Abstract
The groundwater salinisation issue in Western Kazakhstan is critical due to its detrimental impact on agricultural animal health and farm productivity, necessitating the development of cost-effective and environmentally friendly water treatment methods. The use of diatomite-based sorbents offers a cost-effective and ecologically safe alternative for sustainable groundwater purification in agricultural and industrial contexts. The purpose of the study was to develop technologies for the purification and desalination of groundwater using a natural siliceous sorbent based on diatomite to ensure the safety of water for watering farm animals. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive analysis of the diatomite was carried out using lithological and petrographic studies, scanning electron microscopy, differential thermal analysis, X-ray fluorescence analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. As a result of the study, it was found that diatomite contains various components, including aluminium, iron, calcium oxides, and other minerals. A study with the addition of activated carbon demonstrated an improvement in the adsorption properties of diatomite, increasing the degree of groundwater purification by 35-37%. Differential thermal analysis revealed that modification of the material at 450°C preserves its structural and functional characteristics, which is critically important for effective water purification. X-ray fluorescence analysis confirmed the presence of an optimal ratio of elements in the complex sorbent, which ensures high efficiency of the purification process. This makes it a suitable material not only for technical needs, but also for watering animals, ensuring the preservation of their health. Due to its low cost, the sorbent can be used for water purification in agriculture and fish farming, industrial water treatment, energy, municipal services, food and chemical industries, and in the private sector.