This article summarizes the results of long-term integrated research performed by the Siberian Institute of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences (SIPPВ SB RAS), to study the composition, structure, and dynamics of biodiversity in Siberia and adjacent regions at the level of populations, species, biocoenoses, and ecosystems and reveal the responses of organisms and their coenoses to changes in environmental conditions caused by natural and anthropogenic factors. The sequestration of carbon dioxide by conifer forests growing on the territory of Baikal Natural Region (BNR) is estimated. Forest fires in Transbaikalia are reconstructed on the basis of tree-ring chronology with an annual resolution of 351 years. The concept of paragenesis is justified, as it characterizes the formation of phytocoenoses that, in regards to their structural–dynamic organization, are not related to a zonal type (or altitudinal belt) of vegetation. The data can serve as an information base while determining basic vectors of regional ecological policy, and they are important for assessing the present state of biodiversity in Baikal Siberia and its changes under the conditions of anthropogenic pressure, as well as for developing measures for its protection.

Forest ecosystems of Baikal region were chosen a subject of comprehensive research conducted on the basis of the monitoring network created. Recommendations of the international manual ICP Forests, as well as the authors’ developments were used for the research. The study was focused on toxicological, physiological-biochemical, and biogeochemical indicators that adequately reflect the state and manifestation of the protective properties of the forest ecosystem main components (tree-stand and soil) under the influence of anthropogenic factors – air pollution, urbanization, and irrational forest management. The assessment of the vital state of tree-stands of Scots pine (indicator species) was carried out on the basis of representative indicators: pigments, the level of enzymatic and non-enzymatic components of antioxidant protection, the content and ratio of biogenic elements, changes in morphometric parameters. When studying soil in anthropogenically disturbed territories, an increase in soil density, a decrease in natural moisture, aeration, and humus content were found, alkalization of the upper horizons and accumulation of pollutants with a low migration rate in the upper horizons of the soil profile. Air pollution and high recreational load were shown to produce the greatest stressful impact on the forest ecosystems.

The article presents the results of studies of herbaceous plant communities in the Baikal basin, with the significant participation of the diazotrophic cyanoprokaryota Nostoc commune. . The territory of the investigation is located at the foot of the Primorskiy range. There are developed mountain, typical steppe, and meadow communities on chestnut soils. A high content of carbonates was found in the soils, and the pH of the upper horizons varied from slightly acidic to alkaline. The composition of algae and cyanoprokaryota species living in and on soils has been revealed. In total, in steppe and meadow communities we identified 71 species from five divisions: Cyanoprokaryota - 27, Bacillariophyta - 4, Ochrophyta - 3, Chlorophyta - 34, and Charophyta - 3. 58 species have been found in steppe communities, 40 in meadow. A predominance of cyanoprokaryota and green algae was noted. The composition of the studied phototrophic species in steppe communities differed significantly from that of the meadow. In steppe communities Nostoc commune formed macroscopic colonies, and its biomass production was low (about 2 g/m2) 2 ) comparable to that of a number of Asia arid territories. The N. commune biomass formation was higher on the mountain slope and at its foot, where higher density of soil composition, lower field humidity, as well as an increased content of calcium, magnesium, and sodium was found in soils. The N. commune biomass was reduced in the site at a distance from the mountain slope where the content of the above elements was lower. The regular sampling of macrocolonies had a negative impact on their renewal.

Обобщаются результаты многолетних комплексных исследований, проводимых СИФИБР СО РАН по изучению состава, структуры, динамики биоразнообразия Сибири и сопредельных регионов на уровне популяций, видов, биоценозов, экосистем и выявлению ответных реакций организмов и их сообществ на изменение условий среды при воздействии природных и антропогенных факторов. Оценена секвестеризация диоксида углерода хвойными лесами, произрастающими на территории Байкальского природного региона. Произведена реконструкция лесных пожаров в Забайкалье на основе древесно-кольцевой хронологии с ежегодным разрешением в 351 год. Обосновано понятие парагенеза, которое понимается как развитие растительных сообществ, по структурно-динамической организации не относящихся к зональному типу (или высотному поясу) растительности. Полученные данные могут служить информационной базой при определении основных направлений региональной экологической политики, имеют значение для оценки современного состояния биоразнообразия Байкальской Сибири, его изменений в условиях пресса антропогенных факторов, разработки мер его сохранения. This article summarizes the results of long-term integrated research performed by SIPPВ of SB RAS studying composition, structure and dynamics of biodiversity in Siberia and adjacent regions at the level of populations, species, biocoenoses, and ecosystems and revealing of responses of organisms and their coenoses to changes in environmental conditions caused by natural and anthropogenic factors. The sequestration of carbon dioxide by conifer forests growing on the territory of Baikal Natural Region was estimated. Forest fires in Transbaikalia were reconstructed on the basis of tree-ring chronology with an annual resolution of 351 years. The concept of paragenesis was justified as it characterizes the formation of phytocoenoses which by their structural-dynamic organization are not related to a zonal type (or altitudinal belt) of vegetation. The data obtained can serve as an information base while determining basic vectors of regional ecological policy, and they are important for the assessment of the present state of biodiversity in Baikalian Siberia and its changes under the conditions of anthropogenic factor press as well as for development of measures for its protection.

