shared by Ukraine, Belarus and Poland) – this paper provides an analysis of current challenges with respect to transboundary water resources management in Eastern Europe. This assessment is based on a comparison of similarities and disparities concerning the physical and human geography of the basins (and their national sub-basins) as well as specific problems related to water pollution caused by urban, agricultural and industrial water usage both in the recent past and today. All three catchments have a similar size, climate and hydrological characteristics. ...
Water sector of Russia: problems, technologies, management, 2011
A procedure and technique of water-protection zones designing have been considered with the use o... more A procedure and technique of water-protection zones designing have been considered with the use of the Avacha River (that flow in the mostly dense populated region of Kamchatka Kray) basin as a study case. Regularities of their identification according to the specific natural features of a river basin have been discussed. Special attention has been paid to methodological difficulties of water-protection zones designing associated, among others, with imperfection or absence of a regulatory basis. The used methods and technical means have been reviewed, the problems of their allocation have been discussed, and the structure and content of such works have been recommended.
IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2021
According to the results of 2019-2020 studies, we considered the features of hydrological, therma... more According to the results of 2019-2020 studies, we considered the features of hydrological, thermal, ice regime and water turbidity of the small urban Setun River, one of the largest right tributaries of the Moscow River, flowing in the western part of the city of Moscow. The specific discharge from the Setun watershed is 1.5-2 times and the turbidity is 3 times higher than in natural conditions in the upper Moscow River basin. Due to thermal pollution by wastewater, ice cover forms only in the upper reaches of the river during sustained frosts, and water temperature within the city is 1.5-2.5 degrees higher (up to 6 degrees in winter).
An emerging solution in mine waste remediation is the use of biological processes, such as microb... more An emerging solution in mine waste remediation is the use of biological processes, such as microbial sulfate reduction (MSR), to immobilize metals, reducing their bioavailability and buffering the pH of acid mine drainage. Apart from laboratory tests and local observations of natural MSR in, for example, single wetlands, little is known about spatiotemporal characteristics of freshwater MSR from multiple locations within entire hydrological catchments. We here applied an isotopic fractionation (δ34S values in SO42−) and a Monte Carlo‐based mixing analysis scheme to detect MSR and its variation across two major mining regions (Imetjoki, Sweden and Khibiny, Russia) in the Arctic part of Europe under different seasonal conditions. Results indicate a range of catchment‐scale MSR values in the Arctic of ∼5%–20% where the low end of the range was associated with the non‐vegetated, mountainous terrain of the Khibiny catchment, having low levels of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The high end of the range was related to vegetated conditions provided by the Imetjoki catchment that also contains wetlands, lakes, and local aquifers. These prolong hydrological residence times and support MSR hot spots reaching values of ∼40%. The present results additionally show evidence of MSR persistence over different seasons, indicating large potential, even under relatively cold conditions, of using MSR as part of nature‐based solutions to mitigate adverse impacts of (acid) mine drainage. The results call for more detailed investigations regarding potential field‐scale correlations between MSR and individual landscape and hydroclimatic characteristics, which, for example, can be supported by the isotopic fractionation and mixing scheme utilized here.
