Krainyukov A. The Specific Pattern of Hydrocarbon Contamination and Assessment of its Impact on the Geo-Ecological Status of the Siversky Donets River Basin within Kharkiv Oblast

Study target: The Siversky Donets Basin geosystem within Kharkiv Oblast. Study objective: Analysis of specific features of spatial distribution pattern for hydrocarbon contaminants across the Basin and its landscapes, and integrated assessment of their impacts on the geo-ecological status of the Basin area. Methods employed: geo-environmental, analytical, toxicological, geo-informational, mapping-based. Innovation aspect: the study has identified the specific pattern of hydrocarbon contaminant distribution in the landscape and environmental components of the Basin’s geosystem, using the Siversky Donets Basin in Kharkiv Oblast as a case study area; it has included the development of biotesting system to support the integrated assessment of impacts associated with hydrocarbon contamination on the geo-ecological status of the Basin’s environment, and elaboration of methodological framework to support operation of regional monitoring network for oil product contamination in the Siversky Donets Basin. The theoretical component of the study is considered to provide a sound scientific basis for further development of methodological framework for geosystem monitoring, whereas its practical outputs are the identified improvement opportunities for existing monitoring arrangements, especially with regard to oil product contamination. Implementation status: the study results have provided the basis for the development of guideline document “Recommendations on the Development of Regional Monitoring Network to Control Oil Product Contamination in the Siversky Donets Basin within Kharkiv Oblast”, which has become part of routine operational practices for the following companies: UkrTransNeft Ltd., Trans-Dnipro Oil Pipelines, and JSC Lisichansk Oil Investment Company.