The state of soil pollution by heavy metals in Kostanay region

Kostanay Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan is one of the leading agricultural areas of the country, with vast expanses of arable land. However, the intensive development of the mining industry (e.g., ZHAGOK - Zhezkazgan Mining and Metallurgical Plant, TBRU - Torgai Bauxite Mining Administration), SSGPO - Sokolov–Sarbai Mining Production Association JSC in close proximity to cultivated fields has led to significant anthropogenic environmental pollution, particularly involving the accumulation of heavy metals in soils.This study presents monitoring data on the content of mobile forms of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cr, Zn, Cd) in the soils of five industrial-agricultural centers in the region (Kostanay, Zhetykara, Arkalyk, Lisakovsk, Rudny) from 2017 to 2024, obtained using atomic absorption spectrometry.The results reveal consistent exceedances of the maximum permissible concentrations (MPCs) for copper, chromium, and especially cadmium, including occasional sharp spikes likely linked to industrial emissions. Analysis of annual average concentrations indicates that cadmium and copper represent the greatest threat to agricultural systems due to their bioaccumulative potential and their capacity to disrupt biogeochemical processes in soils.This study underscores the urgent need for systematic environmental monitoring, adaptive agricultural management under industrial pressure, and the implementation of eco-technologies and remediation measures to ensure sustainable land use and food security.