Geoenvironmental implications and biocenosis of freshwater lakes in the arid zone of east Kazakhstan
Samarkhanov T.N. Myrzagaliyeva A.B. Chlachula J. Kushnikova L.B. Czerniawska J. Nigmetzhanov S.B.
2 May 2021MDPI AG
Sustainability (Switzerland)
2021#13Issue 10
Steppe and semi-desert lakes of Central Asia represent unique and still poorly known aquatic ecosystems. The paper provides summaries of multi-proxy environmental and biological investigations of the previously unexplored ground of Sibe lakes in the naturally pristine zone of East Kazakhstan, and of their contributions to people. Data on the taxonomic composition of zooplankton and zoobenthos of these freshwater lacustrine basins are presented in terms of the species’ frequency of occurrence; the abundance of the aquatic biomass and the analyzed water geochemical variables insofar as they are dependent and correlative. The qualitative and quantitative records display variability in the biocenosis diversity due to the lakes’ geochemistry and hydrology differences—some lakes being oligotrophic and others being moderately trophic. In the latter case, the lakes characterized by an increased macrozoobenthos biomass are favourable for local ichthyofauna. Sapro-biological analysis reveals the predominance of β-saprobic species in the zooplankton composition pointing to slight or moderate pollution of surface waters due to natural biotic substances. This observation is in agreement with differences in the water quality of solitary lakes. The uneven distributions of benthic invertebrates (in terms of taxonomy and species populations) in the water bodies suggest specific hydro-ecological conditions that predetermine the structure of the lakes’ biocenosis. The littoral part of the lakes is characterized by the highest abundance of zooplankton and benthic fauna. The Sibe lakes are an example of an autonomous functioning of the lacustrine basins in the upland arid steppe zone, which is characterized by pronounced climate “continentality” and a high level of the sub-aquatic flora and fauna endemism. The present results are relevant to the understanding of the ecosystems’ dynamics and the modern anthropogenic impacts upon the pristine parkland-steppe landscapes of Central Asia, with implications for regional nature protection and sustainable eco-recreation.
Aquatic ecosystems , East Kazakhstan , Environmental conservation , Hydrogeology , Lakes , Macrozoobenthos , Sustainable water management
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Department of Physical and Economic Geography, Faculty of Natural Sciences, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Nur-Sultan, 010010, Kazakhstan
Higher School of Natural Sciences, Astana International University, Nur-Sultan, 010010, Kazakhstan
Environmental Research Centre, Nerudova 2181, Stare Mesto, 686 03, Czech Republic
Department of Geomorphology, Institute of Geoecology and Geoinformation, A. Mickiewicz University, Poznań, 61-680, Poland
Altai Branch of LLP «Fisheries Research and Production Center», Ust-Kamenogorsk, 070004, Kazakhstan
Anthropocene Research Unit, Institute of Geoecology and Geoinformation, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, 61-680, Poland
Department of Physical and Economic Geography
Higher School of Natural Sciences
Environmental Research Centre
Department of Geomorphology
Altai Branch of LLP «Fisheries Research and Production Center»
Anthropocene Research Unit
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