CRYSTAL PHASE ANALYSIS AND STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SOIL SAMPLE USING X-RAY DIFFRACTION: A CASE STUDY FROM THE KYZYLKUM DESERT

This study investigates the mineralogical and elemental characteristics of soils affected by mining and anthropogenic activities in arid regions of Uzbekistan, focusing on the southern Kyzylkum Desert. Soil samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and elemental analysis to determine crystal phases, major nutrient contents (N–P–K), and the presence of secondary minerals such as gypsum. The results revealed that silica (SiO₂) dominates the mineral composition (41.4%), followed by phosphorus (21.5%), indicating significant technogenic enrichment linked to phosphorite mining residues and heavy metal contamination. Phase and elemental analyses were consistent, confirming the reliability of the findings. Low organic matter content and hydrogen levels suggest degraded ecological conditions and arid soil formation processes. The study highlights substantial impacts of mining on soil structure, geochemistry, and environmental stability, emphasizing the need for remediation strategies, including the use of native hyperaccumulator plants for phytoremediation.