Abstract. Aim. To undertake the analysis of renewable energy development trends as one of the direction in sustainable development strategy, also to define renewable energy production and using prospects in some South Russian regions. Results. Obvious tendency of increasing renewable energy production in different countries is represented by investment volume increasing materials. Innovative activity during last ten years has led solar, wind also bioenergy production development to the economically viable level. In particular, there was a number of biotechnology solutions provided creation enterprises producing second and third generation biofuel. For this reason, renewable energy production provides an opportunity to waste conversion and forms supposition for negative anthropogenic environmental impact decreasing. Taking into attention the existence of demographic, climatic, economical and geographic and some other characteristics the analysis of current condition and development prospects of renewable energy production in South Russia regions: the Astrakhan and Rostov Regions, Republic of Crimea (Southern Federal District), the Stavropol Territory (North Caucasian Federal District) has been conducted. Main conclusions. Presented facts show the beginning of renewable energy production development which can become possible because of state and regional programs, also private initiatives. In near-term prospect this development may cause significant economical results and improve ecological situation

Abstract. Aim. The prevalence of some factors affecting the health status of residents of 14 rural settlements in the Untsukul District of the Republic of Dagestan is established. The total number of respondents was 2,634, including 1,453 women and 1,181 men. The survey involved people aged 18 to 97 years. Methods. The study was carried out by a survey of respondents using a questionnaire, including questions on the assessment of their self-preserving behavior. Results. The prevalence of risk factors for health associated with lifestyle – smoking, regularity and quality of food, physical activity. To preserve their own health, the majority of respondents (55%) consider a healthy lifestyle to be determined, but the practice of self-preserving behavior is not widely spread. Regular meals (at least three times a day) were noted by 51.3% of respondents. The share of respondents, regularly (every day) engaged in phys- ical culture and sports, was 27%. The territorial differentiation of inhabited localities of Untsukul region is revealed by the prevalence of factors of self-preserving behavior. Conclusion. The obtained information on the way of life of residents of the Untsukul district can be used in the development of medical and at improving the quality of life of the population, creating a culture of self-preserving behavior.

Abstract. Aim. Conduct scenario modeling of the development of the social and economic system of the region fromthe standpoint of its sustainability. Material and methods. The basis of the work has been put data on the relation- ship of the main subsystems that form the socio-economic and environmental regional mechanism, the results of expert surveys, the annual statistical report on the socio-economic development of the region. Results. A cognitive map of the interrelationships of the main elements of the socioeconomic and ecological mechanism of the region, taking into account the specifics of the Republic of Dagestan, is constructed. The analysis of the stability of the social and economic system of the region regarding the feedback cycles for the indicator "natural environment", which showed that the system is not stable. The results of the scenario modeling of the development of the region showed that the regulatory role of the federal center is an important controlling factor for the region regarding its sustainabil- ity. The possibility of using scenario modeling for designing strategies for sustainable development of the region on the basis of cognitive structuring of the development of possible situations is shown. Conclusion. The opportunities for cognitive structuring of knowledge about the problem situation are significant for developing scenarios for the development of the region from the standpoint of its sustainability and designing strategies for the sustainable development of its socio-economic system based on them. The most significant stage in the study of this problem is the collection of information, and its structuring in the form of a cognitive map.

Abstract. Aim. The aim of the work was to study the characteristics of the ecology, the chorology and genesis of thesnout beetles of Ptochus genus in Dagestan, as well as designing the maps of their ranges. Materials and methods. The work was based on the materials of expedition and ecology-faunistic studies conducted from 1999 to 2017 in various regions of Dagestan using the basic entomological methods. For mapping were used the following source materials: the database created by the authors for the study group, the map of the Republic of Dagestan taken fromthe National Atlas of Russia, topographic maps from MapInfo 15.2 and maps made in Adobe Illustrator CreativeCloud. Results. The characteristics of the ecology and geographic distribution of the snout beetles of Ptochus genus in Dagestan have been studied; the following maps are created: "The areas of the snout beetles of Ptochus genus of Dagestan" and "The areas of the snout beetles of Ptochus genus of the Botlikh trench of Dagestan". Conclusion. In the fauna of Dagestan, 7 species of Ptochus snout beetles, associated with arid steppe and semidesert landscapes,ed distribution maps and bioecological features, a hypothesis was put forward on the genesis of the study group in the territory of Dagestan.

