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Clarifying the genetic structure and population history of a species can reveal the impacts of historical climate and geological changes, providing critical insights for developing effective conservation strategies for ecologically significant fish. The Markakol grayling (Thymallus brevicephalus), an endangered species found in the Altai‐Sayan Mountain region of Central Asia, serves as an ideal model for studying these factors. In this study, populations of a grayling (Thymallus) species discovered in the upper Irtysh River headwaters in Xinjiang, China, were analyzed to assess genetic diversity and population structure. Mitochondrial DNA sequences (cytochrome b and control region), along with 10 microsatellite markers, were used to examine genetic variation. Phylogenetic and genetic distance analyses confirmed the species, long misidentified as Arctic grayling (T. arcticus), as T. brevicephalus. This species can be divided into two distinct geographic groups: eastern and western, with the Crane River acting as the boundary. The divergence between these groups likely corresponds to refugia formed during the Pleistocene glaciation of the Altai Mountains, approximately 0.48 MA (million years ago) (range: 0.30 to 0.71 Ma). High haplotype diversity (Hd > 0.5) and low nucleotide diversity (π < 0.005) suggest that, despite the species' genetic richness, T. brevicephalus remains vulnerable to genetic drift, which could threaten its long‐term survival. This vulnerability may stem from inbreeding within small refugial populations during the glacial period, followed by gradual population expansion. Our study offers novel insights into grayling populations, with results that have direct implications for management by serving as a tool for the identification of conservation units. This study reveals the impact of past climate events on a fish species (Thymallus brevicephalus) in China. Genetic analysis suggests the species split into eastern and western populations during a past glaciation event. While the fish show genetic diversity, specific management plans are needed to conserve both eastern and western populations due to their unique evolutionary histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of sites for permanent environmental monitoring of natural water bodies should rely on corresponding source apportionment studies. Tools like the water quality index (WQI) assessment may support this objective. This study aims to analyze a decade-long dataset of measurements of 26 chemical components at 26 observation points within the Irtysh River Basin, aiming to identify priority zones for stricter environmental regulations. It was achieved through the WQI tool integrated with geoinformation systems (GISs) and multivariate statistical techniques. The findings highlighted that both upstream sections of tributaries (Oba and Bukhtarma rivers) and the mainstream of the basin are generally in good condition, with slight fluctuations observed during flooding periods. Areas in the basin experiencing significant impacts from mining and domestic wastewater treatment activities were identified. The rivers Glubochanka (GL) and Krasnoyarka (KR) consistently experienced marginal water quality throughout the observation period. Various contaminant sources were found to influence water quality. The impact of domestic wastewater treatment facilities was represented by twofold elevated concentrations of chemical oxygen demand, reaching 22.6 and 27.1 mg/L for the KR and GL rivers, respectively. Natural factors were indicated by consistent slight exceedings of recommended calcium levels at the KR and GL rivers. These exceedances were most pronounced during the cold seasons, with an average value equal to 96 mg/L. Mining operations introduced extremal concentrations of trace elements like copper, reaching 0.046–0.051 mg/L, which is higher than the threshold by 12–13 times; zinc, which peaked at 1.57–2.96 mg/L, exceeding the set limit by almost 50–100 times; and cadmium, peaking at levels surpassing 1000 times the safe limit, reaching 0.8 mg/L. The adverse impact of mining activities was evident in the Tikhaya, Ulba, and Breksa rivers, showing similar trends in trace element concentrations. Seasonal effects were also investigated. Ice cover formation during cold seasons led to oxygen depletion and the exclusion of pollutants into the stream when ice melted, worsening water quality. Conversely, flooding events led to contaminant dilution, partially improving the WQI during flood seasons. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that local natural processes, mining activities, and domestic wastewater discharge were the predominant influences on water quality within the study area. These findings can serve as a basis for enhanced environmental regulation in light of updated ecological legislation in Kazakhstan, advocating for the establishment of a comprehensive monitoring network and the reinforcement of requirements governing contaminating activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Acorus calamus group, or sweet flag, includes important medicinal plants and is classified into three species: A. americanus (diploid), A. verus (tetraploid), and A. calamus (sterile triploid of hybrid origin). Members of the group are famous as components of traditional Indian medicine, and early researchers suggested the origin of the sweet flag in tropical Asia. Subsequent research led