Scientific and technical program MEGNR RK – У.М. Ахмедсафин атындағы гидрогеология және геоэкология институты

SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL PROGRAM: “GROUNDWATER RESOURCES AS THE MAIN RESERVE OF SUSTAINABLE IRRIGATED AGRICULTURE IN KAZAKHSTAN”.

The purpose of the Program is scientific substantiation and geoinformation support of management decisions on the development and protection of groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan explored for land irrigation.

OVERALL PROGRAM CONCEPT

Based on FAO’s 2018 findings (UN Food and Agriculture Organization), the annual global volume of groundwater extraction for irrigated agriculture is estimated to be 820 km³. This represents a 19 percent rise compared to the 2010 estimate of 688 km³. The portion of freshwater abstraction used for irrigated agriculture from groundwater is over 30 percent, and it continues to increase at a rate of approximately 2.2 percent annually.

By adopting integrated water resources management approaches that combine both groundwater and surface water sources, the vulnerability of communities to extreme climate events and changes can be substantially reduced. Moreover, such approaches can contribute to enhanced water and food security. Utilizing aquifers as natural reservoirs (using managed aquifer recharge systems or MAR systems) provides several advantages, including the avoidance of issues associated with evaporation losses and the adverse impacts on ecosystems that are often associated with large-scale, man-made surface water reservoirs.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

Generalization and analysis of factual data, archive and analytical materials on the peculiarities of the formation of exploitable reserves of groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, explored for land irrigation purposes.
Regional expeditionary research to assess the current state of groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, explored for land irrigation purposes.
Analysis and assessment of trends in changes in storage and renewable resources of groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, explored for land irrigation purposes, under the influence of climatic factors and anthropogenic pressures.
Analysis and assessment of the availability, condition and prospects of groundwater using for ensuring sustainable irrigated agriculture in Kazakhstan.
Creating of a database of groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, explored for land irrigation purposes, assessment of their resource potential for sustainable irrigated agriculture.
Development and creation of a geoinformation-analytical subsystem of exploitable reserves of groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, explored for irrigation, to assessment, forecasting and management decisions on their use and protection for sustainable irrigated agriculture.

Measurable indicators of problem-solving outcomes include:

– Assessment of the unique characteristics, conditions of formation, and security of explotable reserves in 115 groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan explored for land irrigation. These assessments will be conducted across 5 state regions, 8 water management basins, and 17 administrative provinces.

– Regional studies will be carried out in the 17 administrative provinces of Kazakhstan to evaluate the current state of the 115 groundwater deposits explored for land irrigation. The objective of studies is to identify negative processes resulting from anthropogenic and natural-climatic impacts that affect the explotable groundwater reserves.

– Analysis and evaluation of trends in changes related to the natural (storage) reserves and renewable resources of the 115 groundwater well fields in Kazakhstan explored for land irrigation. This assessment considers the influence of climatic factors and anthropogenic pressures.

– Analysis and evaluation of the availability, status, and future prospects for the sustainable use of groundwater reserves in the 115 fields for irrigated agriculture in Kazakhstan. This analysis was conducted at regional (17 administrative provinces, 5 regions), basin (8 water management basins), and national (Republic of Kazakhstan) levels, with a focus on the year 2050.

– Formation of databases for the 115 groundwater well fields in Kazakhstan that have been explored for irrigated agriculture.

– Assessment of the resource potential of the 115 groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, specifically explored for irrigated lands, with regards to sustainable irrigated agriculture. This assessment covers 5 regions, 8 water management basins, and 17 administrative provinces.

– Development and creation of a geo-informational and analytical subsystem that focuses on the explotable groundwater reserves of the 115 groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan explored for irrigation lands. This subsystem enables assessment, forecasting, and decision-making processes for the use and protection of these reserves, promoting sustainable irrigated agriculture.

SCIENTIFIC NOVELTY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROGRAM

The 6th UN Sustainable Development Goal is to ensure the availability and rational use of water resources and sanitation for all by 2030, has been established. The total global freshwater reserves are estimated to be approximately 35 million km³, with groundwater accounting for 30.1% (10.5 million km³) of this total. In contrast, freshwater reserves in rivers and reservoirs constitute less than 0.5% [1]. Due to the scarcity of fresh surface water, many countries are now relying on groundwater resources. Groundwater offers several advantages over surface water. Firstly, it generally exhibits better quality, increased protection against pollution and contamination, and reduced susceptibility to seasonal and multi-year fluctuations. Moreover, in most cases, the use of groundwater does not require expensive water treatment measures.

