Problems of Chemistry and Sustainable Development

ECOLOGICALLY ORIENTED INORGANIC SYNTHESIS OF TiO2-BASED NANOMATERIALS FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Nataliia DUSHECHKINA — 2025-06-26

The article considers current approaches to environmentally friendly synthesis of nanomaterials based on titanium dioxide (TiO2), which can be effectively used for wastewater treatment from organic pollutants. Given the growing environmental requirements for chemical technologies, special attention is paid to the so-called “green synthesis” – a method of obtaining nanomaterials using natural reducing agents, plant extracts and non-toxic solvents. This approach allows minimizing the negative impact on the environment during the production of photocatalytically active materials. The process of obtaining TiO2 nanoparticles using green tea extracts, willow bark and other natural components that serve as reducing agents and stabilizers is described. The obtained nanostructures are characterized by a high specific surface area, uniform particle distribution and stable photocatalytic properties. The conducted studies of photocatalytic activity indicate the high efficiency of the synthesized materials in the degradation of organic dyes, in particular methylene blue, under the influence of UV radiation. Comparison with traditional synthesis methods indicates the advantages of the «green» approach in terms of energy saving, safety and environmental feasibility. In conclusion, the authors justify the feasibility of further implementation of such nanomaterials in wastewater treatment technology and emphasize the importance of the development of chemistry in the context of sustainable development and environmental protection.

WITTIG REACTION AS A PROMISING METHOD OF THE CHALCONES OBTAINING

Vitalii LYSTVAN — 2025-06-26

Chalcones, being the derivatives of 1,3-diphenylpropenone and its analogues are of interest primarily due to the wide spectrum of their physiological activity. The therapeutic properties of a number of plant origin natural compounds of this class caused an active preparation and investigation of their synthetic analogues. Particularly chalcones show high anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral, as well as antitumor and antihyperglycemic activity. They are also characterized by valuable optical properties, fluorescent by instance. Chalcones are also known as valuable intermediates for the synthesis of other classes organic compounds, primarily heterocycles. A wide range of practically valuable properties requires an active search for new ways of their synthesis. The Wittig reaction as a method for obtaining chalcone derivatives has been known for a long time, but its capabilities and application options in this area have not been studied sufficiently. Current investigation aims to obtain new chalcones on the base of aldehydes containing ester groups in their molecules as well as to study the possibility of phosphonium salts application as starting compounds, without intermediate isolation of alkylidenephosphoranes. It have been found that phosphonium salts easily interact with aldehydes in the presence of triethylamine, the action of the base converts the salt into alkylidenephosphorane, which under reaction conditions immediately interacts with the aldehyde, forming the corresponding unsaturated ketones. This method allowed to obtain a number of hydroxychalcones, benzoxazinone derivatives and heterocyclic analogues of chalcones. However, the mentioned synthesis method have been found to be unavailable for compounds containing sensitive to alkaline hydrolysis groups. In this case it turned out to be necessary to use alkylidenephosphoranes previously isolated in an individual state. A number of substituted chalcones, particularly those containing fragments of natural compounds – coumarin and pyridinecarboxylic acids – have been obtained by interaction of stable phosphorylides with aldehydes containing ester groups.

INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE FUNCTIONAL GROUPS OF 2,4-DIOXO- AND 4-IMINO-2-OXO-3-PHENYL-5-R-6-R-THIENO[2,3-d] PYRIMIDINES AND THEIR BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY

Galina RIZAK — 2025-06-26

The popularity of diuretic agents in modern medicine and their disadvantages lead to the search for new compounds with this activity. Despite the emergence of new diuretic drugs in the healthcare system, significant problems associated primarily with electrolyte disorders remain unresolved. The diuretic effect of 2-alk(acyl)oxy-4-oxo-3-phenyl-5-R-6- R’-thieno[2,3-d]-pyrimidines (in particular, 2-ethoxy-4-oxo-3-phenyl-5,6-trimethylenothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine and p-2-acetoxy-4-oxo-3-phenyl-5,6-dimethylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine) and determined, at the same time, thechemical structure-biological action relationship has not been establishedfor the derivatives of 2,4-dioxo- and 4-imino-2-oxo-3- phenyl-5-R-6-R-thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines. The aim of this work is to establish the relationship between the functional groups of 2,4-dioxo- and 4-imino-2-oxo-3-phenyl-5-R-6-R-thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines and their biological activity. Methodology. The diuretic and anti-inflammatory activity was determined in vivo by studying, respectively, the effect of compounds on renal secretory function (reference drug hypothiazide) and on edema reduction in the model of karegenin edema (reference drug voltvren). The antimicrobial effect was studied in vitro on museum strains of microorganisms. Scientific novelty. The relationship between the functional groups of 2,4-dioxo- and 4-imino-2-oxo-3-phenyl-5-R-6- R-thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines and their biological, in particular diuretic, activity was investigated for the first time. The regularity of ‘functional group – biological action’ for 2,4-dioxo- and 4-imino-2-oxo-3-phenyl-5-R-6-R-thien o[2,3-d] py rimidinederivativesin terms of diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobialactivity was established. An increase in the diuretic activity of oxo- and imino-derivatives in the presence of a tetramethylene group in the molecule was proved. At the same time, the presence of a dimethylene radical in the oxo-derivatives molecule slightly correlates with the antimicrobial effect of the compounds. The prospect of further study of this series of compounds as potential API diuretics may be related to the studies of compound V – 4-imino-2-oxo-3-phenyl-5,6-trimethylenothieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine.

REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER INTENDED FOR THE TECHNOLOGICAL PRODUCTION OF BEVERAGES AND CONCENTRATES

Tetiana SAVCHUK — 2025-06-26

During the study, the main requirements for drinking water quality were examined, including sanitary-chemical, radiological, and epidemiological safety indicators. Various types of water and their qualitative characteristics were analyzed. It was proven that the quality of drinking water plays a key role in producing safe food products, particularly beverages and concentrates. Compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards ensures the minimization of health risks for consumers, while the use of effective purification methods allows for the removal of undesirable impurities that may affect the chemical composition and organoleptic properties of the final product. The application of methods such as mechanical, chemical, biological, and physical purification contributes to maintaining the optimal mineral composition of water, which is important not only for safety but also for enhancing the flavor characteristics of beverages. In addition, regular monitoring of water quality at all stages of its use in the production process helps prevent potential contamination and ensures the consistency of the final product’s characteristics. Thus, strict compliance with drinking water quality standards, the implementation of modern purification technologies, and the monitoring of all safety indicators are essential conditions for the production of high-quality beverages and concentrates that meet high safety requirements and consumer demand.

PHASE DIAGRAMS OF THE С2ІІІX3 – DIVX2 SYSTEMS (СІІІ – AS, SB, BI; DIV – GE, SN; X – S, SE)

Vitaliia SEMENIUK — 2025-06-26

The results of experimental studies of phase diagrams of quasi-binary systems of the С2ІІІX3 – DIVX2 type are presented where СІІІ – As, Sb, Bi; DIV – Ge, Sn; X – S, Se. The samples were synthesized by direct co-melting of high-purity elements in evacuated ampoules; the maximum temperature was 1170 K. Themethods of powder X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis were used to identify the phases, determine the composition and nature of phase transitions. Investigated phase diagrams are characterized by different types of invariant processes, either peritecticor eutectic. The sulfide system As2S3 – GeS2 features peritectic interaction at 722 K with limited mutual solubility of the components in the solid state; a eutectic type of interaction was observed in the similar selenium-containing system As2Sе3 – GeSе2 (618 K, 20 mol.% GeSе2). The Sb2S3 – GeS2 system features eutectic type of interaction with the eutectic point at 747 K and 35 mol.% GeS2; glassy and glass-crystalline phases were observed in the intermediate range of compositions, which indicates a tendency to glass formation. The selenide system Sb2Se3 – GeSe2 similarly exhibits eutectic interaction with the eutectic point coordinates of 757 K, 58 mol.% GeSe2, absent of solid solutions and glassy state. The Bi2S3 – GeS2 section is also of the eutectic type (860 K; 52 mol.% GeS2) with the formation of solid solution ranges of the initial components. The systems involving tin (IV) sulfide and selenide exhibit eutectic: As2Se3 – SnSe2 (640 K, 19 mol.% SnSe2), Sb2S3 – SnS2 (737 K, 65 mol.% Sb2S3), Sb2Se3 – SnSe2 (773 K, 50 mol.% SnSe2), Bi2S3 – SnS2 (938 K, 42 mol.% SnS2), Bi2Se3 – SnSe2 (831 K, 67 mol.% SnSe2) and peritectic: As2S3 – SnS2 (727 K) types of interactions. The Sb2S3 – SnS2 system features the ternary phase Sb2SnS5 which is formed by the peritectic reaction L + SnS2 ↔ Sb2SnS5 at 765 K, while no ternary phases were found in selenide systems, indicating the effect of chemical bonding and structural factors on the stability of the phases. Additionally, eutectoid and peritectoid transformations associated with the phase transitions of GeS2 and SnS2 were recorded in some systems. Obtained results are important for further research into the quasi-ternary systems based on these binary compounds and the development of materials with controlled properties for electronics, photonics, and energy production.

