Purpose. The objective of the study is to conduct an environmental and legal analysis of Ukraine's implementation of the provisions of the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians, as well as to assess the current environmental status of ecosystems in the Carpathian region of Ukraine in accordance with the criteria and effectiveness of compliance with the requirements set forth in this international treaty. Methods. System analysis, SWOT analysis, calculation method. Results. A detailed analysis of the implementation of the Decisions of the 7th Conference of the Parties confirmed the adoption of the Carpathian Framework Programme on Biodiversity, the intensification of cross-border cooperation on large carnivores, the integration of climate risk assessment into forestry, and the promotion of traditional cattle breeding to the UNESCO NCS list. By systematizing commitments, the direct correspondence of the provisions of the Carpathian Convention protocols to the UN Sustainable Development Goals has been confirmed. According to the results of the SWOT analysis, priority efforts should focus on cross-sectoral cooperation, the implementation of scientifically sound spatial planning, and the maximum use of positive experiences from cross-border projects. The calculated indicators of the PZF insularity index range from 0.32 to 0.41, confirming the fragmentation of forest areas and the disruption of ecological links, especially in the Chernivtsi region. The analysis of ecological cases confirmed the impact of local threats on the implementation of the Convention and demonstrated the potential for cooperation between the state, communities, and international partners. Conclusions. A comprehensive ecological and legal analysis has shown that the Framework Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians is a key international mechanism for integrating global commitments (UN SDGs) into national environmental policy. Ukraine is taking consistent steps to implement the Protocols of the Carpathian Convention and has significant potential for full and effective implementation of the Convention by strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation.
Purpose. To substantiate the use of pumpkin puree as a local vegetable raw material in the technology of minced fish products from the perspective of human ecology, sustainable nutrition, food safety, and resource-oriented restaurant production. Methods. The study used an analytical review of current literature on sustainable healthy diets, dietary fiber, bioactive components of pumpkin and quality of fish products; normative analysis of raw material requirements; technological modelling of the formulation; calculated assessment of nutritional and energy value; descriptive organoleptic assessment of the experimental sample; and interpretation of microbiological indicators of the finished dish. Traditional fish patties without pumpkin puree were considered as a recipe prototype; however, quantitative experimental comparison with a control sample was not performed due to the lack of repeated primary measurements. Results. The addition of pumpkin puree to the formulation of minced fish products had technological, nutritional, and preliminary Ecological significance. It increased the share of a locally available plant component, formed natural colour, supported juiciness and soft texture, and supplemented the fish protein base with dietary fibre, pectin substances, and carotenoids. According to calculated data for fish patties with pumpkin without potato garnish, 100 g of product contained 4.06 g of protein, 9.80 g of fat, 0.98 g of carbohydrates, and 105.73 kcal. The experimental sample had an even surface, an orange shade, homogeneous tender consistency, and a characteristic fish taste with a moderate sweet pumpkin aftertaste. Microbiological indicators did not exceed established limits; pathogenic microorganisms, including Salmonella spp., were not detected in 25 g of product. Conclusions. The developed recipe and technological model can be considered a preliminary substantiated direction for ecological and nutritional improvement of minced fish products. Its ecological interpretation is based on the local origin of the vegetable raw material, the combination of animal and plant components, and the use of gentle heat treatment. Further validation requires control experiments, statistically confirmed sensory assessment, instrumental determination of quality indicators, and quantitative life-cycle-based environmental assessment.
