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Phthalates – a strange delusion of ecologists

A.A. Semenov, A.G. Enikeev, T.A. Babenko, T.N. Shafikova, A.G. Gorshkov

Section: Theoretical problems of ecology

The environment is polluted with orthophthalic acid esters (phthalates). There is a steady and generally accepted opinion that the reason for this is human production activities. The global annual production of phthalic esters is estimated at 4.9 million tons. It is believed that part of this amount enters in the environment as a harmful industrial pollutant and has an adverse effect on the health of the human population. However, from a large number of publications it is clear that phthalates, as natural metabolites, are also produced in living nature: bacteria, algae, fungi, plants and other organisms. Dibutyl phthalate and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate are the main ingredients among natural phthalic acid metabolites. The green cover of the planet simultaneously contains these substances many times more than their annual industrial production. The unicellate inhabitants of the oceans, soils, and other planetary spaces make a big contribution to the phthalates entering in the nature. The lifetime of phthalates in the environment is short and their long-term accumulation is impossible. The observed level of these pollutants in the environment is the result of a dynamic equilibrium process with the participation of natural biosynthesis and industrial production, on the one hand, and biota absorption and natural degradation, on the other. The proportion of biosynthesis and degradation in this equilibrium is seen to be predominant. Therefore, the recommended measures and efforts to limit the production and use of o-phthalic acid esters are of little use and make little sense. The observed level is supported by constant feeding from wildlife. Throughout human history, people have received and are receiving phthalates with plant foods without visible consequences. Their harmful effects on the health of the human population are exaggerated. And in the process of evolution, effective endogenous ways of detoxification have been developed.

Keywords: ortho-phthalic acid esters, environment, natural origin

Article published in number 1 for 2021
DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2021-1-016-021

Changes in the amino acid composition of humic substances of podzolic soils during forest regeneration after harvest cutting

N.N. Bondarenko, Е.М. Lapteva

Section: Agroecology

We studied how cuttings affects the amino acid composition of humic and fulvic acids isolated from the upper horizons of podzolic texture-differentiated soils. Amino acid fragments of the hydrolyzable part of humic acid macromolecules were identified and quantified in soils of spruce bilberry forest and different aged deciduous forests, forming during the post-cutting succession in the middle taiga subzone. We found that mass fraction of amino acids in the humic acids isolated from podzolic horizons of cutting places was higher than that in the intact bilberry spruce forest. In fulvic acids, an increase of the proportion of amino acids was found in the organogenic horizons only at the initial stages of reforestation. The regularities of changes in the amino acid composition of humic substances in the relative molar fractions of identified amino acid groups (acidic, basic, neutral polar and nonpolar) were revealed at different stages of the reforestation after cuttings of blueberry spruce forests. Initial stages of forest regeneration are characterized by a decrease in the ratio of hydroxyamino acids to heterocyclic acids, which indicates a depressed state of the zoomicrobial complex as a result of contemporary waterlogging of podzolic soils. Fulvic acids react most sensitively to changes in the synthesis and destruction of soil organic matter under forest regeneration through a change of species, which is characterized by the largest shifts in the ratio of the molar fractions of both individual amino acids and amino acid groups in the composition of their hydrolysates as a whole.

Keywords: cuttings, different aged deciduous forests, podzolic soils, humic and fulvic acids, amino acid composition.

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Article published in number 1 for 2021
DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2021-1-126-132

Anthropogenic transformation of the landscapes of Southwestern Crimea in the vicinity of Balaklava for the period from 1836 to 2017

I.V. Agarkova-Lyakh, A.M. Lyakh

Section: Monitoring of natural and anthropogenically disturbed areas

Opencast mining is accompanied by the destruction of landscapes. Based on cartographic materials, satellite data and field studies, landscape maps of the Balaklava vicinities in the southwestern part of the Crimean Peninsula have been compiled, where flux limestone mining has been carried out since the 30s of the last century. The analysis of landscape maps for the period from 1836 to 2017 showed that active technogenic activity has led to a radical replacement of natural landscapes by human-made. From 1836 to 2017 the area of natural landscapes has decreased more than two times and constitutes 37,9% of the investigated territory. They are represented by petrophytic steppes, juniper woodland and shiblyak forest. At present, anthropogenic landscapes occupy about 60% of the studied area. Their area increased more than five times from 1836 to 2017. In 1836 there were two classes of anthropogenic landscapes (residential and agricultural), in 1957 there were four classes (residential, agricultural, industrial and military), in 2017 there were seven classes (residential, agricultural, industrial, forest, water, recreational and military). Today, the largest areas (31%) are occupied by industrial landscapes.

