Aim. The development of an innovation profile model as a means of assessing the innovative sustainability of the region (Voronezh region, Russia).

Material and Methods. The study employed system, comparative and economicstatistical methods. Calculations were conducted using MS Excel and Statistica soft‐ ware packages. The database was created in retrospect for the period 2010‐2017. Assessment of innovation sustainability based on the resource approach was undertaken using four groups of resource indicators that characterize the state of technological, human resources, financial and scientific sectors. The effective component was calculated.

Results. The results of calculations of the generalizing indicator indicate a sufficiently developed regional innovation system, which has not only the potential for implementing effective innovative sustainable activities but has already achieved effective results. However, there are crisis indicator values such as the share of internal expenditures on researches and development, the index of physical volume of investments in fixed capital and the share of researchers with a degree. In turn, the effective component’s criticality requires the development of certain recommendations that contribute to the effective use of existing potential.

Conclusion. A solution to an actual practice‐oriented issue in the field of socioeconomic and geographical research is presented: a developed innovation profile model which makes it possible to determine the degree of innovation sustainability of the region quickly and reliably. Assessment of the indicators of innovative potential of this region made it possible to identify the ‘strengths and weaknesses’ of the innovation system of the Voronezh region comprehensively and adequately and to determine the principal future strategic objectives.

Aim. To study the state of the marine ecosystem of the recreational‐tourist zone of the Caucasian sector of the Black Sea through the example of a beach near the mouth of the Agoy River.

Material and Methods. Phytoplankton, heterotrophic bacterioplankton, infusoria, holoplankton, meroplankton, ichthyoplankton, zoobenthos of loose bottom sediments and hydrochemistry samples of the water and bottom sediments were collected in June 2012 on three sections from the mouth of the Agoy River to the coastal runoff zone (depths 2.5–7.5 m). The identification of species of plankton and of the zoobenthos and of the chemical parameters of water and sediments was carried out according to standard methods. 

Results. It was revealed that most of the beach area, where psammophilic biocenoses of Lucinella divaricate and Chamelea gallina (Bivalvia) were located, was in satisfactory condition. An increase in the density of Lucinella divaricate, a rare species in the late 1990s, was noted. In the runoff zone, there was observed the appearance of cyanobacteria and the suppression of zoobenthos, expressed through the replacement of mollusc biocenoses by the biocenosis of the polychaete, Capitella capitate, with a biomass two orders of magnitude lower than the average for the area. High numbers of heterotrophic bacterioplankton (4.5 million cell/ml) and infusoria (64 million ind./m3) could indicate bacterial contamination of this zone. The negative impact of waste water on plankton is manifested in a decrease in the population of netted zooplankton, their abnormal development, and the increasing role of microheterotrophs.

Conclusions. The results obtained give an image of the state of marine coastal ecosystems of recreational‐tourist and cordoned areas of the Caucasus and can be useful for the further monitoring of this region.

Aim. The purpose of this work was to assess the current state of crayfish populations in their habitats on the eastern shelf of the Caspian Sea (Alexander Bekovich‐Cherkassky Bay).

Material and Methods. Fieldwork was based on underwater research methods using light diving equipment. Collection of research material was carried out according to an established crayfish survey protocol using fixed grid sites of 100 square metres. Collected crayfish were identified by species, measured and weighed, fecundity of females and the condition of crayfish shells were recorded. Crayfish were then released back into the sea. Calculation of numbers was carried out on the basis of determination of cluster density (ind/m2) with a further assessment of useful biotype areas. Calculation of commercial stocks based on crayfish length. The research synthesized information derived from comparative analysis of modern research results and archival data from the 1970s to 1990s.

Results. Analysis showed that significant changes in the composition of populations had occurred. The dominant species recorded was Caspiastacus pachypus Rathke which has substantially displaced from the biotopes Pontastacus eichwald  Воtt. which was previously the dominant species here.

Conclusion. Comparative analysis of the modern state of the astacofauna on the eastern shelf and historical data indicates significant changes in the structure of populations of Caspian crayfish. The resilient C. pachypus has become the dominant species. Its small commercial size has significantly reduced the economic value of crayfish stocks. In general, however, commercial stocks of these crayfish make it possible to develop these marine biological resources.

