Impact of forest fire on the heavy metal content in the soil cover of the Amankaragay pine forest, Kostanay Region

Abstract

The soils of the Amankaragay Pine Forest in the Kostanay Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which experienced a large forest fire in September 2022, were studied. Research on the impact of forest fires on the soil cover of pine forests is conducted worldwide, but there is a lack of studies on island-like pine forests growing on eolian sand masses in dry steppe zones. In this study, we analyzed the heavy metal content one year after the intense forest fire. Soil samples were collected from both control plots and areas affected by the fire. Our results showed significant changes in soil characteristics in the burned areas compared to the control sites. The content of heavy metals such as aluminum, cadmium, chromium, iron, manganese, lead, vanadium, zinc, and mercury was examined. Heavy metal content was determined using the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy method. The obtained data on the content and accumulation of heavy metals reflect the distribution patterns in both control and fire-affected key sites. Understanding changes in heavy metal content in the soil cover is essential for planning forest stand restoration efforts after fires. The results of this study may serve as a basis for developing forest management strategies post-fire.