Analysis of the soil cover from the mercury province Aydarken (Kyrgyzstan)

Abstract

Kyrgyzstan holds a prominent position globally as a significant source of antimony and mercury, with considerable scope to enhance the output of these metals. Nevertheless, safety concerns related to mercury possess both ecological and societal consequence, which demand attention. Transport and transformation dynamics of mercury within ecosystems necessitates specific focus. This article elucidates findings from physicalchemical analyses carried out in Mercury Province of Aydarken - situated within Kyrgyzstan’s Batken area - over a span of four years (2013 - 2017). The research delved into exploring different soil types and their individual mechanical components at various sea-level altitudes ranging from 1684 m to 2078 m. The investigation used atomic absorption techniques to gauge levels of mercury concentration in the soil cover; noteworthy observations emerged during this process. It was discerned that across every zone studied, there was an elevated level of concentration compared not only to control plots but also against Maximum Permissible Concentration (MPC) thresholds pertinent for safety standards: this held notably true around areas such as tailing dumps and metallurgical plants with variations observable per proximity from contamination sources.