Geochemical examination of bottom sediments of the Usman River for the content of heavy metals

The article discusses a study to determine the content of heavy metals in bottom sediments of the Usman River in the Voronezh and Lipetsk regions. Samples for analysis in the Lipetsk region were selected independently and analyzed in the environmental analytical laboratory of Voronezh State University using the voltammetric method. As a result, excesses of zinc, lead, copper and cadmium were identified in the Voronezh region, with a tendency to increase over the years in their content in bottom sediments. The detected concentrations of heavy metals indicate the presence of sources of water pollution, which can lead to negative consequences for the local ecosystem and human health.