Impact of Environmental Conditions on Soil Geochemistry in Southern Kazakhstan
Kakabayev A.A. Sharipova B.U. Baranovskaya N.V. Rodrigo-Ilarri J. Rodrigo-Clavero M.-E. Lo Papa G. Bazilevskaya E.A. Muratbekova S. Nurmukhanbetova N. Durmekbayeva S. Toychibekova G.B. Kurmanbayev R. Zhumabayeva A.
August 2024Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Sustainability (Switzerland)
2024#16Issue 15
This study investigated the elemental composition of soils in Kyzylorda and Turkestan (southern Kazakhstan), an area rich in natural resources but facing potential environmental threats from industry and agriculture. The goal was to establish baseline geochemical values and assess soil contamination risks. Soil samples were collected from across the region and analyzed using ICP-MS and INAA techniques, providing a comprehensive profile of 72 elements. Statistical analysis revealed significant variations in elemental concentrations, with enrichments observed for specific elements when compared with reference values. Notably, both regions shared a core set of elements including rare earth elements (yttrium series: holmium, erbium, thulium), noble metals (gold, platinum, ruthenium, palladium), and tungsten. Enrichment patterns, however, provided distinct insights. Rare earth element enrichments likely reflect the region’s geology, while elevated radioactive elements necessitate further investigation to understand potential environmental and health risks. Enrichment of iron group elements might be linked to a combination of geological factors and anthropogenic activities like mining or industrial processes. A significantly higher number of elements exceeded background levels in Kyzylorda compared with Turkestan, suggesting greater element accumulation in Kyzylorda’s soil. This difference could be attributed to variations in regional geology or historical anthropogenic activities. The established geochemical baseline for 72 elements and the identified areas of potential contamination will inform land management practices, guide future environmental monitoring efforts, and ultimately contribute to the safeguarding of public health in southern Kazakhstan.
chemical elements , radioactivity , soil , South Kazakhstan , technogenic impact
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Scientific Research Laboratory on Water Quality, Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Abai Str., 76, Kokshetau, 020000, Kazakhstan
Department of Geoecology and Geochemistry, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk, 634050, Russian Federation
Instituto de Ingeniería del Agua y del Medio Ambiente (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, 46022, Spain
Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Palermo, Palermo, 90128, Italy
Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State University, 409 Agricultural Sciences and Industries Building, University Park, 16802, PA, United States
Department of Biology, Pedagogical Institute, Shokan Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Abai Str., 76, Kokshetau, 020000, Kazakhstan
Department of Ecology and Chemistry, Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Turkestan City, 161200, Kazakhstan
Department of Biology, Geography and Chemistry, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, 120000, Kazakhstan
Scientific Research Laboratory on Water Quality
Department of Geoecology and Geochemistry
Instituto de Ingeniería del Agua y del Medio Ambiente (IIAMA)
Department of Agricultural
Department of Ecosystem Science and Management
Department of Biology
Department of Ecology and Chemistry
Department of Biology
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