Geospatial and Correlation Analysis of Heavy Metal Distribution on the Territory of Integrated Steel and Mining Company Qarmet JSC
Zhakypbek Y. Rysbekov K. Lozynskyi V. Mikhalovsky S. Salmurzauly R. Begimzhanova Y. Kezembayeva G. Yelikbayev B. Sankabayeva A.
August 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Sustainability (Switzerland)
2025#17Issue 15
This paper provides geospatial and correlation analysis of heavy metal distribution in the soil cover of the city of Temirtau and its industrial zones. Based on 25 soil samples taken in 2024, concentrations of nine heavy metals (As, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Ba) were determined using X-ray fluorescence analysis. Spatial data interpolation was performed using the Kriging method in the ArcGIS Pro environment. The results showed the presence of localized extreme pollution zones, primarily near the Qarmet JSC metallurgical plant. The most significant exceedances of maximum permissible concentrations (MPC), up to 348× MPC for Cr, 160× MPC for Zn, and 72× MPC for As, were recorded at individual locations. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive relationship between several elements, particularly Mn and Cu (r = 0.64). Comparison of the spatial distribution of pollution with population data allowed for the assessment of potential environmental risks. This research emphasizes the need to implement systematic monitoring, sustainable land management practices, ecological maps, and preventive measures to reduce the long-term impact of heavy metals on ecosystems and public health, and to promote environmental sustainability in industrial regions.
correlation analysis , geospatial analysis , heavy metals , interpolations , pollution , sustainable land management
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Mining and Metallurgical Institute Named After O.A. Baikonurov, Satbayev University, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
Department of Mining Engineering and Education, Dnipro University of Technology, Dnipro, 49005, Ukraine
ANAMAD Ltd., Brighton, BN1 9SB, United Kingdom
GAU-Radioanalytical, School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, United Kingdom
Space Technology and Remote Sensing Center, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Mining and Metallurgical Institute Named After O.A. Baikonurov
Department of Mining Engineering and Education
ANAMAD Ltd.
GAU-Radioanalytical
Space Technology and Remote Sensing Center
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