Assessment of Chemical Pollution Load in Surface Waters of the Turkestan Region and Its Indirect Impact on Landscapes: A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

This study is aimed at a comprehensive assessment of the chemical composition of surface waters in the Turkestan region and their impact on regional landscapes. The primary objective of the research is to systematically evaluate the level of chemical pollution in the region’s water resources and determine its indirect effects on landscape-ecological stability. In August 2024, water samples from eight sampling points (S1–S8) were analyzed for 24 physicochemical parameters, including total hardness (mg*eq/L), pH, dry residue (mg/L), electrical conductivity (µS/cm), total salinity (mg/L), Al, As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Ti, Fe, Pb, Cu, Mg, K, Mn, Na, Ni, Zn, SO4 2−, and C6H5OH. To determine the degree of pollution, variational-statistical analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), as well as the calculation of the OIP, NPI, and HPI indices were performed. For land use and land cover change (LULC) analysis, LULC classification was carried out based on Landsat data from 2000 to 2020, forming the basis for land resource management and planning. The research results showed a deterioration in the ecological condition of water resources and an increasing anthropogenic impact. Specifically, at point S8, the concentration of Al was found to be 56 times higher than the maximum allowable limit, while the concentration of Fe was 42 times higher. High levels of pollution were also recorded at points S1, S4, S5, and S6, where the increase in Al and Na concentrations caused a sharp rise in the OIP value. The main factors influencing water pollution include industrial effluents, agricultural waste, and irrigation drainage waters. The pollution’s negative impact on regional landscapes has led to issues related to the distribution of vegetation, soil fertility, and landscape stability. To improve the current ecological situation and restore natural balance, the phytoremediation method is proposed. The research results will serve as the foundation for developing water resource management strategies for the Turkestan region and making informed decisions aimed at ensuring ecological sustainability