Citation :

Dilshodbek Kurbiyazov, Davran Allaniyazov, Aktam Erkaev, Akhmed Reymov, "Characterization of Bentonite Clay from the Krantau and Beshtyube Deposits and their Physicochemical Investigation," International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT), vol. 74, no. 9, pp. 236-244, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V74I9P119

Abstract

Nowadays, the production and utilization of traditional chemical fertilizers are associated with a series of issues, such as high resource consumption, significant energy expenditure, and severe environmental pollution, which have brought about non-negligible negative impacts on the growth of green plants and the ecological environment. This document presents a comprehensive study on the characterization and physicochemical investigation of bentonite clay from the Krantau and Beshtyube deposits in Karakalpakstan. The research focuses on utilizing bentonite in the production of complex mixed fertilizers. The study outlines the chemical composition, physicomechanical properties, and mineralogical composition of bentonite clays from these deposits. The research employs various analytical techniques to investigate the bentonite samples. Technologies such as Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Optical Emission Spectrometry utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP-OES) are among these. The findings show that the Krantau bentonite clay is largely made up of sodium montmorillonite, with illite, kaolinite, hydromica, and feldspar also present. The study shows several unique and interesting insights. To begin, the Krantau deposit in Karakalpakstan has a substantial advantage, with bentonite discovered between glauconite layers and projected reserves of approximately 5 million tons. This co-occurrence of bentonite and glauconite may result in more efficient extraction and usage of both minerals. Second, the study underlines bentonite's potential for increasing the effectiveness of mineral fertilizers due to its large specific surface area and high cation exchange capacity. Finally, the study emphasizes the value of indigenous mineral resources in Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan for agricultural uses, which might reduce reliance on imported fertilizers while also boosting sustainable farming practices in the area.

Keywords

Global bentonite reserves, Soil agrochemical properties, Krantau deposit, Beshtyube deposits, Bentonites montmorillonite physico - chemical properties, Agriculture industrial applications.

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