Vol 55, No 10 (2017)

Human activities pathogenically modify biogeochemical cycles via introducing vast amounts of chemical elements and compounds into biotic cycles and inducing evolutionary transformations of the organic world of the biosphere. The adverse phenomena develop cascadewise, as is illustrated by the increase in the content of carbon dioxide and acid-forming compounds, enrichment of aquatic environments by metals, and pollution with persistent organic pollutants and biogenic elements. Analogies with the past are utilized to estimate the possible implications of the evolution of anthropogenically induced processes. The organic world is proved to react to anthropogenic impacts by means of active microevolutionary processes. The key reaction mechanisms of organisms and transformations of populations and ecosystems under the modified conditions are demonstrated. A review of literature data is used to show how anthropogenic emissions of CO₂, NO_x, P, toxic compounds and elements increases on a global scale, and how ocean acidification, eutrophication, water withdrawal, etc. are simultaneously enhanced. The methodology of estimating anthropogenic loads is discussed as a scientifically grounded strategy of minimizing anthropogenic impacts on natural ecosystems.

This paper addresses the concept of biogeochemical provinces introduced by A.P. Vinogradov and developed by V.V. Kovalsky and other researchers. The importance of this scientific direction was emphasized in the context of the anthropogenic impact on the biosphere. The most general characteristics, genesis, and evolution of biogeochemical provinces were discussed. Special attention was given to modern natural–anthropogenic biogeochemical provinces and anomalies. It was pointed out that this modern and vitally important scientific direction should be further pursued.

The paper presents analysis of the current state of the biogeochemical indication of the status of heavy metals and vital trace elements in various environmental objects in relation to physiological reactions of organisms. Aspects of the application of different methods of phyto- and zooindications are assessed, and integral techniques are reviewed that are based on the use of homogeneous living matter and molecular biogeochemical markers for the purposes of ecological monitoring of the environment at various anthropogenic impacts.

The distribution of essential elements (Са, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co) in organs and tissues in basins with different water toxicity is considered by the example of bream Abramis brama L. The models of redistribution of essential elements in the liver and kidney of the fish are developed depending on the physiological state, which is estimated by the concentration of hemoglobin in blood, total disease, and body mass index. It is shown that essential elements can serve as markers of intensity and direction of metabolic processes in the fish organism.

Data acquired by monitoring modern biogeochemical cycles in tundra ecosystems in zones impacted by facilities of the gas industry indicate the absence of any perceptible changes in the system surface water–bottom sediments–soil–plants and show that the emitted nitrogen oxides beneficially affect productivity of the lichens and the functioning of the tundra ecosystem as a whole.