EVALUATION OF THE ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF ACETATES WITH AN IMIDAZOTHIAZINE FRAGMENT

Oleksandr PRYMACHUK — 2025-06-26

This work presents the results of the synthesis of (benz)imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazinyl acetates by acylation of 3-hydroxy(benz)imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazines with acetic anhydride and their further study for antioxidant activity. The first obtained compounds 2a–c were tested for their ability to inhibit the free radical DPPH (1,1-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl) by spectrophotometric analysis. The antioxidant properties were assessed in methanol medium at a concentration of 5 mM, with the change in optical density recorded after 60 minutes of incubation. This experimental approach allows for efficient and rapid identification of potentially active compounds while optimizing time and materials. Ascorbic acid was used as a reference compound. According to the results of screening studies, it was found that 6,7-dihydro-5H-imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazin-6-yl acetate 2a, 2,3-diphenyl-6,7-dihydro-5H-imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazin-6-yl acetate 2b, and 3,4-dihydro-2H-benz[4,5] imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazin-3-yl acetate 2c exhibit the ability to inhibit DPPH radicals at the level of 61.2 %, 57.7 %, and 56.9 %, respectively. Compound 2a demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity, which allows us to consider it as a promising object for further research towards the development of new synthetic antioxidants. Structural analysis of the studied compounds showed that the presence of diphenyl substituents in the imidazole ring, as well as a condensed benzimidazole core, leads to a decrease in the antioxidant activity of imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazinyl acetates. On the other hand, the presence of an unsubstituted imidazole fragment correlates with an increase in their antiradical activity.

ADSORPTION PURIFICATION OF SUGAR PRODUCTION INTERMEDIATES WITH PALYGORSKITE AND GLAUCONITE

Natalia STETSENKO — 2025-06-26

The aim of the work is to determine the adsorption properties of natural dispersed minerals of Ukraine, palygorskite and glauconite, in the processes of removing coloring substances in sugar production. The efficiency of adsorption purification of technological solutions of beet sugar production, namely juice II saturation and model molasses solutions with different concentrations of coloring substances in their interaction with natural dispersed minerals of Ukraine, namely palygorskite and glauconite, was studied. The adsorption characteristics of calcium carbonate, which is traditionally used for the purification of intermediate products of sugar production, were also determined. The preparation of natural dispersed minerals was carried out by macerating their aqueous suspensions with a concentration of 5 %. The washed samples of adsorbents were dried and their humidity was determined. The adsorption equilibrium was studied in the temperature range of 20…80 °С. The values of the initial and equilibrium concentrations of coloring substances were determined by spectrophotometric method. The efficiency of dye removal was estimated by the values of specific adsorption of dyes and the decolorization effect of solutions. It was established that the adsorption isotherms of dyes by natural dispersed minerals are described by the Langmuir equation of monomolecular adsorption. The strength of the sorption interaction was estimated by the value of the standard decrease in the free energy of sorption. The best characteristics are inherent in palygorskite, the indicators of separated glauconite, calcium carbonate and natural glauconite are somewhat worse. It was found that with increasing temperature, a decrease in the amount of adsorbed dyes is observed, which indicates a predominantly physical nature of adsorption. Based on the analysis of temperature dependences, the thermodynamic parameters of the purification processes were established. The Gibbs free energy depends little on temperature, and the change in entropy had negative values, which indicates ordering in the system under the action of the adsorbent field. It has been established that the efficiency of extracting dyes by palygorskite and glauconite depends on the pH of the medium and decreases slightly with increasing alkalinity.

