Bioassay as a method of integral assessment for remediation of oil-contaminated ecosystems
E.V. Morachevskaya, L.P. Voronina
Section: Methodology and research methods. Models and forecasts
The development of new technologies and improvement of existing ones for the restoration of oil-contaminated lands,
the neutralization and disposal of oil drilling waste are important measures to solve environmental problems. Bioassay is
successfully used to determine the danger of pollution of environmental objects by oil and oil industry wastes. With the
help of biotests, it is possible to assess the state of contaminated objects, which is not always possible to do by chemicalanalytical methods, considering the complex chemical composition of petroleum hydrocarbons. An analytical review
confirms the need to develop a biotesting system to assess the state of ecosystem components in the event of oil pollution
and to determine the effectiveness of measures to restore them. Taking into account the nature of the pollution, presented
in the article by a number of provisions on the chemical characteristics of petroleum hydrocarbons and the duration of the
recovery processes, bioassay should be carried out at each stage of the reclamation process, in dynamics. Determination
of the degree of neutralization of contaminated objects consists in a step-by-step transfer of the hazard level from a higher
class to a lower one. Bioassay, in this case, remains a mandatory method for determining the total toxicity. In the course of
sample preparation for biotesting, it is advisable to consider the possibility of increasing the bioavailability of hydrocarbon
components. A prerequisite for the use of biotesting is the use of eluate and contact approaches. The main methods that
can be included in the abbreviated scheme for determining the efficiency of remediation of oil-contaminated objects can
be considered the method of biotesting using hydrobionts in the eluate (water extract) and phytotesting performed using
the contact and eluate approaches. The battery of biological tests included in the extended scheme should be developed
taking into account the specific case, taking into account the specifics of the ecosystem components, soil and climatic
conditions, the methods of reclamation used, etc. The strategy for the development of biotesting is closely related to the
solution of issues on the assessment of the real danger of oil pollution and the neutralization of oil drilling waste, which
are among the priority ones.
Keywords: bioassay, phytoassay, drilling slurries, reclamation, hazard class
Article published in number 1 for 2022 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2022-1-034-043
Views: 47
Streptomyces geldanamycininus Z374 – a novel strain with biocidal activity against cyanobacteria
T.B. Zaytseva, V.I. Safronova, N.G. Medvedeva
Section: Remediation and rehabilitation
The mass development of cyanobacteria causing the “bloom” of water in water bodies, leads to a significant deterioration in the quality of water and the environment of coastal areas, causes great economic losses and poses serious ecological
problems. Among the known methods eliminating the growth of cyanobacteria biological method has been recognized as
the most efficient and ecologically sound method. As a result of the screening of soil actinobacteria, the strain Z374, producing metabolites with biocide activity against cyanobacteria was isolated. Based on the complex of phenotypic traits and the
results obtained by sequencing a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, we identified the isolate Z374 as Streptomyces
geldanamycininus and deposited it in the Departmental Collection of Agricultural Microorganisms of the All-Russia Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology under registration number RCAM 05297. The rrs sequence of the isolate
S. geldanamycininus Z374 (RCAM05297) gene was deposited in the GenBank database under the number MT437400. Analysis of the UV absorption spectrum of a 1% methanol solution of crude biocide (CB) Z374 isolated from the cells of
S. geldanamycininus Z374 suggested the presence of at least 2 compounds in its composition, one of which has the heptaene
structure. Сrude biocide Z374 inhibits the growth of bloom-forming cyanobacteria Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Microcystis
aeruginosa, Nodularia spumigena, Planktothrix agardhii and causes a decrease in the content of microcystins in the cells of
the toxic cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa and Planktothrix agardhii and a decrease in the total toxins concentrations
in the medium. The presented work is the first report on the biocidal activity of soil actinobacterium S. geldanamycininus
against cyanobacteria. The obtained results showed that the CB Z374 synthesized by S. geldanamycininus can be considered
as a potential regulator of the mass development of bloom-forming cyanobacteria including toxic ones.