<p>Lake Kultuchnoe applies to lakes of lagoon type and is located in the historical center ... more <p>Lake Kultuchnoe applies to lakes of lagoon type and is located in the historical center of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The area and volume of the lake in connection with human economic activity was repeatedly reduced during backfilling. In the early 90s of the last century the lake was divided into two parts. The area of the water mirror of both lakes is about 2 km<sup>2</sup>. The maximum depth of the Big lake &#8211; 7 m, Small lake&#8211; 1.2 m. Compared to the conditions that took place 30 years ago, there is an improvement in the state of the aquatic ecosystem and a decrease in the level of pollution. This is due to the reconstruction of urban sewage systems, in the 2000s, the release of fecal and industrial wastewater stopped. During the open water period a direct stratification is formed in the lake, and in the deepest part of it during the summer, low water temperatures remain in the bottom horizons and there is a lack of oxygen. The stratification is due to the insufficient length of wind acceleration for mixing the lake to the bottom and creates prerequisites for the formation of oxygen-free conditions below the boundary of the mixed layer (2-3 m). The systematic discharge of drainage wastewater into Lake Kultuchnoye through sewers with three outlets in the littoral part of the Big Lake and one in the Small Lake was revealed. According to the complex of components and indicators of water quality, the water in the Big and Small Lakes has a high level of, although the concentrations of many pollutants have decreased during the last 30 years. Compared to the state of the lake in 1990s, there was a decrease in the lake water of copper and manganese, phenols, petroleum products, ammonium nitrogen and BOD. Silty bottom sediments had a uniform composition, olive color. The content of organic matter reaches 14.4-16.9%, which indicates the active mineralization of organic residues. According to the content of mineral phosphorus (more than 10 &#956;g/l), due to the influx of polluted waters, water masses do not experience a limit for the development of biota. In the Big Kultuchnoe Lake, the content of mineral phosphorus in the bottom horizons is 74-163 &#181;g/l. In Small Kultuchnoe Lake, the content of mineral and total phosphorus is lower &#8211; up to 60 &#181;g/l, which may be due to a more active process of its consumption by higher algae, which the lake is almost completely overgrown. Methane emission is the highest from the surface of the Small Lake (37.4 mgC / m<sup>2</sup>h), which is due to its high content in the water and low (up to 1 m) depth. For Big Kultuchnoe lake specific flow rate not exceeding 20,7 mgC/m<sup>2</sup>h. To preserve the ecosystem of the lake, which is located in the historical part of the city near important tourist infrastructure and has great recreational value, it is proposed to create phyto-treatment facilities that would intercept drainage runoff and not violate the overall appearance of the landscape.</p>
&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A deep understanding of the land - atmosphere - ocean feedbacks and inte... more &amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A deep understanding of the land - atmosphere - ocean feedbacks and interactions is required to make impact on the sustainable and just development of the Arctic region. The science based knowledge of the Arctic environments would lead to improved mitigation and adaptation plans, sustainable services for the Arctic communities and stakeholders and to well targeted policy actions. At the same time with the science approach we need a process of making&amp;amp;#160; policies acceptable and normative to the people living in the Artic. &amp;amp;#160;AASCO &amp;amp;#8211; &amp;amp;#8220;Arena gap&amp;amp;#160; analysis of the existing Arctic science co-operations&amp;amp;#8221; highlights key areas for the Arctic interactions &amp;amp;#8211; feedbacks research from the atmospheric, oceanic, cryospheric and social perspectives, and summarizes the potential improvements stemming from the holistic understanding of the Arctic climate system. Furthermore, AASCO aims to provide an outlook and benefits of the bridges between other international approaches like Pan-Eurasian Experiment (PEEX) Program, University of Arctic network (U-Arctic), The Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) Programme of WMO, Sustainable Arctic Observation Network (SAON) e.g &amp;amp;#160;it&amp;amp;#8217;s strategy process called &amp;amp;#8220;ROADS&amp;amp;#8221; and the Digital Belt and Road (DBAR) program and, in general, of bridges between research and society impact.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;
Microbial sulfate reduction (MSR) has increasingly been investigated for its potential to immobil... more Microbial sulfate reduction (MSR) has increasingly been investigated for its potential to immobilize metals and reduce their bioavailability while also increasing the pH of acid mine drainage (AMD; e.g., Nielsen et al., 2018). The process involves microbes (bacteria and archaea) converting sulfate into sulfide that together with toxic dissolved metals precipitate into less mobile forms. Laboratory bioreactor experiments on MSR show a metal retention of 70% or more under favorable conditions (e.g., Sinharoy et al., 2020; Zhang & Wang, 2016). The activity depends on several factors, such as (bioavailable) carbon and sulfate supply, oxygen level, pH, and temperature (Xu & Chen, 2020). MSR has also been observed in the field at certain locations and time periods, for example, in individual wetlands or near tailing deposits at particular points of time (Mandernack et al., 2000; Praharaj & Fortin, 2004). Recently, Fischer, Jarsjö, et al. (2022) additionally showed evidence of ongoing and considerable MSR in multiple locations (so-called “hot spots”) within an AMD-impacted catchment (Imetjoki, Northern Sweden), which is essential if MSR is to be used as an effective mitigation solution for spatially extensive mining sites and their downstream regions. However, large knowledge gaps remain regarding catchment-scale MSR in freshwater systems, where specific catchment and seasonal conditions could differ substantially from site to site. It is therefore not known to what extent MSR more generally could provide a basis for viable bioremediation, for instance, as part of nature-based solutions for sites impacted by (acid) mine drainage across the world. This includes the Arctic, which counts as one of the world's larger mining regions with numerous examples of largescale mine drainage development, and where cold conditions and pronounced seasonality may hamper the activity of freshwater sulfur-reducing microbes (SRM).
