Impact of Environmental Conditions on Soil Geochemistry in Southern Kazakhstan

Anuarbek A. Kakabayev, Botagoz U. Sharipova, Natalia V. Baranovskaya, Javier Rodrigo-Ilarri (), María-Elena Rodrigo-Clavero, Giuseppe Lo Papa, Ekaterina A. Bazilevskaya, Svetlana Muratbekova, Nurgul Nurmukhanbetova, Shynar Durmekbayeva, Gaziza B. Toychibekova, Rakhat Kurmanbayev and Aigul Zhumabayeva
Additional contact information
Anuarbek A. Kakabayev: Scientific Research Laboratory on Water Quality, Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Abai Str., 76, Kokshetau 020000, Kazakhstan
Botagoz U. Sharipova: Scientific Research Laboratory on Water Quality, Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Abai Str., 76, Kokshetau 020000, Kazakhstan
Natalia V. Baranovskaya: Department of Geoecology and Geochemistry, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
Javier Rodrigo-Ilarri: Instituto de Ingeniería del Agua y del Medio Ambiente (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
María-Elena Rodrigo-Clavero: Instituto de Ingeniería del Agua y del Medio Ambiente (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Giuseppe Lo Papa: Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
Ekaterina A. Bazilevskaya: Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, The Pennsylvania State University, 409 Agricultural Sciences and Industries Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
Svetlana Muratbekova: Scientific Research Laboratory on Water Quality, Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Abai Str., 76, Kokshetau 020000, Kazakhstan
Nurgul Nurmukhanbetova: Scientific Research Laboratory on Water Quality, Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Abai Str., 76, Kokshetau 020000, Kazakhstan
Shynar Durmekbayeva: Department of Biology, Pedagogical Institute, Shokan Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Abai Str., 76, Kokshetau 020000, Kazakhstan
Gaziza B. Toychibekova: Department of Ecology and Chemistry, Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University, Turkestan City 161200, Kazakhstan
Rakhat Kurmanbayev: Department of Biology, Geography and Chemistry, Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda 120000, Kazakhstan
Aigul Zhumabayeva: Scientific Research Laboratory on Water Quality, Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Abai Str., 76, Kokshetau 020000, Kazakhstan

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 15, 1-18

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: soil; chemical elements; South Kazakhstan; radioactivity; technogenic impact (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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