In the past 25-30 years, global drilling activities for groundwater extraction have resulted the creation of more than 300 million wells. The annual worldwide withdrawal of groundwater reached an estimated 959 km³ (equivalent to over 30,000 m³/s) as of 2017, with Asia being responsible for 68.5% of this total. Within Asia, eight out of the top ten countries with the highest proportion of groundwater abstraction (accounting for 75% of the total volume) are located. These countries, listed in descending order, are India, China, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Notably, in Asia, 76% of the withdrawn groundwater is utilized for agricultural purposes, specifically for regular irrigation.

Integrated water resources management approaches that integrate groundwater and surface water can significantly reduce human vulnerability to extreme climate events and changes, and contribute to enhanced water and food security. According to expert estimates, the joint use of groundwater and surface water, where surface water is used for irrigation and water supply during wet periods and groundwater during drought periods, is of paramount importance. The existing uncertainties in water resource forecasts and the longer (century-long) accumulation of fresh water in aquifers play an important role in setting and implementing sustainable development goals. The use of aquifers as natural reservoirs avoids many of the problems associated with evaporation losses and impacts on ecosystems that are caused by large and man-made surface reservoirs.

Further research is necessary to unveil the intricate connection between groundwater availability, ecosystem health, and groundwater management policies to prevent regional land degradation. The desertification process in extensive areas of Kazakhstan is accompanied by various detrimental effects such as soil contamination, waterlogging from both surface and groundwater sources, soil salinization, erosion caused by water and wind, deterioration of vegetation cover, desiccation, and the overall decline in the region’s ecological capacity.

The projected water demand rise attributed to climate change primarily stems from the expansion of agricultural and landscape irrigation activities, driven by the escalating potential evapotranspiration rates. Modeling studies indicate that the Central Asian region is expected to reach peak water usage around 2050, followed by a significant decline in runoff. This shift will lead to a heightened occurrence of extreme floods and droughts, exacerbating overall water scarcity issues.

The sustainable development of the economy in Kazakhstan and the well-being of its population heavily rely on the availability and quality of water resources. The total average multi-year runoff from rivers and temporary streams, considering the current water withdrawals by the People’s Republic of China from the Ertis and Ile Rivers, is estimated to be 100.58 km³. Within this estimate, approximately 55.94 km³ (55.6%) is generated within Kazakhstan’s borders, while the remaining 44.64 km³ (44.4%) originates from outside the country. The distribution of surface water resources across the nation is highly uneven and subject to significant year-to-year and seasonal variability in volume. The transit river basins, namely Ertis, Ile, Syrdarya, and Zhaiyk, receive the majority of water resources. However, the Mangistau region experiences negligible local surface runoff.

Disposable water resources are of significant importance as they determine the potential utilization of river flow in various economic sectors. Their value is calculated by considering the disparity between water resources and the obligatory costs associated with runoff. These costs encompass mandatory releases to neighboring countries, evaporation and filtration losses, environmental sanitary releases to downstream areas, and other forms of loss. Looking ahead, the projected available water resources for Kazakhstan are as follows: in dry years, it is estimated to be 10 km³ by 2030 and 9.9 km³ by 2040; in average water years, the figures are 20.4 km³ by 2030 and 23.1 km³ by 2040; in high water years, it is anticipated to be 30 km³ by 2030 and 29.7 km³ by 2040.

The uneven distribution of surface water resources across the country, particularly those suitable for utilization, leads to a shortage of freshwater. This deficit can be addressed through the prudent exploitation of groundwater resources, which are characterized by higher quality, greater protection against pollution, and wider distribution. Consequently, groundwater serves as a crucial mineral resource for Kazakhstan and plays a strategic role in ensuring water security.

Through extensive scientific research, the scientists at the Akhmedsafin Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geoscience have uncovered the fundamental patterns governing the formation and distribution of groundwater resources within the depths of Kazakhstan. The country is blessed with abundant groundwater reserves. According to assessments by local hydrogeologists, the natural (storage) stocks of groundwater in Kazakhstan exceed 2600 km³, which is 26 times greater than the average annual volume of river runoff or 58 times larger than the volume of river runoff generated within the country. The resource potential of the country’s groundwater is evaluated based on both predicted resources, representing the potential use of groundwater, and explotable reserves identified at specific locations. The methodology employed to estimate the predicted resources of groundwater in Kazakhstan aims to determine the potential volume of groundwater extraction in hydrogeological regions, river basins, administrative areas, and other geographical units. The ratio of operational groundwater reserves to the predicted resources of a particular hydrogeological structure serves as an indicator of its level of exploration .

The cumulative volume of groundwater resources with a salinity level of up to 10 g/L amounts to 64 km³ per year. This includes freshwater (up to 1.0 g/L) accounting for 40.4 km³ per year and slightly saline water (1.0-3.0 g/L) equal to 16.4 km³ per year. As a whole, the projected resources of freshwater and brackish groundwater are estimated at 56.8 km³ per year, which is comparable to the average annual local surface runoff and surpasses the availability of surface water resources for utilization.

