STRATEGY FOR REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS TO WATER BODIES OF THE RIVNE DISTRICT UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE CONDITIONS

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive assessment of environmental risks related to the deterioration of the condition of water bodies in the Rivne District under increasing anthropogenic pressure and climate change. The region’s water resources play an important role in meeting the needs of the population and supporting the functioning of the agricultural sector and industry; however, they are affected by diffuse agricultural pollution, discharges of insufficiently treated wastewater, transformation of hydromorphological characteristics, and rising water temperatures. Environmental risk assessment was carried out using a regulatory approach and integral indicators of surface water quality, taking into account organoleptic, hydrochemical, toxicological, and radiological components. The total environmental risk was determined using a differentiated system of indicators with subsequent ranking by water quality classes. The calculations revealed significant spatial differentiation in the condition of aquatic ecosystems. The most critical situation is characteristic of the Ustia River (ER = 0.98), which corresponds to Class V water quality (“poor” status), while the Stubla River is characterized by a satisfactory condition (ER = 0.39). The main risk-forming factors are trophic–saprobic indicators and the content of toxic inorganic and organic substances. It has been demonstrated that climate change intensifies negative trends through reduced water availability, increased water temperature, and intensification of eutrophication processes. A strategy for reducing environmental risks is proposed, based on the principles of integrated water resources management and предусматриває a combination of engineering, nature-based, and management measures. Implementation of the proposed approaches will contribute to increasing the ecological resilience of aquatic ecosystems and ensuring the rational use of the region’s water resources. An important element of implementing the proposed strategy is the improvement of the environmental monitoring system based on digital technologies, geographic information systems, and predictive models, which will enable timely identification of critical changes in water quality and prompt response. The introduction of a risk-oriented approach to water resources management will help optimize financial expenditures, concentrate resources on the most problematic sections of river basins, and improve the effectiveness of environmental protection measures. At the same time, active involvement of territorial communities, water users, and economic entities in the planning and implementation of water protection policy will create prerequisites for fostering responsible attitudes toward water resources and ensuring long-term environmental security of the region.