Bioindication of the Influence of Oil Production on Sphagnum Bogs in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug–Yugra, Russia

Algal diversity in the bogs of the Ershov oil field of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug–Yugra (KMAO-Yugra) with the gradient of oil pollution between 255 and 16,893 mg kg ？1 has been studied with the help of bioindication methods and ecological mapping. Altogether 91 species, varieties, and forms of algae and cyanobacteria from seven divisions have been revealed for the first time from seven studied sites on the bogs. Charophyta algae prevail followed by diatoms, cyanobacteria, and euglenoids. The species richness and abundance of algae were maximal at the control site, with charophytic algae prevailing. The species richness of diatoms decreased in the contaminated area, but cyanobacteria were tolerated in a pH which varied between 4.0 and 5.4. Euglenoid algae survived under the influence of oil and organic pollution. Bioindication revealed a salinity influence in the oil-contaminated sites. A comparative floristic analysis shows a similarity in communities at sites surrounding the contaminated area, the ecosystems of which have a long-term rehabilitation period. The percent of unique species was maximal in the control site. Bioindication results were implemented for the first time in assessing the oil-polluted bogs and can be recommended as a method to obtain scientific results visualization for decision-makers and for future pollution monitoring. View Full-Tex