The importance of principal component analysis for environmental biodiagnostics of Donbass

¹ Donetsk State University, 283001, Universitetskaya St., 24, Donetsk, Russia
² Economic Research Institute, 283048, Universitetskaya St., 77, Donetsk, Russia

^* Corresponding author: andrey_safonov@mail.ru

Abstract

The ecological situation in the Central Donbas remains tense today and requires timely diagnosis of the state of ecosystems. Major causes of the tense environmental situation in Donbass are high level of industrialization (mining, metallurgical, mining and chemical industries), urbanization, agricultural technologies, landscape transformation and warfare from 2014 to the present. With all the variety of biological and chemical methods in obtaining large numerical information, the importance of mathematical approaches is of particular significance. Using the example of principal component analysis, a method for visualizing data in assessing transformed ecotopes of Donbass has been tested. An attempt has been made to reconstruct some missing data from the list of numerical characteristics. The values of probability and reliability of the data have been established. This allows to have more accurate information in monitoring and assessing the environment in the region. Principal component analysis complements the available cartographic materials, highlights the most significant processes considering general degradation of the state of Donbass ecosystems (by indicator plants Bryum argenteum Hedw., Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid, Amblystegium subtile (Hedw.) Schimp., Centaurea diffusa Lam., Cichorium intybus L., Tripleurospermum inodorum (L.) Sch. Bip. et al.). The cause and effect relationships in the peculiarities of landscape transformation are grouped in order to further restore the integrity and functionality of the historical and geographical environment.