Abstract

The research of chemical composition of water and bottom sediments of small rivers and water reservoirs in the south of non-chernozem zone of Russia within the upper part of the Oka (inflow of the Volga) and Desna (inflow of the Dnepr) basins suggests the increased content of heavy metals resulted from man-caused activity. Bottom sediments in the city streams and bodies are characterized by increased content of almost all heavy metals. This difference can be explained by the reservoir specific character, which promotes accumulation of pollutants coming to the reservoir with industrial wastes. Such forming zones with high concentrations of toxic pollutants can be the source of secondary pollution of the water body.

Keywords: bottom sediment, heavy metals, small river, water reservoir