The study was performed in natural forests preserved within the Boreal zone city, Irkutsk, Russia. Test sites were selected in the forests in different districts of the city, where samples of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) needles were taken to study the adsorption on their surface of aerosol particles of different sizes, in microns: PM0.3, PM0.5, PM1, PM2.5, PM5, PM10. Scanning electron microscopy was used to obtain high-resolution photographs (magnification 800– × 2000, × 16,000) and aerosol particles (particulate matter—PM) were shown to be intensively adsorbed by the surface of needles, with both size and shape of the particles characterized by a wide variety. Pine needles can be covered with particles of solid aerosol by 50–75

The pollution of natural forests preserved on the territory of the Irkutsk city was studied in terms of the level of adsorption of aerosol particles (particulate matter, PMx) by main forest-forming species of woody plants. The needles of Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.), as well as leaves of Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) were sampled on the laid test plots to study their sorption capacity in relation to PMx. Using the methods of scanning electron microscopy and X-ray spectral microanalysis, a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and chemical composition of aerosol particles on the surface of needles and leaves was shown. The adsorbed PMx particles were found to contain carbon, silicon, sulfur, calcium, phosphorus, chlorine, and magnesium in the greatest amount; a significant proportion of heavy metals present in the form of metallized particle accumulations, in which the metal content can reach 80%. It has been shown that aerosol particles actively penetrate needle/leaf tissues through stomata and cuticle, damaging them. With a high level of pollution by PMx, complete clogging of the stomata and heavy destruction of dermal tissues are often observed. The high level of adsorption of particulate matter by needles and leaves of trees indicates a high cleaning capacity of urban forests. At the same time, pollution with PMx particles has a powerful negative effect on physiological and biochemical processes of a tree organism, which is manifested in a sharp violation of the parameters of photosynthesis, transpiration, and inhibition of growth processes.

The Nostoc commune Vaucher ex Bornet et Flahault soil cyanoprokaryote is a filamentous organism forming macroscopic colonies on the soil surface. This organism is capable of oxygenic photosynthesis and atmospheric nitrogen fixation, thereby contributing to the nitrogen and carbon balance of ecosystems and participating in the processes of disturbed soil recovery. The present study aimed to determine the content of mineral elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Pb) in N. commune thalli growing in herbaceous plant communities of the Baikal region in areas of various anthropogenic disturbance, and to establish the effect of soil acidity on the accumulation of these elements. The elemental composition was determined by emission flame photometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy. To the best of our knowledge, the accumulation of Ca, Mg, K, Na, Na, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, and Pb in regional samples of N. commune were determined for the first time. The investigated thalli were found to contain significant amounts of Ca, Mg, K, Na, and Fe. The species can be referred to calciphiles in terms of its ability to accumulate Ca (up to 27,440 mg center dot kg-1 abs. dry weight) and to grow on neutral and alkaline soils. N. commune outperforms vascular plants in terms of Fe accumulation (on average, 2112 mg center dot kg-1). Significant differences were observed in the content of the studied elements in N. commune collected from different sites. N. commune thalli growing in the vicinity of a highway contained Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ca, Mg, and Na in increased amounts. Under lower soil acidity, the species was found to accumulate more Ca, Mg, and Cd. Under increased soil acidity, N. commune thalli accumulate Fe, Mn, and K. A significant correlation between the content of these elements in N. commune and the acidity of the upper soil horizons was revealed.

We have established concentrations of 32 elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Sc, Sr, Ti, V, W, Y, Zn) in the thalloms of the terrestrial algae Nostoc commune from the Baikal region, functioning in the meadow steppe on sod-carbonate soil. Nostoc commune is a widespread species in terrestrial ecosystems, capable of oxygenic photosynthesis and fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. The concentrations of elements in the Nostoc commune from the Baikal region according to the degree of reduction are presented in the following series: Al > Ca > Mg > K > Fe > P > S > Ti > Na > Ba > Sr > Mn > Cr > Zn > V > Li > Ni > Ce > Cu > La > Bi > Sb > W >Y > Pb > Sc > Co > As > Mo > Ag > Be > Cd. High correlations between the content of Ca, Mg, K in the soil and thalloms of the species were revealed.

