Features of plants growing in upland bogs in the conditions of oil pollution in the Middle ob Region
Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous District - Yugra is one of the largest oil producing regions in the world. Oil and gas production has a significant technological impact on the environment, in as much as oil development, production, and transportation are inevitably accompanied by hydrocarbon pollution. This fact leads to the acute problem of oil pollution of natural objects, as it stresses all species of biota including plants. The researchers identify the links between functional characteristics of plants and environmental conditions of their habitat to predict the response of plants to various anthropogenic impacts and to assess the state of contaminated areas. Based on the results, it is possible to identify local flora species resistant to oil, with a view to recommending them in developing phytomelioration methods. This article presents the results of studying the features of plants growing in upland bogs in conditions of oil pollution in the Middle Ob region. The researchers have studied the local flora species in terms of their pigment system, photosynthetic activity and productivity ( Eriophorum vaginatum L., Sareh acuta L., Typha latifolia L.) The study has revealed that oil pollution of soil reduces the total amount of pigments in assimilating plant organs, which leads to a decrease in photosynthesis processes and minimizes the growth of organic matter. Those plant species which are more resistant to oil (such as Eriophorum vaginatum L. and Sareh acuta L.) are characterized by a decrease in the ratio of a- and b-chlorophylls and the relation of chlorophylls to carotenoids. The pigment system and the photosynthetic activity of plants stand as criteria for assessing the environmental impact on these plants and may also be used as indicators of soil condition in case of oil pollution. Eriophorum vaginatum L. and Carex acuta L. may be recommended for phytomelioration of oil-contaminated soils.