Ecological and Geochemical Characteristics of the Content of Heavy Metals in Steppe Ecosystems of the Akmola Region, Kazakhstan

Gataulina Gulzira, Mendybaev Yerbolat, Aikenova Nuriya (), Berdenov Zharas (), Ataeva Gulshat, Saginov Kairat, Dukenbayeva Assiya, Beketova Aidana and Almurzaeva Saltanat
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Gataulina Gulzira: Faculty of Natural Sciences, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Mendybaev Yerbolat: Faculty of Natural Sciences, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Aikenova Nuriya: Faculty of Natural Sciences, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Berdenov Zharas: Faculty of Natural Sciences, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Ataeva Gulshat: Faculty of Natural Sciences, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Saginov Kairat: Faculty of Natural Sciences, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Dukenbayeva Assiya: Faculty of Natural Sciences, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Beketova Aidana: Faculty of Natural Sciences, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Almurzaeva Saltanat: NJSC, International Green Technologies and Investment Projects Center, Heydar Aliyev Street, 16, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-19

Abstract: Soil quality assessment plays a critical role in promoting sustainable land management, particularly in fragile steppe ecosystems. This study provides a comprehensive geoecological evaluation of heavy metal contamination (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Fe, and Mn) in soils across five districts of the Akmola region, Kazakhstan. The assessment incorporates multiple integrated pollution indices, including the geochemical pollution index (Igeo), pollution coefficient (CF), ecological risk index (Er), pollution load index (PLI), and integrated pollution index (Zc). Spatial analysis combined with multivariate statistical techniques (PCA and clustering analysis) was used to identify pollutant distribution patterns and differentiate areas by risk levels. The findings reveal generally low to moderate contamination, with cadmium (Cd) posing the highest environmental risk due to its elevated toxic response coefficient, despite its low concentration. The study also explores the connection between current soil conditions and historical land-use changes, particularly those associated with the Virgin Lands Campaign of the mid-20th century. The highest PLI values were recorded in the Yesil and Atbasar districts (7.88 and 7.54, respectively), likely driven by intensive agricultural activity and lithological factors. PCA and cluster analysis revealed distinct spatial groupings, reflecting heterogeneity in both the sources and distribution of soil pollutants.

Keywords: heavy metals; soil; geochemical index; ecological risk index; cluster analysis; PLI (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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