The article presents for the first time data on the composition and structure of algae groupings in gray forest soils of the town of Usolʼe-Sibirskoe and its surrounding territories, exposed to technogenic pollution. Samples from 19 locations, mainly forest stands, located on the territory of the town (12 locations) and its surroundings (7 locations) were studied. Using culture-dependent methods, 77 species from five divisions of Cyanoprokaryota (22 % of the total number of species), Bacillariophyta (5 %), Ochrophyta (9 %), green algae (Chlorophyta) (61 %), Charophyta (3 %) were registered. The largest number of species are represented by green algae, which is typical for forest soils. A variety of Cyanoprokaryota species was noted in the soils of the town, which are characterized by lower acidity, increased content of exchangeable calcium, sodium, sulfur, and a lower content of total nitrogen compared to the background. In the studied forest stands on the territory of the town, the diversity of algae groupings was higher (the average number of species was 11.7) than in its surroundings (an average of 9.9 species). Composition and structure of algogroups of the studied forest soils of Usolʼe-Sibirskoe testifies to their preservation of common features characteristic of such soils of natural biogeocenoses. According to the number of species, the distribution of species in the departments, the soil algocomplex of forest stands in the town of Usolʼe-Sibirskoe and its surrounding territories is similar to those of other industrial centers of Irkutsk Oblast: Sayansk, Shelekhov, and Irkutsk.

The research was conducted in forest and forest park zones of industrial cities of Irkutsk, Angarsk, Usolie-Sibirskoye, and Shelekhov (Irkutsk region, Eastern Siberia, Russia). The disturbance of biogeocenoses in the urban environment was assessed by a set of visual and morphostructural parameters of trees, the state of the grass cover, morphological and physical properties of soils. The study showed to what extent the structural and functional parameters of trees, grass cover, and soils of urbanized areas have changed in comparison with the background, what is the main trend of their transformation. It has been established that in urban forest parks, under conditions of high recreational load, the morphological and physical parameters of the topsoils are informative, as evidenced by their high correlations with the morphostructural parameters of trees. The results indicate that the most weakened trees grow on soils with a high density of the soil's upper horizons and unfavorable water-air conditions. For recreational areas, an increased level of degradation of organic matter, as well as a reduced content of plant nutrients were found. The selected set of parameters of plants and soils allows to estimate reliably the degree of their disturbance and can be used when substantiating the levels of anthropogenic loads on forest ecosystems within urbanized territories.

Studies have been carried out in natural forests on the territory of a large industrial center of Eastern Siberia (the city of Irkutsk). On the selected eight test sites, the concentration of suspended particles in the atmospheric air was measured in the following size range: PM 0.3 , PM 0.5 , PM 1.0 , PM 2.5 , PM 5.0 , and PM 10.0 and the AQI air quality index is calculated. Forest pollution is assessed by the degree of accumulation of particulate matter (PM x ) in pine needles ( Pinus sylvestris L.)—the main forest-forming species. Using scanning electron microscopy on the surface of the needles, the concentration, size, and chemical composition of PM x were determined. These particles were found to contain a high proportion of heavy metals. A direct correlation was found between the sum of 20 heavy metals (∑ 20 HM) adsorbed by needles, the content of PM x in the atmospheric air, and the AQI index ( r = 0.52–0.85). It has been found that the adsorption of a solid aerosol results in the formation of metallized accumulations of PM x of different sizes, which actively penetrate into the tissues of the needles through the stomata and cuticle, exerting a toxic effect on the plant organism. It is shown that urban forests are a powerful factor in cleansing the air environment of the city; however, the currently observed significant pollution of the forests themselves requires the optimization of their condition.

In the soil cover of technogenic territories (Usolye-Sibirskoye, Irkutsk Region, Eastern Siberia, Russia) the initial, organo-accumulative, soddy, and humus-accumulative embryozems were identified. The period of soil formation was established: from 20 years (organo-accumulative) to 40 years (humus-accumulative embryozems). The relationship between regenerative successions of vegetation and stages of the soil-forming process was found. Each stage of post-technogenic soil formation (type of embryozem) corresponds to a certain type of plant communities possessing a clear discrepancy in the species composition. The first stage is represented by plant communities comprising few ruderal species on the initial embryozem. The more advanced stage is characterized by complex communities consisting of grasses, shrubs, and trees on the humus-accumulative soil. It has been shown that the humus content determines the degree of natural restoration of biocenotic functions in the post-technogenic ecosystem. Plants-concentrators that can be effectively used in phytoextraction of metals for decontamination of embryozems have been studied. Natural renewal of vegetation and the development of soil-forming processes serve as the best option for the rational use of nature management in comparison with the artificial restoration of natural landscapes in technogenic territories.

