Radioecological and landscape complex zoning of Ukrainian Polissia as the basis for the post-war revival of the region

Abstract

Goal. To create a GIS methodology of zoning Ukrainian Polissia by developing an index of radioecological criticality (IREC) for assessing areas contaminated with radionuclides, taking into account natural, anthropogenic, and social factors, as well as for planning nature management in the post-Chornobyl period. Methods. The IREC integrates many parameters: hydrographic conditions, relief, runoff accumulation, soil and ground cover, 137Cs landscape pollution, and dose load. Data from OpenStreetMap, SRTM, CGLS, ESA WorldCover, thematic maps of the National Atlas of Ukraine, and QGIS for modeling were used. Categorical data was treated as vector layers, continuous — as raster with reclassification. Testing was performed near the vil. Rozsokhivske (Zhytomyr oblast) with validation (error < 25%). Results. The IREC provides an assessment of radioecological risks, revealing their spatial variability. The highest values (148.1–185.0) were recorded in swampy lowlands and forests, moderately and slightly critical zones (37.1–111.0) — on slopes with sod-podzolic soils, non-critical (< 37.0) — on arable land. The technique confirmed the correlation with landscape-geochemical features, which ensured its effectiveness for identifying priority rehabilitation zones. Conclusions. The IREC forms the basis of a comprehensive GIS methodology for radioecological zoning of Ukrainian Polissia, integrating natural, anthropogenic, and radioecological parameters. The use of open geospatial resources makes it possible to scale the methodology to other technologically polluted territories while adapting it. The practical value lies in the creation of a scientific and methodological base for the restoration of degraded soils, which corresponds to the «Sustainable Development Goals» adopted by the UN. Prospects contain detailed analysis, expansion of the range of anthropogenic factors, and introduction into environmental monitoring systems.