The paper presents the strategic project of Tomsk State University devoted to studying the carbon cycle in the arctic land-shelf system. The obtained carbon cycle characteristics should be used for global climate model correction. The main objective of the consortium is to obtain new data on the variability of climatic and biological factors of various ecosystems, monitor them, and create archives of data on their dynamics. The area of the project includes the basins of the Great Siberian Rivers, and the shelf of the adjacent Arctic seas. A consortium of approximately twenty universities and research institutions was formed to study the carbon cycle in various environments, including seas, rivers, wetlands, and permafrost. In addition to studying the carbon cycle, the project also aims to develop methods for carbon sequestration and ecosystems remediation. One of such methods was developed for the assessment and cleanup of bottom sediments from oil and petroleum products as well as other hydrophobic contaminants and has been patented and tested in a series of field trials. Several special monitoring methods are described, such as novel sampling and sample laboratory processing techniques to assess microplastics in the environment; and holographic methods for underwater monitoring of the plankton behavior for early bioindication of hazards in the water area. This is particularly relevant for areas with dangerous objects, such as nuclear power plants, oil platforms, and gas pipelines. The methods of math modeling of the impact of climate change and anthropogenic factors on indigenous and local population lives were used.

Microorganisms that are halophilic and halotolerant have gradually developed unique structures, physiologies, and genomes to survive. They are essential for ecological restoration and pollution control. This review emphasizes the critical role of halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms in plant stress tolerance, the ability to degrade a wide range of organic pollutants, the potential for cultural heritage conservation and restoration, and the impact on the spread of resistance genes. Halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms tolerate salt by controlling osmotic pressure in the cytoplasm via one of two major mechanisms: compatible solute accumulation or inorganic ion accumulation. Besides, the ability of halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms to survive high salt concentrations is also related to enzymatic proteins with fascinating physicochemical and structural properties. The advantage of halophilic enzymes is their ability to maintain enzyme stability and activity under high salt concentrations and organic reagents. The review of halophilic and halotolerant microorganisms is critically valuable for the reclamation of saline lands and pollutant degradation in highly saline environments.