STUDIES OF PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS IN THE ND-LI-GE SYSTEM AT A TEMPERATURE OF 400 °C

Andrij STETSKIV — 2025-06-26

In this work, an isothermal section of the phase diagram of the state of the Nd-Li-Ge system was built on the basis of X-ray phase, microstructural and local X-ray spectral analyzes at a temperature of 400 °C in the range of 30–100 at.% Ge. For the synthesis of alloys, pieces of pure metals of a certain stoichiometric composition were compressed into tablets, which were placed in a tantalum crucible and heated to 400 °C. At this temperature, the alloys were held for two days, then the temperature was raised to 800 °C for one hour. Samples obtained during the experiment were annealed at a given temperature for six hours. Homogenizing annealing for all samples was carried out at 400 °C for 480 hours. Phase analysis of alloys was carried out by an array of X-ray diffraction data obtained using powder automated diffractometers DRON-2.0M (Fe Kα-radiation) and STOE STADI P (Cu Kα1-radiation). Quantitative determination of Lithium content was carried out by flame photometry using a Flapho-4 device. The phase composition of individual samples of the system was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) in combination with a raster electron microscope Tescan Vega 3 LMU. Identification, calculation and indexing of diffractograms, refinement of parameters of elementary cells was carried out using packages of LATSON, POWDER CELL-2.3 programs and WinCSD. Determination and refinement of the crystal structure by the powder method was performed using the FullProf 98 program. The results of the experimental study of the selected site showed the formation of a new ternary compound Nd2LiGe6 (structural type Pr2LiGe6, the Pearson symbol oS18, the space group Cmmm, a = 0.41657(1), b = 2.11079(5), c = = 0.43723(2) nm). The formation of a solid solution of Nd5LixGe3 (x = 0–0.4) was established due to the partial inclusion (up to x = 0.4) of Lithium atoms in the octahedral voids of the initial binary phase of the Nd5Ge3. Under the conditions of the experiment, the literature data on the formation of seven triple compounds were confirmed and the parameters of their elementary cells were clarified for all. The existence of NdLi2Ge and Nd2LiGe5 compounds at the temperature of the annealing proposed by us is not confirmed. The features of phase interactions of the triple system Nd-Li-Ge and other related systems containing rare earth metals, Li and Ge are considered. It is established that most of the phases synthesized in them crystallize in orthorhombic symmetry with known structural types of CaLiSi2, ZrNiAl, Ce2Li2Ge3, Tm4LiGe4 and Gd3Cu4Ge4.

ORGANIC ACIDS OF RHUS TYPHINA L. PLANT RAW MATERIAL

Yuliia KHARCHENKO — 2025-06-26

The article presents the results of a study on the content of biologically active substances, organic acids, and ascorbic acid in the fruits and leaves of Rhus typhina L. It has been shown that this plant species is highly adaptable to temperate climate conditions, has ornamental value, and provides stable yields, which makes it a promising candidate for cultivation and raw material harvesting. The study analyzed the quantitative content of total organic acids and ascorbic acid in different parts of the plant depending on extraction duration and extraction conditions. It was established that the content of the studied compounds is higher in the fruits compared to the leaves of Rhus typhina L. It was demonstrated that increasing the extraction time promotes a higher yield of organic acids in extracts obtained from fresh leaves but is not effective for the extraction of ascorbic acid due to its oxidative degradation upon exposure to air. In the case of fruit extracts, prolonged extraction does not significantly increase the content of biologically active compounds, as the majority of them are released within the first hour. The effectiveness of ultrasound irradiation as a physical method for intensifying the extraction of biologically active compounds from leaves was confirmed. This approach significantly increases the yield of both total organic acids and ascorbic acid in the extracts. In contrast, ultrasound irradiation showed no significant advantage over conventional extraction when applied to fruits. The obtained results confirm the relevance of further studies on Rhus typhina as a promising source of phytogenic raw material with pronounced bioactive potential. The low toxicity, high agronomic performance, and rich chemical composition of this plant make it attractive for pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries.