The assessment of the viability of utilizing groundwater resources relies on data concerning their operational reserves, which define their significance as a mineral resource. Within the country’s borders, there exist over 4000 examined deposits and groundwater areas, with exploitable reserves estimated at approximately 15 km³ per year, corresponding to an exploration level of about 37%. The hydrogeological characteristics of the Republic have resulted in an uneven territorial distribution of fresh groundwater reserves. Consequently, around 50% of the resources are concentrated in the southern regions, while 30% are found in the central, northern, and eastern areas, and less than 20% are situated in the west.

During the 1970s and 1980s, approximately 115 groundwater deposits and sites were explored and investigated in Kazakhstan for the purpose of irrigating state-owned lands. These locations possess a combined exploitable reserve of 7.8 km³ per year or 247.2 m³/s, which accounts for over 50% of the total reserves. The distribution of these reserves across the country’s regions is uneven, with the Southern region containing 64.6%, the Eastern region comprising 15.5%, the Northern region encompassing 14.8%, the Western region representing 3.1%, and the Central region constituting 2.0%.

According to the Committee on Water Resources of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the annual groundwater abstraction in the past decade ranged from 1.02 to 1.08 km³, accounting for 3.7-5.0% of the total annual water intake in the country. This withdrawal represents approximately 7% of the exploitable groundwater reserves. In terms of agricultural water supply, approximately 0.15-0.21 km³/year of groundwater is withdrawn, which corresponds to 8-15% of the total annual withdrawal. Out of this amount, only 0.02-0.009 km³/year is allocated for regular irrigation. Consequently, the resource potential of groundwater remains largely untapped in the agricultural sector. These figures highlight the relatively low use of groundwater resources in Kazakhstan compared to developed countries in Europe and Asia. It is necessary to note the ongoing project of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on the rehabilitation of 264 canals and 46 groundwater wells in the Zhambyl administrative region of Kazakhstan to increase the area of irrigated lands.

The limited availability of specific studies on groundwater currently hinders the understanding of the dynamic relationship between groundwater and its potential for irrigation.

Water shortage is highlighted among the main global challenges in the “Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy”. The need to improve the efficiency of use and protection of water resources is noted in the list of the state tasks of the 6^th Policy – “Green” economy and environmental protection of the Strategic Development Plan of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2025. The research results are relevant for ensuring water security in Kazakhstan in dry periods providing the existence of transboundary threats to reduce available surface water resources and further sustainable social and economic development of the country. The results of the Program will contribute to the implementation of the tasks of the General Scheme for the Organization of the Territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Strategic Development Plan of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 2025, Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy: a new political course of the established state, the General Scheme for the Integrated Use and Protection of Water Resources, the National Projects – “Green Kazakhstan” and “Technological breakthrough through digitalization, science and innovation”.

MAIN RESULTS FOR 2023 :

The resource potential of groundwater deposits explored for land irrigation was assessed in 4 administrative regions of Western Kazakhstan (Aktobe, Atyrau, West Kazakhstan and Mangystau) and the Zhaiyk-Caspian water basin.

Regional expeditionary studies were carried out to assess the current state of groundwater deposits explored for land irrigation, with sampling of groundwater and soils for chemical and laboratory studies in 4 administrative regions of Western Kazakhstan and the Zhaiyk-Caspian water basin. Ground field surveys were carried out in November 2023 by 4 field teams within the Aktobe, Mangistau, Atyrau and West Kazakhstan regions. The total length of route surveys was up to 7777 km, 30 wells were examined and 23 water samples were taken, as well as 36 soil samples. In general, we can conclude that, from an ecological point of view, the condition of the groundwater deposit areas is in good condition. No subsidence of soils or ground surface was detected. There are no processes of soil salinization or oppression of flora. From a sanitary point of view, no probable foci of soil and groundwater contamination have been identified.

The total value of exploitable groundwater reserves in the Western region is estimated at 1.09 km³/year, including with mineralization up to 1 g/l – 0.60 km³/year. The region’s exploration of fresh groundwater is 22.7%. For the purpose of land irrigation, 8 groundwater deposits have been explored with the value of operational reserves – 200.34 thousand m³/day.

The system was filled with data from operational reserves of groundwater deposits in the administrative regions of Western Kazakhstan (Aktobe, Atyrau, West Kazakhstan and Mangistau) and the Zhaiyk-Caspian water basin. The system was created in ArcGIS. All information presented in GIAS is contained in semantic and graphical databases and a document database. An effective means of visualizing information is to present tabular information in the form of diagrams associated with certain territories on the map (regions, water basins, etc.). This forms the integrity of the idea of the studied object of the underground hydrosphere. The GIAS structure is not rigid and can be supplemented or changed in the process of solving practical hydrogeological problems. The results obtained correspond to the standards accepted for GIS. The content of GIAS satisfies all the requirements for the presentation of specialized hydrogeological information.

