Assessing ecosystem state in the impact zone of mining enterprises in the Middle Kama region

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Published: Apr 3, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17072/1994-9952-2026-1-55-72
Keywords:
soil-litter mesofauna bog, meadow, and forest ecosystems technogenic salinisation Middle Prikamye Region

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Viktor Е. Еfimik
Perm State University, Perm, Russia
Natalya V. Mitrakova
Perm State University, Perm, Russia
Elena G. Еfimik
Perm State University, Perm, Russia
Gyulli Sh. Farzalieva
Perm State University, Perm, Russia

Abstract

This research continues the comprehensive study of soils, vegetation, and soil-and-litter mesofauna in typical biotopes initiated in 2021 within the Verkhnekamskoye Potash-Magnesium Deposit. The objective of this study is to comparatively assess biotopes located near industrial facilities and waste disposal areas, as well as in regions experiencing severe soil salinity. To characterize the vegetation and fauna at the survey locations, we conducted geobotanical field descriptions, collected invertebrates through soil sampling, and employed conventional methods to investigate soil properties. The taxonomic diversity and population dynamics of soil-litter invertebrates were examined at ten survey locations. Simultaneously, vegetation descriptions were recorded, and both morphological and physicochemical soil analyses were conducted. Additionally, a correlation analysis was carried out to relate the quantitative parameters of soil mesofauna to the chemical properties of the study site soils, and to relate the quantitative parameters of litter-dwelling invertebrates to those of litter or sod. The floodplain meadows along small rivers, exposed to waters with high mineral content, differed from typical biotopes. The alluvial solonchak soils found in small river valleys exhibit moderate to high levels of salinity. The total concentration of toxic salts in the upper soil horizons ranges from 0.3% to 0.9%, decreasing to a range of 0.26% to 0.1% in the deeper layers. The dominant ions are Cl-, Ca2+, and Mg2+. On such soils, the floristic diversity of plant communities undergoes notable changes. This is manifested in a partial loss of native species and the invasion by salt-tolerant local coastal-aquatic and moisture-loving plants, including facultative halophytes and sometimes ruderal meadow species. The mesofauna present in floodplain meadows exhibits low taxonomic diversity and a sparse population of invertebrates, primarily due to the lack of typical soil-dwelling organisms (such as Enchytraeida, Lumbricidae, Elateridae, Chilopoda, etc.). No obligate salt-tolerant (halophilic) invertebrates were identified. Correlation analysis between the quantitative characteristics of soil mesofauna and soil chemical properties revealed that invertebrates, particularly insects, generally experience a decline in abundance as soil acidity and toxic salt concentrations increase.

Article Details

How to Cite
Еfimik В. Е., Mitrakova Н. В. ., Еfimik Е. Г., & Farzalieva Г. Ш. к. . (2026). Assessing ecosystem state in the impact zone of mining enterprises in the Middle Kama region. Bulletin of Perm University. Biology, 17(1), 55–72. https://doi.org/10.17072/1994-9952-2026-1-55-72
Issue
Vol. 17 No. 1 (2026): Bulletin of Perm University. BIOLOGY
Section
Ecology

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Author Biographies

Viktor Е. Еfimik, Perm State University, Perm, Russia

Candidate of biology, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Aquatic Ecology

Natalya V. Mitrakova, Perm State University, Perm, Russia

Candidate of biology, Associate Professor of the Department of Plant Physiology and Soil Ecology

Elena G. Еfimik, Perm State University, Perm, Russia

Сandidate of biology, Associate Professor of the Department of Botany and Plant Genetics

Gyulli Sh. Farzalieva, Perm State University, Perm, Russia

Candidate of biology, Associate Professor of the Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Aquatic Ecology
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