ASSESSMENT OF SOIL ENVIRONMENT TRANSFORMATION UNDER POTENTIAL MILITARY AND TECHNOGENIC IMPACT

Abstract

The study investigates the transformation of the soil environment within the territories of Kharkiv Oblast under conditions of potential military and technogenic impact. The physicochemical parameters of 11 soil samples collected from areas characterized by increased anthropogenic pressure and possible consequences of military activity were analyzed. The study included the determination of soil pH, moisture content, and FTIR identification of potentially hazardous chemical compounds using the portable Thermo Scientific TruDefender analyzer. The investigated soils were found to be predominantly alkaline, with pH values ranging from 8.0 to 9.2. A pronounced spatial heterogeneity of soil moisture indicators was identified, indicating local changes in the physicochemical state of the surface soil horizon. FTIR analysis revealed spectral matches with potentially hazardous compounds, including mercury sulfate, sodium fluoroborate, palladium oxide, and several nitrogen-containing compounds. The obtained results indicate signs of transformation in the chemical composition of the soil environment and confirm the feasibility of using portable FTIR analyzers for rapid environmental monitoring of potentially hazardous territories. Spatial modeling performed in the Surfer software environment made it possible to identify local zones of increased technogenic pressure and spatial heterogeneity of soil physicochemical characteristics. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of applying the obtained results for environment al risk assessment, forecasting degradation processes, and improving environmental monitoring systems for territories affected by military and technogenic factors.