Geoinformation analysis of environmental quality in urban areas of Central Russia

The quality of the environment of urbanized territories is the leading parameter determining the comfort of living for the population. The purpose of the study is a spatial assessment of environmental pollution in the industrialized cities of Central Russia (Voronezh, Lipetsk, Tula). The results are summarized in the author’s geographical information system “Environmental Safety of cities in Central Russia”, on the basis of which digital maps of the environmental situation are created and environmental impact factors on public health are identified. The initial GIS data used are the results of our own sampling studies of the quality of atmospheric air and drinking water, data from environmental protection agencies of the studied regions, and the results of decoding satellite images.The assessment of atmospheric air pollution included 19 sites: four points in Voronezh, seven in Lipetsk and eight in Tula. Concentrations were measured for priority pollutants (CO, CH2O, SO2, NO2) using a GANK-4(A) gas analyzer. The concentration of suspended particles was determined using the PU-5 electroaspiratory unit, followed by the use of the gravimetric method. The results of the research showed that in the territory of Voronezh, the level of dust in the air was exceeded in two places (up to 1.15 and 1.19 MPCm.r.). The left-bank part of Lipetsk turned out to be the most polluted among the three cities. In Tula, no excess of hygienic standards for the content of atmospheric pollutants was found.Analysis of the quality of drinking water from the centralized water supply system in Voronezh, Lipetsk and Tula in terms of iron, manganese and nitrate content, as well as generalized characteristics such as mineralization and hardness, demonstrated that the water meets the necessary sanitary standards according to the estimated indicators.