Episodic Air Pollution and Environmental Pressures from Industrialization in Qaragandy City, Central Kazakhstan

GULDEN ORMANOVA, Philip K. Hopke, Fatma Ozturk, Alexey Alexeyev, Yertay Otarov, Nurxat Nuraje, Renewable Energy Laboratory, National Laboratory Astana

     Abstract Number: 246
     Working Group: Urban Aerosols

Abstract
Since attaining independence following the post-Soviet era, Kazakhstan has experienced fast industrialization, making it one of the most polluted countries with high PM_2.5 concentrations.

Qaragandy, a major industrial hub in Central Kazakhstan, is located adjacent to one of the world’s largest coal basins, producing approximately 30 million tons of coal annually. In addition to coal mining, the region hosts large-scale operations for the extraction of copper and polymetallic ores, heavy engineering industries, and Kazakhstan’s largest steelmaking enterprise in nearby Temirtau. In 2024, atmospheric monitoring in Qaragandy was conducted using three automated stations that tracked PM_2.5, PM₁₀, SO₂, CO, NO, NO₂, H₂S, and HCHO. A total of 585 thousand tons of pollutants were emitted from 332 stationary sources, with additional contributions from coal-fired stoves, autonomous boilers, motor vehicles, the burning of coal in private households during the cold season and long-term combustion systems. The city experienced 106 days of stagnant weather and accumulation of pollutants, with episodes forming over several days. Currently, the air quality in Kazakhstan's cities does not meet World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, since the recommendations of WHO and Kazakhstan on air quality differ, Kazakhstan utilizes antiquated one-time Maximum Permissible Concentration (MPC), which has a detrimental effect on the health of the population.

Episodic observations revealed cases of severe pollution, in particular, observations at station No. 8 confirmed cases of critical pollution during the heating season (especially in December and January), indicating 8 cases of high pollution for PM₁₀ (10.4–14.2 MPC) and 190 cases for PM₂.₅ (10.0–26.6 MPC), registered as episodes of extremely high pollution.

This study emphasizes the critical need for scientifically grounded air quality research, increased monitoring infrastructure, and transparent reporting. Addressing these gaps is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies that safeguard the environment and public health in Kazakhstan’s industrial heartland.