CHEMICAL AND ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE COMPLEX FORMATION OF Cu, Zn, AND Fe NANOPARTICLES WITH CARBAMIDE

Viacheslav CHOBOTAR — 2025-06-26

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive chemical and analytical study of the complexation processes of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) nanoparticles with urea in an aqueous medium. The relevance of the topic is due to the need to stabilize the nanoforms of transition metals for further use in agrochemistry, biomedicine, and environmental technologies. Due to their high reactivity, complexation ability, and relatively low toxicity in the nanoform, Cu-, Zn-, and Fe-nanoparticles show great potential for the creation of new functional materials. The main objective of the study was to elucidate the structural and coordination features of the interaction of nanoparticles with urea as a ligand and stabilizer. The synthesized nanoparticles were studied by spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FTIR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that a metal/ ligand ratio of 3:1 is optimal for effective complex formation. TEM results showed a significant change in particle morphology after stabilization – the formation of clusters with an organic halo. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the formation of Cu–O, Zn–N, and Fe–O coordination bonds with functional groups of urea. The most pronounced complex formation was found for Cu, accompanied by structural changes in the low- frequency range of the spectrum. X-ray phase analysis revealed the preservation of the crystalline structure of the main phase of metals, as well as the presence of oxide impurities (Cu2O, Fe3O4), indicating partial oxidation. The width of the XRD peaks indicates the nanoscale of the obtained structures. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the chemical nature of the metal significantly affects the efficiency and stability of complex formation with urea. The presented data can be used for further development of nanostructured materials with specified functional properties.

ORGANISATION OF RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AT THE LVIV STATE UNIVERSITY OF LIFE SAFETY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CHALLENGES OF FULL-SCALE WAR

Mykhailo KOZYAR — 2025-06-26

The article analyses innovative approaches to organising research activities at the Lviv State University of Life Safety in the context of the challenges posed by the full-scale war, with the aim of improving the quality of training for cadets, students, and postgraduate course participants. In order to provide scientific, scientific-technical, and innovative support to the activities of the State Emergency Service, various research initiatives are actively being implemented at the Lviv State University of Life Safety. The University’s innovative research initiatives include: the educational programme “Civil Protection in Wartime” for representatives of executive authorities and heads of emergency response services of the European Union; a scientific and innovation centre for research and development of advanced technologies aimed at creating a secure social environment; a Research Centre for Wildland Fire Studies; the launch of multi-vector training (including the creation of a Department of Mine Action, where specialists of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine are trained at the first (bachelor’s) level of education; licensing of the master’s programme “Management of Pyrotechnic Operations and Mine Action”; training of personnel of the civil protection service under the programme “Organisation of Pyrotechnic Operations”; the organisation of training sites for: inspection of dirt roads; survey of de-occupied areas; protection of critical infrastructure; inspection of abandoned territories). Research and experiments conducted within the framework of scientific activity help cadets, trainees, and students of the University to deepen and broaden their knowledge in the respective field of study.

THEORETICAL JUSTIFICATION OF PEDAGOGICAL CONDITIONS FOR FORMING THE PROFESSIONAL READINESS OF FUTURE SAPPERS (DEMINING) UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF INFORMATISATION

Olha POVOROZNIUK — 2025-06-26

The essence of innovative approaches in military education lies in the successful combination of new technologies and evolving pedagogical demands under the conditions of the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war. Information technologies in military education involve innovations in the organisation of education through the use of modern technological tools, primarily computer equipment. It has been generalised that the training of future sappers (deminers), who will daily participate in dangerous missions, must be carried out at the highest level, and the use of modern equipment and information technologies will ensure safer and more effective task performance. To achieve this, training centres should create conditions that combine traditional general military training with innovative virtual reality programmes developed to teach the basics of safe handling of explosive devices and demining skills. The aim of the article is to outline promising directions for the use of information technologies as a tool for forming the professional readiness of future sappers (deminers). The article theoretically substantiates the pedagogical conditions for forming the professional readiness of future sappers (deminers) under the conditions of informatisation: the involvement of teaching (instructor) staff with combat experience; provision of appropriate material and technical resources; improvement of the scientific and methodological support of the educational process; creation of a virtual educational environment for training future sappers (deminers) based on the integration of innovative technologies. It is concluded that the given issue should be considered only as a complex of pedagogical conditions in their interconnection and complementarity.

