MODERN APPROACHES TO WATER QUALITY MONITORING FOR IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE IMPULSE FLUSHING METHOD OF THE INHULETS RIVER

Abstract

The article examines modern approaches to water quality monitoring aimed at improving the efficiency of the impulse flushing method in the Inhulets River, which is a strategically important water artery for irrigation and domestic water supply. The river experiences significant anthropogenic pressure due to the discharge of mine waters from enterprises in the Kryvyi Rih industrial region, leading to chemical pollution, including elevated concentrations of chlorides, sulfates, and heavy metals. The condition of the river has also deteriorated as a result of military actions that have affected the integrity of hydraulic structures and reduced the self-purification capacity of the aquatic environment. The study analyzes the limitations of the current flushing regulations, which are based on periodic gate openings at the Karachunivske Reservoir without consideration of the river’s actual hydrochemical condition. This approach does not ensure stable water purification and does not allow for timely responses to changes in environmental conditions, which is particularly important in the context of climate change and ongoing pollution.An alternative – a combined – monitoring approach is proposed, integrating geographic information systems (GIS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and stationary automated sensor stations capable of real-time detection of changes in water quality. The system enables the assessment of key hydrochemical parameters, spatial analysis and modeling, and the formulation of management decisions based on current data. This approach increases the responsiveness to ecological threats and minimizes the consumption of water resources, as discharges from the reservoir are carried out only when necessary.The study also proposes a conceptual model of a local information system for flushing management, which provides data archiving, visualization of monitoring results, automatic alerts for critical deviations, and the generation of daily reports. It is proposed to adapt this model for other polluted water bodies in Ukraine with similar anthropogenic pressures. The analysis confirms that the implementation of such a system would not only improve the ecological condition of the Inhulets River basin but also promote the rational and sustainable use of water resources.Practical application of the proposed methodology would allow for the revision of current regulations and the development of an efficient environmental monitoring system focused on prevention rather than the mere recording of consequences.