Urease Activity in Soil Contaminated with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Urease activity was determined in soil contaminated with four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): naphthalene, phenanthrene, anthracene, and pyrene in the amount of 0, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 mg·kg DM soil. Organic materials – cellulose, sucrose, and compost – were applied to the samples in the amount of 0 and 9 g·kg DM soil. The experiment was carried out in a laboratory, and soil samples consisted of loamy sand. Soil resistance (RS) and soil resilience (RL) were determined. Soil contamination with PAHs had an adverse effect on urease activity, and naphthalene had the most inhibitory impact on the studied enzyme. Urease activity was significantly determined by the dose of PAH, soil incubation time, and the type of organic material. Soil resistance to PAHs decreased with an increase in contamination levels. The addition of sucrose, cellulose, and compost increased soil's resistance to the toxic effects of naphthalene and phenanthrene. Soil resilience values indicate that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons cause long-term impairment of urease activity.