Abstract. Aim. To determine the amount and age structure of Ophrys oestrifera and O. apifera populations on the territory of the Tepe-Oba botanical reserve (South-East Crimea), study the morphological features of plants. To evaluate the current populations' state and identify factors of threats. Material. Three populations of Ophrys oestrifera and one population of O. apifera were found and studied on the territory of Tepe-Oba, their quantitative and age composition (structure) were determined, vitality of individuals for O. oestrifera populations was defined. Results. O. oestrifera grows in three localities on the areas of 10 to 400 m2 and in the numbers of 28 to 342 individuals. The population of O. apifera has its area of 10 m2 and its size is 15 generative specimens. Populations O. oestrifera No. 1, 2 are young, normal and stable. Populations of O. oestrifera No. 3 and O. apifera have not yet reached their dynamic equilibrium (balance). O. oestrifera index of vitality doesn't significantly different in three populations (IVC=1,00– 1,09), that indicates approximately the same kind of growing conditions in the studying territory. However, growing in the same conditions O. apifera has some biometric differences from the O. oestrifera. For example, O. oestrifera plants are 1.5 times higher, inflorescence length is on average 2.5–3 times longer, and number of flowers in the inflorescence is 1,5 times more than those O. apifera. Main conclusions. The condition of O. oestrifera population in the territory of Tepe-Oba is satisfactory. Insignificant differences diversity in their vital structure can be associated with a e condition of O. apifera population is threatening because of its low size, small area and the lack of pregenerative plants in the age spectrum.

Abstract. The aim of this work is to examine trends in the development of agriculture and its industries, land and primary production on the territory of the steppe zone of Stavropol region during the natural history period (18502016). The analysis allows us to identify the main periods of evolution of land use and environmental and economic problems, as well as measures to overcome them. Methods. The following structure "nature – society – economy" describes the analytical and mathematical models. The structure of land use is described as the system "nature – society – economy" and is reflected in the analytical and mathematical models. They provide insight into the dynamics of change in quantitative indicators (area of agricultural areas and wetlands, crop yields, basic agri-environmental data, etc.) and qualitative transformation of the latter (the presence of erosive and deflationary processes and other phenomena). In addition, careful attention is paid to the managerial decisions and activities, as well as opportunistic and market factors that influence the dynamics of the above changes during the period under review. To adjust for land development it is very important to pay attention on climatic conditions, which recently have a tendency to significant changes. Results. Analysis of economic development of the steppe areas allows to determine the structuralfunctional model of land use, to identify the main environmental and economic factors influencing its development. Main conclusion. This approach allows us to correct managerial decisions, stabilizing land use in the industrial sector.

Abstract. Aim. The aim of the study was to develop a process for the utilization of secondary products of triticale grain processing into starch and protein concentrate with production of fodder microbial-vegetative concentrate (FMVC) for pond fish. Methods. Standard and special methods for the analysis of chemical, biochemical composition (amino acid, mineral, fatty acid, carbohydrate), microbiological parameters of triticale grain, secondary products of its processing and FMVC were used in this work. Results. It is shown that considering the peculiarities of the chemical composition of whey water, insoluble residue and pulp, it is expedient to produce FMVC by bioconversion method using the producer-yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The feed value of FMVC in terms of protein, lipids, minerals, and fiber met the normative parameters for fodder for pond fish of the Cyprinidae family. FMVC contained digestible carbohydrates, a high-quality protein with essential amino acids and lipids, which included saturated, unsaturated fatty acids, including ω-6, ω-3 families and phosphatides. Conclusion. A process of bioconversion has been developed for the utilization of secondary products of triticale grain processing into starch A and protein concentrate, with the production of FMVC for pond fish based on whey waters. The concentrate was characterized by high values of essential amino acids score, the predominance of unsaturated fatty acids, the presence of biologically active phospholipids, sterols, micro-, macroelements. The use of a concentrate as an additive will ensure the survivability of fish, increase growth, reduce the cost of feed and improve the ecological situation of the starch factory.