Composition of the research team conducting scientific research, including foreign scientists and young researchers

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EXECUTOR OF THE PROGRAM:

Ahmedsafin Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geoscience LLP.

THE PROGRAM IS AIMED at scientific substantiation and geo-information and analytical support of sustainable drinking water supply to the population of the Republic of Kazakhstan due to the fresh groundwater resources.

OBJECTIVES:

1) Assessment of the features in formation of renewable and predicted resources of fresh and slightly saline groundwater in the Republic of Kazakhstan in conditions of climatic and anthropogenic changes.

2) Regional studies to identify, prevent, mitigate or eliminate negative processes affecting groundwater resources as a result of anthropogenic and natural and climatic influences.

3) Assessment of availability, state and prospects of using fresh and slightly saline groundwater resources for drinking water supply to urbanized and rural areas of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

4) Substantiation of prospective water demand and development of scenarios for sustainable drinking water supply to large and small cities, rural settlements.

5) Substantiation of options for drinking water supply to the urban and rural population in emergencies of a natural and man-made type.

6) Development of scenarios to manage the fresh groundwater resources in the event of transboundary threats.

7) Justification of ways to transfer the fresh groundwater for drinking purposes to water-deficient regions.

8) Development of recommendations to prevent, weaken or eliminate the negative processes affecting groundwater resources as a result of anthropogenic and natural and climatic influences.

9) Organization of the state reserve fund of undeveloped explored deposits of fresh groundwater.

10) Justification of the organization and creation of underground reservoirs to collect and store the flood runoff and meltwater.

11) Development and creation of a geo-information and analytical subsystem of fresh groundwater resources of drinking quality for assessing, forecasting and making managerial decisions on their use and protection.

RELEVANCE:

Many countries have had to use groundwater more frequently due to the shortage of fresh surface water. This is explained by the fact that groundwater, as a source of water supply, has a number of advantages over surface water. As a rule, groundwater is of better quality, more protected from pollution and contamination, less susceptible to seasonal and long-term fluctuations, and generally, its use does not require expensive water treatment measures. The trend of the maximum possible use of groundwater for drinking water supply to the population, especially due to the increased incidence of unforeseen (emergency) pollution of surface water sources, is currently becoming a determining factor in the overall global strategy of increasing the reliability of drinking water supply systems.

The relevance of the fresh groundwater resources development in Kazakhstan is increasing when solving the problems of acute water shortage. This problem was highlighted among the main global challenges in the 2050-Kazakhstan Strategy: “Water is an extremely limited resource and the struggle for possession of its sources is already becoming a major factor in geopolitics being one of the causes of stress and conflicts on the planet.” It was noted that “The problem of water supply is acute in our country. We do not have enough quality drinking water. A number of regions are in dire need of it”. The list of state tasks of the 6th Policy – “Green” economy and environmental protection of the 2025-Strategic Development Plan of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the need to improve the efficiency of use and protection of water resources is highlighted.

The expected outcomes of the Program are aimed at effective management of national fresh groundwater resources to ensure sustainable drinking water supply for the country’s population in the long term. The research results will make a scientific and applied contribution to the development of arid hydrogeology in terms of the management of fresh groundwater resources to ensure sustainable drinking water supply for the population in the long term.

Argumentation of scenarios and options for effective development of proven fresh groundwater reserves contributes to an increase in the volume of available water resources within the implementation of state programs; attracting investments of national companies and private enterprises in the implementation of projects for centralized drinking water supply systems for urban and rural populations; improving the conditions for water supply to regions that suffer from a shortage of drinking water.

The social effect includes solving the problems of shortage of clean fresh water; increasing coverage of urban and rural population with centralized drinking water supply systems; practical implementation of scientifically grounded assessment and recommendation materials; ensuring public health; increasing the sustainability of water supply to the population and economic sectors; increasing national water security and sustainable development of the country.

INFORMATION about the program executors’ qualification and work experience, main publications, Hirsch Index, references to the profile in the database, role in achieving the goal and getting the expected results

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SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL PROGRAM: BR10965134 «ASSESSMENT OF FRESH GROUNDWATER RESOURCES AS THE PRINCIPAL SOURCE AND LONG-TERM RESERVE OF SUSTAINABLE DRINKING WATER SUPPLY TO THE POPULATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN».

MAIN RESULTS 2023

The following groundwater basins of the first order are characterized by the largest value of the predicted operational resources of fresh and slightly brackish groundwater, thousand m³/day: Zhetysu-Alatau – Balkash with the total amount of fresh and slightly brackish groundwater in the amount of 46,334.03; Priaralo-Torgai-Shu-Sarysusky – 27,400.950; Syrdarya – 19,826.60; West Siberian – 14,555.13 Zharmino-Rudno-Altai – 9,493.21. Insignificant values of the predicted operational resources of fresh and slightly brackish groundwater are noted in the territories of the basins, thousand m3/day: Amudarya – 78.95; Mangistausky – 219.37 and Shu-Ili – 479.35.

