FORMATION OF THE KAMA RIVER (KAMA RESERVOIR) HYDROCHEMICAL REGIME IN WINTER IN THE AREA OF SOLIKAMSK-BEREZNIKI INDUSTRIAL HUB

Abstract

Mining and concentration of potash and magnesium salt ores at the deposits require the consumption of significant amounts of water resources. These industries have a strong impact on local water bodies. Chlorides are the main limiting indicator of water quality in the Kama River (Kama Reservoir) in the area of Solikamsk-Berezniki industrial hub. On the basis of data from frequent measurements of chloride content in the winter period, the paper investigates the factors and mechanisms determining changes in the concentrations of chlorides. A significant increase of this indicator during the winter low-water period has been established. At the same time, according to the data from the Kama River hydrological post at Tyulkino settlement, the discharge is very stable in this period. To analyze the observed features, a detailed assessment of the pollutant fluxes was carried out. The study has revealed a clear, statistically significant relationship between the increase in chloride fluxes and the decrease in the water level of the Kama River. The paper shows that this feature can be explained by the presence of latent sources of pollution, characterized by a filtration mechanism of inflow into the water body. The performed balance estimations have shown that the total contribution of such sources can exceed 60% in the total chloride flux. At the same time, their share significantly increases with the reservoir drawdown. The paper substantiates the insufficiency of the frequency of water sampling and analysis at hydrological posts of the Roshydromet network. Monthly observations cannot correctly reflect the dynamics of hydrochemical processes in water bodies subjected to significant anthropogenic loads. The considered features of the hydrochemical regime formation should be taken into account when regulating anthropogenic impacts on water bodies located in the zones of active technogenesis.