Field studies on the assessment of soil pollution in Western Kazakhstan are ongoing

From May 28 to June 28, 2025, within the framework of the state scientific program BR21882122 "Sustainable development of natural, economic and socio-economic systems of the West Kazakhstan region in the context of green growth: a comprehensive analysis, concept, forecast estimates and scenarios", field studies aimed at assessing the state of the soil cover are conducted.

The expedition group performs a range of work, including sampling, laying and morphological description of soil sections, as well as sampling for laboratory analysis for heavy metals and other toxic compounds. The main goal is to identify the level of man—made pollution and to determine the degree of land degradation caused by industrial activity.

At the current stage, the research is concentrated in the West Kazakhstan region, mainly in areas vulnerable to natural and anthropogenic impacts. Earlier, similar work was successfully carried out in Atyrau and Mangystau regions, where 88 soil samples were taken and sections reflecting varying degrees of anthropogenic transformation were laid.

Special attention is paid to areas subject to industrial pollution. The results obtained will become the scientific basis for the development of measures to restore soils contaminated with heavy metals and toxic substances.