Ecotoxicological state and pollution status of alluvial soils of St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

Abstract

According to the main chemical indicators, the soils of the city differ signifi cantly from their natural analogue. A signifi cant part of the territory of cities is affected by negative processes that affect the ecological functions of soils. Due to the intensifi cation of the anthropogenic impact, surface air pollution increases, soil profi les are disturbed, acidity and alkalinity change, and the biodiversity of soil microfl ora is reduced. This paper presents the results of a study of alluvial urban soils of parks and the industrial zone located in Saint Petersburg in Russia. A morphological description and the basic physical parameters of soils are determined. The content of priority toxicants (heavy metals, benzo[a]pyrene, petroleum products) was conducted, as well as an epidemiological study of soils for the presence of pathogenic organisms. The data obtained show that heavy metals accumulate in alluvial soils, about 35% of the studied soils exceeded permissible concentrations. The content of PAHs in soils also exceeded up to 34 of the maximum permissible concentration. We observe differences in the sanitary and hygienic conditions of alluvial territories specially designated for recreational area. According to the results of microbiological studies, pathogenic organisms are present in soils, but their content varies within acceptable limits of Russian Federation.