to an idea of the origin of the triploid A. calamus in the Amur River basin in temperate Asia, because this was the only region where both diploids and tetraploids were known to co-occur and be capable of sexual reproduction. Contrary to this hypothesis, triploids are currently very rare in the Amur basin. Here, we provide the first evidence that all three species occur in Kazakhstan. The new records extend earlier data on the range of A. verus for c. 1800 km. Along the valley of the Irtysh River in Kazakhstan and the adjacent Omsk Oblast of Russia, A. verus is recorded in the south, A. americanus in the north, and A. calamus is common in between. We propose the Irtysh River valley as another candidate for a cradle of the triploid species A. calamus. It is possible that the range of at least one parent species (A. americanus) has contracted through competition with its triploid derivative species, for which the Irtysh River floods provide a tool for downstream range expansion. We refine our earlier data and show that the two parent species have non-overlapping ranges of variation in a quantitative metric of leaf aerenchyma structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article considers the current state of the vegetation cover of the Irtysh River floodplain within its flat steppe section (Pavlodar Priirtyshye) under the conditions of anthropogenic transformation of the hydrological regime. A description of the landscape confinement of the main classes of floodplain vegetation formations is given. The main factors of anthropogenic impact on the vegetation cover in the form of grazing, recreation, haymaking, fires, littering with solid household waste, etc. Criteria and indicators of disturbance are developed. A description of the botanical biodiversity with an analysis of the economic spectrum of the flora (forage, medicinal, food, honey plants, poisonous, ornamental, technical plant species) is provided. The territory's flora contains 9 species listed in the Red Book, however, during the field survey, only Stipa pennata L. was noted. The eight main threats to botanical biodiversity are described: changes in the hydrological regime of the river; cattle grazing on the floodplain meadows; spring burning of dry grass; grazing and watering of cattle on the river bank; creation dams; illegal collection of ornamental red-listed plants; plowing of steppe landscapes on floodplain terraces; anthropogenic invasion of alien flora. Based on the analysis of geobotanical descriptions, phytoindicators of environmental conditions (moisture, salinization, chemical and mechanical composition of the soil, grazing load, etc.) for this region were identified. Recommendations are proposed to reduce the negative anthropogenic impact, preserve species and coenotic biodiversity, and methods for restoring disturbed areas in the context of climate change and modern transboundary use of the Irtysh River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Clarifying the genetic structure and population history of a species can reveal the impacts of historical climate and geological changes, providing critical insights for developing effective conservation strategies for ecologically significant fish. The Markakol grayling (Thymallus brevicephalus), an endangered species found in the Altai‐Sayan Mountain region of Central Asia, serves as an ideal model for studying these factors. In this study, populations of a grayling (Thymallus) species discovered in the upper Irtysh River headwaters in Xinjiang, China, were analyzed to assess genetic diversity and population structure. Mitochondrial DNA sequences (cytochrome b and control region), along with 10 microsatellite markers, were used to examine genetic variation. Phylogenetic and genetic distance analyses confirmed the species, long misidentified as Arctic grayling (T. arcticus), as T. brevicephalus. This species can be divided into two distinct geographic groups: eastern and western, with the Crane River acting as the boundary. The divergence between these groups likely corresponds to refugia formed during the Pleistocene glaciation of the Altai Mountains, approximately 0.48 MA (million years ago) (range: 0.30 to 0.71 Ma). High haplotype diversity (Hd > 0.5) and low nucleotide diversity (π

The transboundary Irtysh River flows through the territory of three countries. The Irtysh River is subjected to intense anthropogenic impact. In the Kazakhstan part of the Irtysh River basin, there are zones of industrial influence in the cities of Pavlodar and Aksu. Hydroelectric power, ferroalloy plants, and coal pits are located in the territory of these cities. The study of the species composition of phytoplankton is a basic method in bioindication. Phytoplankton plays an essential role in evaluating the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems. The algae flora of the transboundary Irtysh River has not been studied thoroughly enough. Most hydrobiological studies in the Kazakhstan part of the Irtysh River basin were devoted to studying reservoirs. Based on this, the relevance of studying the planktonic communities of the Kazakhstan part of the Irtysh River is increasing. This study aimed to analyze the richness of phytoplankton species in the Kazakh part of the Irtysh River basin. The research was conducted in July 2023 at 27 stations. The selection sites were located on the upper and lower reaches of the Irtysh River. Sections of the Black Irtysh, from the border with the Altai