IMPACT OF AMBER MINING ON THE HYDROLOGICAL REGIME, BIODIVERSITY OF THE UBORT RIVER AND WATER RETENTION CAPACITY OF ADJACENT TERRITORIES

Abstract

This study examines the impact of illegal amber mining on the ecosystem of the Ubort River basin, a right tributary of the Pripyat River within the Ukrainian Polissia region. A comprehensive analysis of hydrological regime changes and biodiversity was conducted using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery from 2017–2024 and field studies of Unionidae mollusks during 2009–2013 and 2019–2024. Remote sensing methods utilizing the FCD (Pseudo Forest Canopy Density) index were applied to assess forest canopy density and identify disturbed areas within the river basin. Results revealed degradation of forest ecosystems, leading to disruption of soil water retention capacity and dewatering of the river system. Catastrophic decline in freshwater bivalve mollusk bioindicator diversity was documented: complete disappearance of Pseudanodonta complanata, critical population reduction of Unio crassus (60–100 %), and local extinction of all species at certain study sites, particularly near the villages of Sushchany, Yurove, and Khmelivka. Hydraulic amber extraction methods using high-capacity motor pumps cause direct water abstraction at intensities exceeding the natural water content of small rivers, soil structure destruction, and transformation of aquifer systems. Spatial correlation was established between maximum density of disturbed areas and the most pronounced manifestations of river system dewatering. Comparative analysis of satellite imagery time series confirmed the growth of degraded territory areas with a mosaic structure of alternating destroyed areas and territories with partially preserved vegetation. The research substantiates the urgent need for ecological rehabilitation measures and prevention of further degradation of Ukrainian Polissia natural complexes.