Abstract. The aim of the presented work consists in the analysis of results of long-term monitoring of the members of one of the most important and interesting phytovirus taxons – genus Nepovirus (Picornavirales, Secoviridae, Comovirinae) – which is carried out since 1962 on the planned basis in the south of the Far East (Primorsky krai, Khabarovsk krai, the Sakhalin region) by the Laboratory of Virology of Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia terrestrial biodiversity of Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (Vladivostok, Russia). Discussion. Many (it is possible – all) nepoviruses are capable to cause epiphytoties with significant economic damage for world economy. In the current article the organization of nepovirus genome, the principles of their division into three genetic groups (A, B, and C), virion morphology, the principles of division into three beyond density fractions (T, M, and B), the characteristics of phytopathology connected with nepoviruses, their ecology in the south of the Far East (including sources of isolation and vectors) are discussed as well as physical-chemical properties of some the most interesting strains from this region which apparently could represent new species of Nepovirus genus: Phryma asiatica mosaic virus (PhAMV); dayflower mosaic virus (DFMV); foenugreek necrotic spot virus (FoNSV); Capsicum annuum necrotic spot virus (CaNSV). Conclusion. Nepovirus genus is one of the most adapted for circulation in the phytocenoses of midlatitudes having natural reservoir among wild plants and pose serious threat for crops. On the basis of ecological features of nepoviruses the scientifically based list of preventive and protective actions against epiphytoties with nepovirus nature is provided. One of the most important elements of such actions is their planned monitoring at the regional level with obligatory comparison of the received results to universal data.

Abstract. Aim. Microbial researches of water and sediment samples selected in summer period of 2105-2106 years in the North Caspian Sea water area as post-production monitoring (district of prospecting drilling) was made. Methods. Sampling realized according to conventional methods close to four water structures: Rakushecnaya, Sarmatskaya, Shirotnaya, Khvalynskaya. Proportions of saprotrophic, oil – and phenol oxidase and sulfate-reducing microorganisms defined in researched water and sediment samples, the total number of bacteria was also researched.  The value given to the quantity of water area for researched period: the coefficient Razumova, quality class and saprobity level of the studied water samples. Results. Studies had shown non-uniformly distribution of indicate groups’ microorganisms concentrations at the investigated structures’ points of the water area. Also the water monitoring had shown existence of very purify (xeno - and oligosaprobic) and dirty (poly - and hypercaprobic) zones in the Northern Caspian Sea’s water area. Main conclusions. However the population dynamics of the different microorganisms groups in summer period of 2015-2106 years near oil water fields attest to successful processes of self-purification of water area and recovering of water area ecosystem after human impact.

Abstract. Aim. An analysis of species composition (phototrophic organisms and micromycetes) of epibioses communities of entrance area of monastic cells of the historical and archaeological complex of Old Orhei. Comparison of species composition of epibioses communities on the surface areas and in the cells. Comparison of phototrophic species composition of abovementioned communities with similar communities of the cult chalk caves of the Voronezh region and limestone grottoes of Podolsky Tovtry. Objects. The object of the investigation was the entrance area of the monastic cells of the rocky monastery "Dormition of God’s Mother", the reserve of Old Orhei (Moldova). Methods. Phototrophic species composition was determined by the methods of microscopy and inoculation in the culture medium. Mosses and lichens from epibioses communities were studied by traditional botanical methods. Micromycetes were studied by isolation methods on the Chapec-Dox selective medium. The abundance and occurrence of species in communities was determined. Results. Biodiversity of epibioses communities of hypogean habitats was revealed. It is shown that the species diversity on the surface is similar to the species composition in caves. The dominant species in the underground and surface epibioses communities were determined. The similarity of the species composition of the flora with caves of the Voronezh region and Ukraine was not revealed. Conclusions. Cyanobacteria predominate in the flora structure of the monastic cells of the rocky monastery "Dormition of God’s Mother". Micromycetes of epibioses communities are represented by widespread soil species. The species composition of cells is similar to the species composition on the surface. It can be assumed that the species composition of hypogean habitats is determined by a complex of conditions, among which the most important is the illumination, temperature and humidity, substrate quality and species composition on the surface.

