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<p>Water contamination from mining activities poses a significant environmental and public health concern, particularly in settlements near uranium processing facilities and former gold-mining sites in the Akmola region of Northern Kazakhstan. The aims of the study were to assess groundwater and surface water contamination, identify the main sources of pollution, and evaluate associated human health risks in mining-affected areas. Water samples were collected from various sources, including private wells, boreholes, the river, and talwegs near the tailings dump. Concentrations of heavy metals and radionuclides were determined using ICP-MS, while major cations and anions were analyzed to characterize hydrochemical conditions. The results show that uranium concentrations ranged from 0.8 ± 0.006 to 970 ± 50&#xa0;μg/L, with several samples exceeding the guideline value. Elevated concentrations of sodium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, and sulfate were observed, particularly in water sources influenced by tailings, indicating significant mineralization and geochemical contamination processes. The health risk assessment revealed that uranium is the dominant contributor to non-carcinogenic risk, with hazard index values exceeding 1 in several locations. Continuous monitoring, restricting access to contaminated water sources, and implementing remediation strategies are recommended to reduce exposure in the affected area.</p>

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Heavy metals contamination in groundwater and surface water in the settlements located near uranium industry facilities and former gold-mining territory in Akmola region, Northern Kazakhstan

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月28日

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  • Danara Ibrayeva,
  • Ainur Pirmanova,
  • Yerlan Kashkinbayev,
  • Meirat Bakhtin,
  • Polat Kazymbet

摘要

Water contamination from mining activities poses a significant environmental and public health concern, particularly in settlements near uranium processing facilities and former gold-mining sites in the Akmola region of Northern Kazakhstan. The aims of the study were to assess groundwater and surface water contamination, identify the main sources of pollution, and evaluate associated human health risks in mining-affected areas. Water samples were collected from various sources, including private wells, boreholes, the river, and talwegs near the tailings dump. Concentrations of heavy metals and radionuclides were determined using ICP-MS, while major cations and anions were analyzed to characterize hydrochemical conditions. The results show that uranium concentrations ranged from 0.8 ± 0.006 to 970 ± 50 μg/L, with several samples exceeding the guideline value. Elevated concentrations of sodium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, and sulfate were observed, particularly in water sources influenced by tailings, indicating significant mineralization and geochemical contamination processes. The health risk assessment revealed that uranium is the dominant contributor to non-carcinogenic risk, with hazard index values exceeding 1 in several locations. Continuous monitoring, restricting access to contaminated water sources, and implementing remediation strategies are recommended to reduce exposure in the affected area.