Article published in number 1 for 2022 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2022-1-159-166
Views: 21
Estimate of brown bear (Ursus arctos) spring population size using an aerial census method of bear tracks in tundra
V.V. Anufriev, V.N. Mamontov, E.A. Punantsev
Section: Population ecology
The results of determining the number of brown bears (Ursus arctos (Linnaeus 1758)) in the tundra based on the data of the aerial survey of their tracks after the release of this predator from the dens are discussed. The aerial survey of brown bear tracks was conducted at the time when the maximum number of bears including a females with cubs, left their dens. Thirty-seven tracks of adult brown bears were recorded during air routes with a total length of 2,290 km, of which 34 (92%) were located near rivers, large lakes and sea coasts and were located at an average distance of 1,2 km from the shoreline of these reservoirs. It is suggested that the population density of brown bear can be calculated from the indicators of the density of the shoreline of reservoirs (km/km²) and the number of crossed bear tracks belonging to different individuals are located for the flying transects laid along the shoreline of reservoirs. The population density of the brown bear is calculated as the product of the density of the shoreline of the reservoirs (km/km²) and the number of registered bear tracks belonging to different individuals per 1 km of fly transects along the reservoirs. According to the results of the aerial survey in the spring season, the maximum bear density (3,8 individuals per 1000 km²) in the taiga zone, the minimum (1,8 individuals per 1000 km²) – in the southern tundra. In the northern tundra, the brown bear was absent.
Keywords: aerial census, brown bear, tundra, Ursus arctos
Article published in number 1 for 2022 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2022-1-153-158
Views: 20
Eco-friendly technology for the processing of livestock manure waste with greenhouse gas absorption
L.M. Maksishko
Section: Social ecology
A method of chemical absorption purification of manure biogas from harmful gases including greenhouse ones
(carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide) is proposed, which provides its purification to obtain highcalorie combustible biogas with high (95%) methane content. In the process of biogas purification we obtain mineral
fertilizers due to the absorption of harmful gases from biogas: liquid nitrogen fertilizer – ammonia water with the possibility
of its concentration, ammonium sulfate and soda as a by-product of biogas purification. Biogas passes through a treatment
plant with water, where it is purified from ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide. Moreover, repeated passage of
biogas through water and chemical absorbent during several fermentation cycles, starting with the laying of manure
for fermentation, increases the concentration of nutrients in water and chemical absorbents. To implement the tested
method it is required a tight connection between the elements of the biogas installation and the device for purification of
biogas – the first and second chemical absorbers with a storage tank. Water samples through which purified biogas was
passed for 10 days contained 8 times more ammonium (20.8 mg/dm3
), 2.3 times more free carbon dioxide, compared to
water samples with biogas for 5 days, the level of hydrogen sulfide increased 10 to 15.6 times. That is, as the time of biogas
passing through the water of the treatment plant increases, the water is saturated with ammonium compounds, which are
suitable for soil fertilization. After reaching a nitrogen concentration of 16.4–20.5% in the water of the treatment plant
through which the biogas passes, the liquid is taken into airtight containers and used for plant nutrition. For the formation
of ammonia water, a quick effect will be achieved if the biogas from the fermentation of chicken manure is passed through
the water, since it contains 52 times more ammonium than pork biogas. Between all treatment tanks there are discharge pipes with clamps in case it is necessary to check the composition of biogas during the process. Purification of biogas
in the first chemical absorber is carried out by conversion carbon dioxide to soda with 10% aqueous solution of sodium
hydroxide. Purification in a second chemical scavenger using concentrated sulfuric acid is performed from ammonia to
form ammonium sulfate, which will contain 21% nitrogen and 24% sulfur. In the case of acidic soils
Article published in number 1 for 2022 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2022-1-205-209
Views: 17
The state of forest phytocenosis after thinning in violation of technology
E.V. Lelekova, I.A. Konovalova
Section: Monitoring of natural and anthropogenically disturbed areas
The article presents the data of a study of forest stands after thinning with violations of technology. These are the
control indicators of the state of the phytocenosis in a series of further monitoring works that are currently relevant due
to the increased cases of illegal logging. In the course of the work, the authors found a deterioration in the tree stand
characteristics. This contradicts the very essence of the ongoing forestry activity. The trees left behind should be the best
growing. It is for them that the optimal conditions for development and growth are created. Instead, the completeness
in 60% of cases decreased to a critical minimum: 0.4 units. The species composition of the remaining stand is heterogeneous, unevenly distributed, with a large percentage of selection of the target (Pinus sylvestris L.) and the preservation
of temporarily target (Betula pendula Roth) species. Instead of weakened and sick trees, healthy individuals were cut
down. The overall viability of the remaining stand after care is weakened: the crown is sparse, the annual growth is
reduced, there are separate dry branches. At 30% of the test sites, the main species is absent. Natural renewal is mainly
represented by reliable young individuals of spruce, fir, birch and linden. Non-viable young individuals of these species
were not found in the study area. The growing individuals of spruce were recorded in all the surveyed areas. Their number is 1110 units/ha. Other species grow in groups and are also reliable in terms of development. Young individuals of
P. sylvestris L. in the amount of 40 pcs/ha were recorded on 20% of the plots; Abies sibirica Ledeb. – 180 pcs/ha on 10%;
B. pendula – 160 pcs/ha on 20%; Tilia cordata Mill. – 120 pcs/ha on 10% of the plots. Taking into account the growth
rate and the number of spruce undergrowth, in the future, a change in the species composition of the mother stand from
pine-birch to spruce-birch is predicted in this area.