The studies of urban forests were carried out on the territory of the Angara region in cities with a high air pollution index (up to 20) and with a high recreational load. The state of forest biogeocenoses was assessed by the parameters of trees, forest litter, and soil. Morphostructural, physicochemical, biochemical, and toxicological indicators were analysed. It was found that the selected biogeochemical parameters of trees and soils have a high level of correlation relationships under conditions of negative anthropogenic impact. The biogeochemical redistribution of technogenic pollutants in urban forests connects with the accumulating capacity of the soil cover and the regulatory function of trees, namely the ability to purify atmospheric air by accumulating toxicants in the needles and leaves. Regulatory function/service of pollutant absorption and air purification depends not only on the condition of urban forests, it is unequal for forests of different cities and, even more, for different forested territories.

Abstract The article summarizes and analyzes monitoring results for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests of Southern Predbaikalie (Eastern Siberia, Russia) exposed to technogenic pollution and high recreational loads. The surveys were carried out in areas adjacent to large industrial centers and in recreational areas of the National Park Pribaikalsky. It is shown that vital state of treestands weakened by industrial exposure is comparable to forest health in areas with high recreational loads. The results show that in terms of contamination levels the most problematic areas are those which are adjacent to Shelekhovsky, Irkutsky, Usolsky and Angarsky industrial centers; as for recreation impact, its unacceptably high levels were found in the vicinity of Listvyanka and Khuzhir villages as well as in many sections of the Circum-Baikal Railway. In these areas, the values of the vital state index (VSI) and the soil resistance potential (SRP) index were the lowest, amounting to 3.2-4.4 points for pine stands VSI and 4.7 points for SRP near Khuzhir and 4.8 points for SRP near Usolsky industrial center, while in the background areas, both the VSI and SRP values were close to 10 points. Based on the obtained results, we have developed a schematic map of the problem areas of the Southern Predbaikalie. The data were also used to create a relational database on the elemental chemical composition of pine needles, including those in technologically polluted parts of the region.

ХВойНые ДеРеВья как БИоИНДИкаТоРы загРязНеНИя гоРоДСкой СРеДы ПолИЦИклИчеСкИмИ аРомаТИчеСкИмИ углеВоДоРоДамИ михайлова Т.а., Шергина о.В

Two geoinformation databases have been created, which provide information on the parameters of pine forests in the large Baikal region. The database «Elemental chemical composition of pine needles Pinus sylvestris L. in the Prebaikalia» contains the data obtained by the authors on the quantitative content of 39 elements and 20 organic pollutants in pine needles at 162 sample plots (SP), located in the southern part of the Irkutsk region territory, where a large industrial zone is located, aerial emissions of which are one of the main causes of forest pollution in the region. Information on changes in the elemental composition of needles in dynamics from 1992 to 2018 is given. The data are presented: 107 types of pine stands, 50 types of soils, 59 chemical elements and organic pollutants. In the second database «Ecological and physiological state of pine forests in the catchment basin of Lake Baikal», located mainly in the territory of Buryatia. Geographic coordinates, landscape location, type of forest, type of soil, parameters of the vital status of tree-stands, natural and anthropogenic factors that negatively affect the state of forests are indicated for each SP. The created databases contain a large enough amount of information to automate the collection of data on the forests state, analyze data, and form an information basis for GIS. This is of both scientific and practical interest in the planning of work on rational forest management.