Keywords: technogenic activity, anthropogenic landscapes, natural landscapes, comparative cartographic analysis, Psilerakhsky quarry

Article published in number 1 for 2021
DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2021-1-085-089

Comparative evaluation of biochemical composition of microalgae biomass Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus оbliquus

V.А. Lukyanov, S.Yu. Gorbunova, I.V. Gribovskaya

Section: Population ecology

A comparative evaluation of the productivity, biochemical, mineral and fatty acid composition of dry biomass of two green microalgae Ch. vulgaris and S. obliquus was carried out. Under these conditions of cultivation, no significant differences between the values of the maximum productivity of microalgae were found. After 72 hours of cultivation, the maximum density of Ch. vulgaris and S. obliquus increased by 10 times. The superiority of S. obliquus biomass quality in the following biochemical parameters was established: protein - 68.7%, lipids - 27.6% carotenoids - 0.096 mg/g. It has been shown that when growing the studied species of microalgae on the same Tamiya nutrient medium, their biomass had a sufficiently distinct mineral composition. It has been experimentally established that the nitrogen content in S. obliquus cells was by 2,5% higher than in Ch. vulgaris cells, herewith the concentration of phosphorus was almost the same. The sodium content in Ch. vulgaris biomass was twice as little as its quantity in S. obliquus; potassium was 3 times less. Calcium, sulfur, magnesium, iron had a higher content in Ch. vulgaris microalgae. The concentrations of Сr и Pb were higher in S. obliquus biomass. The difference in the quantitative composition of fatty acids of the studied objects has been established. In Ch. vulgaris biomass the following acids predominated (their content was more than 5%): 16:0 – 23,63%, 16:2ω4 – 6,37%, 18:0 - 18,57%, 18:2ω6 – 16,73%, 18:3ω3 – 5,46% and 24:0 – 5,46%; as far as S. оbliquus biomass is concerned the acids whose content was more than 5% were the following: 16:0 – 18,82%, 16:4ω3 - 9,82%, 18:1ω9 – 10,81%, 18:2ω6 - 21,54% and 18:3ω3 – 10,74%.

Keywords: microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus obliquus, biochemical composition, fatty acids, productivity, biotechnology

Article published in number 1 for 2021
DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2021-1-216-221

Bioassay of water from urban river systems of Armenia using model test system

R.E. Avalyan, E.A. Aghajanyan, A.L. Atoyants, R.M. Aroutiounian

Section: Monitoring of natural and anthropogenically disturbed areas

The Tradescantia clone 02 stamen hair mutations (Trad-SHM) and Tradescantia micronucleus (Trad-MCN) bioassays are two of the efficient and reliable biomonotory test systems for mutagenicity of air, water and soil polutans. The genotoxicity and clastogenicity of water samples collected from diferent sites of Razdan river were assessed by means of Trad-SHM and Trad-MCN assay using model test plant Tradescantia (clone 02). Here we report a significant increase in the level of somatic mutation (recessive mutation events – RME) and micronuclei (MN) in tetrads of pollen microspores frequency in the Tradescantia inflorescences exposed to the water samples of river compared to the background. The maximum manifestation of these genetic effects from both investigated bioassays was observed in Kievsky bridge water samples. A significant positive correlation between the somatic mutation events and MN with tetrads was revealed. These results indicate that Trad-SHM and Trad-MCN bioassays of the Tradescantia clone 02 can be applied for biotesting of water quality of river’s ecosystems.