Purpose. To provide an assessment of the quality of surface waters of the Siverskyi Donets River within the Kharkiv region in 2024 according to state monitoring data based on the determination of water quality indices. Methods. Analytical, modified water pollution index (MPI), combinatorial water pollution index (CPI). Results. An analysis of monitoring data of the Siverskyi Donets River within the Kharkiv region in 2024 was carried out for the posts of the village of Pechenyhi, the village of Eskhar, the village of Zadonetske according to six main indicators. It was determined that the water quality in the Pechenyhi Reservoir belongs to the II quality class according to two methods, but according to the modified MPI method it is characterized as “clean”, and according to the CPI method – as “polluted”. Water quality below the mouth of the Uda River, the village of According to the modified IZV method, Eschar belongs to the III quality class and is characterized as “moderately polluted”, and according to the KIZ method, the water belongs to the IV quality class and is characterized as “very dirty”. The water quality at the post of the village of Zadonetske belongs to the III quality class according to two methods, but according to the modified IZV method, it is characterized as “moderately polluted”, and according to the KIZ method, it is characterized as “dirty”. In 2024, compared to 2023, the water quality in the Pechenizhsky reservoir improved, and at the post of the village of Eschar it deteriorated. At the post of the village of Zadonetske, according to the IZV method, a deterioration in water quality is noted, and according to the KIZ method, on the contrary, an improvement. The hydrochemical indicators that determine water quality are BOD5, nitrogen compounds and sulfates. Conclusions. Along the watercourse of the Siverskyi Donets River within the Kharkiv region in 2024, changes in water quality occur. Deterioration of water quality is observed after the confluence of the Uda River, which is subjected to significant anthropogenic pressure. Water quality in the Siverskyi Donets varies from “clean” to “moderately polluted” according to the modified IZV method, and from “polluted” to “very dirty” according to the KIZ method.
Purpose. To develop and test a methodology for multi-criteria assessment of environmental protec-tion priorities using open online data under conditions of incomplete information and interval uncertainty. Methods. Systems analysis, multi-criteria assessment, an additive utility function, expert weighting of criteria, normalization of heterogeneous indicators, interval analysis, and scenario analysis. Open online sources selected as the information basis: NASA FIRMS for active fires, JRC Global Surface Water for water dynamics, ESA WorldCover and Sentinel-2/Copernicus Data Space for land cover and vegetation indicators, OpenAQ for air quality, HDX for administrative boundaries, Global Forest Watch for tree cover loss, and EkoZagroza as an auxiliary source of environmental threat reports. Results. The study addresses a practical problem in environmental management: how to justify pri-ority actions when several measures are relevant simultaneously, and the available data have different spatial resolutions, reliability, and completeness. A pilot computational experiment conducted for a condi-tional urbanized area in the Kharkiv region. Six environmental alternatives assessed: greening, cleaning water bodies, reclamation of disturbed lands, strengthening air monitoring, improving waste management, and fire-prevention measures. Six criteria used: environmental effect, implementation cost, implementa-tion time, social significance, risk of inaction, and availability of online data. The highest baseline utility scores obtained for waste management improvement, and fire-prevention measures. The following priori-ties water body cleaning, greening, strengthening of air monitoring, and reclamation of disturbed lands. Scenario analysis showed that the first two alternatives remain the highest-priority group under different weighting assumptions. Conclusions. The proposed methodology enables formalizing preliminary environmental decision-making even when online data are incomplete. Interval representation does not eliminate uncertainty but makes it explicit and useful for assessing the reliability of ranking results. The method can support the preliminary justification of local environmental protection programs and should be further tested using actual datasets for specific territorial communities.
Purpose. To substantiate the use of Sentinel-2 data as a compensatory component of surface water environmental monitoring in Ukraine under martial law. Methods. The study has a conceptual and analytical design and combines structural-functional analysis of the traditional surface water monitoring system, comparative assessment of contact-based and satellite-based observation methods, analysis of the EU Water Framework Directive, technical interpretation of Sentinel-2 MSI capabilities and a demonstration analysis of satellite scenes of the Kakhovka Reservoir area. Results. Sentinel-2 L2A scenes acquired before and after the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam were used to illustrate the compensatory potential of Earth observation, including True color visualizations and NDWI mapping for the identification of residual water bodies and transformed channel elements. Three main dimensions of the wartime environmental data gap were identified: spatial, temporal and analytical. Sentinel-2 cannot replace laboratory water quality monitoring, but it can support regular spatial-temporal screening of large water bodies, operational detection of water surface changes, mapping of flooding or drying areas, preliminary indication of turbidity-related anomalies and prioritization of sites for field validation. The Kakhovka Reservoir case demonstrates that satellite scenes make it possible to document large-scale transformation of a water body after the loss of safe ground access, including reservoir drawdown, exposure of bottom sediments and formation of residual water bodies. Conclusions. The most scientifically justified model for wartime and post-war conditions is an integrated monitoring system in which Sentinel-2 acts as a compensatory spatial-temporal observation contour, spectral index analysis provides primary change detection, machine learning may support automated classification of scenes after proper validation, and laboratory monitoring remains the basis for metrologically confirmed water quality assessment.
