Assessment of the Assimilation Potential of Coastal Soils to Man-Made Impact

The article is dedicated to the study of the assimilation potential of coastal soils in the Caspian Sea region of Azerbaijan, subjected to oil contamination, based on microbiological indicators. The results revealed that the number of microorganisms in soils decreases under the influence of petroleum hydrocarbons. Based on the decline in the number of heterotrophic microorganisms, the soils can be ranked in the following order: meadow-forest > gray meadow soils > gray-brown soils. In addition, an increase in the ratio between hydrocarbon-oxidizing and heterotrophic microorganisms within the soil microbiocenosis was observed. It was established that the studied area exhibits a low assimilation potential, and the highest risk of contamination is characteristic of gray-brown soils, which, under conditions of severe pollution, are potentially incapable of spontaneously restoring their productivity under natural conditions. Microorganisms, especially hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria and fungi, play a vital role in the biodegradation of contaminants, thereby supporting the soil’s inherent ability to cleanse itself. Moreover, the soil’s texture and structural properties affect how pollutants diffuse and are retained, which in turn impacts the efficiency of remediation processes. The growth of halophytic vegetation in coastal zones also promotes microbial activity and enhances pollutant assimilation through interactions within the rhizosphere. Gaining a thorough understanding and measurement of the assimilation potential is crucial for designing effective bioremediation approaches and ensuring sustainable soil management in coastal areas affected by technological pollution.