Keywords: Tradescantia clone 02, biotesting, genotoxicity, clastogenicity, water pollution

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Article published in number 1 for 2021
DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2021-1-097-103

Microelemental composition of fluvioglacial sands as a factor of increased phytodiversity in the polissya landscapes

O.V. Shopina, N.G. Kadetov, I.N. Semenkov

Section: Chemistry of natural environments and objects

To determine the reasons for the presence of area with increased phytodiversity and resistance to fires within the Kerzhensky Reserve, in 2017, field works were carried out to analyse the characteristics of the flora and soils. Within the study area (less than 4.7 km2) 169 species of vascular plants (26% of the whole reserve flora and 69% of the species found in places burnt in 2010) were found including rare species for Zavolzhie: Cephalanthera rubra (L.) Rich., Gymnadenia conopsea (L.) R. Br., Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz, Kadenia dubia (Schkuhr) Lavrova et V. Tichomirov, Equisetum hyemale L., Trifolium montanum L. et al. In the study area, the share of eutrophs and xerophytes is 10 and 5% more than in the burnt area. The share of hygrophytes is 10% less. The high levels of phytodiversity and resistance to fires allow us to consider the surveyed (studied) area as a refuge in the period of fires and a source of subsequent spreading of species. The podzols of the studied site (13 cross-sections) are characterized by standard pH values, particle size and humus distribution, with the 1.5 to 2 times elevated content of microelements. According to the content in the A-horizon (n=13), microelements form a range: Zn (90–118 mg/kg)> Sr (82-101)> Ni (45). On the biogeochemical barrier in the A-horizon, Mn, Fe, Mg, As, Ca, P, Ti, Al, and K accumulate. In subordinate landscapes, Fe, Mn, Al, K, and As accumulate; Co and Cu dissipate. The content of Ca, K, Mg, P, Si, and Ti is similar in autonomous and subordinate landscapes. The high content of microelements results in the increased phytodiversity of the study area.

Keywords: microelements, Podzol, phytodiversity, Zavolzhie

Article published in number 1 for 2021
DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2021-1-154-158

Correction of adaptive reactions of the cardiovascular system using the ecdysteroid-containing remedy Adasten during intensive physical work in the North

V.V. Volodin, V.I. Vetosheva, S.O. Volodina

Section: Social ecology

The efficiency of the cardiorespiratory system of men performing intensive physical work in the North, was evaluated by Bicycle ergometric test before and after phytopharmacological support using Adasten adaptogen. Adasten activated the adrenal cortex (cortisol increase), and sympatho-adrenal system (growth of Kerdo vegetative index). Besides, the pulse slowed down and heart rate decreased, the time of its recovery after the load was reduced. Systolic, pulse and pressure rise increased in time. The relationship between heart rate and pressure to load was revealed only in individuals up to 30 years after phyto-support. Cardiac output and minute blood volume before and after 100 watts load increased and at a load of 200 watts in individuals up to 30 years decreased. In more qualified men over 30 years of age, cardiac output increased not only at a load of 100, but also 175 watts. Minute blood volume increases to a greater extent than cardiac output before and after phyto-support in both groups of men before load. At a load of 100 watts, the increase in cardiac output exceeded that of minute blood volume, increased hemodynamics was carried out by increasing the blood volume release at systole with a decrease in heart rate after phytopharmacological support. At a load of 175 watts, cardiac output is maintained, and minute blood volume tends to decrease, becoming reliable at a load of 200 watts. That is, the strengthening of hemodynamics takes place mainly by increasing the blood volume at systole, which is energetically more beneficial to the organism. The maximum oxygen consumption increased against the background of phytopharmacological support for the load in persons under 30 years; in the older age group there was only a growth trend. The facts obtained suggest that phytopharmacological support synchronizes the activity of the cardiorespiratory system, physical efficiency becomes more effective, especially in the group of younger men. Dietary Supplement Adasten allows to activate and regulate natural-determined protective mechanisms of the human organism, performing intensive physical work without causing a negative aftereffect.