The predicted groundwater resources for the entire territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan with mineralization up to 10 g/dm are 176,105.5 thousand m³/day, including with mineralization, g/dm: up to 1– 110 789,2; 1-3 – 44 943,0; 3-10– 20 373,30.

Fresh groundwater takes up 63%, and slightly brackish groundwater with a mineralization of 1-3 g/l – 25.5% of the total predicted resources. The main fresh groundwater resources, about 60% of the total predicted groundwater resources with mineralization up to 1 g/dm³ across the territory of Kazakhstan, are concentrated in Southern Kazakhstan, 14% in Eastern Kazakhstan, 13.3% Within the specified hydrogeological regions, uneven distribution is also noted by area of fresh and slightly brackish groundwater, with the presence of areas with its deficiency.

The largest value of the predicted operational resources of freshwater with mineralization up to 1 g/dm³ administrative regions are characterized, thousand m³/day: Zhetysu – 21963.3; Almaty – 17160.8; Zhambyl – 14933.0; Pavlodar – 10558.9; East Kazakhstan – 9680.7; Turkestan – 8461.1. Natural groundwater resources in the regions, thousand m³/day: Zhetysu – 22819.26; Almaty – 16096.43; Zhambyl -12004.02; Turkestan – 8221.22; East Kazakhstan – 8219.59. The predicted operating resources of freshwater with mineralization up to 1 g/dm³ in the following regions, thousand m³/day, are significantly smaller in size: Atyrau – 116.1; North Kazakhstan – 351.1 and Mangistau – 1372.0.

The studies carried out in the territories of hydrogeological regions and first-order basins did not reveal practically significant influences of natural-climatic changes and technogenesis processes on the amount of groundwater resources. This makes it possible to consider the values of the predicted operational resources of groundwater at this stage to be relatively constant.

The current use of groundwater for various purposes does not exceed 10% of its identified operational reserves. The amount of operational groundwater reserves explored for domestic and drinking water supply amounted to 20,243.047 thousand m³/day or 1,0 m³/day per person, and fresh groundwater suitable for drinking water supply – 38 977,346 thousand m³/day or 1,9 m³/day per person. At the same time, due to the extremely uneven distribution of their reserves across the territory of Kazakhstan, in a number of regions, significant difficulties arise in organizing centralized water supply.

In connection with the problem of shortage of fresh water of drinking quality, it is proposed to change the intended purpose of part of the operational reserves of fresh groundwater deposits, explored for irrigation or for drinking water supply, but not exploited, and use them to cover the deficit in fresh drinking water in some territories of the Northern, Central and Western Kazakhstan. The total operational reserves for these fields, groundwater, which is proposed for transfer to water-scarce areas, amounted to 9702.3, thousand m³/day or 3,54 km³/year, and modern water intake does not exceed 519.96 thousand m³/day (0,19 km³/year) or 7.2% of the operational groundwater reserves. The total deficit of fresh groundwater in the water-scarce territories of Northern, Central and Western Kazakhstan is about 2250 thousand m³/day or 0,82 km³/year, and taking into account the prospects – 3252 thousand m³/day or 1,19 km³/year. Consequently, there are significant prospects for the redistribution of water resources between these regions of the republic.

The number of explored but undeveloped groundwater deposits in the Republic of Kazakhstan amounted to 368 groundwater deposits with the value of approved reserves 9291.43 thousand m³/day.

The structure of a geoinformation-analytical subsystem of fresh groundwater resources of drinking quality has been developed for assessing, forecasting and making management decisions on their use and protection of groundwater of the Republic of Kazakhstan within hydrogeological basins of the first order, administrative regions and water management basins.

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS:

1.V.Rakhimova. Hydrocycles For The Intensification Processes of Groundwater Treatment from Hexavalent Chromium Using In Situ Technology //48 IAH Congress, Inspiring Groundwater, Brussels Belgium, Book of Abstracts, 2021, p.101.

Zh.T. Tleuova, M.A. Mukhamedzhanov Environmental pollution and its impact on population health// Mountain Journal of Kazakhstan, No. 2, 2021, P.36-41

3.Kairat Ospanov, Malis Absametov, Yermek Murtazin, Rustam Iskanderov. Comprehensive Assessment of the Impact of the Almaty Wastewater, Storage System on the State of Groundwater// Journal of Ecological Engineering, DOI 10.12911/22998993/146352, 2022, 23(4), P.75–84, Scopus, Percentile 52