SPECIFICS OF THE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF SERGEANT AND ENLISTED PERSONNEL OF THE ENGINEERING TROOPS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF UKRAINE

Volodymyr RODIKOV — 2025-06-26

The article examines the educational environment of military education institutions (training centres) that provide professional training for sergeant and enlisted personnel of the engineering troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as an important factor in the comprehensive development of cadets’ personalities. It has been established that the effectiveness and efficiency of personal, professional, and service-combat development of sergeant and enlisted personnel of the engineering troops directly depends on the developmental potential of the educational environment of training centres and on the nature of the interaction between the cadet as an active subject and all components of this environment. The educational environment of training centres (units), in the context of the professional training of sergeant and enlisted personnel of the engineering troops, is considered as a pedagogically organised system of conditions, influences and opportunities that operates within the space of the training centre (unit) and is implemented through specially designed pedagogical technologies that ensure the full integration of cadets into all types of military-professional activity. The studied educational environment is structured as a set of microsystems – certain material and immaterial subsystems of the internal educational environment of the training centres. Within the structure of military education institutions (training centres) that provide professional training for sergeant and enlisted personnel of the engineering troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the following microsystems have been identified: didactic, practice-oriented, digital, health-preserving, social, and educational. Each of these microsystems is based on a structural framework comprising spatial-object (“space of things”), activity-related (“space of actions”), and subject-social (“space of relations”) components of the educational environment.

THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE WATER REGIME OF THE RIVER STYR IN VOLYN REGION

Iryna NETROBCHUK — 2025-06-26

The article analyses the impact of climate change on the water regime of the Styr River in Volyn region. Under the conditions of further climate change, the conditions of natural moisture supply will deteriorate, which will negatively affect the hydrological regime of water bodies. Compared to the last century, there has been a significant increase in the volume of annual river runoff, and water levels in Ukrainian rivers have been below normal for several years. Rising temperatures and changes in the moisture regime, if projected negatively, could lead to further transformation of river flows, deterioration of water quality and, consequently, problems with water supply and availability in certain regions. The annual average air temperature in 2022–2023 was 9.4 and 10.4 °C, respectively, which is 0.9 and 1.9 °C above the norm (8.5 °C). The year 2023 was the first in the ranking of the warmest years on record in Lutsk. No negative temperatures were recorded in winter. There was an upward trend in average monthly temperatures, which is in line with global trends. The water temperature was higher than the air temperature in all months. However, as winter temperatures rise, both the period with ice phenomena and the duration of the ice-freeze-up are shrinking. Recently, the probability of ice-free conditions has increased significantly. The annual precipitation was higher in 2022, amounting to 736 mm, and 680 mm in 2023. The increase in winter air temperature contributes to changes in precipitation patterns, with a greater proportion of mixed and liquid precipitation, more frequent thaws, and therefore insufficient snow accumulation to form high water floods. This trend of lack of stable snow cover has been observed in recent years. The highest water levels were recorded in 2023, when the average water level was 348 cm, and in 2022 – 316 cm. Maximum levels were observed in spring and minimum levels in summer and autumn. During the observed period, there was a tendency to decrease the average monthly and annual water consumption from 24.8 to 29.8 m3/c (2022–2023) compared to 2006–2013, when the average annual water consumption ranged from 40.1 to 51.2 m3/c. A close correlation between water flows and water levels has been established. In addition, there is a medium to strong correlation between water and air temperature and water discharge; a weak correlation between precipitation and water discharge and water levels. The increase in winter temperatures has caucused changes in the river’s water regime, including the absence of snow cover, the extension of the floods over time, which leads to a decrease in water flow, and the absence of ice cover. The analysis of the water regime makes it possible to use water rationally in economic activities and to carry out balanced water management in the Styr River basin.

