Practical Support for Water Conservation Beyond the University Campus: Research on Aquatic Ecosystems in Kazakhstan

In 2024, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University provided practical scientific and expert support for the conservation and sustainable management of water resources beyond the university campus.

This work included field research on aquatic ecosystems, biomonitoring, water sampling and laboratory analysis, environmental mapping, pollution-risk assessment, and the preparation of scientific data for environmental and government organisations.

Biomonitoring of the Lake Alakol Aquatic Ecosystem

From 10 to 29 June 2024, KazNU researchers conducted a scientific field expedition to Lake Alakol in the Zhetysu Region under project AP19674623, “An Innovative Multi-Spatial Integrated Approach to the Biomonitoring of the Saline Ecosystems of Lake Alakol.”

The research was carried out jointly with the Alakol State Nature Reserve under the Forestry and Wildlife Committee of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Institute of Zoology of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Cooperation between KazNU and the Alakol State Nature Reserve was formalised through a scientific cooperation agreement dated 2 May 2024.

The practical off-campus activities included:

• field studies of Lake Alakol and its tributaries;
• collection and analysis of water samples;
• study of aquatic and riparian vegetation;
• monitoring of algal flora and waterbirds;
• route reconnaissance surveys;
• collection of spatial data using GPS;
• processing of Earth observation data;
• development of geospatial data on the condition of the aquatic ecosystem.

The project resulted in comprehensive monitoring of Lake Alakol and its tributaries. More than 25,900 biodiversity records were compiled, and the condition of aquatic and riparian ecosystems was assessed.

The project also established a scientific and technical basis for the long-term monitoring, adaptive management and conservation of the region’s wetlands.

The resulting data support the activities of the Alakol State Nature Reserve and other government and environmental organisations in monitoring the condition of the lake, identifying anthropogenic pressures and developing evidence-based measures to conserve the aquatic ecosystem.

Research on the Ile River and the Kapshagai Reservoir

In 2024, KazNU continued practical research on the Ile River and the Kapshagai Reservoir under project AP14869740, “Biotesting of Water and Bottom Sediments of the Ile River and Kapshagai Reservoir and Forecasting Environmental Risks to the Biodiversity of the Ecosystems Under Study.”

Samples of surface water and bottom sediments were collected and analysed at different locations. KazNU researchers:

• conducted physicochemical analyses of water and bottom sediments;
• determined concentrations of heavy metals, nitrites and nitrates;
• conducted biotesting of the toxic effects of pollutants;
• assessed environmental and toxicogenetic risks;
• mapped the surveyed locations according to their levels of contamination.

The research identified the presence of heavy metals in surface water and bottom sediments. At certain locations, concentrations of lead, zinc and copper exceeded the relevant standards, while elevated concentrations of nitrites and nitrates were also recorded.

Based on the results, KazNU identified the most environmentally vulnerable areas of the Kapshagai Reservoir. Areas near the dam and the city of Konaev, as well as the south-western and south-eastern sections of the reservoir, were classified as having the highest environmental and toxicological risks.

The monitoring and environmental mapping results provide a scientific basis for planning measures to prevent pollution and conserve the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems.

Scientific and Expert Support During Flooding in Western Kazakhstan

In April 2024, researchers from the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences at KazNU participated in the work of an emergency response team monitoring the flood situation in the Zhaiyk River basin.

From 15 to 20 April 2024, KazNU specialists conducted the following activities in the Atyrau Region:

• hydrological field surveys;
• instrumental measurements using hydrometric equipment;
• echo-sounder surveys using an unmanned aerial vehicle;
• GNSS measurements;
• assessment of river channels and their discharge capacity;
• analysis of flood-wave movement;
• preparation and analysis of cross-sections at hydrological monitoring stations;
• preparation of cartographic materials.

Based on operational data and field surveys, recommendations were prepared concerning the expected arrival of maximum water discharge in the city of Atyrau and the discharge capacity of river channels.

This work represented practical scientific and expert support from KazNU to government bodies responsible for reducing water-related risks and protecting communities and territories.

International Cooperation in Water Conservation

In December 2024, KazNU became the only university in Central Asia to join the international One Water Vision scientific initiative.

Participation in this initiative expands the university’s capacity to use Earth observation data, monitor the quantity and quality of surface water and groundwater, develop early-warning systems for water-related risks, and promote measures to conserve the North Aral Sea.

Thus, KazNU’s activities in 2024 were not limited to research conducted within the university. They included practical fieldwork, analysis and expert support at Lake Alakol, the Ile River, the Kapshagai Reservoir and the Zhaiyk River basin.

The results provide a scientific basis for protecting aquatic ecosystems, preventing pollution, managing natural resources and supporting evidence-based decision-making by government and environmental organisations.

Supporting Evidence

1. KazNU scientific field expedition to Lake Alakol, 10–29 June 2024:
   https://farabi.university/news/89281?lang=ru
2. Government project record and final results of project AP19674623 on Lake Alakol biomonitoring:
   https://is.ncste.kz/icard/view/23521
3. Publication confirming the scientific cooperation agreement with the Alakol State Nature Reserve dated 2 May 2024:
   https://doi.org/10.71130/spir-2024-1-36-40
4. Government record of the research project on the Ile River and Kapshagai Reservoir:
   https://is.ncste.kz/icard/view/17395
5. KazNU information on project AP14869740:
   https://farabi.university/storage/files/382498250365d5902e5d4e0440176221_%D0%A8%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%85%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%20%D1%80%D1%83%D1%81.pdf
6. KazNU field research and expert recommendations concerning flooding in the Zhaiyk River basin:
   https://farabi.university/news/88238?lang=kz
7. KazNU’s participation in One Water Vision and promotion of the conservation of the North Aral Sea:
   https://farabi.university/news/92911
8. Independent confirmation of KazNU’s activities in the 2024 Central Asia Water Yearbook:
   https://www.cawater-info.net/yearbook/2024/09_yearbook2024_ru.htm

Reporting period: 2024.
Responsible units: Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences; Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology; Research Institute of Biology and Biotechnology at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
Areas receiving practical support: Zhetysu Region, Almaty Region, Atyrau Region and the aquatic ecosystems of the North Aral Sea.