Keywords: thinning of plantings, thinning out, tree stand, fullness of the stand, vital state of the stand, natural renewal, undergrowth
Section: Methodology and research methods. Models and forecasts
Industrial and transport emissions are the main sources of air pollution in large cities, causing significant risks to human health. Minimizing risks requires information on the distribution and physico-chemical characteristics of emissions. Spatial and temporal detailed data are required because the intensity and composition of emissions varies greatly with time of day and local variations in wind, traffic composition and flow. There are modern mathematical models that simulate the behavior of emissions from industrial plants and traffic flows with a high degree of resolution. The chemistry of the simulated emissions has also been largely resolved by taking into account photochemical reactions as well as dry and wet deposition processes. This review present concepts of urban air pollution monitoring, and analyses and summarizes new insights of real-time air pollutants concentrations. This research is expected to open a door for creating smart cities and digital twins for effective management of environmental risks in an urbanized area. Fifty nine articles were included and studies were classified by various modeling approaches such as statistical and analytical models which give the best prediction results. We find that air pollution monitoring and assessment techniques for calculating air concentrations were successfully used to study temporal and spatial changes in pollutant concentrations. In the same time, it is impossible to create a universal analytical model for predicting the concentrations of pollutants anywhere and for any condition. It should be noted that the mathematical models are constantly being scaled to validate, optimize and expand experimental data. The outcome of this study will help engineers and researchers develop air pollution forecasts concept.
Keywords: mathematical models, air pollution, types of pollutants, environmental monitoring methods, air quality.
Article published in number 1 for 2022 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2022-1-027-033
Views: 55
Strengthening of carbon sorbents by the introduction of mineral additives
E.S. Ushakova, L.V. Solovyova, A.G. Ushakov
Section: Ecologization of industry
The existing methods of strengthening carbon sorbents are considered, the method of introducing mineral additives
is analyzed in detail. The research was carried out on carbon sorbents made on the basis of carbon-containing waste: sawdust and excess active sludge of biological treatment facilities. Mineral additives were added to the sorbent at the mixture
preparation stage, after which the mixture was granulated. Preparing granules were dried and pyrolyzed at 600–650 о
C.
Hot sorbent were cooled to 200 о
C by inert gas (CO2
) and air to room temperature. The introduction of mineral additives
in an amount of 4% by weight of the mixture, had a significant influence on the properties of sorbents: a 2-fold increase
in the ash content and the density of the sorbents, because of increasing content of mineral impurities (calcium oxide,
silica, alumina, iron and magnesium oxides), which have the relative dense lattice structure. Сompressive strength rose
from 0.40 to 1.02 kg per granule due to the content of tricalcium silicate (for cement) and kaolinite (for clay) increasing.
The moisture sorption decreased from 2.1 to 0.54 g/g for sorbent with cement and to 0.03 g/g for clay.
The introduction of cement and clay in the sorbent composition in an amount of 4% by weight of the mixture greatly
increases their strength, which can solve the problem of their destruction during water treatment, the collection of oilproducts and transportation, reduces the moisture sorption. It is necessary for collecting oil-products from water surface.
But at the same time, the oil capacity of the sorbent decreases to 2.1 g/g for sorbent with cement and to 1.55 g/g for
clay. The further research will be aimed at studying ways to increase the sorption capacity of hardened sorbents (modification with organic functional groups; demineralization with acid treatment and so on).
