Investigation of the Number and Enzymatic Activity of Microorganisms in Soils Contaminated with Pesticides

Abstract

The results of a study of the number and enzymatic activity of microorganisms in the soils of the Zardob district (Azerbaijan), from the territory of the pesticide storage base, are presented. It was revealed that the soils of the base were polluted to a very strong extent, and the content of pesticides (including DDT) exceeded the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) by tens to hundreds of times. Microbiological studies of soil samples showed that, unlike pure soil, in all soil samples contaminated with pesticides, the number of microorganisms and enzymatic activity decreased, which indicated the negative impact of soil contamination with pesticides on the structure and activity of microbiocenosis and was an indicator of limited assimilation potential and low self-cleaning ability of these soils in relation to pollutants.