An Environmental Assessment of the Heavy Metal Impact on the Soil Cover: The Case Study of Shymkent
Received: 4 April 2026 | Revised: 27 April 2026 | Accepted: 15 May 2026 | Online: 20 May 2026
Corresponding author: Gulmira Kenzhibayeva
Abstract
Soil contamination by heavy metals is a significant environmental problem that adversely affects soil systems and human health. However, integrated assessments that combine spatial distribution analysis, microstructural characterization, and economic damage evaluation remain limited for industrial cities such as Shymkent. This study aims to provide a comprehensive environmental assessment of heavy metal contamination in urban soils through a combined geochemical, microscopic, and economic approach. Soil and slag samples were collected along a transect at distances of 0–1000 m from a metallurgical waste source and analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The results revealed elevated concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Fe exceeding regulatory limits, with a clear decrease in concentration with increasing distance from the pollution source. Strong positive correlations among heavy metal concentrations indicate a common anthropogenic origin and synchronous migration within the soil profile. The economic assessment, based on a standardized national methodology, showed that the total environmental damage exceeds 750 million KZT per year, with iron and lead contributing most significantly to the overall impact. The novelty of this study lies in the integration of spatial analysis, microstructural investigation, and economic evaluation, providing new insights into the relationship among contamination distribution, migration processes, and economic consequences. The results provide a scientific basis for environmental risk assessment, soil remediation planning, and sustainable urban land management in industrial regions.
Keywords:
soil cover, sustainable development, heavy metals, environmental assessment, soil pollution, economic damage assessmentReferences
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Copyright (c) 2026 Zhaksylyk Pernebayev, Gulmira Kenzhibayeva, Akmaral Issayeva, Ayaulym Tileuberdi, Sabyr Balybek, Kural Nurseiit
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