Scientific Reports of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine

Transformation of floodplain phytocenoses under anthropogenic pressure (Shyianka river)

Olexiy Angurets*, Tetiana Lehostaieva

olexiy.angurets@gmail.com

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Abstract

The study examines the influence of abiotic and anthropogenic factors on the formation of phytocenoses within the floodplain territory of the Shyianka River (Dnipro city). The relevance of the research is determined by the high level of anthropogenic pressure on urbanised floodplain ecosystems and the insufficient understanding of the integrated effects of abiotic factors on the formation of their vegetation cover. The aim of the study was to identify relationships between the physicochemical parameters of aquatic and atmospheric environments and the structural and functional characteristics of plant communities. The research was conducted under field conditions using geobotanical and ecological methods, including water sampling and measurements of key quality indicators (pH, redox potential, dissolved oxygen content, mineralisation, electrical conductivity), as well as assessment of atmospheric air quality based on concentrations of CO2, NO2, formaldehyde, ozone, and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10). The results indicate that hydrochemical parameters of water are close to neutral values, with adequate aeration and moderate mineralisation; however, significant variability in redox potential reflects spatial heterogeneity of environmental conditions. Elevated CO₂ concentrations and the presence of technogenic impurities in the air were detected. The floristic composition includes 18 species of vascular plants, of which 50% are introduced and invasive taxa, with dominance of ecologically plastic species. The synanthropisation index (0.50) corresponds to a high level of anthropogenic transformation. A clear relationship between physicochemical environmental parameters and vegetation structure has been established, manifested in an increased proportion of invasive species and the formation of a mosaic phytocenotic structure. The novelty of the study lies in the integrated combination of geobotanical analysis with the assessment of physicochemical parameters of both aquatic and atmospheric environments within a unified research framework. The obtained results expand current understanding of transformations in urbanised floodplain ecosystems and can be applied in environmental monitoring and the development of restoration measures

Keywords

plant communities; abiotic factors; urbanised ecosystems; invasive species, synanthropisation; environmental monitoring; air quality

Suggested citation
Angurets, O., & Lehostaieva, T. (2026). Transformation of floodplain phytocenoses under anthropogenic pressure (Shyianka river). Scientific Reports of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, 22(4),7-19. https://doi.org/10.31548/dopovidi/4.2026.07
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