Soil Microbial Community Structure and Dynamic Enzyme Activity in the Degraded Soils of Paradeep Industrial Area

The surrounding land and waters are polluted by the industrial effluents of Paradeep. In this work, soil samples from seven locations around the Paradeep industrial area were investigated. The results found the overall average values of Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni and Pb were 149.24, 4.38, 4.69, 20.97, 2.98 and 7.41 mg/kg, which was lower than WHO guidelines except Mn (79.31 mg/kg). The soils under examination exhibit a pH range of 4.23-7.00, indicating the acidity to neutrality. The organic carbon content ranges from extremely low to high (0.17-1.76%). These soils have low to medium N, P and K values. High levels of hazardous Fe, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn occur in the soils. Near Paradeep Phosphate Limited ash pond, the soil contains the highest amount of Cu (9.4 mg/kg). Heavy metals and low pH decreased the biological activities of several enzymes such as dehydrogenase, fluorescein diacetate and alkaline phosphatase, as shown by corelation studies (negative association). Industrialization has significantly contaminated the soil of the study region, requiring immediate restoration.