| Abstract [eng] |
The dissertation investigates the distribution of yeasts in soil and water substrates affected by anthropogenic activity, their biological properties, and their potential applications in environmental protection. Soil and water samples collected from different regions of Lithuania were analyzed, including the Alytus region after the tyre recycling plant fire, chromium-contaminated areas of Klaipėda city, urban territories near high-traffic streets in Vilnius, fuel storage site territories, the Lithuanian–Belarusian border area within the potential impact zone of the Astravets Nuclear Power Plant, the aquatory of the Būtingė oil terminal in the Baltic Sea, and the Neris River. During the study, 109 yeast species belonging to 53 genera were isolated and identified. Yeasts of the Basidiomycota division predominated in anthropogenic substrates, while Rhodotorula mucilaginosa was the most frequently detected species. The morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of the isolated yeasts, their ability to assimilate various carbon sources, and their role in biodegradation processes were evaluated. Certain yeast species were found to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons, biodegrade agricultural by-products, and accumulate chromium compounds. In cooperation with other microorganisms, a patented biopreparation for the biological treatment of petroleum-contaminated soil was developed. |
