LANDFILLS AS SOURCES OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND BIOLOGICAL RISK

Abstract

The study investigates landfills in the Lviv region as critical sources of environmental and biological hazards, particularly under wartime conditions. A comprehensive methodological framework was applied, combining field surveys, laboratory analyses, phytotesting, and GIS-based spatial modeling. Soil samples collected from three major landfills—Bronytsia, Boryslav, and Stryi—revealed excessive concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu), high mineralization, and elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. Bioindication tests using Lepidium sativum L. demonstrated significant phytotoxicity, reduced germination rates, and disrupted pigment synthesis. The phytoremediation efficiency coefficient (KFM) was calculated to assess the adaptability of local vegetation under toxic load. Spatial visualization via heatmaps confirmed the formation of contamination cores within the landfill zones. The research highlights the pressing need for ecotechnological reclamation measures and offers a scientific foundation for further bioremediation strategies.