Forest surveys were conducted in 2015–2018 on 12 sample plots (SPs), located in different districts of the city of Bratsk, a large industrial center of Eastern Siberia. The ecological state of natural forests preserved within the city’s territory was estimated by a set parameters of pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees, understory vegetation, moss-and-lichen cover, and soil. Significant changes in the parameters caused by technogenic pollution and a high recreational load on the soil cover have been revealed. The high level of technogenic pollution of urban forests is evidenced by the accumulation of pollutants (sulfur, heavy metals, PAH) in the needles of pine trees and soil horizons, changes in the ratios of elements-pollutants and elements-nutrients in plants and soils, shift in the acid-base balance of the soil solution to alkalinity. A high recreational load on urban forest soils is indicated by many negative changes: a decrease in the thickness of the forest litter or its complete destruction; violation of the natural structure of the upper horizons due to increase in physical clay content, stony content, and anthropogenic inclusions; significant increase in soil density, and decrease in humidity, porosity, and aeration. The impact of a complex of negative factors also leads to a decrease in the species diversity of the understory vegetation, mosses, lichens, and an increase in the number of ruderal species in the herbaceous vegetation. The biggest negative changes in the parameters of forest ecosystems have been found in Tsentralny district of the city, located in close proximity (from 2 to 8 km) to a large aluminum smelter and timber industry complex. Less-pronounced negative changes in parameters were found in samples taken in the Padunsky district, located 25 km from the emission source, and the smallest changes in the parameters were found in Pravoberezhny district, 45 km away from the emission sources. The main recommendations for improving the condition of forests in all areas of the city are as follows: planning a road-path network, restoring the fertile soil layer, sodding open areas of soil with herbaceous vegetation, and selecting an assortment of trees and shrub plants that are resistant to industrial pollution and recreational stress.

For the first time, information is provided about algobryophytic associations common in mountain taiga regions. The environment-forming organisms these associations are representatives of the genus Hedwigia P. Beauv. (Bryophyta). The research was conducted in the Sokhondinskiy state biosphere reserve (Zabaykalskiy Krai, Russia). We selected algobryophyte communities in the mountain taiga, these associations are function on stones in the forest, stony placers, remnant rocks, rock outcrops, and pebbles. Precipitation is the only source of moisture here. It was found that in moss-carpet of the Hedwigia at higher humidity, the average temperature was 0.6 °C lower than at the same time on the exposed surface of the substrate. In the sod of moss formed on rocks under the forest canopy, compared with open spaces of stony placers, it was warmer by 1–4 °C, and the relative humidity is 4–8 % higher. Representatives of Hedwigia growing on acidic mountain breed are characterized by an acidic reaction of the pH. In all investigated samples of bryophytes discovered epiphytic algae. A total of 68 species from the Chlorophyta (40 species), Cyanoprokaryota (13 species), Streptophyta (8 species), Ochrophyta (4 species), Bacillariophyta (3 species) departments have been registered. Most registered of algae species are typical inhabitants of various terrestrial biotopes. A number of algae genera found are known as lichen symbionts. In the associations were dominated by cyanoprokaryotes-diazotrophs from the Nostoc Vauch. ex Bornet et Flahault and Stigonema C. Agardh ex Bornet et Flahault genera. Significant fluctuations in their numbers in time and space were found. Diazotrophs associated with Hedwigia can serve as a source of nitrogen for this moss. It has been shown, that Hedwigia accumulates 0.7–1.5 (2.2) % of mineral nitrogen. The amount of nitrogen comparable to Hedwigia accumulates one of the dominant moss cover in taiga ecosystems of southern Siberia Rhytidium rugosum (Hedw.) Kindb. This species also forms associations with dominance of the Nostoc и Stigonema. The content of mineral nitrogen in the free-living epigenic and epilitic cyanoprokaryotes of the Nostoc and Stigonema genera can be up to 2–3 times higher than that in the studied mosses.

Air pollution and atmospheric deposition have adverse effects on tree and forest health. We reviewed studies on tree and forest decline in Northeast and Southeast Asia, Siberia, and the Russian Far East (hereafter referred to as East Asia). This included studies published in domestic journals and languages. We identified information about the locations, causes, periods, and tree species exhibiting decline. Past air pollution was also reviewed. Most East Asian countries show declining trends in SO2 concentration in recent years, although Mongolia and Russia show increasing trends. Ozone (O3) concentrations are stable or gradually increasing in the East Asia region, with high maxima. Wet nitrogen (N) deposition was high in China and tropical countries, but low in Russia. The decline of trees and forests primarily occurred in the mid-latitudes of Japan, Korea, China, and Russia. Long-term large N deposition resulted in the N saturation phenomenon in Japan and China, but no clear forest health response was observed. Thereafter, forest decline symptoms, suspected to be caused by O3, were observed in Japan and China. In East Russia, tree decline occurred around industrial centers in Siberia. Haze events have been increasing in tropical and boreal forests, and particulate matter inhibits photosynthesis. In recent years, chronically high O3 concentrations, in conjunction with climate change, are likely have adverse effects on tree physiology. The effects of air pollution and related factors on tree decline are summarized. Recently, the effects of air pollution on tree decline have not been apparent under the changing climate, however, monitoring air pollution is indispensable for identifying the cause of tree decline. Further economic growth is projected in Southeast Asia and therefore, the monitoring network should be expanded to tropical and boreal forest zones. Countermeasures such as restoring urban trees and rural forests are important for ensuring future ecosystem services.