Environmental assessment of the Sumarokovo wildlife sanctuary in the Kostroma region

With the help of the GPS-control the areas most frequently visited by domesticated elks in the Sumarokovo wildlife sanctuary were defined. In this area at different distances from the elk farm, samples of main spring and summer forage plants, soil, and water in the watering places were taken. During the lactation period milk samples were also taken. Analyses of samples for the content of heavy metals and pesticides were made. The analyses showed that the level of soil pollution in the Sumarokovo wildlife sanctuary and at watering places of elks is minimal, level of lead, mercury, arsenic and pesticides in major elk forage plants is below the MRL. Cadmium content exceeds MRL in willows, aspens and birches. The content of pollutants in milk is minimal.