Abstract:
This study focuses on the near-surface soil
layers in suburban areas of Astana, Northern
Kazakhstan, to address the critical issue of soil
pollution caused by anthropogenic activities,
particularly coal dust dispersion from open railway freight transportation. Existing geophysical
methods for soil conductivity measurement lack
precision due to interference from upper soil layers and seasonal moisture variations, limiting
reliable pollution source identification.
To enhance the precision of measurements,
researchers modified the measuring probes.
This improvement, combined with geophysical studies and Global Positioning System topographic referencing, allowed for identifying new
patterns in pollutant behavior. A strong correlation was established between electromagnetic anomalies and human activities, including
transportation, logistics, and urbanization.
The study revealed that soil electrical conductivity near railway tracks was three times higher due to coal dust, with peak values reaching
4.8 mS/m in spring. Modified probes improved
measurement accuracy by 28–32 % depending on
the season, enabling precise detection of subsurface pollution patterns.
The findings provide insights into urban pollution dynamics and its long-term effects.
Based on experimental data, recommendations were developed such as transition to
renewable energy will reduce coal dependency
and pollution.
In conclusion, the study highlights key
issues surrounding soil pollution and provides
recommendations to mitigate its effects. This
approach supports sustainable land management, regulatory enforcement, and pollution
mitigation strategies in urban-suburban interfaces worldwide
