BACTERIAL DIVERSITY AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SOIL IN THE VACINITY OF TYRE BURNING SITE

Soil is a complex environment that supports a wide variety of microorganisms, which play vital roles in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and overall soil health. The diversity of bacteria in soil is influenced by a variety of factors, including environmental conditions, organic matter content, and anthropogenic activities (Smith et al., 2019). Soil microbial communities are dynamic and can rapidly respond to environmental changes, making them critical indicators of soil health and contamination (Jones et al., 2021). Among anthropogenic activities, industrial processes such as tyre burning are known to release harmful pollutants into the environment, affecting soil microbial diversity and physicochemical characteristics (Wang and Liu, 2020). Tyre burning is a common practice in many parts of the world, often occurring in informal or illegal settings. It involves the combustion of used tyres for various purposes, such as the extraction of valuable metals or the creation of heat for industrial processes (Zhao et al., 2017). This practice releases a range of hazardous substances, including heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter, into the surrounding environment (Kang et al., 2018). The impact of tyre burning on soil health has been of increasing concern, as these pollutants can alter the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil, potentially affecting its fertility and microbial communities (Xu et al., 2020). The physicochemical properties of soil—such as pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter content, and nutrient levels—are fundamental to determining its suitability for supporting diverse microbial life. Soil contamination from tyre burning can lead to alterations in these properties, which may subsequently affect the types and abundance of microorganisms present (Zhao et al., 2017). For example, the presence of heavy metals in contaminated soils can reduce bacterial diversity, as many species are sensitive to high concentrations of toxic substances (Luo et al., 2016). On the other hand, certain bacteria may evolve or adapt to thrive in contaminated environments, leading to changes in microbial community structure and function (Cheng et al., 2021). Understanding the relationship between bacterial diversity and the physicochemical properties of soil in the vicinity of tyre burning sites is crucial for assessing the ecological impact of this environmental hazard. It can also inform strategies for soil remediation and the management of contaminated sites. Previous studies have highlighted the need for more research on the impact of tyre burning on soil ecosystems, especially in regions where such practices are prevalent and poorly regulated (Santos et al., 2019). This study aims to explore the bacterial diversity and the physicochemical characteristics of soil in areas near tyre burning sites to provide a better understanding of how these environmental pollutants influence soil ecosystems.