In the dissertation the theoretical synthesis and practical solution of the complex problem concerning application of modern methods and indicators of estimation of quality of drinking water are carried out. On this basis, the system of measures of complex water quality assessment using various biological test objects was substantiated. We were offered a procedure for complex biotesting of natural and drinking water. At the same time, it is mandatory to carry out research (analytical chemistry, microbiology, radiology and biotesting) that establish the minimum risk of a water sample for human health, that is, using different methods, water safety is justified.
A comparative analysis of the results of biotesting of waters of different sources of Ukraine, using a complex of test organisms of animals and plants. This comparative characteristic revealed the safest water for consumption by the population. Assessment of the quality of surface water - sources of centralized water supply in Kiev showed that the outgoing water of the Dnieper and Desna in the water intakes in terms of the total toxicity index corresponded to the category of "safe water". Comparing the quality of the source of natural water (Dnieper and Desniansky water intakes) and chlorinated tap water, we came to the conclusion that the chlorination process significantly increases the toxicity of the source water due to the formation of persistent organochlorine compounds hazardous to human health.
As a result of this work, the estimated role and usefulness of each of the bioassays for assessing the quality of natural and drinking water. Biotest with crustacea (daphnia and ceriodaphnia), according to our data, is the most sensitive among used biotestes. Due to its simplicity and high sensitivity, this test organism is one of the most common in the world of practice. It is included in international standards, used as a national standard, in many countries, is included in standard sets of test organisms to determine the toxicity of water samples. It is recommended to use this test object in acute and chronic experiments to assess the quality of drinking water.
During the experiment, experimental rats were able to detect changes in certain biochemical parameters characterizing metabolic processes in the body. As a result of the research, some features of the specificity of the influence of drinking water on the basis of the source of its selection and the elemental composition on the regulatory systems, internal organs and biochemical processes in the organism of the experimental rats, first of all, peripheral blood and parenchymal organs (liver, kidneys, pancreas). Our research has proved that biotesting using an optimal set of test organisms objectively characterizes the biological component of water quality. Monitoring of the quality of drinking water, including the various stages of its preparation, purification and decontamination, should be carried out according to toxicological parameters. Biotesting methods should be used at all stages of the assessment of drinking water quality, including the final (risk profile), on which the eco-epidemiological risk assessment for the health of the population may become the main criterion.
Considering modern approaches to sanitary-hygienic standardization of drinking water quality, we proposed for these purposes the use of the results of integrated biotesting of water samples with the calculation of the index of total toxicity. The correlation coefficient between the results of biotesting and the incidence rate of the population consuming tap water for 10 years was 0.70-0.94. This suggests that almost every third indicator of morbidity is significantly associated with the toxicity of tap water.
Based on the results of a comprehensive experimental study using biological test models of various levels of organization (plants, hydrobionts, amphibians, warm-blooded animals, cell culture) and the use of chemical-analytical, cytological, toxicological, hematological, biochemical, immunological, histological and statistical methods, theoretical generalization of the data obtained is scientifically sound biotesting of water with the determination of the characteristics of its toxic properties and calculation index of overall toxicity as an important assessment of the aquatic environment in the ecological security of Ukraine and its influence on human health. For express assessment, it is recommended to use simple and economical methods of humans and animals, thanks to which it is possible to carry out an integrated assessment of water quality with moderate costs and maximum efficiency.