Purpose. Testing methodological approaches to the environmental audit of potentially contaminated soils of agricultural landscapes affected by hostilities. Methods. Field, analytical, decoding of satellite images to identify craters, atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. Results. Studies of the ecological and geochemical state of soils of agricultural landscapes affected by hostilities were conducted in 2025 on the basis of a research site in the Rohansk territorial community of the Kharkiv region. Based on the analysis of publications on military soil contamination, the use of GIS and remote sensing to identify bomb-turbation zones was justified. Deciphering of satellite images was combined with field sampling and determination of mobile forms of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb. Exceedance of background content without exceeding the MPC was established. A zoning map of agricultural landscapes of the Rohansk community was developed. Conclusions. The proposed zoning of agricultural landscapes by bomb-turbation density for assessing potential contamination serves as a model for developing landscape transfer functions and extrapolating data to other deoccupied territories.
Purpose. To test an indicator-based approach for assessing ecosystem services in the transboundary section of the Styr River based on water quality parameters. Methods. Analytical, hydrochemical analysis, and ecological classification methods for surface water quality assessment. Results. An indicator-based assessment of ecosystem services in the transboundary section of the Styr River was carried out based on hydrochemical water quality parameters for 2021–2025. It was found that, according to annual average values, most indicators correspond to Classes I–III, indicating a generally satisfactory state of the aquatic environment. Supporting ecosystem services are maintained at high and good levels, while regulating and provisioning services are predominantly at a satisfactory level. At the same time, systematic exceedances were identified for certain indicators, particularly nitrogen compounds and organic matter, indicating anthropogenic pressure and reduced efficiency of regulating ecosystem functions. The analysis of temporal dynamics revealed an increasing trend in ammonium concentrations and the occurrence of episodic peak values, reflecting instability in self-purification processes. A decreasing trend in BOD₅ values was observed, indicating partial improvement in certain ecosystem functions. Assessment based on block indices showed that, under average conditions, water quality corresponds to Class III (satisfactory, moderately polluted waters), whereas under worst-case conditions it shifts to Classes IV–V (poor and very poor, polluted and heavily polluted waters), indicating significant variability in ecosystem condition. Conclusions. The application of the indicator-based approach enabled the integration of hydrochemical water quality parameters into the assessment of river ecosystem functioning. Uneven provision of ecosystem services was identified: despite an overall satisfactory average condition, periods of deterioration occur, indicating the ecosystem’s vulnerability to anthropogenic pressure. The results demonstrate that water quality indicators can be used to quantitatively interpret the level of regulating, supporting, and provisioning ecosystem services. The proposed approach can be applied to improve water resource assessment and management in transboundary river systems.
Purpose. To determine the current state of environmental education for preschool children in Ukraine and to propose a comprehensive set of methodological developments for preschool education institutions and family upbringing. Methods. Systematic and comparative analysis of the content and quality of preschool environmental education, sociological research methods, the atomic absorption spectrometry method as an example of visual and practical learning. Results. A comparison of approaches to preschool environmental education in Germany, the USA, England, Japan and Sweden determined that effective preschool environmental education is based primarily on the child's direct experience in the natural environment, and not on the isolated assimilation of theoretical information. The Swedish model of "forest schools" is considered in studies as an effective way to develop independence, social interaction and a responsible attitude towards the environment. An online survey of parents of preschoolers from Zaporizhia, Uzhgorod, Vinnytsia, Poltava, Lviv, Kyiv and Kharkiv revealed a significant gap between the attitudes and actions of parents: the majority recognize the importance of environmental education of preschoolers; slightly more than half turn to environmental topics; A very small number of parents systematically participate in environmental activities; in the home practice of environmental education, conversations prevail, while the implementation of practical experiments and joint environmental projects by parents is used much less. Spectrometric analysis of the content of heavy metals in plant products, performed during the demonstration of practical work, demonstrated a successful approach to visualizing research activities for children. The proposed methodological cycle contains 8 developments for children 3-7 years old. Conclusions. The period of preschool childhood is key for the formation of primary ecological ideas, emotional and value-based attitudes towards nature and skills of environmentally appropriate behavior. Practical activities in nature should be considered as a basic component of the educational process, and not as an episodic addition. The lack of adapted methodological materials and weak participation of families mutually reinforce each other, therefore they require a comprehensive pedagogical solution. The proposed methodological cycle takes into account the age characteristics of preschoolers and can be applied both in preschool education institutions and in family education.
