ANALYSIS OF SOIL AND WATER POLLUTION LEVELS IN KARAGANDA REGION

Karaganda region, located in the central Kazakhstan, is characterized by intensive mining and processing of ore and mineral resources, which has led to high levels of soil contamination with various pollutants, particularly heavy metals. Toxic substances present in soils as a result of natural migration processes typically enter both surface and ground waters. The purpose of this study is to assess the extent of heavy metal pollution in soils and surface waters of the single-industry towns of Karaganda region. Soil sampling was conducted in accordance with GOST 17.4.4.02-84, with more than 15 soil samples collected at defined points in Temirtau, Balkhash, and Shakhtinsk. The analysis considered spatial variations in pollution levels from 2020 to 2024. The results revealed significant exceedances of maximum allowable concentrations (MACs) of chemical elements in soils, particularly for copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, and chromium, with especially high concentrations detected in Balkhash. The total concentration of contaminants in surface waters of the region’s single-industry towns also exceeded MACs, with many belonging to the first and second hazard classes. The main pollutants identified were mercury, copper, zinc, phenols, and petroleum products. A sanitary-chemical assessment of surface waters was conducted for the Nura, Kara, Kengir, Sokyr, and Sherubaynura rivers.