Impact of urbanization on the ecological state of soils in the city of Uralsk

Abstract

The soils of the city of Uralsk are currently experiencing a strong urban impact due to anthropogenic inputs of materials and atmospheric fallout. In this work, urban soils were studied selected in the zone of influence of gas stations, highways, as well as in public gardens and park named after Kirov. The soils of the urban environment are characterized by a special urban-anthropogenic layer, the presence of building and household inclusions and close proximity to communications, therefore, sampling was carried out in a layer of 0-20 cm. The determination of pollutants, heavy metals and oil products was carried out along with the study of biological activity and pH. The biological parameters of urban soils were determined by the rate of decomposition of linen tissue - cellulolytic activity. Measurements for heavy metals, pH and petroleum products were carried out by atomic absorption, fluorimetric and potentiometric methods. The analysis of the territories most susceptible to anthropogenic influences showed the least results in terms of changes in the weight of cellulosic materials, as well as the greatest excess of the maximum permissible concentrations for lead, zinc and cobalt and oil products. The clearly expressed excess testifies to a strong anthropogenic impact and deterioration of the soil condition, despite the occupation of green spaces in the squares named after Zh. Moldagulov, Isatay and Makhambet. At the same time, the soils of the Kirov Park, which are located far from potential sources of pollution and the absence of pollutants, have shown their recreational value in terms of improving the environment. Biological diagnostics of soils based on cellulolytic activity is a quite suitable and reliable indicator in the study of urban soils in the city of Uralsk.