The influence of springs on the river network of the East of the central part of the Russian Plain (on the example of the Chuvash Republic)

The article analyzes the influence of springs on the river network of the east of the central part of the Russian Plain. The Chuvash Republic was chosen as the reference territory. This region is characterized by a dense river network and a high density of rural settlements. In most villages of the Chuvash Republic, spring water is a source of either primary or alternative water supply. In recent decades, the religious and scientific-educational role of springs has been increasing. However, the proportion of rarely used and abandoned springs is also increasing. The article also presents the results of a chemical analysis of springs and the rivers they feed. Paired sampling and analysis revealed isolated cases of spring water contamination near farm buildings/outbuildings. The water quality in the rivers is classified as unsatisfactory and critical. It has been revealed that the species diversity of plants increases in the places where springs appear due to the unique indicators of moisture and temperature. Excessive anthropogenic load leads to the suppression of vegetation cover and a decrease in biological diversity. From this we can conclude that the influence of springs on the river network of the region is twofold. Springs as a source of underground recharge contribute to improving the water quality in rivers. On the other hand, intensive use of springs located in river valleys inevitably leads to increased anthropogenic pressure and degradation of these geosystems, reducing biological diversity and the emergence of invasive plants.