to the confluence with Lake Zaisan, and sections in the Pavlodar region were surveyed. We registered 153 species and subspecies of algae from Heterokontophyta (69), Chlorophyta (61), Cyanobacteria (16), Charophyta (4), Euglenophyta (2), and Dinoflagellata (1) in the phytoplankton. A high level of similarity characterized phytoplankton of most of the surveyed sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of sites for permanent environmental monitoring of natural water bodies should rely on corresponding source apportionment studies. Tools like the water quality index (WQI) assessment may support this objective. This study aims to analyze a decade-long dataset of measurements of 26 chemical components at 26 observation points within the Irtysh River Basin, aiming to identify priority zones for stricter environmental regulations. It was achieved through the WQI tool integrated with geoinformation systems (GISs) and multivariate statistical techniques. The findings highlighted that both upstream sections of tributaries (Oba and Bukhtarma rivers) and the mainstream of the basin are generally in good condition, with slight fluctuations observed during flooding periods. Areas in the basin experiencing significant impacts from mining and domestic wastewater treatment activities were identified. The rivers Glubochanka (GL) and Krasnoyarka (KR) consistently experienced marginal water quality throughout the observation period. Various contaminant sources were found to influence water quality. The impact of domestic wastewater treatment facilities was represented by twofold elevated concentrations of chemical oxygen demand, reaching 22.6 and 27.1 mg/L for the KR and GL rivers, respectively. Natural factors were indicated by consistent slight exceedings of recommended calcium levels at the KR and GL rivers. These exceedances were most pronounced during the cold seasons, with an average value equal to 96 mg/L. Mining operations introduced extremal concentrations of trace elements like copper, reaching 0.046–0.051 mg/L, which is higher than the threshold by 12–13 times; zinc, which peaked at 1.57–2.96 mg/L, exceeding the set limit by almost 50–100 times; and cadmium, peaking at levels surpassing 1000 times the safe limit, reaching 0.8 mg/L. The adverse impact of mining activities was evident in the Tikhaya, Ulba, and Breksa rivers, showing similar trends in trace element concentrations. Seasonal effects were also investigated. Ice cover formation during cold seasons led to oxygen depletion and the exclusion of pollutants into the stream when ice melted, worsening water quality. Conversely, flooding events led to contaminant dilution, partially improving the WQI during flood seasons. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that local natural processes, mining activities, and domestic wastewater discharge were the predominant influences on water quality within the study area. These findings can serve as a basis for enhanced environmental regulation in light of updated ecological legislation in Kazakhstan, advocating for the establishment of a comprehensive monitoring network and the reinforcement of requirements governing contaminating activities.

Copyright of Journal of Hydrobiology is the property of Editorial Department of Journal of Hydrobiology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Eurasian Journal of Applied Biotechnology is the property of National Center for Biotechnology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Assessment of genotoxicity of aquatic ecosystems is of great importance for environmental management and assessment of water ecological quality as well as health safety.Data on the genotoxicity of water in rivers of such a large region as Siberia are almost absent. Researchers do not pay enough attention to river floodplains, but such studies are important for assessing the ecological condition of the river system, because a significant part of toxic and genotoxic substances accumulates in the river floodplainsA unique feature of the Ob-Irtysh interfluve is its vast floodplain, the largest in the Northern Hemisphere, providing key ecological functions of the territory. Originality of this river system lies not only in enormous size, but also in the exceptional duration and magnitude of spring-summer floods and the formation of complex biogeocenosis.In this data article we provide for the first time genotoxicity data for the Irtysh river valley (West Siberia) which is longest tributary river in the world. Water samples were collected from 5 sites: Irtysh river, floodplain sites (Jivaya river, Mukhrina river, Baybalak river) and terrace (Bog Mukhrino). Allium test was used to assess genotoxic effects. This method is one of the recommended bioassays for rapid genotoxicity screening of the water. Ana-telophase chromosomal aberration assay and micronuclei test were performed to determine genotoxic effects. Obtained data for mitotic index and other phase indexes. Data on water genotoxic effects are accompanied by data on physicochemical parameters. The data shows that the floodplain waters accumulate allochthonous organic matter, which is evidently supplied with high water. This determines the increased genotoxicity of floodplain waters. The data allow other researchers to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the genotoxicity of natural waters on the landscape gradient of a river valley (terrace-floodplain-river) and reveal possible causes of the observed effects.