Purpose. To assess the quality of surface waters of the Pechenihy Reservoir based on hydrochemical and microbiological indicators, as well as to determine the possible impact of the aquatic environment condition on the ichthyofauna of the reservoir. Methods. Field, analytical for determining indicators of microbiological and chemical pollution of surface waters.. Results. Surface water samples were collected in autumn 2025 and spring 2026 at four monitoring sites within the Pechenihy Reservoir. The collected samples were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations (Mn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Pb, Cd) and total microbial count (TMC) using certified laboratory methods in accordance with current regulatory and methodological standards. The conducted studies revealed seasonal changes in the hydrochemical and microbiological condition of the Pechenihy Reservoir. In spring 2026, compared with autumn 2025, an increase in concentrations of most investigated heavy metals and higher total microbial count values were recorded. The highest exceedances of maximum allowable concentrations were detected for manganese and total iron. Local exceedances of standards for copper and cadmium were also observed in the area of Pechenihy settlement. The spatial distribution of pollutants indicated their accumulation in the lower part of the reservoir. A significant increase in total microbial count values in spring reflected elevated organic loading and intensified microbiological processes within the aquatic ecosystem. It was established that deterioration of water quality may create unfavorable conditions for fish habitation, contribute to the development of bacterial, parasitic, and fungal diseases, and negatively affect the physiological condition of ichthyofauna. Conclusions. The ecological condition of the Pechenihy Reservoir is characterized by a moderate level of pollution with signs of increased anthropogenic pressure during the spring period. The greatest environmental threat is associated with elevated concentrations of manganese and iron, as well as increased total microbial count values. The obtained results indicate the necessity for systematic water quality monitoring and implementation of environmental protection measures aimed at reducing pollutant inputs into the reservoir.
Purpose. To provide a comprehensive ecological assessment of the surface waters state of the Kryviy Torets and Kazenny Torets rivers in the city of Druzhkivka in order to determine the main anthropogenic factors of influence, in particular the consequences of war. Methods. System analysis, statistical processing methods, analysis of retrospective dynamics, and forecasting of future trends. Results. An analysis of water condition indicators was carried out for the monitoring posts – Kryvyi Torets River and Kazennyi Torets River. Organic pollution (BOD₅ and dissolved oxygen) in both rivers throughout the entire observation period there was a systematic excess of BOD₅ over the MPC. The concentration of dissolved oxygen repeatedly dropped below the standard, which indicates a threat to aquatic biota and disruption of self-purification processes. Nitrites constantly and significantly exceeded the standard, especially in 2005–2008. Periodic significant maxima of phosphate-ion content were recorded, which indicates eutrophication processes and the inflow of phosphates from detergents and fertilizers. Water mineralization (sulfate and chloride ions) is high, especially in 2006–2008 and 2011–2013. Since 2014, stabilization has been observed, but at a high level. Using the Forecast Sheet resource forecasting carried out, which showed good convergence of forecast and actual values. No positive dynamics in water quality were recorded — in 2024–2025 most indicators exceed the MPC. Conclusions. The rivers Kazennyi Torets and Kryvyi Torets are in a state of persistent organic and chem- ical pollution. The overall ecological condition remains unsatisfactory, and in 2024–2025 the situation has evenworsened. Overall, the war has significantly deepened the ecological problems of these rivers. They require a comprehensive approach to restoration: modernization of treatment facilities, rehabilitation of aquatic ecosystems, and restoration of the monitoring system. Without this, there is a threat of further degradation of the region’s water resources, which will have long-term consequences for the environment and human health.