Article published in number 1 for 2022 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2022-1-129-133
Views: 12
Assessment of snow cover pollution in urban ecosystems of the Kola North in the zone of influence of railway branches
N.V. Saltan, Е.А. Sviatkovskaya, N.N. Trostenyuk
Section: Monitoring of natural and anthropogenically disturbed areas
The chemical composition (pH, the content of the principal cations and anions, Ni, Cu, Pb, Fe) of snow cover on the territory of railway stations in the cities of the Murmansk region (Murmansk, Olenegorsk, Apatity, Polyarnye Zori, Kandalaksha) and in the background area was first studied. The snow sampling was carried out from late March to early April 2019 at a distance of 3–6 m from the railway track. It has been revealed that the acidity of urban melt water corresponded to weakly acidic and neutral values. Compared to the melt water of background territories, the concentrations of ions such as Na+, Са2+, НСО3-, Cl- significantly were increased, especially in Murmansk and Olenegorsk. Two forms of the presence of heavy metal (dissolved and solid) in the snow were analyzed. It has been established that metals during the winter period were received to the atmosphere mainly in solid form, which indicates the technogenic origin of their sources of supply. The highest proportion of solid phase is typical for Fe (>98%). Ecological and geochemical indicators (values of the concentration coefficients, the total contamination index - Zc) of snow pollution were considered. It has been found that the total concentrations of elements of hazard classes 1(Pb) and 2 (Ni, Cu) are 3–28 times higher than background values. According to the total contamination index, railway station territories of the cities Polyarnye Zori (Zc=19), Apatity (Zc=25), Kandalaksha (Zc=28) were characterized by a low level of pollution, Murmansk (Zc=77) – medium, Olenegorsk (Zc=183) – high (due to the functioning of the iron ore concentrate production plant). It has been shown that railway transport contributes to the entry into the atmosphere of solved forms of heavy metals, mainly Fe.
Keywords: snow cover pollution, urban ecosystem, railway transport, Kola North.
Article published in number 1 for 2022 DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2022-1-078-083
Views: 22
The influence of modern climate warming on the water flow and major ion flux of the Northern Dvina
A.O. Danilenko, A.G. Geоrgiadi
Section: Monitoring of natural and anthropogenically disturbed areas
Modern global warming has changed the water flow in the basins of the Arctic rivers. It’s manifested in the alternation of relatively long phases of increased and decreased water flow. In turn, water runoff variations could change the
major ions flux of rivers of this region. In this regard, the goal of the work was a quantitative assessment of the modern
warming impact on the annual and seasonal water flow and ion flux of the Northern Dvina river at Ust’-Pinega vlg.
during 1947–2016 years considering the separation of this period into relatively cold (1947–1988) and relatively warm
(1989–2016). Climatic periods were determined by the cumulative deviation curves of annual and winter air temperature
in basin. The ions flux was calculated using close statistically significant relationships between observed concentration
and daily water discharges. It was shown that modern climate warming increased the annual and seasonal water flow
by 3–15%. The most noticeable increase of major ions flux was observed in winter. The scale of ion flux changes is less
noticeable than water flow changes. Statistically significant increase of ion flux was also revealed only in the winter,
which is associated with growth of the flow of relatively more mineralized waters. In general, the homeostasis of the
geochemical load on the White Sea by the Northern Dvina regardless of its water flow fluctuations, is determined by the
inverse relationship between water flow and chemical concentration.
Keywords: the Northern Dvina river, water flow, ion flux, climate warming
Section: Monitoring of natural and anthropogenically disturbed areas
The role of Cambisol soil microparticles as possible storage of heavy metals able to mass-transfer in the Azov sea – Black sea basin and the Baltic sea basin environments was studied. The physical and chemical properties of soils, content and distribution features of elements in soil profiles have been defined. The studied soils are in the mountain (Caucasian Natural Reserve) and plain (Polistovsky Natural Reserve) soil-forming conditions. In mountainous territory the higher content of trace elements Pb, As, Cu, Co, Zn, V and macroelements were set up, and enhanced microelemental values in textural horizon and parent rock were defined. The influence of parent rock and particle size distribution on elemental accumulation and allocation within the profiles of studied soils have been observed. In soils of the plain territory the lithological heterogeneity of soil profiles with the elemental value increasing in underlying deposits were indicated. In the mountain area the significance of the relief for the character of profile distribution of elements was set up. It was diagnosed more marked transformation of primary minerals in the brown forest soils of the mountainous territory, and the movement of silty particles without the mineral mass changing in ones of the plain. The obtained content of Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Pb, Cr, Mn, Co, Sr, V in the studied soil could be used to define these ingredients regional background values and levels of their emission as a result of the water and wind erosion. The clarks of concentration and clarks of dispersion of elements were calculated and the geochemical specters were constructed.
Keywords: burozems, particle size, micro- and macroelements, content, distribution