Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to analyze the state of natural
resources in the West Kazakhstan region during the 1990s to the early
2000s. The ecological condition of the region’s natural resources remains
one of its most pressing issues, necessitating regular monitoring. Analysis
of official data sources revealed that the socio-economic development of
the region coincided with the establishment and operation of large
industrial and construction enterprises, leading to adverse effects on the
region’s natural environment. Monitoring of arable land in areas with dark
chestnut soils indicated a continued loss of humus during this period.
Presence of nitrates and high permanganate oxidizability suggested the
presence of organic compounds linked to the decomposition of heptyl
rocket fuel. Disease patterns indicated that populations in the southern
areas of the region experienced high chemical burdens alongside radiation
exposure. Furthermore, the article addresses concerns regarding the state of
forest resources and wildlife, with authors highlighting a significant risk of
natural resource contamination by industrial waste from heavy industries in
the region.
