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This review generalizes results of radioecological studies implemented in Armenia in a period from the 1960s till the early 2000s. Specificity of geographical position determines the maximum of global atmospheric radioactive fallout in high mountain regions of the country. Several facilities can potentially influence the radioecological situation of Armenia: the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant, a spent nuclear fuel repository and interim storage facility for radioactive waste. Runoff of many rivers of the basin of Araks and Kura (major water arteries of South Caucasus) originates on the territory of Armenia. The aforesaid peculiarities determine the key role of Armenia in transfer and distribution of radionuclides in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article considers the outcomes of pedogeochemical and ecological investigations of Gyumri soils implemented for the first time after the devastating earthquake of 1988. 75% of the city soils are characterized by a low level of summary pollution with heavy metals. However, a moderate level of potential ecological risk is common to the city, and from positions of both geochemical and ecological risk assessment Cd and Pb are priority pollutants to Gyumri soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article considers the outcomes of studies of water quality of small mountain rivers running across the area of Gyumri - the second biggest city of the Republic of Armenia. Water quality assessment was done consistent with acting since 2011 ecological (regional) standards for rivers and river sections of River Akhuryan basin - the Akhuryan basin of territorial management. The study covered physicochemical parameters, ionic composition of water and the contents of heavy metals. The results obtained allowed to assess water quality by basic parameters and determine water appropriateness for water use purposes, protection of water ecosystems and their normal functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The goal of this research was assessing dust load, heavy metal load and heavy metal concentrations in the dust of ambient air of Yerevan. With a view of characterizing geochemical associations in the winter of 2011-2012 a survey of snow cover was done. A dust load level on the major part of the city's territory is low, whereas in separate points sharp peaks are recorded, a daily dust load value averaging to 383 kg/sq.km per day. This agrees with a mean pollution level and a moderate degree of hazard. A total load of heavy metals in dust varies 0.03 to 2.61, averaged 0.37 kg/sq.km per day. Summary mass fraction of heavy metals in dust varies between 0.02 to 2.83 %, averaged 0.20%. The intensity of geochemical anomalies of heavy metals in dust is extremely high. Dominating atmospheric dust pollutants to Yerevan are Mo and Ag. 91-99% out of a summary share of heavy metals in geochemical anomalies of dust falls on Mo and Ag. MAC-exceeding values were recorded for elements of 1st (Pb, Zn, Cd, As, Hg) and 2nd (Mo, Cu, Co, Ni) category of hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]