Spatial heterogeneity of soil pollution by heavy metals in areas of chromite ore mining
Alimuratkyzy A. Mukanova G. Bazarbaeva T. Tukenova Z. Shimshikov B. Abdibattayeva M. Bazarbayeva Z. Abylaikhan S.
October 2025University of Guilan
Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences
2025#23Issue 4927 - 936 pp.
The spatial distribution of heavy metal contamination in the soil cover around the Don Mining and Processing Plant (Don MPP), a major chrome ore deposit and processing hub in Western Kazakhstan, was investigated through a comprehensive environmental assessment. Eighteen soil samples were collected across an anthropogenic gradient radiating from the industrial complex, including disturbed areas, reclamation mounds, and virgin soils. Physico-chemical characterization of the soil revealed neutral to moderately alkaline pH (7.15–8.25) and low organic matter content (0.85 %–2.15 %). Total concentrations of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) were determined to assess pollution levels of the soil resulting from chrome-ore extraction and processing. Chromium and nickel exhibited significant enrichment, with maximum values reaching ~1,850 mg kg⁻¹ and ~480 mg kg⁻¹, respectively, far exceeding the national permissible limits. Geostatistical mapping indicated heavily localized contamination plumes emanating from the mine dumps and processing zones, while copper enrichment was moderate and largely confined to industrial yards. The results highlight the persistence of heavy-metal pollution in the soil cover of mining-impacted landscapes and underline the need for targeted remediation and continuous monitoring of soils in the vicinity of major ore deposits.
Chrome ore , Deposit , Don MPP (Mining and processing plant) , Environmental assessment , Heavy metal , Pollution , Soil cover
Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи
UNESCO Chair for Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
UNESCO Chair for Sustainable Development
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026