Modeling the Impact of Logging Waste on Sustainability of Coastal Marine Ecosystems

Carbon sequestration is considered one of the key factors for sustainable development. The marshes of Aniva Bay (Sakhalin Island) are ecosystems currently undergoing intense natural carbon accumulation (450–930 g∙C∙m−2∙year−1) 2–4 times higher than the average speed for similar ecosystems, making this area highly promising for the implementation of “carbon farms.” Carbon sequestration could be accelerated by installing structures on mudflats that capture suspended organic matter from tidal waters. A model experiment was conducted to assess the suitability and biocompatibility of logging waste from coniferous species (Picea ajanensis, Larix leptolepis, Abies sachalinensis) for such structures by simulating their immersion in seawater. The content of phenols and tannins in the resulting water extracts was determined, and the composition of water-soluble substances was analyzed by GC-MS. Extract toxicity was investigated using the halophilic test organism Artemia salina. The experiments revealed the release of tannins in concentrations of up to 14 mg/L, which is nearly 1.5 times the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) and could potentially negatively impact the coastal ecosystem. Furthermore, the concentration of tannins leached from L. leptolepis bark exceeded the MPC by a factor of 5.5. A critical finding is the presence of highly toxic compounds in wood waste, for which targeted analysis is absent in state regulatory documents for hazard assessment. Specifically, immersion of A. sachalinensis wood led to the leaching of juvabione into saltwater at concentrations causing 100% mortality in Artemia salina. Based on the results, the most promising species for the terraformation of mudflats is the use of P. ajanensis logging waste.