ASSESSMENT OF COMPOSITION OF HAIR OF THE POPULATION LIVING IN THE GOLD-MINING AREAS OF THE AKMOLA REGION AS AN INDICATOR OF GEOCHEMICAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACT

Authors

DOI:

10.26577/EJE87220264

Abstract

The study of the elemental composition of human hair is one of the promising areas of environmental geochemistry and biomonitoring, making it possible to assess the integrated impact of natural and technogenic factors on the human body. Such studies are of particular relevance for mining areas, where a specific geochemical background is formed. The aim of this study is to assess the elemental composition of the hair of the population living in a gold-ore area of the Akmola region and to identify the geochemical and technogenic factors influencing its formation. Particular attention is paid to the levels of element accumulation, their interrelationships, and the identification of characteristic geochemical associations. The study expands understanding of the biogeochemical features of gold-ore territories and also demonstrates that hair can be used as an informative indicator of environmental impact on humans. In the course of the research, hair samples were collected from 25 residents of the Konysbai settlement. Elemental concentrations were determined using the inductively coupled plasma method. Statistical methods, concentration coefficient calculations, as well as correlation and cluster analyses were used for data processing. The study included 12 elements selected with regard to the geological and mineralogical characteristics of the area. The results showed that the elemental composition of hair is characterized by high heterogeneity and variability. The most pronounced enrichment was observed for As, W, Au, and Hg, reflecting the influence of gold-ore mineralization and technogenic processes. Three groups of elements were identified: As-Au, Fe-Ni, and S-W-Pt-Ir-Co-Os, corresponding to different factors involved in the formation of the elemental composition. The study demonstrates that the combination of geochemical and statistical approaches makes it possible to identify element sources more accurately. The obtained results can be used in the organization of regional biogeochemical monitoring, as well as for assessing the ecological condition of gold-ore territories and their possible impact on public health.

Keywords: elemental composition, bioaccumulation, bioindication, technogenic impact, urbanized territories

Author Biographies

  • Lazzat Bermaganbetova, Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Kazakhstan, Kokshetau

    PhD student at Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University

  • Anuarbek Kakabayev, M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University, Kazakhstan, Petropavl

    Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor at M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University

  • Natalia Baranovskaya, Tomsk Polytechnic University, Russia, Tomsk

    Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor at Tomsk Polytechnic University

  • Botagoz Sharipova, Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Kazakhstan, Kokshetau

    PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of Biology and Teaching Methods at Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University

  • Gulim Baikenova, Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Kazakhstan, Kokshetau

    PhD, Associate Professor of the Department of Mining, Construction and Ecology at Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University

  • Amanbek Zandybay, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Kazakhstan, Astana

    Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University

  • Aigul Kurmanbayeva, Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Kazakhstan, Kokshetau

    Candidate of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor at Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University

Published

2026-06-30

Issue

Vol. 87 No. 2 (2026): Eurasian Journal of Ecology

Section

ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS ON BIOTA AND HEALTH OF THE

How to Cite

ASSESSMENT OF COMPOSITION OF HAIR OF THE POPULATION LIVING IN THE GOLD-MINING AREAS OF THE AKMOLA REGION AS AN INDICATOR OF GEOCHEMICAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC IMPACT. (2026). Eurasian Journal of Ecology, 87(2). https://doi.org/10.26577/EJE87220264