Potential of Effective Microorganisms in the Aspect of Sustainable Development

Abstract

Human activity has been impacting the environment for thousands of years. Progressing environmental pollution caused by human economic activity is associated with an increase in the concentration of trace elements and the formation of an excess of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs have always been present in the environment, but the development of civilisation and technology has resulted in their increase. PAHs easily penetrate plants, animals and the human body, which makes them a serious threat to human health and agriculture. Reducing the amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the soil is possible by introducing a microbiological preparation in the form of Effective Microorganisms (EM) into the soil. Some strains of microorganisms in EM can decompose chemical compounds, including PAHs. Through biodegradation, EM transforms harmful substances into less toxic forms. EM stimulates the activity of soil microflora, which naturally participates in the decomposition processes of organic substances, which contributes to improving soil quality and environmental protection. The following work presents the results of own research on analysing the impact of Effective Microorganisms on changes in the content of PAHs in the soil. It was observed that 75% of test samples in the form of soils after wheat cultivation in which EM was added had lower contents of 3,4,5-ring PAHs than their control samples. The work aims to analyse the potential of EM as a preparation that supports the natural capabilities of the ecosystem to reduce the amount of pollutants in the form of PAHs in the soil.