Compre­hensive indicator of radioecological criticality for territories of Ukrainian Polissya

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Abstract
Based on criteria that consider both natural and anthropogenic factors affecting the radioecological situation in the region, the components of a radio­ ecological-landscape map of the Ukrainian Polissia have been developed. The main elements of the map include: radiological indicators (soil contamination density by radionuclides), landscape features (soiltypes, vegetation cover, relief), as well as climatic and hydrological conditions. This approach enables a com­prehensive assessment of ecological risks and deter­mines the most appropriate directions for land use in agriculture and forestry. Taking into account the components of the integrated radioecological-landscape map of the Ukrainian Polissia, a comprehensive index of the radioecological criticality of territories has been developed. This index is calculated based on a set of coefficients that reflect the map components and their analysis. It has been established that integrating existing databases with targeted additional studies is the optimal approach for forming an effective ra­dioecological criticality index. This will ensure more reliable risk assessments and support the development of radioecological safety management strategies at different levels. The necessity of integrating various data sets, including local and global resources, to form a comprehensive approach to assessing radioecologi­cal criticality is substantiated. This approach allows for consideration of both local territorial features and broader geographic trends. In particular, the use of data on river networks, relief, and soil types improves the accuracy of modeling radioecological processes, such as radionuclide migration. The radioecological-landscape map enables adequate assessment of both current and forecasted radioecological conditions, as well as prompt development of response systems aimed at improving the situation, selecting relevant solutions to socio-economic and environmental issues in the region, and justifying the implementation of appropriate measures in the mapped locations

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