Microbiological Transformation of Organic Matter in Oil-Polluted Tundra Soils after Their Reclamation

Abstract

The influence of oil pollution caused by the accident of 1994 on the biological activity of Histic Cryosols is considered. Despite the use of complex mechanical (oil removal), physicochemical (washing on special devices), and agrotechnical (fertilization, plowing, grass sowing) reclamation techniques, the residual content of oil hydrocarbons in the soils can reach high values. The disturbance of the natural peat soil horizon during the reclamation procedures reduces the respiratory activity, as well as the potential rate of consuming the substrates, plant residues and water-soluble organic matter, which decreases the carbon cycle rate.