It is well known that condition of environment is one of the most significant factors affecting the perspectives for tourism in the region. So, when we are considering ways of tourism development in such industrial cities as Pavlodar, usually we have to describe environmental conditions in the region. Thus, the main aim of the research is to reveal ecological characteristics of industrial city Pavlodar as a touristic region. The main methods used in the research are environmental risks analysis, elemental analysis of soils and snow, GIS. On the territory of Pavlodar region the industry is concentrated in the center of 3 industrial units - in such cities as Pavlodar, Ekibastuz, and Aksu. Enterprises of these centers are the main air pollutants; it is 99.3% of all industrial emissions of the territories. The possibility of using geochemical data on the content of microelements in soils and snow cover for zoning the territory of Pavlodar is shown in this article. According to the classification of Yu.V. Sayet snow cover of central area in Pavlodar refers to the average moderately dangerous levels of pollution; the northern and eastern industrial zones refer to a dangerously high pollution. Researches of soil cover showed soil in residential zones and zones of northern suburbs belong to an acceptable level of pollution, soil in eastern and northern industrial zones belong to a high level of pollution. Evaluation of anthropogenic impact on natural complexes of the region, including the Irtysh River, is given. Regulation of runoff of the Irtysh River cascade of reservoirs in the upper reaches by short and untimely release of water has led to a change in bio-productivity, abundance and species composition of phytocenoses. External water filling floodplains, not associated with the dissolved soil humus, on the contrary, they contribute to the accelerated migration of acids and intense growth and development of meadow grasses. With the cessation of seasonal bays mode soil skewed towards reducing the activity of the process. It was concluded that ecological condition of the considered region can negatively affect on the tourism intensity of the region.

This paper enquires into how effectively "regional transboundary water governance" functions in resolving ecological problems associated with shared water resources. It compares three cases in Asia—the Irtysh River, Aral Sea, and Mekong River basin. Previous scholarly work on the hydro-politics of these three cases within social science disciplines, especially political science and international relations, focuses heavily on the dimension of "hegemonic power disparity between state actors" (from the weaker parties' points of view) and/or the "economic or strategic benefits of development either defending or criticizing" (from the more powerful—often the polluters'—point of view). To contribute to existing research, this paper intends to enlarge the analytical scope and use the formation of regional environmental governance to grasp a broader picture of the complexity and interconnectivity of ecological issues, regional history, and politics. For analysis, we investigated the multilevel gaps in environmental communication at three different levels, exploring both the conflictual and cooperative relationships amongst all actors involved, namely (a) state-to-state relations: hydro-hegemonism due to the power disparity in historical and political contexts; (b) society level: authoritarian environmentalism between politics and citizens; and (c) global inter-connectivity or distance from (or the absence of) the application of international norms. We argue that all three cases, albeit at various degrees, equally exhibit the potential to fill the multidimensional gaps to ensure more functional, effective, and equitable regional hydro-governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of Siberian freshwater input to the Arctic Ocean on Northern Hemisphere ice‐sheet expansions remains poorly known due to the incomplete