The paper provides an assessment of the geoecological state of surface watercourses in the Slavsky district, Kaliningrad region in the summer hydrological season. For this purpose, the choice of watercourses for research was carried out, which, in aggregate, could characterize the river network of the Slavsky district as a whole, they were: r. Zlaya, r. Shluzovaya, r. Nemoninka and r. Osa. Water samples were taken for hydrochemical analysis and the hydrometric characteristics of the rivers were measured. The research resulted in information on the quality of water in rivers, as well as on the role of anthropogenic and natural influences on it.

The paper presents the results of research into the hydrological features and geoecological state of small watercourses in the polder territories of the Kaliningrad region. The work is focused on the largest polder massif of the region located on the territory of the Neman lowland in the Slavsky urban district. There was carried out geoecological monitoring of surface watercourses in the following seasons: summer (July 15, 2020), autumn (October 15, 2020), winter (February 3, 2021), and spring (March 27, 2021). For the monitoring we selected watercourses that in their totality could characterize the river network of the polder massif as a whole: the rivers Zlaya, Shlyuzovaya, Nemoninka, and Osa. Subsequently, water samples were taken for hydrochemical analysis, and the hydrometric characteristics of the rivers were measured at background and control points. In order to more objectively characterize the hydrological features of the river network, in addition to the results obtained during the monitoring, we used data on long-term hydrological observations. The research provides information on the state of the watercourses and the influence of anthropogenic and natural factors on them. Monitoring of the geoecological state has shown that they are to a greater or lesser extent susceptible to pollution and, in general, have a ‘bad quality’ water class. The main pollutants identified in the course of research were: nitrites, ammonium, phosphates, total iron, and oil products. There are also inconsistencies with the norms of maximum permissible concentrations in terms of biological consumption of oxygen and dissolved oxygen that are noted during the period of activity of living organisms. The geoecological state was found to be linked to the water regime, weather conditions, natural and agricultural cycles. A non-standard course of the water regime phases was noted, namely: autumn-winter floods, not very pronounced high water, and summer low water. The current situation of the river network can be characterized as unfavorable but still having a potential for correction due to the properly selected environmental protection measures.

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The paper considers the problems of the geoecological state and the use of surface waters in the Kaliningrad region. The research materials were scientific works of Kaliningrad scientists in the field of hydrology, melioration, ecology, geography and geo-ecology, as well as Internet resources competent on this issue. State reports “On the environmental situation in the Kaliningrad region” for various years and “Review of the social and environmental problems of the Kaliningrad region and proposals for solving them” served as the main source of factual information related to the state of surface water bodies of the Kaliningrad region. The method of work was to collect and analyze modern and historical information on the research topic. Information on the condition of water bodies was found, processed and structured. The identified problems of the geoecological state and the use of surface waters were divided into three large groups: natural hydrological and hydrogeological phenomena that interfere with human activity; irrational use of water bodies; negative anthropogenic impacts on water resources. For each of the groups, a scientific review was made in which the main features and peculiarities of the indicated problems were indicated. The measures to improve the geo-ecological state and enhance the quality characteristics of the use of surface waters of the Kaliningrad region were outlined.

The monograph presents a methodology for assessing the vulnerability of landscapes to external influences. A comparative analysis of the concepts of "stability", "sensitivity", "vulnerability" in relation to natural complexes. An overview of existing methods for assessing the vulnerability of natural complexes is presented. The author's method of assessing the vulnerability of landscapes to anthropogenic impacts is described. The methodology is based on: selection and justification of criteria for assessing the vulnerability of landscapes; preparation of a parametric matrix and gradation of assessment criteria in accordance with the developed vulnerability classes; calculation of weighting factors of vulnerability assessment parameters; selection of optimal territorial operational unit for landscape vulnerability assessment. The method is implemented in the GIS environment "Assessment of vulnerability of landscapes of the Kaliningrad region to anthropogenic impacts", created by the authors using modern geoinformation products. The specificity of spatial differentiation of different landscapes in terms of vulnerability to anthropogenic impacts at the regional and local levels is revealed. It is stated that the use of the methodology for assessing the vulnerability of landscapes to anthropogenic impacts and its integration into the system of nature management will ensure a balanced account of geoecological features and environmental priorities in territorial planning. It is of interest to specialists in the field of rational nature management, environmental protection, spatial planning.