Purpose. Analysis of national and foreign experience in solving the problem of chemical pollution of surface waters and its economic consequences in accordance with the provisions of European legislation. Methods. System analysis. Results. Selection of the optimal set of biotesting methods for assessing the environmental consequences of chemical pollution of surface waters; study of the system of environmental liability, which operates in European and other foreign countries, and national

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... tions on the recovery of damages for violations of water legislation. The analysis of foreign and national sources on the use of biotesting techniques to assess the ecological status of surface waters and determine the toxic properties of water and chemicals. In world practice, a biotesting method is used to obtain data on the effects of hazardous toxic chemicals on aquatic ecosystems. Biotests are available and cheap (when using specially designed modifications for practical needs), do not require special training of performers and can be easily mastered in practical laboratories. Conclusions. To assess and control the quality of surface waters and their sources of pollution in accordance with the recommendations of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60 / EC, biotesting techniques are used using a "basic set of taxa" - algae, crustaceans and fish.