INTEGRAL ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF THE DIVERSE TECHNOGENIC LOAD ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATE IN BRYANSK REGION

Abstract

Introduction. The paper is timed to coincide with the mournful date of the 35th anniversary of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. In Russia, Bryansk Region is the most affected area in this regard. Our goal was to assess the diverse integral technogenic load in Bryansk Region, which is characterized by a developed industry and agriculture despite the negative consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. We assessed the technogenic load on various components of the environment within the framework of a previously developed methodology aimed to identify the most environmentally unfriendly territories. Methods. Based on the annual data of Typhoon Research and Production Association on radiation monitoring, state and regional reports on the state of the environment, a radiation analysis was carried out in Bryansk Region. A number of territories in the south-west of the region are characterized by a high level of soil contamination with a technogenic radionuclide 137Cs, which is more than 40 Ci/km2. To assess the impact of the technogenic load on the environment, a new methodological approach was developed to account for components of different dimensions in the areas of the studied region. This approach makes it possible to combine all characteristics of different dimensions in calculations and bring them to dimensionless values. It should be noted that the assessments and comparisons were carried out exclusively within Bryansk Region and they can be used only with regard to the corresponding objects. If there is a need to compare it with other regions of the Russian Federation or have a countrywide comparison, then it is necessary to introduce average comparative values. Results. In the course of the study, we assessed the impact of the total technogenic load on the environment in Bryansk Region, which includes the studies of the following: technogenic load on the environment, socio-environmental situation, radiation situation, and integral load (technogenic, socio- environmental, and radiation). Conclusion. The integral assessment of the impact of the diverse load on the environmental state in Bryansk Region showed that the western part of the region is characterized by a high and very high integral load only. This is due to the technogenic load and radioactive contamination. In this regard, the western part of Bryansk Region is of interest for further research.