Aim. To identify the modern phytocenotic and floristic diversity of the Western Caucasus and to present the specifics of its florocenocomplexes.

Material and Methods. The article is written on the basis of many years of expeditionary and stationary research using classical geobotanical methods.

Results. According to research the flora of the region comprises about 3,500 species of vascular plants from 178 families and 936 genera, indicating a high level of floristic diversity. The spectrum of the leading families of the Western Caucasus is close to the Mediterranean type. The region’s flora has a high index of endemism. The vegetation cover is characterized by latitudinal and altitudinal zonation. The sozological significance of ceno‐complexes is shown. The principal vegetation types of the region are considered: the ancient flood‐littoral landscapes of the river Kuban delta, the psammophilic littoral vegetation with specific rare species of the Azov Sea and the Black Sea, steppe communities, mountain forests, ecotone zone of crooked and subalpine forests, subalpine and alpine meadows and carpets. A petrophytic flora complex (Petrophyton) is represented in each altitudinal zone. For high mountain petrophytic cenoses, the cenotic structure and endemic species are given. The floristic and cenotic differentiation of the forests of the Western Caucasus is conidered.

Aim. In regions where farming is risky it is especially important to grow crops with high productivity and optimal adaptability to environmental stress factors. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to determine the environmental sustainability of spring triticale cultivars to the unfavourable environmental factors of the Middle Amur Region.

Material and Methods. Many statistical and mathematical methods were used to determine the adaptiveness of potential spring triticale cultivars by yield. As re‐search material, we used 40 cultivars and breeding lines of spring triticale of various ecological and geographical origins.

Results. Using cluster analysis, triticale samples were ranked into 5 groups with differing responses to the spectrum of changes in environmental conditions. As a result of this research, it was established that the Skoryi (Russia) and Viktoria (Ukraine) cultivars achieve maximum yield potential as well as having an ability to neutralize the negative impact of soil and climatic factors.

Conclusion. The reaction of triticale cultivars to specific vegetation conditions was established. Exemplars of spring triticale with high environmental sustainability, ductility and stability for economic use and further breeding were identified.

Aim. Laboratory evaluation of the characteristics of spatial distribution and migration of heavy metals (HM) in model soil profiles of varied genesis through measurement of the electrokinetic potential of soil solutions. 

Material and Methods. Undisturbed soils of forest parks landscapes and continental floodplain meadows of the Kursk agglomeration were studied. Experiments were carried out in laboratory conditions. The short‐term temporal dynamics were studied of vertical distribution and migration of the introduced HMs in model soil columns which imitated soil profiles. 

Results. Analysis of the kinetics of soil solutions and of lysimeter waters of control and polluted samples showed that the model profile of typical dark‐gray soil has the least capacity to capture lead ions from polluted soil solutions. Minimum sorption capacity with respect to zinc was found to be characteristic of sod‐podzol illuvialferruginous soil profiles. Maximum ability to deposit the HMs under analysis (Zn and Pb) was shown in leached chernozem medium loamy soils. 

Conclusion. The dynamics and kinetics of lead and zinc in soils of the Kursk agglomeration differ significantly and depend on a number of soil factors. In the soils studied, the spatial distribution and the intensity of migration of lead and zinc were determined by the capacity and contrast indices of the internal soil geochemical barriers. Inhibition of the processes of vertical migration of Pb and Zn in the model soil profiles was observed in those rich in humusified humus‐accumulative genetic horizons as well as in mineral horizons with highly contrasting acid‐base and redox conditions. Adsorption zones of lead and zinc are formed with a significant increase in granulometric texture and a decrease in pH_KCl.

Aim. The work is devoted to identifying the productivity of pasture landscapes in the Volgograd region. The aim was to determine the direction of trends and the values of the coefficients of proportionality which would permit the definition of areas where the productivity of natural zonal vegetation has increased or decreased from 2000 until today. 

