Sanitary-microbiological and biochemical properties of soils in the industrial city of Usolye-Sibirskoe

Abstract

Actuality. Monitoring of the environmental quality from integral indicators of soil properties is a timely method andhas been recognized as a currently relevant ecological approach. This is especially important with regard to the problem ofpreserving the biosphere components as the human habitat. Aim: is to study the current ecological-biochemical and sanitary status of soils using an ancient industrial city of Usolye-Sibirskoe as an example. Methods. The object for detailed investigations in to urbanozems (urbansoils) sampled from adepth of 0-10 cm in themain functional zones of the city. Asanitary-bacteriological as sessment was made in accordance with SanPin-2.17.1287-03.Identification of the dominant saprophytic bacteria, actinomyces and microscopic fungi used appropriate determinants. Thelevel of soil biochemical activity was determined by the express method according to T.V. Aristovskaya and M.V. Chugunova.The alkaline-acidic conditions were recorded potentiometrically with the instrument (ion meter I-160MI). An additionalcharacterization of chernozems used the findings reported by researchers of Vinogradov Institute of Geochemistry SB RASregarding contents of main chemical elements. Calculations of the exceedance of the MPC level were done by this author. Results. A high level of soil biochemical activity at a background of their alkaline properties has been revealed. The soilpH values vary from weakly alkaline (7.3-8.0) to moderately alkaline (8.0-8.5). A dependence of the soil biochemical activityon pH of the medium was determined. The correlation is characterized as statistically significant (R2 =0.5). The degree of soil pollution was determined from sanitary-representative microorganisms, which fluctuates from weakly to strongly polluted. A predominance of the species C.freundii and E. Cloaceaewas established. Conclusions. As a result of experimental investigations, the primary objective of this research has been achieved. Ahigh level of soil biochemical activity has been revealed. An assessment of their sanitary condition, which is relatively safe.