ASSESSMENT OF THE STABILITY OF THE SOIL COVER TO HYDROCARBON POLLUTION IN THE TERRITORY OF THE ONSHORE COMPLEX OF THE KASHAGAN FIELD

Abstract

The development and operation of the Kashagan offshore hydrocarbon deposit is accompanied by man-made impacts not only in the Caspian Sea, but also on the coast, which is associated with the creation of an onshore infrastructure for the delivery of hydrocarbons to the consumer. Man-made impacts are complex and lead to mechanical and chemical disruption of natural landscapes. The water-air regime is deteriorating, the migration ability of elements and the geochemical balance are changing. There is also a deterioration in the growth and development of vegetation, the death of soil biota. The conducted research made it possible to determine the degree of mechanical disturbance and chemical contamination of the soil cover and to assess the soil resistance of the territory of the location of the Kashagan field's surface facilities in the area of the SPZ IOaGTP Bolashak to chemical contamination. The soil cover on the territory of IOaGTP is characterized by complexity and is represented by 12 types of soils with signs of salinity and salinity. Soils are characterized by low availability of nutrients and have low agricultural production potential or are completely unsuitable for farming. The soil cover of the territory is characterized by a high degree of self-purification from hydrocarbons.