Monitoring of the Influence of Landfills on the Atmospheric Air Using Bioindication Methods on the Example of the Zhytomyr Landfill, Ukraine

The paper presents the results of research on the implementation of monitoring of the landfills influence on the atmospheric air using bioindication methods on the example of the Zhytomyr landfill (Ukraine)–one of the typical Ukrainian landfills, which is operated with minimal environmental protection measures. A comprehensive study of atmospheric air pollution in the landfill area was carried out using a human sensor system and an integral assessment using bioindication (lichens were chosen as bioindicators). The study revealed a reliable exponential dependence for modeling the relationship between the distance from the source of gas formation (solid waste landfill in the city of Zhytomyr) and the intensity of odor. The level of atmospheric air pollution was also determined based on the assessment of the projective coverage of the tree trunk with lichens. The research revealed an exponential dependence for modeling the relationship between the distance from the landfill boundary and the total coverage of the tree trunk with lichens. The results of the analysis confirmed the correctness of the use of the aforementioned method. The relationship between the results obtained by the lichen indication method and the strength of the odor from the landfill was evaluated. Based on the results of calculating the relative values of the assessment of atmospheric air pollution by the method of coverage of the tree trunk with lichens and the strength of the odor, a regression analysis was carried out and mathematical relationships were determined, that most accurately describe the change in these indicators with distance from the landfill boundary. It is proved that both tested methods can be used in Ukrainian realities to monitor the state of atmospheric air in the area of influence of municipal landfills, depending on the purpose of research. The analysis of the research results confirmed the significance of the results of the obtained assessment of the impact of the Zhytomyr solid waste landfill on the state of atmospheric air. The materials of these studies can find further application for the formation of databases of knowledge of landfills, which will allow to develop a strategy for managing them as an object of increased environmental hazard.