Doroshkevych, S. P., Kushnir, A. S., Leiberiuk, O. M., Shvaiko, V. M., Sachko, A. V., Kharytonova, I. P., Karavan, V. V. Monitoring of the Geochemical State of Soils in Bombturbation Zones of the Kyiv Prydniprovia

Ukr. geogr. z. 2026, (2):26-40
Date of approval for printing: 

23.07.2026

Language of publication: 
English
Authors: 
Doroshkevych, S. P.1 
Kushnir, A. S.1 
Leiberiuk, O. M.1 
Shvaiko, V. M.1 
Sachko, A. V.2 
Kharytonova, I. P.3 
Karavan, V. V.2 

1 Institute of Geography of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv
2 Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, Chernivtsi
3 M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv
 
 
Стаття опублікована на умовах відкритого доступу за ліцензією CC BY-NC-ND
Abstract: 

Based on the primary results of comprehensive field and laboratory studies within selected territorial hromadas of the Kyivska, Chernihivska, and Zhytomyrska oblasts, certain aspects of the state of soil cover damaged as a result of the 2022 military actions are highlighted. A methodology for indexing and sampling deposits within bombturbation zones is proposed that considers the spatial and morphological characteristics of the objects of study to assess potential contamination by harmful substances. Detailed results of field studies at five key sites near the settlements of Hoholiv, Shestovytsia, Yablunivka, Lypivka-Makariv, and Vorzel are presented, along with laboratory test results for the content of heavy metals (20) and biogenic elements (59). It has been established that explosions cause not only mechanical disturbances of the soil profile but also noticeable chemical changes, particularly a local increase in the concentrations of Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Pb, which are most frequently observed in samples from the bottoms and rims of craters. The content of biogenic elements also occasionally exhibits distinct spatial differences within individual craters studied (Hoholiv, Shestovytsia, Yablunivka). Most often, exceedances (relative to background values) of phosphorus, potassium, iron, and sulfur are recorded, occurring in samples from both the bottoms and rims of craters and from the surrounding area. However, it is worth noting that there are cases (Makariv-Lypivka, Vorzel) where it is not possible to establish direct links between increased concentrations of the studied elements and bombturbations. Furthermore, at none of the studied objects were exceedances of the concentrations of the studied elements recorded that would be harmful to human health. The identified spatial distribution patterns of disturbed soil masses, heavy metals, and biogenic elements enable assessment of the redistribution of natural and technogenic substances resulting from military impacts. The research results highlight the necessity of monitoring contamination and assessing long-term environmental consequences for lands affected by combat operations.

Key words: 
soil contamination, bombturbation, heavy metals, biogenic elements, environmental impact of war, Russian invasion of Ukraine
Pages: 
026-040
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DOI: 
https://doi.org/10.15407/ugz2026.02.026