Purpose. To review international experience in the development and improvement of biological early warning systems. Methodology. To assess the potential for improving existing biological early warning systems for continuous monitoring of water quality in different water categories. Results. Behavioral responses have been used for decades as tools for testing aquatic toxicity, but have received much less attention than studies assessing lethality, development, or reproduction. With the improvement of visual and non-visual assessment tools and the increasing knowledge of the importance of behavior for health and fitness, interest in behavioral analysis has increased in recent years. However, to our knowledge, no quantitative evaluation of available methods for testing toxicity in organisms has ever been conducted, and it is unclear whether behavioral studies are a valuable addition to aquatic monitoring. This literature review suggests that behavioral assays are relatively rapid and sensitive and therefore deserve further attention as tools for assessing the toxicological effects of aquatic pollutants. We believe that research aimed at developing and optimizing behavioral assays could prove extremely useful to the field of toxicology, but future work should be directed at determining which specific behavioral patterns are most sensitive to different classes of pollutants, and at understanding the significance of changes in discrete behaviors for health and fitness impacts. Conclusions. Biological Early Warning Systems (BEWS) rely largely on behavioral responses, with some also assessing other parameters, such as effects on algal chlorophyll fluorescence, at peak pollution levels, from which threshold values are derived. Behavioral changes are superior to mortality rates and other sublethal responses because they bridge the gap between individual and population relevance and are indicators of significant impacts of chemical contamination on a population before more serious consequences (i.e., population declines) occur.
Purpose. To develop and test a methodology for the indicative and spatial-temporal quantitative assessment of the ecological status of Lake Krymne in order to determine its current ecological stability, identify hydroecological problems, and outline priority directions for its further use and monitoring. Methods. Field hydrological studies, cartographic methods, remote sensing, mathematical modeling and forecasting. Results. The morphometric characteristics of the lake have changed compared to 1933: the area and the volume decreased due to mid-to-late 20th century land reclamation. The lake’s catchment retains features of natural landscapes. However, the lake undergoes significant transformation: part of the riparian zone is plowed, local waste dumps are recorded, and recreational pressure is increasing. Anthropogenic impacts contribute to the inflow of biogenic substances. Water quality deterioration is observed, with increased organic matter, phosphates, and ammonium, periodic oxygen deficits and signs of eutrophication. Remote sensing analysis (synthetic NDVI index) confirms seasonal fluctuations and summer productivity increases, with local growth of algae and macrophytes. The lake is sensitive to pressure and requires continuous monitoring. Main sources of anthropogenic impact are runoff from settlements, agricultural fields, and waste dumps. Conclusions. Lake Krymne has a satisfactory hydroecological status, but a tendency toward deterioration is evident. This process is driven by increased biogen content in the water, eutrophication, and seasonal vegetation development. Priority conservation measures include maintaining protective riparian buffer zones, optimizing land use, modernizing wastewater systems in nearby settlements, eliminating illegal dumps, and establishing a systematic hydroecological monitoring program for the lake.
Purpose. To determine ecocide as a global threat to modernity, its scope and consequences through a combination of theoretical provisions with practical examples, ways to minimize and prevent ecocide in the future. Methods. System analysis based on a functionally structured approach, statistical methods, risk assessment matrix. Results. Based on the theoretical aspects of ecocide, the events that occurred in Ukraine were analyzed, namely the explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station and the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. A comparison of the ecological, social and economic consequences of the impact on the environment showed a significant negative impact on both the elements of the environment and the economic development of our country. A comparative analysis of the causes of ecocide in the world, the results of an expert assessment of the impact of ecocide on various aspects of the environment and society according to the forecasts of experts and the population determined the possibility of applying methods for restoring territories damaged by man-made disasters, including methods of remediation and phytorecultivation. Conclusions. Ecocide must be recognized as a factor of today's global danger, as a crime against humanity and the environment. There is a need to develop effective response mechanisms, monitoring systems, environmental education, and the application of methods for the reclamation and restoration of territories affected by large-scale environmental disasters.
