Integral Assessment of the Soil Cover State in Gas Production Area in the Middle Reaches of the Angara River

摘要

Long-term research data have been used to compile a soil map of the most transformed part of the gas-condensate field in the Middle Angara region. The studied area is assigned to the North Baikal mountainous province with podzolic (Podzols), soddy-podzolic (Retisols), peat-podzolic (Histic Podzols), peat-cryozemic (Histic Cryosols), gray-humus (Cambisols), and dark-humus (Phaeozems) soils. The natural diversity of the soil cover and the content of macro- and microelements in soils have been determined. In soils near some gas-condensate field facilities, the contents of oil products, lead, zinc, nickel, and chrome exceed the background values and health and safety standards. The chemical composition of soil water in the area has changed, and chloride soil salinization is recorded. Ecological zoning of the area with respect to its significance for humans and ecosystems and soil susceptibility to anthropogenic loads has been performed. A larger part of the gas field is suitable for the development, except for permafrost taiga areas, valuable virgin landscapes, and vulnerable soils of steep slopes. The zone requiring rehabilitation measures with subsequent extensive use includes the areas with strongly disturbed ground cover and the sod layer.