ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN PASTURE AREAS OF SOUTHERN KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

Currently, out of the country’s 186.4 million hectares of pastureland, more than 56.5% remain unused due to a lack of water sources, primarily the absence of engineering structures for livestock watering, as well as drinking and domestic water supply for service personnel. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, up to 60% of pastures in the country have been irrigated over the past decade, though this figure does not reflect the actual situation. Following the dissolution of state and collective ownership in agriculture, many water infrastructure facilities in pasture areas were abandoned and fell into disrepair.

Under the conditions of limited water resources in Kazakhstan, assessment of groundwater quality used for pasture watering is of particular importance. This paper presents the results of chemical-analytical studies of groundwater of pasture areas of South Kazakhstan, conducted in 2024. The studies include analysis of mineralization, composition of macro- and microelements, as well as identification of polluting components (nitrates, oil products, heavy metals). The results show significant regional differences in the chemical composition of groundwater. A number of samples showed exceedances of maximum permissible concentrations of nitrates and fluoride. The data obtained indicate the need for monitoring and regulation of water use to ensure sustainable development of livestock farming in the region.