CRUSTACEANS AS BIOINDICATORS OF NATURAL WATER BODIES IN ZHYTOMYR REGION

Abstract

In modern conditions of increased anthropogenic impact on natural water bodies, there is a growing need for effective methods of ecological monitoring of the state of aquatic ecosystems. The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of populations of crustaceans of the local species Pontastacus leptodactylus in natural water bodies of the Zhytomyr region as bioindicators of water quality. The study covered morphometric, demographic and ecological parameters of their populations in water bodies with different degrees of pollution. It was found that the level of pollution, in particular the concentration of heavy metals and PCBs, significantly affects the size and the presence of morphological anomalies in crustaceans. The data obtained confirm the high bioindicator value of this species for assessing the ecological state of hydroecosystems and justify the need for their systematic monitoring. The analysis made it possible to identify key indicators for effective ecological control, which will contribute to the timely detection of negative changes in natural water bodies and the development of measures to preserve the biodiversity of the region. The application of bioindication methods using crustaceans is an important component of an integrated approach to water resources protection, in particular in the conditions of Polissya, Ukraine. The proposed recommendations for the integration of bioindicators into environmental monitoring systems can be useful in further improving environmental policy and ensuring sustainable development of the Zhytomyr region. The results obtained are important not only for regional natural resource management, but also for scientists, ecologists and practitioners in the field of environmental protection.