CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF CRATER SOILS IN MINE AND SHELL EXPLOSION ZONES: ASSESSMENT OF MILITARY-TECHNOGENIC CONTAMINATION

Problem Statement and Purpose. In the context of modern armed conflicts, the threat of soil contamination by toxic elements has become increasingly relevant. Detonations of landmines and artillery shells are among the primary sources of such contamination, as they mechanically disrupt the soil profile and promote the accumulation of heavy metals in surface horizons. Numerous studies have reported geochemical anomalies in explosion-affected areas, where concentrations of toxic elements frequently exceed regional background levels. In Ukraine, such exceedances have been documented in the chernozem soils of the Kharkiv region; however, comprehensive assessments for the southern steppe zone remain largely absent. This lack of region-specific data hinders accurate evaluation of environmental risks and complicates the planning of land rehabilitation measures. The aim of this study is to determine the degree of contamination by toxic metals and metalloids in crater-affected soils formed by the detonation of landmines and artillery shells under the natural and climatic conditions of the Kherson region in southern Ukraine. Data & Methods. The study was conducted at ten sites in the right-bank part of Kherson region. The total content of Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn, B, and the mobile form of Mo was analysed in crater soils formed by the explosions of 122/152 mm artillery shells, anti-tank mines (TM-62), and anti-personnel mines (PMN-2), as well as in soils affected by thermal impact. Soil samples were collected in layers from the centre of each crater and at varying distances from it (up to 6 meters), as well as from control plots located 50–750 meters away from the craters. Chemical analysis was performed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry in a 1N HCl extract. To assess the level of contamination, the following indices were calculated: the pollution index (Pi), the contamination factor (CF), the local control exceedance coefficient (Kk), and the Pollution Load Index (PLI). The obtained results make it possible to evaluate the potential environmental risks of soil contamination by toxic elements in combat zones and to substantiate the need for the restoration of affected areas. Results. Analysis of the spatial distribution of chemical elements in crater soils formed by the detonation of anti-tank mines (TM-62), anti-personnel mines (PMN-2), and 122/152 mm artillery shells revealed that the pattern of contamination is determined not only by the type of explosive device, but primarily by soil properties, environmental conditions, and previous land use. In most cases, the coefficients of control exceedance (Kk) for toxic elements (Cd, Zn, Pb, Hg, As) in the centre of the craters were greater than 1, indicating localized technogenic contamination. This was most pronounced in the crater located near an irrigation canal, where Kk values for Zn and Cd reached 4.32 and 3.90, respectively. Such levels of contamination point not only to a military-technogenic origin of the metals but also to the influence of redistributed soil mass in the area of the irrigation canal. In some cases, secondary increases in contaminant concentrations were observed on the crater periphery, suggesting potential dispersion of toxic elements in the soil environment. To integrate contamination data, the Pollution Load Index (PLI) was applied. The calculated values indicate localized technogenic pressure at specific sites. The results demonstrate a mosaic pattern of contamination. The impact of munition explosions on the chemical composition of soils varies depending on soil type and environmental conditions. In areas with anthropogenically disturbed soils, contamination levels are higher, as reflected by elevated values of CF, Kk, and PLI. In relatively undisturbed agroecosystems, no significant contamination was observed. This highlights the need for a spatially differentiated approach to risk assessment and the planning of environmental protection measures.