Scholarly record

HYDROLOGICAL SITUATION OF THE UPPER DNIEPER

Valerian Sobisevich

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the environmental conditions of the Upper Dnieper (the reach between the cities of Smolensk and Mogilev), based on the hydrological (depth, width and flow rate of the river), hydrochemical (water temperature, pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen). and meteorological (air temperature, atmospheric pressure, and wind speed) data obtained by the Complex Expedition to Explore Historical Waterways of Russia (пїЅKEIVPпїЅ), conducted by S.I.Vavilov Institute for the History of Science and Technology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. All measurements were taken at measuring points located 3 to 5 km from each other, and a GPS was used to position each measuring point. The morphometric characteristics of the river were determined with the help of a Lowrance HDS-5x Gen2 echosounder and a Leica Geovid rangefinder binocular. The following portable analyzers were used for hydrochemical assessments: WTW MultiLine pH/Cond 340i for pH and conductivity measurements, WTW MultiLine oxi 340i for dissolved oxygen levels, and YSI 600QS sonde. The complementary meteorological data were obtained using a Kestrel 4500 NV Weather Meter. Based on the results of the study, three stretches were identified in this section of the Dnieper River that differ in the levels of water pollution: from the city of Smolensk to the village of Syrokorenie (class IV: polluted waters); from the village of Syrokorenie to the village of Beketovo (class III: moderately polluted waters); and from the mouth of the River Mereya to the city Mogilev (class II, moderately clean). The results demonstrate that the quality of water in the Dnieper from the city of Smolensk to the city Mogilev is satisfactory and this part of the river may be used for recreation and tourism purposes.

Publication details

Back to publication list