THE EFFECT OF A FIRE AT A TIRE RECYCLING FACTORY ON THE STATUS OF SURFACE WATER BODIES: A CASE STUDY IN LITHUANIA

Abstract

On 16 October 2019, a large-scale fire that lasted for 15 days broke out at the “Ekologistika” company located in the northern industrial district of Alytus. During the fire, burning waste tyres released a significant amount of pollutants into the environment. The dispersed pollutants posed a serious risk to human health, drinking water quality and surface water bodies. It was decided to conduct a study to assess whether the fire had an impact on surface water quality not only immediately after the fire but also for four years afterwards. The aim - to assess the status of surface water after a fire at a tire recycling plant. After conducting an analysis of the status of surface water bodies in 2019 - 2022, it was determined that according to NH₄-N 78 - 100%; N 56 - 100%, PO₄-P 33 - 100%; BOD₇ 67-100% of river water corresponded to the values of the class of bad or very bad ecological status. According to BOD₇ 89 -100%; N 67-100% the ponds corresponded to the values of the class of bad or very bad ecological potential. After evaluating the relationships between the values of the quality indicators of surface water bodies and the distance from the fire, a negative relationship was established between the distance from the fire and NO₃-N and N. Also, in 2021 - 2022, a positive relationship was established between the distance to the fire source and the pH value. A negative relationship was established between the distance to the fire focus NO₂ and NO₃-N concentration.