ECOLOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE DONBASS FERROUS METALLURGY ENTERPRISES

Abstract

The results of ecologico-geochemical modeling of the Donbas ferrous metallurgy enterprises are presented in the article. One of the oldest metallurgical enterprises of Ukraine – Donetsk Metallurgical Plant and components of the environment in its industrial zone and adjacent territories – was chosen as the main object of researc An ecological and geochemical assessment was carried out for all types of mineral raw materials used by metallurgical enterprises, their gas and dust emissions into the surface atmosphere, and solid waste from all productions. The content of 39 chemical elements in them was determined, ecological and geochemical models (spectra) were built. Detailed ecological and geochemical mapping of the industrial zone of the Donetsk Metallurgical Plant and the adjacent densely populated areas of Donetsk allowed us to determine the scale and geochemical features of the impact on environmental components of this ferrous metallurgy enterprise in Donbas. An area of 11 km2 has been identified, on which, under the influence of metallurgical production, irreversible transformations of environmental components have occurred. 14 chemical elements participate in the structure of technogenic lithochemical anomalies, the leading place among which is occupied by elements of the first hazard class – Hg, Pb, Zn, As. An assessment of the environmental impact of the metallurgical enterprise for secondary processing of non-ferrous metal waste “Donkavamet”, which is located at a distance of 2–4 km. from the Donetsk Metallurgical Plant, has also been carried out. The results of studying the bioreaction of the population to the centers of chemical environmental pollution in the area of the metallurgical plant and its stored solid waste are also presented. A significant contribution of modern active military actions to negative environmental changes requires the development and implementation of the “Program for the ecological and geochemical restoration of the Donbas territory in the post-war period”. The experience and results of ecological and geochemical modeling presented in the article will be useful for this.