The paper discusses the basin, soil and biogeochemical paragenetic associations of landscapes. «C... more The paper discusses the basin, soil and biogeochemical paragenetic associations of landscapes. «Cationophilic» and «anionophilic» components and subsystems of landscapes, specializing in accumulation, depletion or the presence of correlations of chemical elements, are identified. The landscape-geochemical studies of ancient weathering crusts, Paleogene, Neogene and Pleistocene continental deposits, soilgeochemical catenas and plants in various regions of Kazakhstan, Central Asia, the Caspian Sea region and the rivers of the Baikal Lake catchment are synthesized. There are three paragenetic associations of chemical elements in aquatic landscapes of a heterolithic river basin. The first prevalently includes cationic metals – Fe, Mn, Pb and some lithophilic complexing agents (hydrolyzate elements) – Al, Bi, W, Be, migrating in water mainly in suspended forms. The second includes anionic heavy metalloids – Mo, U, Sb, As, as well as light metalloid B, which are presented mainly in dissol...
DIE ERDE – Journal of the Geographical Society of Berlin, 2018
The transboundary river basins shared between Russia, Ukraine and the European Union pose unique ... more The transboundary river basins shared between Russia, Ukraine and the European Union pose unique challenges for management because of differences regarding not only the legal framework but also related to monitoring practices and water utilization. Using the example of three river basins – the Desna (shared by Russia and Ukraine), the Western Dvina (shared by Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia) and the Western Bug (shared by Ukraine, Belarus and Poland) – this paper provides an analysis of current challenges with respect to transboundary water resources management in Eastern Europe. This assessment is based on a comparison of similarities and disparities concerning the physical and human geography of the basins (and their national sub-basins) as well as specific problems related to water pollution caused by urban, agricultural and industrial water usage both in the recent past and today. All three catchments have a similar size, climate and hydrological characteristics. ...
Water sector of Russia: problems, technologies, management, 2011
A procedure and technique of water-protection zones designing have been considered with the use o... more A procedure and technique of water-protection zones designing have been considered with the use of the Avacha River (that flow in the mostly dense populated region of Kamchatka Kray) basin as a study case. Regularities of their identification according to the specific natural features of a river basin have been discussed. Special attention has been paid to methodological difficulties of water-protection zones designing associated, among others, with imperfection or absence of a regulatory basis. The used methods and technical means have been reviewed, the problems of their allocation have been discussed, and the structure and content of such works have been recommended.
IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2021
According to the results of 2019-2020 studies, we considered the features of hydrological, therma... more According to the results of 2019-2020 studies, we considered the features of hydrological, thermal, ice regime and water turbidity of the small urban Setun River, one of the largest right tributaries of the Moscow River, flowing in the western part of the city of Moscow. The specific discharge from the Setun watershed is 1.5-2 times and the turbidity is 3 times higher than in natural conditions in the upper Moscow River basin. Due to thermal pollution by wastewater, ice cover forms only in the upper reaches of the river during sustained frosts, and water temperature within the city is 1.5-2.5 degrees higher (up to 6 degrees in winter).
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Papers by Sergey Chalov