Changes in the complex of heterotrophic microorganisms in soddy-podzolic soil polluted by lead

Artificial pollution of soddy-podzolic soil by lead (>500 mg Pb/kg soil) ca used a decrease in the species diversity of soil micromycetes and streptomy cetes and in the population density of azotobacter, replacement of dominant species participating in decomposition of different substrates, and an inc rease in the abundance of phytotoxic micromycetes. The bacteria of genus Ba cillus demonstrated a high resistance to soil contamination by lead. High c oncentrations of lead were even found in the topsoil layer 15 years after t he pollution.