Hydrogeological research as a foundation for sustainable development and water security in Western Kazakhstan.
Period
2024–2025
Status
Research
Focus
GIS Development
Next Step
2026–2028
Contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals
Clean Water and Sanitation
Innovation & Infrastructure
Climate Action
Life on Land
Partnerships for Goals
The University has already completed the basic research stage, substantiating the importance of systematic monitoring of the sand massif. Hydrogeological and geoecological studies have been conducted, the impact of subsoil use has been assessed, and the initial scientific base has been formed.
Freshwater reserve of Western Kazakhstan for sustainable drinking water supply.
Scientific foundation for environmental regulation and rational subsoil use.
Kokzhide is considered one of the most significant reserves of fresh groundwater in Western Kazakhstan and a promising basis for sustainable drinking water supply in the region.
The area is under long-term subsoil use, requiring systematic scientific assessment of the potential impact on the geological environment, groundwater, and the natural-technogenic system as a whole.
The research forms a scientific basis for decision-making in water security, environmental regulation, rational subsoil use, and long-term provision of quality drinking water to the population.
Phase 1: 2024–2025
Phase 2: 2026–2028
Phase 3: Vision
Laboratory and field analyses of key environmental components were conducted. Below are the total numbers of samples collected and analyzed.
361
Groundwater
561
Soils
198
Sedimentary Rocks
70
Vegetation
25
Surface Water
55
Bottom Sediments
10
Snow Cover
Assessment of groundwater condition and characteristics in Kokzhide area.
Analysis of natural-technogenic factors and environmental characteristics.
Evaluation of subsoil use impact on environment and study area.
Analytical and model-based work to support further decisions.
Collection and structuring of initial scientific data for next phase.
Confirmation of need for systematic observation and analytics model.
Establishing polygons in technogenic load areas and studying hydrodynamic/hydrogeochemical links between aquifers, including the Emba River channel.
Studies of recharge conditions of Albian aquifer groundwater from precipitation and surface runoff, especially during flood periods.
Investigation of sorption properties of aeration zone deposits, groundwater, and productive Albian complex regarding various oil types.
Gas surveying in aeration and saturation zones at vulnerable sites to determine hydrocarbon gas content.
Helium-based assessment of fresh groundwater protection to identify potential hydrocarbon contamination pathways.
Geophysical surveys including electrical resistivity tomography to determine scale of historical oil contamination and its link to groundwater.
Laboratory analysis of groundwater, surface water, soils, rocks, petroleum products, and other pollutants.
Geofiltration & geomigration modeling, remote sensing data interpretation, digital map creation, and GIS monitoring platform development.
Images demonstrate hydrogeological modeling, digital elevation models, remote sensing data interpretation, and GIS approaches for spatial analysis of the Kokzhide area.
Photos capture key fieldwork stages: observation points, hydrological surveys, sampling, cartographic preparation, drilling and testing operations, and UAV use for spatial analysis.
UAV monitoring / Hydrometric work / Sampling
The research establishes an evidence base for monitoring, risk assessment, digital support, and long-term management decisions.
Comprehensive research base
Foundation for systematic observation
Decision support for the territory
Project Ecosystem & Partners