The summer ecological expedition began on 1 June, which is International Children's Day. Among the participants were lecturers and students from the Faculty of Geology, members of the Scientific Associations of Teachers of the Faculty of Geology, Russian Geological Society, and pupils from five Voronezh schools. Professor Irina Kosinova, Head of the Department of Ecological Geology at VSU, supervised the project.
The expedition was dedicated to the World Environment Day that is celebrated annually on 5 June. The main goal was to examine the areas and water bodies of the right bank of Voronezh water reservoir, oxbow lakes, and the River Don. During their research, the participants of the expedition checked the state of the coastal area, record the sources of springs, and analyse the chemical composition of surface and underground waters. According to the results of the study, the state of the upper part of Voronezh water reservoir is favourable. The students were especially interested in the spring near the Rybachiy village, which is now one of the best sources of drinking water within the city limits.
The next expeditions will be to an oxbow lake Krugloye and to the River Don. A study along the route and a chemical analysis of water will allow determining the initial position of surface waters as of the summer of 2022. Particular attention will be paid to the description of coastal areas and the level of technogenic pressure on water bodies.
At the end of the summer ecological expedition there will be a round table discussion held at Voronezh State University on 10 June. It will be dedicated to the topic of “Environmental issues of separate areas of Voronezh water reservoir and the River Don”. The event is organised by VSU, Voronezh branch of Russian Geological Society, Voronezh branch of Russian Ecological Academy, and the Scientific Associations of Teachers of the VSU Faculty of Geology.