SCIENTIFIC APPROACHES TO SOLVING PROBLEMS OF FOREST ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION

Iryna PATSEVA — 2025-06-26

The article discusses various aspects and approaches related to the restoration of forest ecosystems in modern conditions. The relevance of the chosen topic is due to the growing attention of the scientific and practical community to the need to harmonise the natural environment and ensure ecological balance. Forest ecosystems play a key role in the functioning of the biosphere, as they contribute to maintaining climate balance, ensure oxygen exchange, regulate water resources and serve as a centre of biodiversity. Their depletion or destruction causes a number of serious environmental problems. The article analyses the general principles and directions that can be used in the process of restoring forest ecosystems, with an emphasis on the multidimensionality and complexity of the interaction between natural, social and technological elements. The focus is on the importance of an integrated vision that combines traditional knowledge with the latest developments, creating the basis for the formation of sustainable ecosystems. Special attention is paid to the variety of approaches that can be applied depending on the specifics of the territory, climatic conditions and other factors. The importance of a holistic approach to problem-solving, which requires flexibility, adaptability and consideration of many variables, is emphasised. The article aims to summarise the existing experience and outline potential avenues for further research in this area, which is an important step towards a deeper understanding of the processes taking place in forest ecosystems. The material presented here can be useful for a wide range of professionals interested in sustainable natural resource management, environmental protection and restoration of natural balance. The results of the study are of practical value for the development of national and regional forest restoration programmes focused on long-term environmental sustainability.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF DEGRADATION OF BIO-BASED PACKAGING, PAPER AND CONVENTIONAL PLASTIC BAGS IN SOIL

Inna RYBALKA — 2025-06-26

The increased use of plastic products and the shift to single-use plastics have led to an excessive accumulation of plastic waste in the environment. The durability of plastic is estimated at hundreds to thousands of years. Over the past two decades, bioplastics have been proposed as an alternative to traditional synthetic polymers, but issues related to their degradation remain poorly studied. The purpose of this study is to compare the degradation rates of paper and conventional disposable plastic bags, as well as bags labeled “biodegradable”, in soil. Research methodology. The research was done in the city of Bohodukhiv (Kharkiv Oblast) from early July till late November 2024. The site for soil sampling was selected in a garden with spontaneous herbaceous vegetation on the territory of a private household. The soil was transferred to 15 transparent plastic containers of the same size and shape. Five of the containers were filled with fragments of a regular disposable plastic bag, five with biodegradable plastic bags, three with fragments of a paper bag, and the remaining two containers were left with bare soil (control). All containers were kept in the same conditions. The analysis was carried out according to the characteristics of the loss of physical integrity of the bags on the 36th, 85th, and 141st day after the start of the experiment. The surface area of patches that underwent destruction was measured using the ImagJ software. Novelty. A linear regression model of the process of bio-based packaging degradation was built. Conclusions. Biodegradable bags begin to decompose faster than conventional disposable plastic bags, with the difference statistically proven. This difference is evident at least after a month from the start of the experiment. In almost three months of the experiment, the level of bio-based packaging degradation reached 10 %, and they did not undergo complete degradation during this time as expected prior to the experiment. After almost six months of experimentation (i.e., twice as long as the manufacturer claimed), the bio-based packaging reached only 18 % degradation. According to the modeling results, it is estimated that it will take about 2 years for the fragments of biodegradable bags to completely break down, provided the environmental conditions are stable.

GLOBAL IMPACTS OF HEAVY METALS ACCUMULATION IN FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS

Svitlana SOVHIRA — 2025-06-26

The article considers the global environmental problem of the accumulation of heavy metals in freshwater ecosystems. The main sources of inorganic pollutants entering water bodies are analyzed, among which industrial discharges, agrochemical runoff, urban drainage and atmospheric precipitation play a leading role. The chemical forms of the existence of heavy metals in the aquatic environment, their migration, bioavailability and ability to bioaccumulate and biomagnificate are described. The toxic effect of cadmium, lead, mercury, copper, zinc, nickel on aquatic organisms is revealed, which manifests itself at the cellular, physiological and population levels, leading to disruption of the functioning of biocenoses and a decrease in the stability of ecosystems. Specific examples of pollution of the Saksagan, Ingulets, Supii, Dniester rivers are given, where exceeding the maximum permissible concentrations of metals in water, bottom sediments and fish tissues was recorded. Cases of toxic pollution of water bodies in China, India, the USA and other countries are highlighted, confirming the global nature of the problem. Modern methods of research and monitoring are analyzed, including atomic absorption spectrophotometry, bioindication and geoinformation mapping. The need for an integrated approach to minimizing environmental impacts is emphasized, which involves a combination of technological solutions, regulatory regulation, ecosystem management and intersectoral cooperation. Prospects for further research are outlined, in particular in the direction of developing digital monitoring systems, adapting international environmental standards and introducing innovative means of purifying the aquatic environment.