Keywords: Adasten, adaptogens, physical performance, cardiorespiratory system, intensive physical load, North

Article published in number 1 for 2021
DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2021-1-227-234

Cartographic modeling of the Russian steppe-zone urban landscapes with the use of neural networks

S.A. Dubrovskaya, R.V. Ryakhov

Section: Methodology and research methods. Models and forecasts

Based on the method of automated classification of artificial neural networks, an urban-ecological landscape cartographic model of Volgograd was constructed, using geomorphometric data to identify spatially homogeneous sections of the urban-geographic system landscape structures. The neural network approach and data of ecological-functional zoning allow us to carry out the spatial differentiation of urban ecosystems and to obtain reliable information that is necessary to improve the ecological situation of urban space. As a result of the application of the Self Organizing Map learning algorithm and the created digital model, a cartographic model of urban landscapes was compiled, which is a reflection of the geographic environment and the processes of development of technogenic impacts on the state of the natural-anthropogenic complex. In the classification by the method of artificial neural networks, based on vertical differentiation, the features of horizontal geomorphometric indicators information is included. For the first time, the integration of selected genetic types of relief with the modern functional purpose of the zones of the studied urban ecosystem was carried out. The accumulative relief type of Volgograd is identified by the neural network algorithm as a single continual polygon, characterized by a fairly uniform orientation of the slopes. The above-terrace complex is represented by the Khvalynsk abrasive and accumulative terraces, identified by a neural network by morphometric parameters. The water partite geoecological area is presented by gully slopes and near watershed slopes. To classify the slope type of terrain, maps of the exposures along the lines of local watersheds are applied.

Keywords: Artificial neural networks, digital relief model, geomorphic indicators, urbogeosystem, natural-anthropogenic complex

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Article published in number 1 for 2021
DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2021-1-053-057

Waste disposal in the Udmurt Republic: analysis of the raw material base and current trends

O.P. Druzhakina, I.L. Bukharina, A.G. Kovalchuk

Section: Problems of environmental protection

An analytical study of statistical data on the types and volumes of waste generated in the Udmurt Republic was carried out. The trends and directions of the formation of the industry for waste management in the Republic are shown, taking into account the current regulatory framework and indicators of resource saving wastes generated in the region are considered from the point of view of the raw material base of the secondary raw materials market. The prospects for the development of the processing industry, minimization of environmental damage are shown. Proposals have been developed for the types of waste that are promising in the implementation of technologies and methods of recycling. The problems of separate waste collection in educational institutions are touched upon.

Keywords: waste disposal, separate waste collection, secondary raw materials, waste accumulation, solid household waste

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Article published in number 4 for 2020
DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2020-4-123-128

A new approach to developing a remediation plan for soil contaminated with industrial waste

M.A. Shumilova, V.G. Petrov

Section: Remediation and rehabilitation

After what happened in August 2018 the spill of caustic industrial waste on the agricultural lands of the Alnash district of Udmurtia, we were tasked with the prompt remediation of the affected farmland. A group of environmental and resource-saving technologies carried out regular sampling of four soil samples, including the control one from a conditionally clean soil, before the start of work and after technological measures for a long period. Analysis of the water extract of contaminated soil samples a month after the spill showed a high acidity of the waste: pH = 1.546 ÷ 2.186. The content of nitrates in the soil was determined by a photometric method; however, the acid trapped in the soil oxidized the iron(II) ions to iron(III); therefore, the formation of its complex of bright purple color makes further determination of nitrates problematic. The addition of a 5% sodium carbonate solution to the original soil filtrate at a ratio of 2: 1 caused the formation of a precipitate of iron(III) hydroxide, which was filtered off and then worked according to the procedure. According to the experimental data, nitrates in the contaminated soil did not exceed the values of the background sample. The quantitative determination of chloride ions in the soil was carried out by argentometric method, preliminarily precipitating iron(III) with a sodium carbonate solution. The excess of the chloride content in the contaminated soil compared to the background was from 113 to 213 times. A method for remediation of contaminated soil was developed at the experimental stand. Carrying out the proposed measures made it possible to reduce the amount of pollutants in the affected soil to background values. To exclude the ingress of hazardous industrial waste into the environment it is required to create specialized enterprises for their neutralization and disposal.

Keywords: damaged soil, industrial waste, chlorides, nitrates, acidity, remediation

Article published in number 4 for 2020
DOI: 10.25750/1995-4301-2020-4-198-202

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