Current state and problems of anthropogenic transformation of the ecosystem of Lake Ladoga in a changing climate

This monograph is a synthesis of the studies carried out over the past decade by the Institute of Limnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences and other organizations in the field of studying Lake Ladoga, which is the largest freshwater body in Europe. A number of important fundamental and applied problems have been solved to assess the anthropogenic transformation of the ecosystem of Lake Ladoga in a changing climate. It helps to expand understanding of the functioning and development of the lake itself and its catchment area. Paleolimnological studies allow to trace the history of the lake from the Late Ice Age and throughout the Holocene. Changes in the thermal regime of Ladoga due to climatic changes have been revealed. The impact of the catchment area on the lake ecosystem has been assessed. A new geomorphological map reflecting the structural features of the lake bottom has been created. Hydrological, hydrochemical, hydrobiological and toxicological studies allowed to assess the current state of the lake and its tributaries. Ecological risk zones in the water and catchment areas have been identified. They require regular monitoring to prevent catastrophic situations associated with the possible uncontrolled negative impact of these zones on the entire water body. Studies to assess microplastic pollution in the water area of the lake and its tributaries have been carried out. There is a significant progress in development and practical application of models of thermohydrodynamic processes and models of Lake Ladoga ecosystem. The principles and main directions for improving monitoring of Lake Ladoga have been formulated. The research results could be interesting for the general scientific community dealing with study, protection and rational use of water bodies.