Microbiological study of the soil of the Volgograd agglomeration in the zone of influence of the metallurgical works “Krasnyy oktyabr’” (“Red October”)

Local pollution of the soil cover in the areas where metallurgical enterprises are located is an urgent environmental problem in urban areas. Pollutants that are part of metallurgical emissions are deposited in the soil and have a negative impact on the species composition of the soil microbiota and its enzymatic activity. The appearance of technogenic wastelands around metallurgical plants affects the adjacent landscapes due to geochemical migrations of substances and causes a stress response of biocenoses. The study is aimed at assessing the biological activity and microbiological diversity of light chestnut soils on the territory of the Krasny Oktyabr plant in comparison with soils of a conditionally natural environment - a zone of zonal steppes on the territory of the Sovetsky district of Volgograd. The article presents the results of a microbiological studyof soil microorganisms in light chestnut soils located in the zone of intense technogenic impact. The qualitative reaction of cellulose decomposition bymicroorganisms in textile fabrics at different depths is presented as an indicator of the destructive activity of soils. The total microbial number was counted, microscopy of bacterial cells was performed. The results of the study showed that the activity of the soil microbiota of the Krasny Oktyabr plant is depressed compared to the territory of the virgin steppe, the species diversity is low, and the microorganisms are in a state of suspended animation. Soils are in need of recultivation. It is possible to experimentally apply the phytoremediation method to reduce the degree of soil toxicity.