Mineral composition and pollutant content in the bed load of watercourses on the territory of the city of Volsk

The article deals with the studies of the bed load of watercourses on the territory of the city of Volsk (Saratov region). The research showsthat quartzto bethemostwidespreadrock-formingmineral. Asthe proportion of quartz decreases,thecalcitecontent increases. Ecologicalgeochemical state of the bed load in spring worsens as compared to summer due to the arrival of pollutants with melting snow from the urban watershed. The bed load with a high content of pollutants should be considered as an object of accumulated environmental damage. It can be concluded that recultivation of the streamways along the whole length is required in order to create a comfortable urban environment and reduce the negative impact on the Volgograd reservoir.