Abstract:
The distribution of heavy metals in the soils of the parks of the city of Odessa was analysed. The chemical properties (pH, content of total humus, content of mobile forms of heavy metals) in soil samples were determined. Technogenic impact on the soil cover of the studied city parks has led to a change in the chemical properties of soils: alkalization, an increase in humus content; a significant increase in mobile forms of heavy metals. It was revealed that only the soils of the Botanical Garden are not contaminated with heavy metals, which is due to their considerable remoteness from large city streets and industrial enterprises. The content of the studied heavy metals in the territory of the other parks varies widely, significantly exceeding the background values, and in terms of the content of zinc and MPC. The results of calculations of the total indicator of pollution of the top layer of the soil cover of city parks, taking into account the toxicity coefficient of HM, showed that the studied soils of the city mainly belong to the category of “moderately dangerous” – “very dangerous”. At the same time, ≈ 30% of the study areas are characterized by a very dangerous level of pollution. The study of the degree of phytotoxicity of the studied soils showed the absence of suppression of plant growth only in the control plot. All other soils of the parks have a low degree of phytotoxicity (0-20%). The studies carried out made it possible to study the current ecological and geochemical state of soils in parks, which will contribute to the development of measures to preserve the green zone of the city.