Scholarly record
TYPING OF TECHNOGENIC ECOTOPES AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ABIOTIC CONDITIONS IN THE AREA OF THE TEKELI TAILING STORAGE FACILITY
Abstract
The territory surrounding the Tekeli polymetallic tailing storage facility (SE Kazakhstan) represents a highly transformed technogenic landscape where natural ecosystems have been replaced by heterogeneous ecotopes with distinct abiotic constraints. This study aims to classify technogenic ecotopes and characterize their abiotic parameters to provide a scientific basis for ecological restoration. Four major ecotopes were identified based on geomorphology, substrate origin, granulometric structure, moisture regime, and heavy metal contamination: 1.tailing-sludge slopes; 2. saline and compacted technogenic plains; 3. colluvial zones at waste-dump footslopes; 4. spontaneously regenerating early-successional phytocenoses. Soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), heavy metal content (Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu), moisture, and granulometric composition were measured using standard methods (AAS, pH-meter, EC-meter, sedimentation analysis). Tailing slopes showed the highest metal loads (Pb 350–620 mg/kg; Zn 900–1500 mg/kg), alkaline pH (7.8–8.6), and low moisture (4–6%). Regenerating ecotopes had lower contamination (Pb 40–90 mg/kg), moderate EC (0.4–1.1 mS/cm), and near-neutral pH. Cluster analysis confirmed clear separation of ecotopes according to abiotic degradation levels. The findings highlight ecotopes with high natural recovery potential and suggest priority zones for phytotechnical reclamation. The results contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals 12, 13, and 15, supporting sustainable land management and combating land degradation in mining-impacted regions.
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References14
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