A Review of the Role of Anthropogenic Effects on Microorganisms in Soil
Wanjala M. Paul *
Department of Biological Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
Odokuma Lucky O.
Department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Rose C. Ramkat
Department of Biological Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
Etela I.
Department of Animal Science, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities are progressively releasing pollutants to the soil, including heavy metals and other pollutants emanating from industries and overpopulated human settlements. Pollution by heavy metals and other physicochemical materials is gradually becoming an area of concern, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The paper reviews the effects of anthropogenic activities on soil ecosystem integrity including physicochemical parameters as well as biological parameters in the soil. The review focuses on impact of the application of fertilisers in soil and seasonal influence in levels of physicochemical parameters in soil ecosystem as well as microorganism population shifts in soils affected by pollution as a need to alleviate soil contamination. The review established gaps to further understanding of the relationship between soil physicochemical parameters, soil biological parameters and influence of seasonality in the resilience of the soil ecosystem as a way to foster the integrity of soil.
Keywords: Soil ecosystem integrity, soil microorganisms, soil physicochemical parameters, anthropogenic activities, seasonal influence