Anthropogenic impact on the ecological state of rivers in the leningrad region

Abstract

Introduction. Water resources of the Leningrad Region are intensively used to ensure water supply and meet the demands of agricultural and energy industries as well as demands related to navigation, fish farming and recreation activities. The problem of using and protecting small rivers, small lakes, ponds and other natural and artificial links of the hydrological network caused the emergence of “hot ecological spots”. Materials and methods. The paper addresses issues related to anthropogenic impact and accumulation of environmental damage using small rivers of the Leningrad Region as an example. The study is based on current and retrospective data of the authors and third-party researchers, which made it possible to define the development prospects of the water sector in the Leningrad Region. Results and discussion. According to the results of the study, the main type of anthropogenic impact related to economic activity is associated with processing enterprises and urbanization. Besides, for many years, the deterioration of the state of small rivers and watercourses has been determined by their multifaceted use, and with the growing economic stagnation since the 1990s, these problems only have worsened. Conclusion. As a way out, it is possible to improve the management of natural objects. The authors conclude that the management of environmental objects in river catchment areas implies the improvement of economic activity and the direct management of natural objects.