Anthropogenic Transformation of Nature

Technogenic grounds are a modern habitat for microorganisms (according to the results of scanning electron microscopy)

Valentina S. Artamonova, Aljfiya S. Shavekina — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article examines the environmental problems existing in the mining and processing areas of the Siberian region. Information is provided on the development of man-made ore enrichment waste – man-made soils (TG) by microorganisms, which entails negative and positive consequences. It is reported that photoheterotrophic microorganisms are involved in the colonization and transformation of the surface layer of long-term storage facilities for sulfide and sulfoarsenide ore enrichment waste stored in the last century on the daytime surface, in the humid zone of Western Siberia and in the arid zone of Southern Siberia. Electron microscopy of samples of technogenic substrates indicates the presence of metabolically active cyanobacteria and diatoms in them, characteristic of the first stages of regenerative successions of terrestrial ecosystems. The preservation of microorganisms in a vital state is ensured by the colonial lifestyle of unicellular and filamentous individuals, producing abundant mucus. It is noted that the chemical composition of microorganisms, determined using microprobe (spectral) analysis of elements, includes heavy metals and non-metals. It is reported that arsenic is present in significant amounts in the mucus and cytosol of cyanobacteria in extremely extreme living conditions. It is assumed that it is used in anoxygenic photosynthesis to obtain additional energy and nitrogen fixation. Diatoms also produce mucus, but are not involved in the immobilization of arsenic, which is probably due to the mechanisms of biochemical protection. Information is provided on the accumulation of crystalline forms of barite in the humid zone and arsenic minerals in the arid zone in the habitat of cyanobacteria and diatoms. The origin of minerals could be caused by the evaporation effect and microbiological processes. The information obtained can be used to characterize the early stages of soil formation in extreme habitats of man-made landscapes, taken into account when creating nature-like technologies for effective bioremediation of contaminated soils, developing environmentally safe methods of soil conservation, and modeling the processes of autogenic formation of minerals in different natural conditions.

Experience in environmental substantiation of water management measures using the example of deepening and straightening the river bed of the Alei

Mikhail S. Gubarev, Victor F. Reznikov, Irina D. Rybkina — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article summarizes the experience of pre-project environmental justification and impact assessment on natural components during water management works on deepening and straightening the Alei River bed in three areas within the boundaries of the Tretyakovsky District of the Altai Region. The technical and economic indicators of the deepening and straightening project are presented, and the features of the technological process of the works performed are described. The expected impacts on such natural components as air, water, soil and geological environment, flora and fauna are analyzed. Detailed calculations of waste storage and noise pollution, as well as harm to aquatic biological resources during the period of work are made with an assessment of the expected damage. Compensatory environmental protection measures are proposed. Conclusions are made on the compliance of the planned works with environmental requirements.

Remote sensing application to identify the consequences of technogenic transformation of nature at oil and gas fields

Leonid S. Kuchin — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The review presents an analysis of the methods of using remote sensing of the Earth to identify the consequences of technogenic transformation of the natural environment at oil and gas fields. The characteristics of the main types of technogenic impact at oil field facilities (mechanogenesis, bitumenization and halogenesis) and their distribution by the stages of field development and operation are given. An overview of regional features of anthropogenic disturbances of various types is given. The essential differences in the potential of using space imagery (from different satellites) to identify oil field technogenesis are discussed. They consist in such characteristics of satellite imagery as: spatial resolution, periodicity and spectral range coverage. The main areas of application of space images for studying oil field transformation are: identifying the spatial characteristics of field infrastructure, determining the consequences of large oil leaks, assessing the area of forest cleared during field development. The most promising types of additional loads for unmanned aerial vehicles are given: multispectral and thermal imaging cameras, LIDAR, gas analyzers. The experience of previous studies of technogenic transformation processes using UAVs has shown the advantage of UAVs in terms of the detail of deciphered technogenic transformation processes. It is assumed that it will be possible to integrate aerial photography data, field surveys and satellite images into a geoinformation system aimed at identifying technogenic transformation of the natural environment during the development and operation of hydrocarbon deposits.

Modern understanding of technogenic transformation of nature during exploitation of oil fields and the role of special nature management regime areas

Sergei A. Chaikin, Artem S. Buzmakov, Vladislav E. Simonov — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article is devoted to the modern idea of technogenic transformation of the nature during exploitation of oil fields. The paper analyzes the scale and consequences of anthropogenic impact on ecosystems associated with oil production and processing. Special attention is paid to the problems of land degradation, water resources, changes in soil and vegetation cover, as well as the impact on biodiversity. Current research shows that traditional approaches to environmental management in oil production are often insufficient to ensure the conservation of natural ecosystems. The article discusses the key factors that determine the intensity and nature of anthropogenic impacts: depth of occurrence, type of field, extraction technologies, and infrastructure. An important aspect is the role of special nature management areas (protected areas) in minimizing negative consequences. The article argues that effective protection of ecosystems and compensation for damage is possible only with an integrated approach, including strict compliance with environmental regulations, introduction of modern technologies, and in some cases, assigning special conservation status (protected areas) to increase the effectiveness of preserving and restoring damaged ecosystems. The paper emphasizes the need for a science-based approach to the planning and regulation of oil field development activities aimed at minimizing the negative impact to the environment.

The Return of the Hamster (Cricetulus barabensis Pallas, 1773): a history of one fallow in the South-East of the Amur region

Anastasia A. Kadetova, Yulia A. Melnikova — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The biotopic distribution and population number dynamics of Chinese striped hamster (Cricetulus barabensis Pallas, 1773) were studied at the species’ range edge in the Amur region – in the Khingansky State Nature Reserve and adjacent territories. Preferred habitats of Chinese striped hamster, a representative of the steppe faunal complex, were identified. Changes in the population numbers were studied in correlation with natural (moistening) and anthropogenic (plowing) factors.

Noise pollution in the areas of the water-green framework of Perm and Kazan

Alexey D. Sulimov — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article is devoted to the study of the concept of a water-green framework as a tool for integrating the natural environment into urban space. A comparative study of noise pollution in various zones of the water-green framework of the cities of Perm and Kazan has been conducted. In Perm, the noise level in the main watercourse area varies from 59,2 dB in the historical core to 66,7 dB in the area adjacent to the historical center, while in the tributary area of the main watercourse it decreases to 46,7-59,3 dB. In Kazan, noise levels are slightly higher in the inflow zone: from 54,5 dB in the historical core to 64,5 dB in the adjacent area, while in the main watercourse area, noise ranges from 48,5 dB in the outer zones to 62,7 dB in the center. The results of the study emphasize the influence of architectural planning solutions and natural characteristics on the noise state of urban areas. Green spaces as part of a water-green framework can reduce noise levels by 10-15%, which, however, does not always ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Promising measures include the formation of multi-tiered landscaped "screens", the use of plant species with high noiseabsorbing capacity, as well as consideration of relief and layout of territories. The experience of Perm and Kazan can be adapted for use in other large cities in order to reduce noise exposure and improve the environmental situation.