Biological Systems: Theory and Innovation

Unauthorised landfills as a source of soil contamination with heavy metals: Phytotoxic aspect

Serhii Leliushok, Olena Naumovska, Liliia Moldovan
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Abstract

The article examines the issue of soil biotesting as an effective indicator approach to assessing the ecological state of land subjected to anthropogenic pressure from local sources of pollution. The objects of the study were soil samples taken near potentially hazardous man-made sites, namely landfills. Toxicity was assessed using phytotests of oil radish (Raphanus sativus d. var. oleifera Metzg.), which proved to be a sensitive indicator of the presence of harmful substances in the soil environment. At the same time, an analytical determination of the content of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu) in the soil was carried out. The results of phytotesting showed a decrease in seed germination compared to control samples, which is evidence of the toxic effect of the soil environment. A decrease in germination energy and suppression of primary biomass growth were also observed. A close correlation was found between high metal content and suppression of growth parameters of oil radish, indicating an interdependence between chemical indicators of pollution and the biological response of organisms. In particular, a decrease in the length of seedlings was observed, indicating the biological activity of heavy metals. In some samples, 30% germination was recorded, indicating a critical level of toxicity. Biotesting combined with chemical analysis made it possible to identify areas with the most critical environmental conditions. The proposed approach can be useful for environmental services, local authorities and land management institutions for operational monitoring of soil condition and identification of pollution hotspots. The methodology can be adapted for monitoring industrial areas, sanitary surveillance areas, and areas near transport routes. The results of the study confirm the feasibility of using integrated approaches to monitoring, including both analytical methods and bioindication tests. This approach provides a more objective assessment of environmental risks and can be used to plan measures for the rehabilitation of contaminated areas, soil fertility conservation, and sustainable land use

Keywords

ecotoxicology; germination index; biomonitoring; agroecosystem risks; test plants; toxicological sensitivity

Suggested citation
Leliushok, S., Naumovska, O., & Moldovan, L. (2025). Unauthorised landfills as a source of soil contamination with heavy metals: Phytotoxic aspect. Biological Systems: Theory and Innovation, 16(3), 42-61. https://doi.org/10.31548/biologiya/3.2025.42
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