Material and Methods. Pasture productivity assessment is based on the analysis of the NDVI vegetation index, which is widely used in such studies. For analysis, specific pasture areas were identified in accordance with Global Land Cover, divided into egular grids and given overlays corresponding with the boundaries of municipalities and landscapes. 

Results. The largest areas of natural zonal pastures are located in the Trans‐Volga region and on the sandy massifs of the Don River valley. About 60% of pasture land has an average weighted average long‐term NDVI value from 0.3 to 0.4, and approximately a quarter – from 0.4 to 0.5. In most parts of the region there are negative NDVI trends. The highest rate of degradation is noted in the Trans‐Volga region. This is associated with larger pasturing loads than in the rest of the region, as well as with the regular occurrence of steppe fires. 

Conclusion. In summation: the productivity trends of zonal pastures in the Volgograd region have been determined, as have areas with different NDVI directions and dynamics. The application of these results in practice should make it possible to predict pasture productivity in various municipal districts and landscapes of the region, and thus assist in the regulation of pasture loads and the mitigation of risks of vegetation degradation.

Aim. Verification of scientific concepts regarding the spatial heterogeneity of field agrocenoses. Identification of the variability of phytometric and structural crop ndicators and determination of the degree of their influence on the yield and quality of winter wheat grain in the steppe zone of the Orenburg Urals.

Material and Methods. Establishment of field experiments, related observations and counts in accordance with the methodology of state variety crops testing and B.A.Dospekhov's guidelin. Monitoring of winter wheat crops was carried by measuring the vegetation index (NDVI) with a Green Seeker Handheld Crop Sensor, Model HCS‐100 (Trimble, USA). Determination of grain quality indicators was conducted according to GOST 9353‐2016 Wheat – Technical Conditions. Microsoft Office Excel was employed for the correlation and regression analysis of experimental data. 

Results. Analysis of the intra‐field heterogeneity of winter wheat agrocenoses in terms of yield and grain quality was conducted. The dependences of yield and grain quality on the principal crop phytometric and structural parameters were defined and expressed in the form of regression equations.

Сonclusion. The results of the studies attest to the growth of reserves of grain yield to 3.0 t/ha and grain quality to class I‐II class in zonal climatic conditions of optimization of environmental factors to the level of the best basic plots by levelling out field soil heterogeneity. This is possible by restoring the fertility of anthropogenically‐degraded soil through the introduction of landscape‐adaptive and resource saving farming systems, soil protective and soil restorative crop rotation, differentiated application of organic and mineral fertilizers and selection of the most adaptive varieties. We also advise the introduction of intelligent ‘digital technologies’ aimed at fuller implementation of the genetic potential of cultivated varieties with careful consideration of natural resources and the preservation of biological diversity.

Aim. The aim of the study was to estimate the coefficients of the equation TS_max=f(SL) considering the characteristics of an acoustic scattering model based on the morphological characteristics of the swim bladder of the Coregonus migratorius (Georgi, 1775). 

Material and Methods. Ninety‐nine living specimens of C. migratorius served as the study material. For each specimen, the target strength in the cage was measured using an Kongsberg Simrad EY500 echo sounder and the morphology of the swim bladder was studied. Measurements, analysis of images and data were conducted using Image Pro 6.0. Excel and SciLab software resources. 

Results. We determined the main morphological characteristics of the swim bladder in C. migratorius as well as the correspondence of its dimensions and proportions in relation to the length of the fish’s body. The coefficients of the equation TS=20log(SL)‐60, calculated on the results of the acoustic scattering model of a prolate spheroid, agree well with the coefficients calculated from maximum values obtained in the cage experiment. During the conversion of the coefficients relating to the allometric changes in the length of the swim bladder relative to fish length, the equation TS=23.2log(SL)‐64.4 was obtained. A comparative analysis of the available equations of the target strength for C. migratorius with those obtained in the study was undertaken. 

Conclusion. The equation obtained on the model of the swim bladder as a prolate spheroid adequately describes the dependence of the maximum values of the target strength on the body length of the C. migratorius and confirms the previously obtained dependence by maximum values of TS in the cage experimental conditions and can serve as a basis for further theoretical studies.

