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Boreal freshwater ecosystems are highly sensitive to pollution, but too little information is available on the use of both biotic and chemical indicators for estimation of the effect of wastewater on boreal rivers and streams. The purpose of this study was to assess the wastewater impact on the boreal river (Perm Krai, Russia). Physicochemical parameters of major ions and trace elements were detected with a field portable unit, capillary electrophoresis, and ICP-MS. Fish data was collected by gillnets. To evaluate the level of pollution from the Tolych River upstream to downstream, we calculated heavy metal evaluation index (HEI), ecological risk index (ERI), and index of biotic integrity (IBI). The anthropogenic impact from upstream to downstream showed the range from a very high to medium level of pollution by ERI and from a high to medium level by HEI values, where most of the studied major ions and trace elements often exceeded aquatic life limits. We found significant thermal pollution of the observed river with the decreasing temperature gradient from pollution source down to the river mouth due to hydromorphological factors. Observed thermal pollution leads to the absence of thermally sensitive cold-water fish species and the abundance of ecologically flexible fish species. The water quality assessed by biotic IBI index showed low and very low quality of lower reach of the studied river, which contradicts the results of assessment by HEI and ERI indices. The results show the importance of using aquatic organisms as bioindicators for assessing ecological water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study considered the distribution of trace elements in snow cover taking into account the functional zoning of the territory of Berezniki-Solikamsk industrial hub, Perm Region, Russia. The concentrations of 22 trace elements were determined in the dissolved phase of snowmelt using ICP-MS method. On the basis of on the background approach, it was found that Ni, Se, Cu, and Sn are actively accumulated in the snow cover. Snowmelt surface runoff during snow melting period significantly contributes to the total watershed discharge of rivers; therefore, the compliance with the Russian fishery quality standards was assessed. It was found that meltwater is the source of Cu, Mn, Se, Zn, V in surface waters. Significant concentrations of Pb, Cd, W, As, Se in snow are characteristic of conditionally background sites in comparison with average values of global concentrations of dissolved trace elements in river waters, and Se, W, Pb, Ni, As, Cd are characteristic of all functional zones. This study presented the possible sources of priority pollutants. The greatest technogenic impact was observed in the area of transport infrastructure development. Upon that, recreational and residential functional zones also experience significant anthropogenic impact. In order to create a comfortable and healthy urban environment it is necessary to implement the measures to restore these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]