ECOLOGICAL STATUS OF THE CITIES OF IRKUTSK, ULAN-UDE AND ULAANBAATAR
L.M. Korytny1, L.B. Bashalkhanova1, I.A. Belozertseva1, O.V. Gagarinova1, N.V. Emelyanova1, A.A. Sorokovoi1, S. Enkh-amgalan2
1V.B. Sochava Institute of Geography, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, Russia
2Institute of Geography and Geoecology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Keywords: urbanized centers, population, ecological situation, soil pollution, self-purification of the atmosphere, water supply
Abstract
Geoecological studies of urbanized centers of the Baikal region are aimed at identifying the specifics of anthropogenic impact on the natural environment in order to find rational solutions to environmental problems of the territories and improve the quality of life of the population. The article considers the features in the natural and ecological state of the cities of Ulaanbaatar, Ulan-Ude and Irkutsk as well as analyzing the relationship between socio-economic conditions and environmental problems of the territories.The information base of the study consisted of statistical and archival material, cartographic and literary works and data of experimental observations. The urbanized centers of the Baikal region are characterized by different socio-economic conditions, but they also have some common features of modern agglomeration processes: an intense concentration of the population in the capital cities, problems with engineering communications, and an increase in environmental tension and discomfort. The analysis revealed a high level of technogenic load from the fuel-and-energy complex and automobile transport. Natural factors, such as the atmospheric circulation, the state of natural waters and the conditions of migration of chemical elements in soils, have a significant impact on the formation of the ecological situation in the cities. Assessments of the level of anthropogenic impact on the components of the natural environment revealed extremely low conditions for self-purification of the atmosphere in Ulan-Ude and Ulaanbaatar, and the highest air pollution is recorded in Ulaanbaatar. The greatest pollution of soil cover is observed in Irkutsk, which is due to large industrial emissions and favorable conditions for the accumulation of pollutants in the soil of the territory. Ulaanbaatar is experiencing problems with the quality of water resources and drinking water supply to the population. Anthropogenic pressures on the natural environment of the cities create prerequisites for the development of diseases in the population as a result of the entry of toxic pollutants into the air and into water bodies.
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