Experimental-analytical assessment of ecosystem resources of the tailings storage facility: Case study
Więcej
Ukryj
1
Viacheslav Chornovil Institute of Sustainable Development, Lviv Polytechnic National University, 12 S. Bandera St, Lviv, 79013, Ukraine
2
Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Lviv Polytechnic National University, 12 S. Bandera St, Lviv, 79013, Ukraine
Autor do korespondencji
Oleg Nahurskyi
Lviv Polytechnic National University, S. Bandera Str. 12, Lviv, 79013, Ukraine
Ecol. Eng. Environ. Technol. 2025; 11
SŁOWA KLUCZOWE
DZIEDZINY
STRESZCZENIE
The study provides an experimental-analytical assessment of ecosystem resources at the Yavoriv State Mining and Chemical Enterprise (SMCE) tailings storage facility in Lviv region, Ukraine. After sulfur production ceased, the site became a technogenically disturbed landscape with acidified soils, elevated concentrations of toxic elements, and sparse vegetation. The objectives were to map vegetation status, assess plant physiological condition and species composition, and evaluate natural restoration potential to inform reclamation planning. Methods combined satellite-image analysis and cartographic zoning (central, transitional, peripheral), twelve 10×10 m sample plots, floristic surveys, projective coverage estimates, chlorophyll measurements, and diversity and succession metrics (Shannon index, succession coefficient). Results revealed strong zonal differentiation – the central zone had minimal coverage (~6.5%) and low chlorophyll (~9.5 mg/g); the transitional zone showed highest diversity and coverage (~61.3%, chlorophyll ~21.3 mg/g); the periphery displayed moderate recovery (~32.5%, chlorophyll ~15.2 mg/g). A succession coefficient (~0.19) indicates slow spontaneous recovery since 2006. We have concluded that spontaneous regeneration is insufficient, so active reclamation is used to improve the soil, using substrate biotechnologies and planting species that are resistant to metals and acids.