Mitryasova, O. CHRONICLES OF THIRST: DOCUMENTING MYKOLAIV'S WATER SECURITY CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IN A WAR-AFFECTED CITY: Monograph. Mykolaiv: PMBSNU, 2026, 124 p.

CHRONICLES OF THIRST: DOCUMENTING MYKOLAIV'S WATER SECURITY CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IN A WAR-AFFECTED CITY Mykolaiv, reveals the dynamics of these indicators as an important part of the "passport" of the water crisis (Fig. 2.5). pH as a pulse of chemical activity The hydrogen index, or pH, is an indicator of how acidic or alkaline an environment is. For the natural waters of the Buh estuary and the Southern Buh and Inhul rivers, a slightly alkaline state is considered normal (usually in the range of 7.2–8.5). However, war and man-made interventions have made their own adjustments to this natural balance. The analysis of the data showed that at point No. 1 (ST Lazurne), the pH indicator remained closest to the natural background. This is water that has not yet had time to react with urban wastewater. However, moving to point No. 2 (Lower Embankment) and point No. 3 (Yacht Club), the researchers recorded interesting dynamics. Under the influence of organic pollution and decay processes, which intensified after the Kakhovka disaster, the pH began to show instability. A change in pH is not just a number. This is a factor that determines the "behavior" of other chemical elements. For example, at certain pH values, heavy metals such as Cuprum and Zinc become more mobile and toxic. The hydrochemical passport recorded that during the periods of summer flowering of water (especially in 2024-2025), the pH at point No. 4 (Alluvium) shifted towards higher alkalinity due to intensive photosynthesis of algae. This creates a vicious circle: the ecological degradation of the estuary changes its chemistry, and the altered chemistry further inhibits the river flora and fauna. Fig. 2.5. During water sampling (author's photo). 78