Aim. Assessment and subsequent long‐term dynamic observation of possible negative genetic consequences of the effect of pollutants on certain units of metabolism are important tasks in ecological‐genetic monitoring. Cytogenetic and biochemical biomarkers are used in biomonitoring studies to analyze the genotoxicity of aquatic pollutants. The purpose of the work was to analyse the use of markers of oxidative stress and cytogenetic disorders in goby fish caught at shallow and deep‐water stations of the Northern Caspian Sea in the ecological‐genetic monitoring system. 

Material and Methods. The study was undertaken on 227 specimens of goby fish by cytogenetic and biochemical analysis. 

Results. The correlation dependence between erythrocytes with micronuclei and erythrocytes with the quantity of damaged nuclei summarized as R= ‐0.83 (p˂0.05) was shown. The results of correlation analysis between oxidative stress indices and the number of destructive changes in erythrocyte nucleus are presented. Our analysis thus leads us to the conclusion that somatic mutagenesis (micronuclear formation) after exposure to free radicals can be an adaptive response to this stress factor.

Conclusion. Analysis leadsus to the conclusion that somatic mutagenesis (formation of micro‐nuclei) after exposure to free radicals can be an adaptive response to stress factor in habitat conditions in areas of liquidated prospecting wells of LUKOIL‐Nizhnevolzhskneft in the Northern Caspian Sea.

Aim. To develop unified methodological recommendations for the declaration of a tree or group of trees as natural monuments, for the monitoring of their condition, for the compilation of a cadastral register and of a passport identifying a protected natural object. 

Materials and Methods. On the basis of eco‐floristic research and published data, the description of an ancient specimen of Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb near Cape Sarych, south‐western Crimea, was undertaken. In accordance with standard parameters, methodological recommendations were prepared for the designation of unique trees as specially protected natural territories. 

Results. It was established that this specimen of J. excelsa is one of the most ancient examples in the territory of the Russian Federation, thus constituting the basis for its creation as a natural monument of federal significance (named “Patriarch of Tavrida”, city of Sevastopol). It was shown, that in designating a tree or group of trees as protected natural objects it is necessary to define its biological and taxonomical characteristics and to provide documentary justification for necessary nature protective measures and modes of nature management. 

Conclusion. Methodological recommendations were developed which allow the unified description of a tree or group of trees to support their designation as specially protected natural territories. In the documentation required to justify designation it is recommended that data be compiled in ten principal categories: general characteristics; location; aims in creating the designation relating to the value of the monument’s natural features; assessment of the contemporary nature management and condition of the monument; its taxatıon characteristics; assessment of its environmental significance; recreational resources and usage potential; negative factors and threats; identification of optimal boundaries and particular recommendations for a protection regime.

Aim. The aim of our investigation was to study the possibility of using the visual pathologies of fish as biomarkers of pollution to identify those fish species most sensitive in this way as biological monitors in assessing the ecological state of Sevastopol waters.

Material and Methods. 461 specimens of eleven common species of fish from the waters of Sevastopol were subjected to external examination and dissection in 2018. A semi‐quantitative gradation of the identified pathologies was conducted using the Health Assessment Index (HAI).

Results. Twenty three types of visual pathology were recorded. Abnormalities in the skin and gills, fin alterations, skeletal deformities, pathologies of liver, spleen and gonads and parasitic invasions were noted. Analysis of external anomalies using the Health Assessment Index (HAI) revealed that the most potentially indicative species for visual biomonitoring were the following demersal fishes: knout goby Mesogobius batrachocephalus Pallas, 1814, round goby Neogobius melanostomus Pallas, 1814 and East Atlantic peacock wrasse Symphodus tinca Linnaeus, 1758. Liver changes detected in these three fish species may indicate chronic exposure and reaction to xenobiotics and the presence of ectoparasites would indicate a weakening of the immune status of the individual specimens studied.

Conclusions. Pathological studies of fish in Sevastopol’s coastal zone indicated that the condition of their organs and tissues is related to environmental factors and that there are sensitivities to habitat pollution. The results of the study are of interest in the future development of monitoring programs for bioassays and bioindication of hydrobionts using fish as biomarkers.

