KazNU Scientists Study Technogenic Soil Pollution in Almaty Using GIS Technologies

Scientists from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University are conducting a comprehensive study of the current environmental condition of soils in the urbanized areas of Almaty. The project focuses on assessing the degree of technogenic transformation and heavy-metal contamination of urban soils, developing an environmental zoning system, creating a series of thematic maps using geographic information system technologies, and developing a mathematical model to predict the distribution of pollutants.

The relevance of the research is associated with the increasing anthropogenic pressure on Almaty's urban ecosystem. As Kazakhstan's largest metropolis, the city is exposed to significant impacts from road traffic, construction activities, energy production, municipal services, waste management, and other human activities. These processes can contribute to the accumulation of various chemical pollutants, including heavy metals, in the soil and may affect its ecological functions.

The expansion of the city and the growth of its population have increased the pressure on soil resources. Although the environmental condition of Almaty's soils has previously been investigated, existing data require updating due to changes in the city's administrative boundaries, urban development patterns, and the number and distribution of potential pollution sources. This makes a comprehensive assessment of the current condition of urban soils particularly important.

As part of the project, researchers are studying soils in major urban landscapes, including residential, industrial, recreational areas and sites located near major roads. Soil samples are being analyzed to determine their morphological, physicochemical and biological characteristics, as well as the concentrations of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), cobalt (Co), and manganese (Mn).

Modern analytical methods, including atomic absorption analysis, are being used to determine the concentration of chemical elements. These methods make it possible to assess the level of contamination across different parts of the city. At the same time, researchers are studying soil biota, particularly soil mesofauna. Species composition, abundance and distribution patterns of soil organisms will be analyzed to assess the biological response of soil ecosystems to technogenic impacts.

A major component of the project is the spatial mapping of heavy-metal contamination. Data obtained through field and laboratory studies will be integrated into geographic information systems and processed using modern software, including ArcGIS, QGIS and Google Earth Engine. The results will be used to develop digital thematic maps showing the distribution of individual heavy metals, the integrated ecological condition of soils, and the environmental zoning of Almaty's territory.

The use of GIS technologies will allow researchers to identify spatial patterns in the distribution of pollutants and determine areas exposed to elevated levels of technogenic pressure. Remote sensing data will provide an additional source of information for analyzing changes in urbanized areas and comparing ground-based measurements with spatial and satellite observations.

Another important part of the project is the development of a mathematical model of soil contamination in Almaty. Based on experimental data, regression models will be developed to predict heavy-metal concentrations and identify patterns in the spatial distribution of pollutants. Such a model could provide a scientific basis for environmental management, land-use planning and sustainable urban development.

The scientific novelty of the project lies in the comprehensive assessment of Almaty's soil cover based on the city's current territorial boundaries and contemporary sources of anthropogenic pressure. The study will provide environmental zoning according to the degree of heavy-metal contamination, update existing cartographic materials, and develop a predictive mathematical model of pollutant distribution for the urbanized territory under study.

The project is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach combining soil science, ecology, chemical analysis, bioindication, cartography, statistics, mathematical modeling, GIS and remote sensing methods. This integrated methodology will make it possible to assess soil conditions not only based on concentrations of chemical pollutants, but also through biological and spatial characteristics of the urban ecosystem.

The expected practical outputs include a series of digital thematic maps of heavy-metal contamination, an environmental zoning map of Almaty, a mathematical model for predicting soil pollution, and scientifically based recommendations for the rehabilitation and improvement of contaminated soils.

The findings may be used for environmental monitoring, development of environmental protection measures, urban and ecological planning, land-resource management, and the development of measures aimed at reducing the negative impact of technogenic factors on urban ecosystems.

The project will contribute to establishing an updated scientific database on the condition of Almaty's soil cover, identifying major patterns in the distribution of heavy metals, and determining areas most vulnerable to technogenic pollution. The research is expected to support scientifically grounded approaches to environmental management and sustainable urban development.

The project will also strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation among specialists in soil science, ecology, geography, cartography, biology and mathematical modeling, while providing young researchers with opportunities to work with modern analytical, statistical and geoinformation technologies.