geologic record of Siberian‐Arctic river systems during the late Pliocene. The Irtysh River is a major Siberian river, rising from the Altay Mountains, northwestern China, and flowing 4,282 km before joining the Ob River. Here, we present new field evidence and chronological data from a combination of cosmogenic 21Ne and 26Al/10Be measurements that constrain the establishment of the Irtysh River to ca. 2.77+0.39/‐0.33 Ma. These first quantitative chronological results, together with previous sedimentological, geomorphological, and geochemical evidence, support a young Siberian‐Arctic river system. Its coincidence with the late Pliocene ice‐sheet expansions in the Northern Hemisphere implies a profound impact of Siberian freshwater input to the Arctic on the major ice advances that significantly affected global oceanographic and climatic systems. Plain Language Summary: Siberian rivers presently contribute ∼80% of total river discharge to the Arctic Ocean, which has a remarkable effect on decreasing ocean surface salinity and promoting rapid ice‐sheet expansions by a series of ice‐albedo feedbacks. Although the Siberian‐Arctic river system is thought to postdate the late Pliocene on the basis of sedimentological, geomorphological, and geochemical evidence, the profound impact of Siberian freshwater input on the late Pliocene ice‐sheet expansions in Northern Hemisphere remains speculative due to lack of precise chronological constraints on its formation. The Irtysh River is a major Siberian‐Arctic river, rising from the Altay Mountains in northwest China and flowing ∼4,282 km before merging with Ob River. In this work, we present new field evidence and chronological data from cosmogenic 21Ne and 26Al/10Be that constrain the establishment of the Irtysh River to ca. 2.8 Ma. The timing of its establishment is consistent with previous studies, and supports a young age for Siberian‐Arctic rivers. The coincidence of Arctic river formation in Siberia with a major ice advance in the Northern Hemisphere implies a profound impact of Siberian freshwater input to the Arctic on the late Pliocene ice‐sheet expansions that affected global oceanographic and climatic systems. Key Points: We have constrained the establishment of a major Siberian river‐the Irtysh River‐to ca. 2.8 Ma by a combination of 21Ne and 26Al/10BeThe timing of the Irtysh's establishment provides radioisotopic evidence for a geologically young Siberian‐Arctic river systemThis work supports a profound impact of Siberian freshwater input to Arctic on Northern Hemisphere ice‐sheet expansions during late Pliocene [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Per-recruit analyses, with consideration for uncertainty in growth, natural mortality and maturity, were conducted for European bream Abramis brama in the downstream section of the Irtysh River in China to assess its status. The Chapman-Robson method produced an estimate of total mortality rate (Z) of 0.65 year−1. The natural mortality rates (M) were estimated as 0.13 and 0.26 year−1, resulting in corresponding estimates of current fishing mortality rate (Fcur) of 0.52 and 0.39 year−1, respectively. All the estimates of yield per recruit (YPR), spawning stock biomass per recruit (SSB/R) and corresponding biological reference points (BRPs) were sensitive to M. The uncertainty of growth and maturity parameters had limited impacts on the estimates of BRPs, but had a large effect on the YPR and SSB/R outputs. Our findings indicate that A. brama may be at higher risk of growth overfishing than those of recruitment overfishing. In addition, increasing the tc to nine years might ensure that the spawning potential ratios (SPRs) are above the management targets under all ranges of F with comparatively small impacts on YPR regardless of M. In addition to providing a basic assessment for A. brama in the downstream of the Irtysh River in China, our study presents a comprehensive approach that may be useful for data-limited species in other fisheries.

