Investigation of the degree of snow pollution in urban areas using the example of St. Petersburg

The snow cover of urban areas reflects the characteristics and degree of atmospheric air pollution, as well as the level of urbanization and intensity of anthropogenic activity of the city’s population. The article presents the results of a study of urban pollution (using the example of St. Petersburg). Field and laboratory studies of the contamination of snow masses were carried out according to several indicators: odor, color, turbidity, and the presence of sediment. Samples of snow masses were taken in various urban areas: a park area, a roadside area, an area near an enterprise, as well as on the territory of an educational institution. To determine the depth of possible penetration of pollutants into the soil, the granulometric characteristics of the soil in the study areas were determined. Based on the analysis of the results obtained, various measures have been developed and recommended to minimize the negative effects of snow pollution on urban soil and vegetation.