Abstract. The aim is to study the change in the enzymatic activity in Kalmykia soils under oil pollution, as well as to study the phytotoxicity of contaminated soils. Methods. A laboratory experiment was conducted to study the phytotoxicity and enzymatic activity in soils. As objects of research, brown semidesert, light chestnut and chernozem soils (Black soil) were selected. Common bean was chosen as the testing culture. The levels of oil pollution in the study area were different. The phytotoxicity of soils was identified by the germination, the length of the terrestrial part of the plants, the length of the root and the total biomass. The enzymatic activity in soils was determined by the methods of T.A. Shcherbakova, Shtefanika, Yarni, Tomesku, A.Sh. Galstyan, F.KH. Khazieva, Ya.M. Agaforova, A.E. Gulko. Results. As a result of the conducted studies it was revealed that the soils of Kalmykia are not resistant to oil pollution, even insignificant concentrations of oil cause a change in the enzymatic activity in soils. All investigated oil contaminated soil samples show a negative impact on the growth of testing-culture plants, germination decreases, the length of the ground and underground parts of plants is reduced. Conclusions. It has been proved that oil pollution affects the change in the enzymatic activity in Kalmykia soils, and, the greater the concentration of oil contamination, the stronger this change can be traced. Oil-contaminated soils show a strong phytotoxic effect in relation to the plants under study.

Abstract. The aim of the research is to study some aspects of the effective formation and development of the ecological culture of the students in the republic of Dagestan as well as to analyze the influence of the pedagogical potential of social volunteering on the formation of the socio-ecological culture of youth. Discussion. Many current socio-ecological problems, specific to Dagestan and many other regions of Russia, are of great interest and concern to modern youth. Student youth (aged 14-25 years) in Dagestan make up about 28% of the total population of the republic. Purposeful and systematic work with young people in order to form the right socio-ecological views and ideas, develop self-motivation and readiness to engage in specific environmental activities for the benefit of the society seems to us an extremely important direction of the educational process. Environmentally oriented volunteer activity of young people has a high potential for solving the problems indicated in the study. Conclusion. In recent years, the Republic of Dagestan has seen a steady growth in the number of young citizens and organizations involved in volunteerism, thus the scope of volunteer programs and projects is expanding. And one of the most important and effective areas, both in terms of the number of events and  the scope and involvement of young people, is the environmentally oriented volunteer activity of young people.

Abstract. Aim. The aim of the study is to analyze and evaluate the current state of ecological education on the example of general education institutions of the Kirovski district of Makhachkala. Methods. The materials for the research were the results of the anonymous questionnaire survey of schoolchildren of 5-11 grades (secondary schools №21 and 3) The questionnaire was compiled on the basis of the Institute of Ecology and Sustainable Development of the Dagestan State University. The statistical processing of the survey data was carried out using an Excel software package. Findings. The result of the conducted studies revealed the average level of the current state of the ecological education. Of the 141 respondents, (school №21) 51% answered correctly the question: "What is ecology?", 80% of schoolchildren of 5-8 grades apply their knowledge of ecology in their everyday life. Whereas of the 139 students surveyed (school №3) 67% of the respondents correctly answered the same question. When studying ecology, 53% of schoolchildren noted that more and more plants and animals die every year. Conclusion. The analysis of the studies shows the need to improve the level of environmental education and ecological culture in the general educational institutions of the Republic of Dagestan for more in-depth development of environmental knowledge, their application in practice with a view to improving the quality of life and addressing the major environmental problems of our time.