To study the water environment status of the Irtysh River, water samples from 11 points of the Irtysh River's trunk stream were collected for three times (spring, summer and autumn) in 2019. Some water indexes, such as permanganate index, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, petroleum, heavy metal and so on, were tested. Combined with the population density along the Irtysh river and other factors, the influence of human activity on water quality was analyzed. The results showed that in 2019, the pH value ranged from 7.10 to 8.14, and the dissolved oxygen ranged from 3.02 to 10.3 mg/L, reaching a low level in spring and autumn. The hardness ranged from 28.4 to 303.9 mg/L, the alkalinity from 19.21 to 156.5mg/L, the water suspensions from 0.2 to 73 .5mg/L, and ammonia nitrogen from 0 to 1.210 mg/L. In the lower reaches of the Irtysh River where there are large populated areas such as Altay City, Fuhai County, Burqin County and so on, water quality declined sharply. As this area is densely populated, it can be found out that the fishery environment of the Irtysh River is significantly related to human activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lectotype of the southern Siberian Otiorhynchus (Pseudocryphiphorus) pullus Gyllenhal is designated and a closely related new species Otiorhynchus (Pseudocryphiphorus) matisi sp. n. from the left bank of the Irtysh River in Northeastern Kazakhstan or, less probably, in Omsk Province of Russia, is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Hydrobiology is the property of Editorial Department of Journal of Hydrobiology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

It is well known that condition of environment is one of the most significant factors affecting the perspectives for tourism in the region. So, when we are considering ways of tourism development in such industrial cities as Pavlodar, usually we have to describe environmental conditions in the region. Thus, the main aim of the research is to reveal ecological characteristics of industrial city Pavlodar as a touristic region. The main methods used in the research are environmental risks analysis, elemental analysis of soils and snow, GIS. On the territory of Pavlodar region the industry is concentrated in the center of 3 industrial units - in such cities as Pavlodar, Ekibastuz, and Aksu. Enterprises of these centers are the main air pollutants; it is 99.3% of all industrial emissions of the territories. The possibility of using geochemical data on the content of microelements in soils and snow cover for zoning the territory of Pavlodar is shown in this article. According to the classification of Yu.V. Sayet snow cover of central area in Pavlodar refers to the average moderately dangerous levels of pollution; the northern and eastern industrial zones refer to a dangerously high pollution. Researches of soil cover showed soil in residential zones and zones of northern suburbs belong to an acceptable level of pollution, soil in eastern and northern industrial zones belong to a high level of pollution. Evaluation of anthropogenic impact on natural complexes of the region, including the Irtysh River, is given. Regulation of runoff of the Irtysh River cascade of reservoirs in the upper reaches by short and untimely release of water has led to a change in bioproductivity, abundance and species composition of phytocenoses. External water filling floodplains, not associated with the dissolved soil humus, on the contrary, they contribute to the accelerated migration of acids and intense growth and development of meadow grasses. With the cessation of seasonal bays mode soil skewed towards reducing the activity of the process. It was concluded that ecological condition of the considered region can negatively affect on the tourism intensity of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Per-recruit analyses, with consideration for uncertainty in growth, natural mortality and maturity, were conducted for European bream Abramis brama in the downstream section of the Irtysh River in China to assess its status. The Chapman-Robson method produced an estimate of total mortality rate (Z) of 0.65 year−1. The natural mortality rates (M) were estimated as 0.13 and 0.26 year−1, resulting in corresponding estimates of current fishing mortality rate (Fcur) of 0.52 and 0.39 year−1, respectively. All the estimates of yield per recruit (YPR), spawning stock biomass per recruit (SSB/R) and corresponding biological reference points (BRPs) were sensitive to M. The uncertainty of growth and maturity parameters had limited impacts on the estimates of BRPs, but had a large effect on the YPR and SSB/R outputs. Our findings indicate that A. brama may be at higher risk of growth overfishing than those of recruitment overfishing. In addition, increasing the tc to nine years might ensure that the spawning potential ratios (SPRs) are above the management targets under all ranges of F with comparatively small impacts on YPR regardless of M. In addition to providing a basic assessment for A. brama in the downstream of the Irtysh River in China, our study presents a comprehensive approach that may be useful for data-limited species in other fisheries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To resolve the problem concerning long-and mid-term ecological scheduling of reservoir groups, the Xinjiang Irtysh river basin was selected as the study