Impact of radioactive elements on microbial complexes in cryogenic soils of Yakutia

Abstract

It has been found that microorganisms in cryogenic soils of Yakutia are resistant to the long-term impact of cesium and thorium. The number of microorganisms in the studied ecological–trophic groups does not depend on the concentrations of radioactive elements. Differences in the number of microorganisms are determined by the physicochemical conditions that are created in different horizons of the soils studied. The long-term impact of radiation (for 36 and 66 years) on microorganisms inhabiting the permafrost soils of Yakutia has developed their adaptive capacity to high concentrations of these radioactive elements.