Purposes. To develop a scientifically substantiated approach to greenhouse gas emissions monitoring at mining and processing enterprises in Ukraine in the context of European integration and industrial decarbonization, ensuring compliance with European Union Emissions Trading System standards and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism requirements. Methods. The mass balance methodology and the risk matrix through probability and impact assessment are employed. Results. For calculating greenhouse gas emissions based on analysis of material flows at one of Ukraine's leading mining and processing enterprises, sequential technological process analysis is conducted to identify emission sources, including pellet drying and firing zones, bentonite drying drums, mill circuits, and boiler installations. Material flow mapping covered input flows (natural gas, coal, limestone, bentonite, iron ore concentrate, biomass) and output flows (pellets, CO₂ emissions). A comprehensive risk matrix was developed for assessing monitoring data quality threats based on probability and impact criteria. Analysis of greenhouse gas emission dynamics in Ukraine over recent decades revealed significant reduction compared to baseline levels, primarily resulting from economic crises and armed conflicts rather than purposeful climate policy. For the examined enterprise, total annual CO₂ emissions were calculated, with natural gas accounting for the dominant share, followed by limestone decarbonization, iron ore concentrate processing, and bentonite. International practice analysis demonstrates that leading global producers achieve substantially lower emission levels per tonne of pellets through effective monitoring systems and decarbonization strategies. Conclusions. The mass balance methodology proves optimal for mining and processing enterprises, ensuring comprehensive accounting of all significant emission sources, including process emissions from carbonate material decarbonization. The developed risk matrix enables systematic threat management through probability and impact assessment. Implementation of certified monitoring systems is critically necessary for Ukrainian mining enterprises to maintain competitiveness in international markets and comply with European climate requirements.
Purpose. To develop and analytically substantiate a model for assessing the chemical situation during accidents at chemically hazardous facilities, taking into account the specific features of the formation of primary and secondary chemical contamination. Methods. The study uses an integrated analytical approach to modeling chemical contamination scenarios by applying modified atmospheric diffusion equations, formulas for calculating the mass of substance evaporation, the duration of cloud formation, and its spatial dispersion. Results. Special attention is paid to incorporating the roughness of the underlying surface, which affects the parameters of toxic cloud dispersion, and to determining the depth of impact zones depending on the type of hazardous substance, meteorological conditions, and site characteristics.The surface roughness parameter was introduced to account for terrain heterogeneity. Calculations were performed for various categories of hazardous substances (ammonia, chlorine) under typical conditions for Ukraine. Reference and regulatory data, as well as algorithms and scenarios from practical assessments of chemical situations, were used. Based on the developed model, calculations of the affected area for typical chemically hazardous facilities were performed; the penetration depth of toxic clouds was determined depending on the type of underlying surface, wind speed, and temperature. It was shown that accounting for roughness increases the accuracy of assessments by 12–18%, which is critical for operational decision-making. It was also established that the secondary cloud forms an additional risk zone, which under certain conditions may exceed the area of primary contamination. The model’s applicability for use in environmental monitoring and forecasting the consequences of man-made accidents was demonstrated. Conclusions. The proposed model allows for the consideration of topographic and meteorological factors in assessing chemical contamination. This improves the accuracy of determining the boundaries of affected zones and can be integrated into decision-support systems for rapid response by emergency services, environmental monitoring, and territorial planning under conditions of potential man-made hazards.
Purpose. The state analysis of lands environmental audit in Ukraine compared to the existing experience of implementing environmental audit in other countries and identification of current problems and prospects for the development of environmental audit in Ukraine. Results. From the stages analysis of environmental auditing formation in Ukraine and the world, the characteristics of the current legislative framework, its limitations in the context of full-scale military aggression were revealed. A comparison of the requirements of the ISO 14001 and EMAS schemes determined the specifics of environmental auditing in the agricultural sector and the relevance of implementing a special environmental audit of territories affected by military actions, which involves the use of digital and remote research technologies. The audit of agricultural lands, which are the basis of food security and the country's export potential, requires special attention. Conclusions. Due to changes in the environmental situation and wartime challenges, there is a need to modernize Ukraine’s environmental legislation, particularly regarding the definition of methods, objects, and tools of environmental auditing. A priority is the implementation of specialized audits of damaged lands using modern technologies and European standards. KEYWORDS: environmental audit, ISO 14001, EMAS, land resources, specialized environmental audit, military impact
Purpose. A review and comprehensive analysis of current scientific research on the use of plant bioindicators for monitoring the state of soil, water, and atmospheric air, with a particular emphasis on predicting and minimizing risks to human health. Results. The main anthropogenic factors of ecosystem degradation are analyzed: industrialization, intensive agriculture, urbanization and climate change, which lead to the accumulation of toxic compounds (heavy metals, pesticides, petroleum products, radionuclides) in soils, atmospheric air and water bodies. Particular attention is paid to the dual role of bioindicator plants: ecological for identifying areas with increased pollution levels and monitoring the dynamics of technogenic load, and medical and biological for assessing the impact of toxicants on human health through their entry into food chains. The mechanisms of accumulation and transformation of pollutants, morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular reactions of plants to pollution, as well as the use of biochemical and molecular markers, phytotests and microanalytical methods are considered. Examples of the use of hyperaccumulator species in monitoring various ecosystems, including urban and agricultural landscapes, are given. Conclusions. The importance of integrating the results of bioindication studies into medical and ecological analysis for the development of preventive medicine, the formation of public health policies and strategies for sustainable natural resource management is emphasized. The obtained generalizations may be useful for botanists, ecologists, biochemists, toxicologists, physicians and public health specialists involved in monitoring and reducing the negative impact of anthropogenic pollution on the environment and humans.
