Biotechnological principles for improving the ecological state of natural springs in the city of Lviv

A large number of water sources were found on the territory of Ukraine. Water sometimes has healing properties, but spring water's quality and “purity” cannot be guaranteed. It depends not only on people's daily activities but also on the location of the source. On the territory of the city of Lviv, there are several springs, the water used by the city's residents. An important problem is the removal of nitrites, nitrates, and sulfates that enter the water due to metabolic processes and disinfection using chlorammonization. The article examines the current ecological, microbiological and bacteriological state of natural sources in Lviv and characterizes water bodies' physical and chemical indicators. An analysis of literary data on the main characteristics of spring waters and their purification methods was carried out. The necessity, and therefore the relevance, of the analysis and detailed assessment of the water quality of springs in the territory of Lviv, is shown, namely: spring No. 1 in the park “Zalizna Voda” (Lviv, Ternopilska St.); spring No. 2 in the park “Zalizna Voda” (Lviv, Myshugy Street); spring No. 3 in Stryi Park (Lviv, Stryiska St.). Based on the obtained results, biotechnological methods and possible ways of solving the issues of ecologically safe use of spring waters of the city of Lviv are proposed. The results of the analysis were compared with the MPC (limit-permissible concentrations) of harmful substances in water bodies following Order No. 400 dated 12.05.2010 on the approval of the State sanitary standards and rules “Hygienic requirements for drinking water intended for human consumption” (DSanPiN 2.2. 4-171-10). Some problems were identified, which are solved by involving associations of microorganisms. Increased exploitation of biological processes for drinking water purification is the best way to ensure safe water in the city. According to the research results, it was determined that effective methods of water purification could be achieved when applying the proposed biotechnological methods.