Pollution Problems in the Economic Agricultural Sector: Evaluating the Impact on Natural Resources and Solutions for Improvement

Lubov Moldavan, Olena Pimenowa (), Piotr Prus () and Sergiusz Pimenow
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Lubov Moldavan: Department of Forms and Methods of Management in Agri-Food Complex of SI, Institute of Economics and Forecasting of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 01011 Kyiv, Ukraine
Olena Pimenowa: School of Business, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, 01-043 Warszawa, Poland
Piotr Prus: Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Al. Prof. S. Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland
Sergiusz Pimenow: Department of Social Sciences and Computer Science of Nowy Sącz High School of Business—National Louis University, Grundwalska 17 Str., 33-300 Nowy Sącz, Poland

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 24, 1-20

Abstract: In the face of modern global challenges and the growing impacts of anthropogenic activity, the issue of agricultural pollution of natural resources has become a critical issue, especially in countries experiencing ecological and social crises. Ukraine, as one of Europe’s largest agricultural producers, faces unique challenges stemming from the legacy of radiation contamination following the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, intensive land use, and the environmental consequences of military conflict. Our study focuses on analyzing the sources of agricultural pollution, including chemical runoff, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and nutrient leaching, as well as their impacts on the sustainability of agroecosystems, food security, and human well-being. The methodology is based on a systematic analysis of scientific research, agrochemical surveys, monitoring reports, and documents from governmental and non-governmental organizations. The assessment of natural resources was conducted using an integrated approach combining quantitative and qualitative pollution indicators. The results reveal an increasing threat to natural resources in Ukraine due to outdated technologies, radiation contamination, and military activities. Special attention is given to the need for a transition to agroecological farming methods and bioremediation for restoring contaminated lands and water resources. The study contributes to the development of sustainable approaches to managing natural resources and strategic measures to minimize agricultural pollution. The Ukrainian context underscores the relevance of research in countries with transitional economies and unique environmental challenges, making the findings significant for international scientific agendas and environmental policy. Future research perspectives include developing innovative technologies to prevent pollution and enhance the sustainability of agroecosystems to ecological challenges, as well as creating international resource management models based on Ukraine’s experience.

Keywords: pollution; agroeconomy; natural resources; environmental changes; ecological challenges; sustainable agriculture; human well-being (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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