Impact Assessment of Production Facilities on Soils of the Solovetsky Village (Solovetsky Archipelago, Arkhangelsk Region)

Research on the Solovetsky Islands reveals significant soil contamination linked to industrial activity, with catalase enzyme activity serving as a sensitive biomarker for pollution. The study found elevated levels of heavy metals (notably zinc and lead) and petroleum products in soils near production facilities such as a gas station, diesel power plant, and dry dock. Catalase activity spiked by 50% in highly contaminated soils but plummeted sharply where petroleum product concentrations exceeded 13,400 µg/kg, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic tool for assessing soil health in polluted environments. The findings highlight the urgent need to address industrial impacts on this UNESCO-listed site.

Titova, K. V., Shvakova, E. V., Popova, L. F., Trofimova, A. N., Popov, S. S.,. (2020). Impact Assessment of Production Facilities on Soils of the Solovetsky Village (Solovetsky Archipelago, Arkhangelsk Region). The Bulletin of Irkutsk State University. Series Biology. Ecology, 31, 52–65. https://doi.org/10.26516/2073-3372.2020.31.52