Yeasts in the Soils of the Alytus Region after the Fire of the Tyre Processing Plant

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and biodiversity of yeasts in the soil and water samples of the city and district of Alytus after a fire at a tire processing plant. 11 soil and 3 water samples were taken each year for the periods of 2019-2021. The yeast count in the soil samples ranged from 10 2 to 10 5 CFU/g. In water samples, the count of yeasts varied between 0.00-10 3 CFU/g. A total of 114 yeast isolates were isolated from the soil samples and 46 yeast species were identified. No statistically significant changes in the phyla distribution of yeast species isolated from the soil were observed during the different study periods. A total of 25 yeast isolates were isolated from the water samples and 14 yeast species were identified. Statistically significant differences in the phyla distribution of yeast species isolated from water samples were observed. The obtained research data showed that the results of all chemical soil tests do not exceed the limit values specified in Lithuanian legal acts. The obtained results of the study allow us to state that the fire at the tyre recycling plant did not affect the prevalence and biodiversity of soil yeasts, but the possibility that the effect will be noticed after a longer period of time cannot be ruled out. We believe that this study significantly contributes to the dissemination of information about the fire at the tire recycling plant and its impact on the environment, brings more clarity and reduces doubts about the possible impact of pollution on the environment.