Problematic issues of water supply to the island territories of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation

Introduction. Identification of problematic issues of water supply to the population and military personnel in the islands territories of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation will make it possible to determine ways to solve them.

Materials and methods. The chemical composition of water from natural water sources in the Novaya Zemlya and Novosibirsk Islands archipelagos was evaluated. Analytical chemistry methods, including atomic absorption spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis, and optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma, were used to study the chemical composition of water supply facilities and water sources in the Arctic island territories.

Results. The composition of water varied among different objects in the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, but the chemical content did not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations. In 55% of the samples, the potassium content was below the normal level for physiologically complete water. Fluorine and iodine were not found in the water samples. At the same time, the concentrations of magnesium and calcium were within the reference values of physiologically complete water. Analysis of the chemical composition of water samples from the water supply network of Kotelny Island showed that the water obtained as a result of snow melting is close in composition to distilled water. The salt content in the water samples was 26.5 mg/l, which is 12–15 times lower than the WHO recommended level of mineralization. When creating a water supply system using melted snow as the main water source, it is necessary in the future to provide measures for conditioning (mineralization) of such water.

Limitations. The analysis of the chemical composition of water from surface natural objects on the island territories of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation in this study was carried out for samples taken once in the summer. This is a certain limitation, since in other seasons changes in the chemical composition are possible. To obtain a complete picture in the future, it is necessary to carry out water sampling and composition studies in other seasons. Based on quantitative indices of water composition makes it possible to declare the scientific nature of the results obtained.

Conclusion. The water quality of surface water sources in the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, according to organoleptic and physico-chemical parameters, meets the requirements of Sanitary Rules And Normatives 1.2.3685–21 (with the exception of the lake Relict, where the physico-chemical parameters are close to seawater). At the same time, taking into account that the chemical composition of water from the studied surface water bodies of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago and water obtained from melted snow on Kotelny Island does not meet the standards of physiological usefulness, to prevent diselementosis among personnel, it is necessary to condition (mineralize) drinking water at managing water supply for military personnel and civilians in the specified region.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study does not require a biomedical ethics committee opinion.

Contribution:
Krivtsov A.V. – collection and delivery of water samples from the water supply system of Kotelny Island, analysis of water samples using an atomic absorption spectrometer with electrothermal atomization;
Sorokoletova E.F. – sanitary and hygienic analysis of water samples, data processing, writing the text;
Baranov I.V. – collection and delivery of water samples from natural water bodies of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago;
Andriyanov A.I. – concept and design of the study;
Ischuk Yu.V. – carrying out chemical analysis of water samples using the analytical system of capillary electrophoresis;
Raguzina D.V. – conducting chemical analysis of water samples using an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer;
Bolekhan V.N. – editing.
All co-authors – approval of the final version of the article, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare the absence of obvious and potential conflicts of interest in connection with the publication of this article.

Acknowledgment. The study had no sponsorship.

Received: June 27, 2024 / Revised: August 9, 2023 / Accepted: October 2, 2024 / Published: March 31, 2025

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