M.K. Absametov, N.M. Itemen, Ye.Zh. Murtazin, E.Sh. Zhexembayev, T.Sh. Toktaganov, Features of the isotopic composition of groundwater in the Mangystau region// Izvestiya RK NAS, Geology series, engineering sciences, DOI 10.32014/2022.2518-170X.134, No.1, 2022, p.6-13 Scopus, Percentile 41
Zh.T.Tleuova, D.D. Snow, M.A. Mukhamedzhanov, E.Zh. Murtazin. Assessment of the impact of human activity on groundwater status of south Kazakhstan// Izvestiya RK NAS, Geology series, engineering sciences, No.2, 2022, p.217-229 Scopus, Percentile 41
V.A. Smolyar, O.L. Miroshnichenko, L.Y. Trushel, E.V. Sotnikov, V.M. Mirlas. Structure of the information system of Kazakhstan fresh groundwater resources// Izvestiya RK NAS, Geology series, engineering sciences, No.4, 2022, p.182-198, Scopus, Percentile 41

7.M. Absametov, J. Sagin, D. Adenovа, V. Smolyar, E. Murtazin. Assessment of the groundwater for household and drinking purposes in central Kazakhstan//Groundwater for Sustainable Development, No.21, 2023,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsd.2023.100907, Scopus, Percentile 94

8.M.K. Absametov, E.Zh.Murtazin, V.V.Kulagin, A.T. Makyzhanova, A.Zh. Ismagulova. Infiltration and colmatation dynamics on physical models study by infiltration basins at artificial groundwater recharge//Water Conservation and Management (Malaysia), Volume 7, Issue 1, Page 45 – 54, 2023 DOI 10.26480/wcm.01.2023.45.54, Scopus, Percentile 61

Multi-author monograph:Resource potential of Kazakhstan groundwater as a source of sustainable drinking water supply, M.K. Absametov, E.Zh. Murtazin, K.T. Ospanov et al./Edited by M.K. Absametov. – Almaty: 2023. – 304 p.
E.V. Sotnikov, O.L. Miroshnichenko, L.Y. Trushel, Sh.I. Gabdulina, Ye.Zh. Murtazin Forecasting the flooding processes of urban areas by methods of mathematical modeling by the example of Pavlodar (Kazakhstan)// Izvestiya RK NAS, Geology series, engineering sciences. https://doi.org/10.32014/2023.2518-170X.330, Volume 4. Number 460 (2023), p. 208-224, Scopus, Percentile 41
V.A. Smolyar, A.T. Toktar, A.A. Nugazieva, V.S. Rakhimova Evaluation of level of provision and status of fresh and low-saline groundwater resources in West Kazakhstan// Mountain Journal of Kazakhstan, 2023, No. 7, https://doi.org/10.48498/minmag.2023.219.7.005, p. 22-30. (publication of the Committee for Ensuring Quality in Education)
M.K. Absametov, A.Zh. Zhakibaeva, E.Zh. Murtazin, Yu.N. Livinskiy, A.M. Dzhabasov. Evaluation of level of provision, status and prospects of using groundwater resources for drinking water supply to West-Kazakhstan region//Geography and water resources, 2023, No. 2, p.3-15.

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Scientific and technical program: BR 21882211 “Groundwater resources as the main reserve of sustainable irrigated agriculture in Kazakhstan” (2023-2025)

Program goal is to provide scientific substantiation and geoinformation support of management decisions on the use and protection of groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, explored for land irrigation purposes.

Program objectives:

Generalization and analysis of factual data, archive and analytical materials on the peculiarities of the formation of exploitable reserves of groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, explored for land irrigation purposes.
Regional expeditionary research to assess the current state of groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, explored for land irrigation purposes.
Analysis and assessment of trends in changes in storage and renewable resources of groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, explored for land irrigation purposes, under the influence of climatic factors and anthropogenic pressures.
Analysis and assessment of the availability, condition and prospects of groundwater using for ensuring sustainable irrigated agriculture in Kazakhstan.
Creating of a database of groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, explored for land irrigation purposes, assessment of their resource potential for sustainable irrigated agriculture.
Development and creation of a geoinformation-analytical subsystem of exploitable reserves of groundwater deposits in Kazakhstan, explored for irrigation, to assessment, forecasting and management decisions on their use and protection for sustainable irrigated agriculture.

Main results for 2023 :

A geoinformation and analytical subsystem (GIAS) of operational groundwater reserves of deposits in Western Kazakhstan, explored for irrigation, has been developed and created in order to assess, forecast and make management decisions on their use and protection for sustainable irrigated agriculture in 4 administrative regions (Aktobe, Atyrau, West -Kazakhstan and Mangystau) and Zhaiyk-Caspian water basin. The system was filled with data from operational reserves of groundwater deposits in the administrative regions of Western Kazakhstan (Aktobe, Atyrau, West Kazakhstan and Mangistau) and the Zhaiyk-Caspian water basin. The system was created in ArcGIS. All information presented in GIAS is contained in semantic and graphical databases and a document database. An effective means of visualizing information is to present tabular information in the form of diagrams associated with certain territories on the map (regions, water basins, etc.). This forms the integrity of the idea of the studied object of the underground hydrosphere. The GIAS structure is not rigid and can be supplemented or changed in the process of solving practical hydrogeological problems. The results obtained correspond to the standards accepted for GIS. The content of GIAS satisfies all the requirements for the presentation of specialized hydrogeological information.

