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 study, conducted in four districts of the city, recorded the alarming stability of high concentrations of substances that are usually subject to strict control in peacetime. Nitrogen-containing compounds are direct indicators of organic pollution and environmental imbalance in water intake sources. Throughout the entire observation period, the level of nitrates in the network remained at a high level of 38.0–42.0 mg/dm³. Although this does not formally exceed the MPC limit (50 mg/dm³), this concentration is abnormally high for a stable water supply. The dynamics showed a slight increase in spring, which is associated with the melting of snow and the washing of fertilizers from the fields into the river basin. The content of nitrites ranged from 0.04–0.10 mg/dm³, and ammonium ions — about 0.1–0.2 mg/dm³. The presence of these substances at the same time as nitrates indicates that the treatment plants worked at the limit of their capabilities, trying to neutralize organic matter entering the system through damaged collectors. Sulfates are one of the most problematic indicators. The dynamics recorded consistently high values — 360–410 mg/dm³. This is almost twice the level comfortable for domestic use. Sulfates in Mykolaiv are of "estuary" origin, and their high concentration directly correlates with the salinity of water. It is sulfates that give water the same "heaviness" and bitterness. The sulfite content was negligible (<0.5 mg/dm³), which is a positive signal, since sulfites usually appear only when there is a complete oxygen deficiency and intensive decay processes. The phosphate level ranged from 0.2–0.4 mg/dm³. This is a typical value for city water, reflecting the massive use of synthetic detergents. However, in combination with nitrates, phosphates become fuel for the "blooming" of water in water intake sources, which Mykolaiv residents observe every summer. The dynamics of total iron showed a level of 0.15–0.25 mg/dm³. This is the "rusty memory" of networks. The high concentration of iron is the result of constant contact of aggressive salt water with the metal walls of pipes. The content of Cuprum remained in the range of 0.02–0.05 mg/dm³, which is safe. However, the total content of divalent metals (which determines the calcium hardness at the level of 15.0–17.5 mmol/dm³) indicates extreme mineralization. Such water literally "clogs" the equipment with mineral stone. The chlorine level remained at a high level of 0.6–0.8 mg/dm³. This is a forced strategy of Mykolaivvodokanal. Hyperchlorination is necessary so that water, passing through numerous gusts and leaky pipes, does not become a source of intestinal infections. Chlorine dynamics reflects the struggle for the biological safety of the city. 82