STATE OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS WITHIN THE ECOLOGICAL CORRIDOR OF THE ORDER II (THE MYSHKA RIVER VALLEY, MINSK)
This article presents an assessment of the state of natural environment components (water, bottom sediments, soil and vegetation) within the valley complex of the Myshka River (Minsk). It is shown that in modern conditions, despite significant anthropogenic transformation, the valley complex retains a high potential for performing the necessary functions as an ecological corridor of the order II. The vegetation of the Myshka floodplain steadily retains its specificity due to the stable hydrological regime. Natural complexes here have a high ecological and recreational value. The section of the river in the middle course is in a more favorable condition, where the flow is better and the floodplain is represented by reserve green areas. A less favorable state is inherent in residual water bodies with disturbed flow in the upper course of the river, where the valley is mostly represented by areas of residential and public buildings. The river experiences the greatest load at the mouth – in the area above and below the outlet of surface wastewater treatment facilities. Here the river cannot cope with the anthropogenic load, the assimilation potential is 11–12 points, polyelement anomalies of oil products, cadmium, lead, copper and zinc are formed in the bottom sediments. The area of the Myshka River valley, located in a low riverbed floodplain, has a most polluted soils. Here, a pedogeochemical anomaly from an association of elements, including petroleum products, cadmium, nickel, zinc, lead, copper, and manganese.