object, and a network node map for reservoir scheduling was established. Long-and mid-term simulated reservoir group and optimum scheduling model oriented ecologies were established, and the two models were solved using the self-iterative optimal simulation and improved DP algorithms based, respectively, on water balance and big system methods. Results of the study demonstrate that the obtained water supplement adequately meets demands concerning comprehensive water-resource utilization, ecology usages, and the corresponding guarantee rate. Results obtained using the optimum model when applied to ecologies existing within and outside of the Xinjiang Irtysh river, Wulungu lake, Beijiang and agricultural irrigation was observed to be better compared to those obtained using the simulated model. At the same time, the relationship between incoming water and ecological supplements was revealed, and a reservoir operation chart was drawn. Additionally, an operational equation, which passed the rationality test, was set up. Results obtained in this study bear critical significance with regards to providing long-and mid-term strategies for comprehensive utilization of water resources and protection of the ecological security for the fish habitat and valley forests and grassland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Irtysh River is an international river partially joining the territories of China, Kazakhstan, and Russia. Cascade reservoirs have been constructed in the upper reaches of the river and their effects on the seasonal discharge of the middle and lower reaches were analyzed considering the mean and dispersion of the seasonal discharge. The Lepage test, which is a nonparametric, two-sample test for detecting location and dispersion, was used to measure the significance of difference between the pre-dam and post-dam seasonal discharge. The results show that the reservoirs' effects on the seasonal discharge varied with the season. In the middle reaches of the river, the summer and autumn discharge decreased significantly and their inter-annual variabilities also decreased significantly. The summer and autumn precipitation over the Irtysh River Basin changed little before and after the operation of the reservoir, which indicates that the discharge changes mainly due to water storage of the reservoirs. The reservoirs store water in summer and autumn and store more water in a wet year, which leads to the reduction of the mean and dispersion of the summer and autumn discharge. The winter discharge increased significantly because the reservoirs released water for power generation. The spring discharge changed slightly. In the lower reaches, only the winter discharge increased significantly, and the other seasonal discharge changed slightly. The reservoirs' effects on the seasonal discharge are more significant in the middle reaches than in the lower reaches.

In a warming world, water scarcity is one of the main concerns for sustainable development and human well-being in inner Asia. Due to the lack of instrumental streamflow records, the natural variability of the water supply from inner Asian rivers is not well understood from a long-term perspective. Here, we have reconstructed the streamflow of Upper Irtysh River from AD 1500 to 2010, based on the tree-ring width indices of spruce ( Picea obovata) and larch ( Larix sibirica) from the Altay Mountains. The reconstruction explains 48.4 % of the recorded streamflow variance over the common period 1958-2008. This streamflow reconstruction is representative of regional moisture conditions over the Irtysh River basin area. Some significant spectral peaks are identified, and suggest the influence of natural forcing on the streamflow of the Upper Irtysh River, such as ENSO and solar activity. The linkages of our reconstruction with sea surface temperature in the northern Indian Ocean, eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, and equatorial Atlantic Ocean suggest the connection of regional streamflow variations to large-scale atmospheric circulation. We also find that there is the relationship between regional drought/streamflow variations in inner Asia and the interaction of the mid-latitude Westerlies and Asian summer monsoon. Our 511-year streamflow reconstruction provides a long-term perspective on current and twentieth century wet and dry events in the Irtysh River basin, is useful to guide predictions of future variability, and aids future water resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA barcoding was a molecular diagnostic method that provided rapid and accurate species identification. The 650 bp-length cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene of 33 species in Irtysh River China was sequenced and analyzed in this study. The average intra-species, -genus, -family, and -order of Kimura two parameter (K2P) distances were 0.003, 0.060, 0.163 and 0.240, respectively. The genetic distance between genus Barbatula and Cobitis was the largest whereas that between genus Hypophthalmichthys and Aristichthys was the smallest. The neighbour-joining tree constructed by all 44 haplotypes was divided into two major clusters: Cypriniformes fishes and other fishes. A cryptic species of Barbatula barbatula was detected according to 2% genetic threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface waters of Shagan river are one of the major sources of radiation hazard on the