Studying the Environmental Conditions of Water Objects in the Ural River Basin and Measures for Its Improvement

Integral estimate of the environmental conditions of water bodies in the Russian part of the Ural River basin is presented. The estimate is based on the data of long-term state water quality monitoring, statistical data, remote sensing data, the results of special researches, and data of the authors’ field studies of water bodies and drainage areas, as well as laboratory studies of water samples. The collected materials were used to characterize the current environmental conditions of water objects and the spatial heterogeneity in the economic development of the drainage area. All available data were used to compile a catalog of water bodies ranked by the level of the load on them. For water bodies experiencing the largest load and characterized by significant violations of water quality standards, a system of measures is proposed for improving their environmental conditions. The choice of the measures is based on the analysis of the Russian and foreign experience in water protection activities, including nature-based restoration technologies of water bodies. The proposals have a comprehensive character and are based on a basin-scale approach.