The soil of de-occupied territories in the Mykolaiv region has been discovered to contain elevated amounts of explosive residues and heavy metals (arsenic, lead, copper, and zinc). 

These are the initial results of instrumental-laboratory studies conducted by specialists from the Center of Excellence for Mine Action and Environmental Safety (the Center) following a request from the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, which is responsible for addressing environmental contamination caused by explosive remnants.

The contamination discovered is a result of chaotic missile and artillery strikes by the russian army, which hit businesses and storage facilities containing pesticides, agrochemicals (toxic chemicals), and fuel. Some areas have suffered significant damage to the ground cover, disrupting its natural state, which will require extensive efforts for land reclamation.

Center specialists inspected land plots near the city of Snihurivka and the village of Shevchenkove. Samples of soil, silt, and water from the Inhulets River were collected. Military ecologists conducted various measurements using state-of-the-art equipment. More detailed results will be available after laboratory analysis of the samples, involving experts from the Ukrainian Laboratory of Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products.

The research will contribute to the restoration of the affected areas and their return to agricultural use, as well as the recovery of natural ecosystems, including particularly valuable lands within the nature reserve fund.