Evaluation of Environmental and Public Health Status Under Anthropogenic Disturbance

Abstract

Anthropogenic impact on the environment increases public health risks and requires improved approaches to evaluate complex bio-ecological interactions. The purpose of the study is to develop a methodology for a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental quality and its impact on public health, taking into account natural environment, ecosystem and biological effects from anthropogenic pollution.
 Materials and Methods. The authors developed a model for comprehensive evaluation of environment and its impact on public health, in terms of natural environment, ecosystem stability, and response to external influences.
 Results. The authors calculated the environmental pollution indices in 24 municipal districts of the Ulyanovsk region and distributed them in terms of anthropogenic impact. The authors also identified districts with low/high ecosystem stability, and indicated zones with severe environmental pathologies.
 Conclusion. The developed model makes it possible to identify territories with poor environmental quality and poor public health. Such territories need special programs to manage environmental and public health risks.