Aim. Assessment of the effect of nanoparticles of oxides of cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc on the biological state of ordinary chernozem.

Material and Methods. The effect of Co3O4, CuO, NiO and ZnO nanoparticles on the biological properties of soil was studied on ordinary chernozem (Rostov‐on‐Don, ussia). We studied the effect of various concentrations of pollutants depending on their content in soil of 3, 10, 30 backgrounds. Co3O4, CuO, NiO and ZnO nanoparticles with a size of <50 nm and TiO2 of <100 nm.

Results. Contamination of ordinary chernozem by Co3O4, CuO, NiO and ZnO and their nanoparticles leads to a deterioration in its biological properties in terms of: total bacteria numbers; abundance of bacteria of the genus Azotobacter; activity of catalase; activity of dehydrogenases and decrease in seed germination and length of radish roots. The oxides of the elements under study had an approximately equal negative effect on these indicators, while among the nanopowders the most toxic were the oxides of copper and zinc and the least was cobalt oxide. It was established that the nanopowders of Co3O4, CuO, NiO, and ZnO reduce the biological indices of ordinary chernozem to a greater extent than the ‘conventional’ forms of oxides. A stimulating effect of the studied substances on the biological properties of ordinary chernozem was not recorded. This indicates a high toxicity of the studied substances, which is also characteristic of nanoparticles of other elements.

Aim. Magnetic susceptibility is a fast, inexpensive and reliable technique for estimating and monitoring anthropogenic contamination of soil with heavy metals. However, certain factors affecting magnetic susceptibility need to be determined before applying this technique to environmental studies. The objectives of this study were to investigate: (1) the effect of parent materials and land use on magnetic susceptibility and concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu and Zn; and (2) the possible use of magnetic susceptibility as an indicator of anthropogenic heavy metals contamination of soil in the city of Volsk, Saratov region, Russia.

Material and Methods. Fifty (50) composite surface soil samples (0–10 cm) were selected. 1M HNO₃ extractable concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu and Zn were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Concentrations of organic matter in the soil were determined. Magnetic susceptibility at low and high frequency (χlf and χhf) were measured and frequency dependent susceptibility (χfd) was calculated.

Results. Magnetic susceptibility varied from 1.34 to 29.6 × 10⁻⁷ m³ kg⁻¹. A positive strong correlation (P value = 0.01, r = 0.55) was obtained between Pb and χlf. Significant correlational relationships were observed between Pb with χlf, most likely due to significant effects of anthropogenic activities on magnetic susceptibility, therefore enhancing Pb concentrations in urban soils.

Conclusions. In the soils studied, magnetic susceptibility could be employed as an indicator of anthropogenic contamination of soil with heavy metals.

Aim. The goal was to aggregate data on the nesting phenology of the range of Anseriformes in the Baikal Siberia region – using the example of Lake Baikal itself.

Material and methods. In preparing the materials we used data from our own observations based on foot and car‐based survey assessments and that of other authors for the entire known period of bird research on Lake Baikal, including data from the literature. Standard ornithological visual methods of accounting, registration and description are used.

Results. The ecology of Anseriformes nesting has been sufficiently studied, but information on the oviposition phenology is not generalized. During the nesting periods of Anseriformes on Lake Baikal (in particular) the laying of eggs occurs over an extended time period. This prolongation egg‐laying time is normal and is a response to the death of clutches from inundations as well as being a characteristic of some ducks which re‐nest repeatedly. These subsequently lead to a later taking to flight of young birds. 

Conclusion. The earliest clutches are found among mallard and ruddy shelduck from the end of April, when ponds are still ice‐bound, while the latest are laid up to midJuly by the European widgeon, the white‐winged scoter and the red‐breasted merganser. Mass oviposition of all species occurs in the period from mid‐May to mid‐June. Overall, the egg‐laying period of Lake Baikal Anseriformes lasts from 20 days to 3.1 months. The timing and period of egg‐laying depends on regional environmental conditions and the specifics of individual species’ ecology and biology. Although the general ovipositional time‐frame of Anseriformes regionally is prolonged, the period of mass egg‐laying is quite concentrated and occurs within a period of 20‐30 days.