CHELATION OF HEAVY METALS IN CONTAMINATED SOILS OF MINING REGIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN USING VERMICOMPOST

https://doi.org/10.48498/minmag.2026.251.3.001

This study examines soil contamination by heavy metals in mining regions and evaluates the effect of vermicompost on their immobilisation. The accumulation of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn in Kazakhstan is associated with intensive mining and metallurgical activities, leading to soil degradation. Vermicompost produced with the participation of Eisenia fetida contains humic substances that promote metal chelation. It was found that its application reduces the mobility of heavy metals and increases the organic matter content in soil. The concentration of mobile Pb decreased from 120 to 40 mg/kg, with similar trends observed for Cd, Cu, and Zn. The effect is attributed to the formation of stable organometallic complexes. Vermicompost is shown to be an effective and environmentally friendly method for soil remediation.

*D.K. Sunakbaeva, D.Kh. Yuldashbek, K.U. Aitekova, D.D. Kenzhaliyev