Evaluation of the state of the Teletskoye Lake water resources

Abstract

For practical solution of the problems of the national water sector to preserve natural reservoirs in their natural conditions, it is of interest to study the dynamics of their condition, as this provides information for optimizing their use and management. The priorities of integrated management of water resources and water management systems are recognized by the international principles of “sustainable development” in national water security strategies. Under the conditions of increasing anthropogenic load on natural water bodies, such studies become increasingly relevant. For the unique natural water body, the Teletskoye Lake, the data of lake water hydrochemical studies were analyzed, and the average seasonal and long-term variations of the indices were evaluated. The study was carried out in accordance with the requirements of the national standard of the indices of water body condition in comparison of the prevailing conditions with the reference ones. “Reference conditions” were defined as “the state of an aquatic ecosystem undisturbed by human activity or with minor signs of distortion.” It was taken into account that the reference should have a minimum value of spatial and temporal changes in ecosystem indices over the period of its complete water exchange. The analysis of the results obtained indicates that of all the studied indices, the concentrations of calcium ions (Ca²⁺) and hydrocarbonate ions (HCO₃^-) change in a narrow range of values along with pH value, general hardness and mineralization, and content of oxygen dissolved in water. With significant variations in permanganate oxidation and water hardness, their absolute values are quite low. These indices correspond to the type of natural hydrocarbonate-calcium waters with low water mineralization, slightly alkaline reaction and low content of organic substances. They may be used as reference standards when evaluating the water quality of the Teletskoye Lake.