Abstract. Aim. Excessive growth of sulfate reducing bacteria in aeration tanks indicates the prevalence of anaerobic conditions in activated sludge, as a result of which the processes of aerobic oxidation of organic matter of wastewater deteriorate and the quality of treated water in general decreases. Until recently, ozone was used in water treatment as the active oxidizer, only to disinfect sewage. However, the hot interest is ozonation in low doses, which does not lead to total extinction in microbiological cenosis, but only corrects the number of bacteria and microbiological processes in sludge. Methods. In this research were applied classical microbiological cultural methods and enumeration of sulfate-reducing bacteria under most probable number method. Dehydrogenase activity ware measured by Gunter technique. Results. This paper discusses about impact of ozonation in low doses to quantity of sulfure reducing bacteria in activated sludge. Describes possible corrective actions aimed at regulating the processes of sulfate reduction in activated sludge. Conclusions. The effect of ozonation in low doses on sulfate-reducing bacteria in active sludge has been established. The increase of dehydrogenase activity with the use of ozonation has been demonstrated.

Abstract. Aim. The central aim of this article is the study of ecological-geochemical state of meadow-pasture ecosystems of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain taking into account the changing ecological conditions of the region. Methods. Determination of total content of trace elements in soil and plant samples was performed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results. Flooding is the main factor in the formation of floodplain soils and meadow vegetation. The duration and nature of floods depend on natural and anthropogenic factors. Changes in chemical trace element content in meadow – pasture ecosystems of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain are largely dependent on seasonal flooding. The analysis of changes in heavy metal concentrations before and after flooding in floodplain soils and vegetation showed that after flooding observed decrease of heavy metals content and the percentage reduction (%) of total contamination factor. Flood waters dissolve minerals in the soil and contribute to their migration. Conclusions. The processes of formation of chemical composition of ecosystems are determined by the properties of individual elements. Trace elements accumulate in different amounts. The composition of the soil is directly influenced by the processes of biological accumulation, which leads to the accumulation of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr) in the surface horizons. The vegetation of the floodplain mainly comprises iron (Fe) and chromium (Cr). The concentration of heavy metals in soil and vegetation of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain has the following descending series: Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > Cu > Pb > Co > Cd.

Abstract. Aim. Dephenolization of geothermal waters before discharging into open reservoirs. Methods. Technological solutions are proposed for utilization of spent geothermal phenol-containing waters by using ozone and activated carbon for solving the purification problems. The evaluation of the efficiency of the proposed technologies is carried out with obtaining of the field and experimental physical and chemical data. Results. In recent years, Russia has seen a decrease in volumes and a reduction in the use of high-potential geothermal resources containing phenols. Studies have been carried out on the purification of phenol-containing geothermal waters of the Kizlyar, Ternair and other deposits of the Republic of Dagestan, depending on the dose of ozone, the time of ozone treatment, water temperature and pH. It has been shown that, after combined treatment using ozone and activated carbon, spent thermal waters containing phenol up to 15 mg/l can be discharged into open reservoirs without damage to the environment. Conclusions. Solving the problems of utilization of spent phenol-containing geothermal water will allow involving huge reserves of geothermal already drilled wells in the economic activity. At the same time, the cost of the heat potential of thermal waters will be much lower than using natural gas or other heat carriers.

Abstract. The aim is to give the description of the species composition of the click beetles of the genus Agriotes Eschscholtz, 1829, in order to show significant differences and differentiation between the faunas of certain regions of the Caucasus. Methods. When collecting materials, the following general entomological methods were used: soil traps, trapping beetles with baits and light, mowing, shaking them from trees and bushes on a polyethylene screen mesh. Results. Comparative analysis of the species composition of the genus Agriotes of the Caucasus showed that the Northwest Caucasus is dominant in species diversity and is represented by 19 species (70.3%); the second largest is the Northeast part of the Greater Caucasus, represented by 18 species (66.6%), the third are Armenia and Eastern Georgia represented by 15 (55.6%) and 14 (51.8%) respectively, followed by the South-Eastern part of Azerbaijan, 10 species (30%). Of the 27 species, 7 species are common to all natural areas (26.9%). Conclusion. The analysis of the obtained data revealed significant differences and differentiation between faunas of the clickbeetles of the genus Agriotes of certain regions of the Caucasus, which are explained by the presence of independent centers of species formation in the mountain regions.

