Researchers from Rostov-on-Don investigated how heavy metals in the soil affect the soil’s biological activity over time, and discovered that these elements have an impact on the physiological effects of microorganisms in the soil. Following their investigation into this association, the researchers presented a method for monitoring the soil status in industrial regions. In the paper Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, the researchers reported their findings.
Using funds provided by the Russian Institute Of science and technology, personnel of Russia’s Southern Federal University carried out a study to determine the impact of long-term degradation on the bioactivities of soils. Given the absence of a risk of pollution at the time of the study, they discovered a high residual concentration of heavy metals. It was also discovered that soil personality processes were taking place: because micro – organisms were pressured to adjust to new environmental factors, they began a process of biomedical precipitation of wire carbonates, which resulted in a decrease in the concentrations of mobile pollutants.
It has been stated that “Organisms are the most active actors in the soil recycling of nutrients, and they are also important contributors to the charter includes of soils.” Their activity may rise in response to heavy metal pollution, which might serve as an excellent indicator of contamination. The findings of our research are fundamental, but they will also allow us to assess potential ecological risks and develop new, safe methods of soil cleaning,” says Tatyana Minkina, department head of Geotechnical Engineering and Land Assessment of the College of Bioscience of the University Academy of Bioscience, who is one of the researchers.
Heavy metals, such as zinc, nickel, copper, cadmium, lead, tin, and other metals, are one of the most significant sources of soil pollution in industrialised areas around the world. They are frequently used in manufacturing, but the cleaning procedures at many businesses are insufficient, allowing hazardous elements to penetrate the soil and cause contamination. Heavy elements can be found in the individual body as a result of eating fruits cultivated on such grounds, and this might lead to sickness. Technogenic pressure has an impact on all soil components, but particularly on soil fertility indices. At same time, the mechanics of groundwater pollution with heavy metal ions are still poorly known, owing to the lack of reliable means of control at the time of the contamination. The investigation of the mechanism of shallow root with toxic metals will allow the development of accurate systems for measuring and evaluating the extent of contamination.
It was discovered by scientists that toxins bind to specific protein groups and prevent enzyme formation in soil microbes, plants, and mammals by interfering with protein synthesis. The enzyme urease, which is a key player in the reduction of nitrogen, is particularly vulnerable to pollution of this nature. Heavy metals also have the additional effect of inhibiting the activity of hydroxylases, which are responsible for accelerating redox processes during the breakdown of organic molecules. Scientists discovered a high quantity of water-soluble organic compounds in the examined locations, indicating that the process of their breakdown had been disrupted in the area.
