‘Assessment of the Conditions of Small Water Bodies in St. Petersburg’ Popular Science Project with Young Scientists

The project focuses on the following key issues:

• The current condition of small water bodies in St. Petersburg: factors contributing to anthropogenic pressure and degradation
• Hydrochemical water quality parameters (nutrients, heavy metals, and petroleum products)
• Bioindication as an accessible tool for assessing the quality of ecosystems
• Laboratory methods for analysing surface water quality

The project included field trips and expedition surveys of small rivers in St. Petersburg, the collection and laboratory analysis of water and bottom sediment samples based on their hydrochemical indicators, bioindication-based rapid assessments of the ecological status of water bodies, and a series of lectures and seminars on the ecology of urban water bodies.

The project succeeded in getting young scientists, postgraduate students, and undergraduates involved in field and laboratory research that aims to assess the quality of small water bodies in St. Petersburg. It resulted in the collection of up-to-date data on the condition of more than 10 water bodies and the identification of areas subject to high anthropogenic pressure. In addition, a series of lectures, seminars, and workshops was conducted to enhance environmental awareness and promote ecological monitoring methods.

As part of the project, experts developed practical recommendations for the restoration of small water bodies, including proposals for clearing riverbeds, establishing water protection zones, and managing local sources of pollution. In addition, proposals were drafted to intensify interagency cooperation among educational institutions, environmental protection committees, and civic organizations in an effort to ensure the long-term sustainability of environmental monitoring involving young scientists.