Heavy Metals Contamination in Snow Cover of Pavlodar (Kazakhstan)

Abstract

A study of the concentration of heavy metals in snow cover was carried out in Pavlodar in the area of influence of the Pavlodar Petrochemical Plant and other industrial facilities. Significant excesses of background concentrations of manganese, chromium, vanadium and other metals were detected. The distribution of metals in the snow cover showed that the elements have high values near the oil refinery and decrease at a distance of 700 m. The possible influence of other industrial enterprises and the direction of winds from CHP-3 are also noted. Manganese and barium show more stable values, and chromium, zinc, lead and cadmium have increased concentration near JSC “Kaustik”. The total concentration of manganese, strontium, cobalt and arsenic varies slightly across all sites, indicating uniform contamination by these substances. Lead is highest in industrial areas and in populated areas with highways. Aluminum and iron are widespread, with the lowest values in the Zhanaul village at a distance of 3 km from the Petrochemical Plant. The results of the study highlight the importance of controlling and monitoring heavy metal pollution and the need to take measures to reduce anthropogenic impacts on the natural environment.