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In the laboratory-scale experiment effects of the wastes containing oil components and elements of natural radioactive families U238, Th232 and K40, on a microbial biomass, soil respiration, metabolic quotient, dehydrogenase activity and number of bacteria of genus Azotobacter of gray forest soil is studied.

For estimation of quality of soil, degradated by water erosion, the integral indicator based on assessment of humus layer thickness, slope angle, soil organic matter content, microbial biomass and plants characteristics is suggested. The use of this indicator permits to reveal the differences in erosion level of soils which have the equal thickness of humus layer but are situated on different parts of slope.

The effects of metals (Сu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd) and fungicide alto-super on dehydrogenase activities of indigenous microflora of grey forest soil and laboratory culture Bacillus pumilus КМ-21 were studied. It was determined that the putting of the metals into soil caused the dose-effect inhibition of dehydrogenase activities of indigenous microflora of soil and dehydrogenase activities Bacillus pumilus КМ-21 estimated in eluate and contact tests. On the base of the established metal concentration causing the 50% inhibition on dehydrogenase activity, it was revealed that the contact test was more sensitive in comparison with eluate test. Cose relation between the alteration in activities of microbial culture (contact test) and indigenous microflora was shown. It allowed to recommend the contact test for estimation of the soil contamination with toxic compounds.

This article discusses a possible scenario of energy transition in Russia, taking into account the economic structure, presence of huge oil and gas infrastructure and unique natural resources. All this allows to consider global trends of energy and economic decarbonization not only as a challenge, but also as a new opportunity for the country. Considering developed oil and gas production, transportation, refining and petrochemical infrastructure, as well as the vast territory, forest, water and soil resources, our country has unique opportunities for carbon sequestration using both biological systems and the existing oil and gas infrastructure. It is proposed to use the existing oil and gas production facilities for hydrogen generation in the processes of hydrocarbon catalytic transformation inside the reservoir. It is suggested to create and use large-scale technologies for CO2 sequestration using existing oil and gas production infrastructure. Considering high potential of the Russian Federation for carbon sequestration by biological systems, a network of Russian carbon testing areas is being developed, including one at Kazan Federal University (KFU), – the “Carbon-Povolzhye” testing area. The creation of carbon farms based on the applications at such testing areas could become a high-demand high-tech business. A detailed description of the KFU carbon testing area and its planned objectives are given.

This article outlines biotechnological methods that can help reduce atmospheric and industrial carbon dioxide emissions through the use of microalgae. A general description of microalgae was provided, and the most promising species for microalgal biotechnology were identified. The metabolic process by which microalgae capture and degrade carbon dioxide was described. The microalgae-based biotechnological systems and devices available today were analyzed. The key factors that need to be considered for the effective and successful use of microalgae were highlighted. Different products obtained from microalgal biomass after atmospheric carbon dioxide sequestration were overviewed.

Microorganisms play an important role in the growth and development of a plant throughout its entire life cycle. Recent advances in the methods of molecular biological analysis have expanded our understanding of the composition and functions of plant microbiota (epiphytic, rhizosphere, and endosphere) and the molecular mechanisms associated with specific processes that govern plant-microorganism interactions. This article reviews the types of plant microbial communities, their sources of origin, and species composition, as well as the critical role they play in modulating the plant immune response against phytopathogens, improving the elemental nutrition of plants, scaring away herbivorous animals, producing phytohormones, and enabling plants to thrive under extreme environmental conditions.