Abstract. Aim. The aim is to study the species composition of the dragonfly larvae community of the steppe zone of Kabardino-Balkaria. Materials and methods. The research is based on the long-term study (2014-2017) of dragonflies of the Republic. The collection and processing of the materials were carried out using methods generally accepted in entomological research. Results. The article presents data on the composition and distribution of communities of dragonfly larvae, which are an information source for the biological indication of the state of natural aquatic ecosystems and are model bio-indicators for environmental monitoring. In the course of the study, 25 species of dragonfly larvae belonging to three suborders of Zygoptera, Anisoptera and Caloptera were identified. The distribution of larvae in water bodies of the steppe zone and their biotopes is inhomogeneous and is determined by the ecological and biological features of the species. Conclusions. The distribution of dragonflies on water habitats is associated with the quantity and quality of biotopes that are convenient for colonization, the temperature regime, the composition and quality of the natural forage reserve and the ability of the larvae of dragonflies to pass through their entire life cycle and their ecological and biological characteristics.

Abstract. The aim is to study and develop some prognostic criteria for the clinical outcome of acute coronary syndrome into myocardial infarction based on immunomarkers. Materials and methods. Are presented the results of examination of 85 patients admitted to the infarction department of the Republican Clinical Hospital of the Center for Specialized Emergency Medical Care in Makhachkala. Immunomarkers were determined by the methods of enzyme immunoassay and indirect immunofluorescence. Results. Of the studied markers of cardiospecific changes in the immunity system, the indices of the autoimmune response to antigenic substances of necrotic myocardium are most pronounced. An almost 3-fold increase in thrombus aspiration to cardiolipin was determined (p <0.01), and in 75% of cases, thrombus aspiration was determined for myocardial cells, mainly of the fibrillar type. The prognosis of clinical outcome of ACS in Q wave myocardial infarction at the hospital stage is associated with concentration intervals (separation points) of the following: immunomarkers: Neopterin from 20 to 28 nmol/L, TA to CL from 15 to 20 U/ml and 75% of cases there are TAs to myocardial cells. Patients who have these indicators at admission to the hospital  (reference point) are a high-risk group for the clinical outcome of ACS in Q wave -MI (endpoint). After calculating the general operating characteristics of the tests, we obtained concentration intervals for a block of cardiospecific immunomarkers: Se = 67%, Sp = 83%, PVP = 57%, PVN = 89%, DE = 80%, RR = 6.8. The presented indices of immunomarkers fall into the prognostic block of the scheme. Conclusion. The identification of a high-risk group of patients with ACS allows for early hospitalization to conduct treatment measures in accordance with standards of management of patients with occlusive lesions of coronary vessels causing large-focal myocardial infarction.

Abstract. Aim. The article suggests some solutions to the problems of ecological education by means of the popular pedagogy, the basis of which is the new paradigm of the transition of the ethno-cultural environment. Discussion. The research view to the problem of using the educational resource of nature is aimed at seeking for ethical and ecological guidance for the upbringing of the younger generation. The course taken by the society on the upbringing of an individual of a high ecological culture should be based on the educational potential of the popular pedagogy which assumes a reasonable attitude towards the nature. The authors substantiate the need for an integrated approach to environmental education in interrelation with morality and, especially patriotism. The paper reveals some pedagogical conditions for teaching ethno-ecological traditions, the use of which promotes the formation of a value perception and attitude to the nature. Conclusion. The use of the spiritual and moral potential of ethno-ecological traditions in the teaching and upbringing process of the youth will contribute to the ethno-pedagogization of the educational institutions as well as the formation of a high ecological culture of the youth. Ethno-pedagogization of the educational process is seen as a driving force that helps create conditions for the realization of the regional component of the content of education.