TETERIV RIVER GEOSYSTEM: DESCRIPTION OF NATURAL COMPONENTS AND ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACT

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive study of the Teteriv River geosystem as an important component of the Dnipro basin. It examines the main natural characteristics of the river system and analyzes the consequences of anthropogenic impact. The paper provides a detailed analysis of the spatial differentiation of landscape complexes along the Teteriv River from its source to mouth – from the hilly relief of the Podillia Upland to typical Polissia landscapes with sandy terraces and waterlogged floodplains. Based on monitoring research analysis, the main water quality problems of the Teteriv River have been identified, particularly the consistently high content of total iron and manganese, exceeding standards by 3.5–5.6 and 7–12.6 times respectively. A clear seasonal dynamics of pollution has been established, with a peak in the second quarter and gradual decrease in the third and fourth quarters, indicating a certain capacity of the river system for self-purification. The anthropogenic impacts on the river’s geosystem have been analyzed, primarily through the transformation of the natural hydrological regime due to the creation of a cascade of reservoirs (Chudniv, Denyshi, Vidsichne, Zhytomyr, Bilokrynytske) and numerous ponds (1,174). The article examines the main hazardous situations within the Teteriv geosystem, including catastrophic floods (April 2013) and low water levels (summer 2020), degradation of landscape complexes due to mining activities, and declining groundwater levels. Based on the SWOT analysis, the strengths and weaknesses of the Teteriv River geosystem have been identified, as well as opportunities and threats to its sustainable functioning. This allowed substantiating the need to develop comprehensive measures aimed at modernizing water management infrastructure, ecological rehabilitation of disturbed landscapes, creating an effective monitoring system, and adaptation to climate change. The research results have theoretical and practical significance for developing regional programs for ecological recovery of the Teteriv River, optimizing reservoir operation regimes, and improving the surface water quality monitoring system in the river basin.