Cities have become a relevant object of study for human impact on nature due to the fast development of urbanization and anthropogenic global climate change. In this regard, we will analyze the impact of urbanization processes in the city of Astana on climate change using Geographic Information System (GIS) in this review article. This paper seeks to detect the effects of urbanization, spatial arrangement and land-use changes on local microclimate and to find a structural similarity. This paper discusses relevant experiences in China, USA, Germany and South Korea on the influence of urbanization on air temperature, heat balance, relative humidity and surface albedo in the microclimate. Active and passive remote sensing, meteorology and computer modeling are actively used, including the usage of GIS technologies to integrate various environmental data sources and analyze the spatial heterogeneity of key climate parameters (e.g. surface temperature). Satellite image analysis (Landsat, MODIS) and local meteorological data show that the urban heat island in the city of Astana is quite intense, due to a very high building density, a large area of artificial surfaces, and a small area of vegetation and water bodies. The results of the study show that spatial analysis can assist in defining the most critical places in need of thermal stress mitigation and potential places for ecological restoration, as well as helping urban planning by defining and implementing strategies to reduce the effects of urbanization on the city microclimate. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader understanding of urban climate management and offers practical insights for the adaptation of rapidly developing cities to ongoing climate challenges.

Urban soil is one of the most polluted components of the environment. An increase in anthropogenic load on urban soils, as well as pollution by various wastes, the accumulation and compaction of particularly dangerous non-recyclable substances, covering the soil surface with a waterproof layer during construction provoke a violation of the structure and a change in the physical and chemical composition of the soil. Soil serves as a natural filter that absorbs and neutralizes toxic substances released by anthropogenic influences. This activity occurs at different levels depending on the mechanical and granulometric characteristics of the soil. Therefore, when studying the state of pollution of urban soils, it is necessary to pay attention to the species composition of soils. This article provides an assessment of the granulometric characteristics of soils in Astana. In the city of Astana, soil samples were analyzed from the microdistricts of Saryarka, Baikonur, Almaty, Yesil, Nura (60 points in total). The soils of the territory of the city of Astana are represented by the following types: dark chestnut soils and their varieties, meadow-chestnut soils and their varieties, solonchaks and urbanozems; according to the granulometric composition of the soil, they are represented by heavy, medium and light loams.

Reclaimed and conserved uranium mining sites continue to exert a significant impact on the environment even after the cessation of mining activities, particularly on surface water bodies. This study evaluates the influence of the conserved Shantobe uranium mine, located in the Akmola Region, on the contamination of the Kutunguz River with natural radionuclides. In most water samples from the Kutunguz River, gross alpha activity exceeds both national drinking water sanitary standards and the guideline values recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Gross beta activity in all water samples remained below the regulatory (screening) limits. Analysis of radionuclide concentrations in river water revealed that, in particular at sampling point No. 3, uranium isotope levels are significantly elevated compared to the background site, with 234U concentrations higher by a factor of 9 and 238U by a factor of 19. The distribution coefficients between bottom sediments and water indicate high mobility of uranium isotopes in the aqueous phase, whereas radium isotopes tend to accumulate predominantly in bottom sediments and show a weak correlation with their concentrations in water.The results of this study highlight the necessity for long-term monitoring of the river (seasonal and sequential) and confirm the radioecological impact of the region’s “uranium legacy” on aquatic ecosystems.

Assessing the bioenergetic productivity of agricultural landscapes is essential for their sustainable management and for identifying spatial variation. This study aims to develop a methodological approach to evaluating the biological, ecological, and bioclimatic productivity of the soil and vegetation cover in the Karaganda Region. Using long-term climatic data for 1981-2023 provided by the Republican State Enterprise Kazhydromet, the study applies systems analysis, comparative analysis, expert assessment, and mathematical modelling. Harrington’s generalised desirability function is used as an integrated indicator to convert measured values of individual variables with different physical properties and units into a common dimensionless desirability scale. The mathematical modelling of climatic, biological, and soil processes offers several advantages over previous approaches. First, the principal climatic and environmental factors governing the productivity of the soil and vegetation cover were identified. Second, mathematical model was developed to assess each of the main environmental indicators. Third, the environmental functions of the study area were expressed through indices of soil and vegetation productivity.

Urbanisation and industrial development significantly increase the risk of heavy metal contamination in soil, particularly in rapidly growing cities such as Astana, Kazakhstan. Urban soils accumulate pollutants through traffic emissions, industrial discharges, and construction activities, which may pose risks to ecosystems and human health. Therefore, it is critical to assess the spatial distribution and concentration of hazardous metals to support environmental decision-making and sustainable land management. This study focuses on evaluating the spatial distribution of cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) in the surface soils of Astana. A total of 25 soil samples were collected from different functional zones of the city. The samples were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Spatial interpolation was performed using the kriging method in ArcGIS 10.8 to generate distribution maps. The results demonstrated spatial heterogeneity in heavy metal distribution across the city. Elevated concentrations of Cd, Zn, Cr, and Pb were primarily found in the Esil, Almaty, and Saryarka districts, which correspond to areas of high vehicular traffic, dense urban infrastructure, and industrial activity. Copper displayed a more localized pattern with scattered hotspots. Although all values were within national and international permissible limits, several areas showed levels exceeding natural background values, suggesting anthropogenic influence and the potential for long-term ecological impact. The study highlights key areas of concern and provides an environmental zoning approach that can aid urban planners and environmental authorities in prioritizing mitigation efforts. The integration of GIS-based spatial analysis with contamination assessment proves effective for supporting sustainable urban development and targeted soil remediation in Astana.