Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
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The Arctic is a region of strategic importance, with a unique and vulnerable natural environment. Intensive exploitation of its resources has exposed a serious problem: the low resilience of ecosystems to human impacts. Chronic pollution with oil products and heavy metals causes long-term damage, and the mechanisms of natural soil restoration in harsh climatic conditions are poorly understood.
This is precisely the problem being addressed by a project led by Vyacheslav Ivanovich Vasenev, PhD in Biology and Associate Professor at the RUDN University Institute of Ecology. Its goal is to study the biodiversity and metabolic potential of microorganisms in contaminated Arctic soils to develop effective remediation strategies.
"The problem is that we still have a poor understanding of how combined oil and heavy metal pollution affects the functioning of soil microbiota—the main driver of ecosystem self-purification in the Arctic. Without this knowledge, any attempts at remediation (soil restoration) may be ineffective," explains Vyacheslav Vasenev.
From sampling to practical experiments
The project began with sampling contaminated soils in the Murmansk region. Scientists conducted a comprehensive analysis of the abundance and composition of microbial communities, assessing the initial level of anthropogenic impact.
A six-month experiment was then conducted in laboratory conditions simulating Arctic growing season temperatures (10°C). The researchers simulated various restoration scenarios, studying changes in microbial community structure and pollutant concentrations.
Data processing is still ongoing, but preliminary results are already available. It has been established that high heavy metal levels inhibit the ability of microbes to degrade hydrocarbons, critically slowing natural self-purification. However, the scientists found that the addition of active strains of Rhodococcus and Pseudomonas bacteria increased the efficiency of oil product removal over six months from 14.5% to 46–47%. However, the project team notes a complex pattern of changes in metal mobility. For example, zinc content decreased at medium and high pollution levels, nickel content increased at low pollution levels, and cadmium and copper content remained unchanged.
"Our experiment clearly demonstrated that in cold climates and complex pollution, relying solely on the forces of nature is untenable. However, the careful stimulation of natural processes, based on an understanding of the physiology of local microbial communities, produces very positive results," notes Vyacheslav Vasenev.
Area of practical application
Based on the data obtained, scientifically based recommendations for the restoration of Arctic territories were formulated:
The basic approach is to optimize soil properties (add nutrients, regulate pH and moisture). This is a mandatory step for both remediation and the creation of sustainable soil structures for landscaping. The use of sorbents is effective at high levels of contamination, quickly reducing toxicity and protecting biota. The use of active microorganisms is advisable in the initial stages when native (local) microbiota is severely suppressed. A combined strategy, tailored to the specific soil type, contamination level, and planned land use, is most effective.
The study is of an applied nature. Its results will be useful for organizations involved in eliminating environmental damage in the Arctic, design and environmental organizations, local governments and regional environmental committees, as well as businesses operating in the Russian Arctic zone.
The practical applications range from the cleanup of disturbed areas to the creation of sustainable soil and plant systems in northern conditions. This will enable restoration work to be carried out more effectively and with less damage to ecosystems, and will enable the creation of a fully functional, resilient green infrastructure in Arctic cities.
Work on the project continues. Scientists are focusing on isolating pure cultures of psychrotolerant aerobic hydrocarbon-oxidizing, iron-oxidizing, and anaerobic iron-reducing bacteria capable of functioning under complex pollution conditions, thereby expanding the arsenal of tools for Arctic bioremediation.
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