Semipalatinsk test site (STS). The chemical composition, mineralization, and microelement content of the Shagan river waters were determined along with the radionuclide content within the discharge zone with the aim to reveal relationships in the present-day supply of tritium-contaminated underground waters into the Shagan river (a tribute of the Irtysh river). Processing of the data obtained revealed the main zone of discharge of tritiumcontaining underground waters. The tritium distribution along the Shagan river and in the Irtysh river was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial distribution of the monogenean Dactylogyrus wunderi Bychowsky, 1931 on the gill filaments of the bream Abramis brama orientalis Berg (Leuciscinae) inhabiting the Irtysh River of Xinjiang, China was investigated from June to July 2012. D. wunderi was identified by sequencing a fragment of its ITS rDNA region. Sixty-five fish were examined, with 55% testing positive for monogenean infection. The prevalence of the parasite in the left and right gill arches was 46% and 48%, respectively. In fish with a large body length, the prevalence of the parasite and the infection intensity did not significantly differ between the right and left gill arches but both were slightly higher in the former. Among the three size groups of fish (small, medium and large) the prevalence and the intensity of infection were lowest in fish with small body lengths. The distribution of the monogenean population in the host gills showed an aggregate distribution, with little change in the degree of aggregation, suggesting that most hosts were either not or only slightly infected by D. wunderi and that the parasite infected only a few hosts. In addition, differences in D. wunderi infections between gill arches of A. brama orientalis were not significant ( P>0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A spatiotemporal characterization of fish invasions in Omsk oblast is given on the basis of longterm studies of the ichthyofauna of water bodies and watercourses. Data on the invader species, introduction of alien species, and their self-dispersal, as well as the main invasive corridors in the region, are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on content of 90Sr, 137Cs, 239,240Pu and 3H in water of the Tobol–Irtysh part of the Techa–Iset–Tobol–Irtysh–Ob river system (through which the “Mayak” PA radioactive wastes are transported) are presented and discussed. The data were received in 2004–2005 under the ISTC project on radioecological monitoring of the Tobol and Irtysh rivers. Monthly observations of 137Cs, 90Sr and 3H content in water in the area of the Tobol and Irtysh confluence have been conducted starting from May 2004. To obtain information on the investigated river system as a whole, the radioecological survey of the Tobol and Irtysh rivers at the section from the mouth of the Iset River to the confluence with the Ob River was carried out in 2004. It is shown that the impact of “Mayak” PA waste transport by 90Sr is distinctly traced as far as the area of the Irtysh and Ob confluence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tectonic activity and climate change are regarded as two important driving forces on the evolution of large-scale drainage. The evolution of the Irtysh River and Ulungu River, two large-scale drainage systems in the northern Junggar Basin, can provide a key constraint on the uplift of the Altai Mountains and Central Asian aridification. However, we know little about the evolution of these two large-scale rivers. This study presents new detrital zircon U–Pb data from the late Oligocene to late Miocene sedimentary sequences and modern river sediments to reconstruct Cenozoic paleo-drainage evolution in the northern Junggar Basin. The detrital zircon U–Pb results show a single major population at 460-360 Ma, which is mainly derived from the Altai Mountains, for late Oligocene and early Miocene sequences, but two populations at 460-360 Ma and 340-200 Ma, which are mainly from the Altai Mountains and East Junggar terrane, for middle and late Miocene sequences. Our provenance study argues that the Irtysh River and Ulungu River in their modern extent did not exist prior ~18 Ma when the Altai Mountains allowed southward-flowing rivers to transport sediments into the inner Junggar Basin directly. The provenance shift in northern Junggar Basin at 17–18 Ma represents the progressive drainage expansion of the Ulungu River, evolving from relatively small rivers confined to the eastern Junggar Basin to a near-modern large-scale drainage system, due to the rapid uplift in the East Junggar terrane and eastern Altai Mountains in early Miocene. After ~6 Ma, the Irtysh River experienced a progressive drainage expansion, captured the southward-flowing tributaries of the Ulungu River and formed modern drainage pattern. Our study supports the initiation of exhumation before late Oligocene and a local tectonic uplift in early Miocene in Altai Mountains, which imply a complex deformation process in the Central Asia. • Paleo-drainage evolution in the northern Junggar Basin during the last ~27 Myr. • The relative roles of tectonic activity and climate change in drainage evolution. • A relatively high topography in late Oligocene in Altai Mountains. • Local tectonic uplift forces the drainage expansion of Ulungu River at 17–18 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]