Kutsenko M. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Phytoremediation of Radioactively Contaminated Soils in the Polissya Region of Northern

The dissertation is devoted to studying the effectiveness of phytoremediation of radioactively contaminated soils polluted as a result of the accident at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant. The scientific novelty of the research results lies in the study of radionuclide content (137Cs, 40K, 232Th, and 226Ra) in sod-podzolic soil under different intensities of its use in crop production. For the first time, the intensity of radionuclide accumulation (137Cs, 40K, 232Th, and 226Ra) in the vegetative mass and seeds of nectar-pollen plants (Melilotus albus, Silybum marianum, Echinops sphaerocephalus, Onobrychis arenaria, Phacelia tanacetifolia, and Lupinus angustifolius) has been studied. Additionally, the intensity of accumulation of these radionuclides in the products processed by bees from the pollen of nectarpollen plants – bee pollen – has been determined. Based on the research results, an ecological and economic assessment of phytoremediation of sod-podzolic soil through the cultivation of nectar-pollen plants has been conducted. The soil cover of Polissya is distinguished by its diversity, which is conditioned by a humid and moderately mild climate, variability in the chemical composition and granulometric structure of soil-forming and underlying rocks. This is complemented by well-developed macro- and microrelief, uneven groundwater levels, diverse vegetation cover, as well as differences in the degree of impact of human economic activity. The introductory part of the qualification scientific work substantiates the relevance of the research topic, defines the objectives and tasks, and describes the scientific novelty and practical significance of the obtained results. 8 The first chapter presents a detailed analysis of domestic and foreign literary sources on the researched topic. The impact of radiation exposure on the soils of Polissya is studied, and measures to improve the safety and efficiency of their use in modern agriculture are considered. The peculiarities of soil contamination with radionuclides are highlighted, and methods of their purification from radioactive contamination are analyzed. The second chapter analyzes the soil-climatic conditions during the research years (2021–2024), establishing the influence of precipitation and temperature regimes during the growing seasons on the growth and development of nectarpollen plants.