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

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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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Gataulina Gulzira & Mendybaev Yerbolat & Aikenova Nuriya & Berdenov Zharas & Ataeva Gulshat & Saginov Kairat & Dukenbayeva Assiya & Beketova Aidana & Almurzaeva Saltanat, 2025. "Ecological and Geochemical Characteristics of the Content of Heavy Metals in Steppe Ecosystems of the Akmola Region, Kazakhstan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6576-:d:1704725
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Griggs & Mark Stafford-Smith & Owen Gaffney & Johan Rockström & Marcus C. Öhman & Priya Shyamsundar & Will Steffen & Gisbert Glaser & Norichika Kanie & Ian Noble, 2013. "Sustainable development goals for people and planet," Nature, Nature, vol. 495(7441), pages 305-307, March.
    2. Saskia Keesstra & Gerben Mol & Jan De Leeuw & Joop Okx & Co Molenaar & Margot De Cleen & Saskia Visser, 2018. "Soil-Related Sustainable Development Goals: Four Concepts to Make Land Degradation Neutrality and Restoration Work," Land, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-20, November.
    3. Zongjun Gao & Hongzhi Dong & Songtao Wang & Yuqi Zhang & Hairui Zhang & Bing Jiang & Yang Liu, 2021. "Geochemical Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Surface Soil of Gaomi City," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-15, August.
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