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MAIN RESULTS FOR 2022

South and east kazakhstan thermomineral and commercial groundwater geoinformation-analytical subsystem was designed and created.

While developing and creation of the subsystem, to evaluate groundwater state-of-the-art, in April – September 2022, regional expeditionary studies with groundwater samples taking for laboratory analysis were organized and carried out by five field parties within borders of Almaty, Kyzylorda, Zhambyl, Turkestan and East-Kazakhstan regions. Total length of site investigation reconnaissance was up to 40,000 km, explored were 135 wells (wells and springs) and 129 water samples were taken for chemical analysis and 32 samples for isotope analysis. Surface water, bittern, bottom and salt sediments of 20 saline lakes were explored additionally.

Computer models of «South and East Kazakhstan Industrial water», «South and East Kazakhstan mineral and thermomineral water» and «South and East Kazakhstan Thermal (heat energy) water» maps were developed. Maps are constructed in loops and are presented in the form of shape-files. Semantic database is supplemented with tabulated information.

Performed were collecting, consolidation and analysis of global experience of using and developing thermal, commercial and mineral water development scenarios, including by: potential of geothermal energy sources by continents; direct use of geothermal energy (MW, TJ/year, GW*h/year) by countries of the world; installed heat power (MW, TJ/year) by various use categories (thermal pumps, heating, greenhouses, drying of agricultural crops, industry and other); implemented commercial projects and chemical elements extraction methods (Zn, Li, Mn, Pb, Ag, Fe, Cu, S, Br, SiO₂ etc.) from natural brines with the use of laboratory and pilot units; use of mineral water of different balneological type medicinally. 59 published information sources were examined.

Evaluation of South and East Kazakhstan groundwater heat energy, minerals and raw material and health and recreation potential was carried out. Heat energy potential of intermontane and platform artesian basins thermal aquifer systems geothermal water was estimated as 217.2 mln TJ; 60.35 mln MW; 7.4 bln tons of standard fuel, and potential of platform basins prevails – 74.7%. By rated temperature zones, heat energy potential is distributed as follows: 40–75°С – 71.8%; 75–100°С – 18.8%; >100°С – 9.4%. Annual heat energy potential of South Kazakhstan proven deposits is estimated as 3,370.6 TJ; 936,56 thousand MW and 114.76 thousand tons of standard fuel, and share of 3 heat energy water deposits (Zharkunak, Shaulder and Arys) – 85.9%.

Mineral-raw materials potential of industrial water was estimated for perspective areas of platform basins of South Kazakhstan. Natural mineral-raw materials potential of valuable components in industrial water of Shu-Sarysu basin equals to (thousand tons): lithium – 120.8; strontium – 2,805.8; iodine – 18.5; bromine – 2,987.9 and boron – 33.8; annual mineral-raw materials potential (thousand tons): lithium – 2.2; strontium – 51.2; iodine – 0.3; bromine – 54.5 and boron – 0.6. Natural mineral-raw materials potential of industrial water within limits of structures of South-Torgai basin is as follows (thousand tons): strontium – 556.5 and bromine – 156.2; forecasting annual mineral-raw materials potential (thousand tons): strontium – 10.2 and bromine – 2.8.

In the territory under study, explored were mono-, bi- and multicomponent medicinal-mineral water of 9 groups and 20 types. Cumulative commercial reserves were approved in the amount of 28.74 thousand m³/day, of which 96.2% of reserves and 35 deposits were explored in South Kazakhstan. Of special interest is medicinal-mineral water with mineralization of up to 10.0 g/l that is suitable for internal (drinking) consumption. It was found in 24 deposits/sites, and its proven commercial reserves are 22.94 thousand m³/day (79.8% of the cumulative quantity). Resource base of South and East Kazakhstan medicinal-mineral water allows enhancing range and arrange commercial bottling of table, medicinal-table and medicinal water of 12 types. Based on materials of previous works and field expeditionary studies carried out in 2022, found were 177 shows of medicinal-mineral water of 5 balneological groups

Collection, consolidation and analysis of published, archived and library materials and results of previously carried out hydrogeochemical studies of South and East Kazakhstan administrative regions main types of proven groundwater deposits was performed on the database of the Committee for Geology of the Republic of Kazakhstan Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources (135 reports) and laboratory studies carried out in the Laboratory of chemico-analytical studies of Institute of Hydrogeology and Geoecology named after U.M. Akhmedsafin LLP for 2022. Analysis of examined materials allowed data systematization and information distribution.