There present the results of the first stage of the Erasmus+ project “SUNRISE – Supporting Ukraine’s Next Generation of Scholars: a Project for Raising University Capacity and Improving Doctoral Student Education.” Special attention is given to the second coordination meeting and the first training workshop, held on September 23–25, 2025, in San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy, at the University of Camerino. The event brought together representatives of universities from Ukraine and across Europe to discuss issues of sustainable post-crisis recovery, training of the third-cycle (doctoral) students, and the implementation of innovative approaches to developing a modern research culture. The article summarizes the content of lectures and discussions, highlights the experiences of international partners and the outcomes of Ukrainian universities’ activities, outlining future prospects for developing “living laboratories” at V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University. It also emphasizes the importance of coordination meetings as a platform for experience sharing and shaping joint strategies to support young researchers.
Purpose. Generalization of modern scientific approaches to water quality forecasting, identification of main development trends, assessment of advantages and disadvantages of the most common groups of methods, as well as determination of possibilities of their effective application in the conditions of modern Ukraine. Methods. An adapted systematic review approach according to the PRISMA methodology (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis), visual and comparative analyses were applied. Results. Based on the analysis of modern scientific publications on water quality forecasting for 2020-2025, forecasting approaches were classified by conditional groups of methods in order to identify trends in scientific research. Using a spreadsheet editor, the frequency of use of keywords in the titles of publications was calculated, and based on the calculation results, a chronological graph was constructed that reflects the dynamics of the annual frequency of mention of keywords that correspond to different groups of forecasting methods. From the analysis of this graph, the most common groups of methods were identified, with a clear positive trend in their use in scientific publications. The advantages, limitations and prospects for the implementation of these most common groups of methods in domestic practice were also assessed, in particular taking into account the current conditions of full-scale war. The analysis allowed us to identify the most relevant and realistically applied approaches, and also pointed out potential difficulties. The use of XAI methods to overcome the “black box” problem in water quality forecasting is being actively studied in the world. In Ukraine, XAI was used mainly in the agricultural sector, while the author did not find any scientific studies using XAI to forecast water quality. Conclusions. The most common group of water quality forecasting methods are methods related to the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. In Ukraine, there are studies using artificial intelligence and machine learning, mainly in the form of hybrid methods, most often combining remote sensing and machine learning. These approaches demonstrate high efficiency in conditions of full-scale war, when physical access to a water body is limited or impossible
Purpose. Systematize scientific approaches to defining the essence and structural-functional organization of the landscape-recreational framework of the city, determine its taxonomic place among other types of urban frameworks within the framework of ecological planning of territories. Methods. Analytical, systemic-structural, comparative-terminological, and classification-generalizing methods were applied, as well as content analysis of scientific and regulatory sources governing the greening of urban development activities. Results. An analysis of scientific approaches to interpreting the concepts of “ecological”, “natural-ecological”, “green”, and “landscape-recreational” frameworks was conducted. Their interrelationships, hierarchy, and differentiation according to the degree of anthropogenic impact were determined. An interpretation of the landscape-recreational framework as a secondary type of urban framework that combines the spatial-functional and recreational properties of the formed urban landscape was proposed. The novelty of the study lies in the clarification of the terminology and the formation of a systematic model of relationships between types of frameworks in the city structure. The practical significance of the study lies in the implementation of the concept of a landscape-recreational framework in the practice of spatial planning and environmental construction standards. Conclusions. It has been proven that the landscape-recreational framework is a subtype of ecological, natural-ecological, or natural frameworks and acts as a structural-functional model of a sustainable urban landscape. Its implementation contributes to improving the ecological stability of urban systems, preserving biodiversity, and creating a comfortable urban environment.
