Integrated assessment of ecological state of the lowland river Sok (the low Volga river basin)

In the article different methodological approaches to estimation of water and bottom deposits quality of the lowland river depending on intensity and types of anthropogenic load are used. According to both water contamination level and contaminants content 3 major zones are distinguished: upper river - river mouth region - middle flow. Satisfactory convergence of the applied methods in estimating the river ecological state is marked. It's revealed that the river Sok is insignificantly exposed to anthropogenic impact and can be referred to lightly contaminated waterways with relatively satisfactory ecological situation. There's given the ground of marking the reference region of lowland river by integrated indices while monitoring ecological state of the river net in the Middle and Low Volga river basin.