Development and provisioning of geoinformation database of groundwater qualitative indicators in South and East Kazakhstan administrative regions main types of proven groundwater deposits were carried out. Software system Aquachem 11 was used in processing of chemical analysis results. Geoinformation database is supplemented with information about qualitative indicators of groundwater deposits based on data of field studies in 2022. Examined were 164 water intake structures with samples taken for chemical analysis. Additionally, isotope analysis of groundwater samples was carried out. Based on results of chemico-analytical studies, prepared were cumulative Tables of parameters for the development of special-purpose cartographic materials and geoinformation database of groundwater qualitative indicators.

Developed and drawn were cartographic materials related to the status of groundwater qualitative indicators for South and East Kazakhstan administrative regions main types of proven deposits.

Identified and evaluated were various designated purposes groundwater from main types of proven groundwater deposits chemical indicators dynamics and change trends under the impact of natural and climatic changes and man-made burden in South and East Kazakhstan. Revealing of changes caused by impact of natural and climatic factors was carried out by plotting linear trends that point out to directivity and possible order of groundwater resources variation value. Planned scenarios of climate change in any estimates will not result in any significant changes in groundwater useful resources rated values. Parameters of evaluation of groundwater proven deposits status and their change trends by analyzing a number of series of observations of indicators under study shall include: flow rates of water intake structure wells and water intake structures; groundwater levels; indicators of chemical composition and physical features of groundwater. Results of hydrogeochemical studies testify presence and spread of groundwater with different mineralization degree and diversity of composition. Laboratory studies of groundwater proven deposits samples showed the presence of fresh and low-brackish water with mineralization of up to 3.2 g/l, predominantly calcium bicarbonate and sodium type, less often bicarbonate-sulphate, sulphate-chloride calcium and sodium type. No additional man-made pollutions were found directly on production wells of groundwater deposits. Increased background fluorine content was noted.

LIST OF PUBLISHED WORKS FOR 2022

Section in the monograph: M.Zh. Burlibayev, D.M. Burlibayeva, N.P. Ogar, E.Zh. Murtazin, S.K. Alimkulov, M.A. Askarova, A.A. Tursunova, et al. Environmental problems of the Ile River delta and ways to solve them. Section 7.Determination of the dynamics of groundwater levels of aquifers in the Ile River delta by seasons of the year, amplitude fluctuations, mean annual, minimum and maximum values//”Kaganat”, Almaty, 2022, pp.266-310.
M. Itemen, E.Zh. Murtazin, M.K. Absametov. Extraction of lithium from reservoir brines of oil and gas fields in Southern Mangyshlak// Mining Journal of Kazakhstan, 2022, No. 8, pp. 9-14.
A. Smolyar, E.Zh. Murtazin, O.L. Miroshnichenko, L.Yu. Trushel. Formation of geoinformation system of thermo-mineral and industrial groundwater of Western Kazakhstan// Mining Journal of Kazakhstan, 2022, No. 8, pp. 17-23.
B. Chensizbaev, D.K. Adenova. Hydrogeological features of Shu-Sarasu province// Mining Journal of Kazakhstan, 2022, No. 8, pp. 25-30.
A. Onlasynov, Zh. Erikuly, M.M. Muratova, M.Zh. Akynbaeva. Dynamics of spectral indices of remote sensing data by the example of irrigated massifs of Eastern

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MAIN RESULTS FOR 2021

A geoinformation-analytical subsystem of thermomineral and industrial groundwater of western kazakhstan has been developed.an assessment of the heat-energy, mineral-raw materials and health-improving potential of underground waters in western kazakhstan, the state and trends of changes in the hydrogeochemical indicators of underground waters in western kazakhstan under the influence of natural and climatic changes and anthropogenic loads, and recommendations for reducing negative consequences were carried out.

LIST OF PUBLISHED WORKS

1.Section in the monograph:

Decarbonization of Extractive Industries in the Republic of Kazakhstan: Potential and prospects for the development of hydrogeothermal energy in Kazakhstan (Absametov M.K., Каn S.M., MurtazinE.Zh.)//under edition of Doctor of Gelogical and Mineral Sciences SerikbekDaukey.-Nur-Sultan: Bi-PRINT.-2021.- P.137-155.

2.Каn S.М.,Itemen N.М., ТleuovaZh.T. Potential and prospects for the development of hydrogeothermal energy in the natural and economic systems of Kazakhstan //InternationalScientificandPracticalConference “WaterResourcesManagementintheContextofGlobalization», Almaty, 11-12 March 2021. P. 129-135

3.V.Rakhimova, T.Rakhimov, Eu.Sotnikov, O.Miroshnichenko, E.Murtazin, D.Muratkhan. Mathematical Model Of the Balkhash Lake Coastal Zone//48 IAH Congress, Inspiring Groundwater, Brussels Belgium, Book of Abstracts, 2021, p.156.