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Microalgae in planktonic communities are the main producers of biomass in lake ecosystems; however, their stability is influenced by many environmental factors. This study aims to assess the ecological state of Lake Maybalyk, located in Astana (Kazakhstan), based on the study of the taxonomic diversity and structure of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and the physico-chemical properties of the water. From 2019 to 2021, samples were taken for phytoplankton analysis, hydrochemical analysis of the water, zooplankton, and saprobiological analysis of the algocenosis. The study also investigated the main morphometric parameters of the lake, as well as the composition of hydrobionts, such as zooplankton, zoobenthos, and ichthyofauna. The analysis of phytoplankton revealed the presence of 97 species and intraspecific taxa of microalgae, with 71 types of microalgal indicators indicating water saprobity. The planktonic algoflora in Lake Maybalyk is predominantly composed of diatoms (Bacillariophyta) and green algae (Chlorophyta), which play a vital role in oxygen production and the food chain within the reservoir. Based on the Pantle–Buck saprobity index (2.15–2.5), the water quality in Lake Maybalyk is classified as moderately polluted. The assessment of the water quality, considering the number and composition of indicator phytoplankton species, places Lake Maybalyk in class III (β-mesosaprobic). The hydrochemical indicators align with the hydrobiological indicators, confirming the water quality as class III. The trophic status of the reservoir, during the study period, can be described as average. The obtained data on both the hydrobiological and hydrochemical indicators correlate, suggesting satisfactory water quality and the ability of the reservoir to purify itself. This study contributes to the sustainable management of water resources, by providing essential data on the ecological state of Lake Maybalyk. The results underscore the importance of continuous biomonitoring, with microalgae as indicators of water quality, which is crucial for developing effective ecosystem conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between precipitation and evapotranspiration (ET) is critical to understanding water cycle related dynamics in ecosystems, including crops. Existing studies of bioenergy crops have primarily focused on annual or seasonal ET rates, with less attention given to the immediate ET response following precipitation events. This study examines the variation in ET rates in the days subsequent to precipitation events across various bioenergy crops—corn, switchgrass, and prairies—utilizing 13 years (2010–2022) of growing season data. Meteorological and eddy covariance flux data were collected from seven eddy covariance flux towers as part of the GLBRC scale-up experiment at the Kellogg Biological Station Long Term Ecological Research sites. The analysis revealed that average ET peaked the day after precipitation and declined linearly over the following days, with a statistically significant relationship (p -value = 0.00027, R2 = 0.96). Neither the type of biofuel vegetation nor the historical land use significantly influenced ET post-precipitation events (p -values = 0.53 and 0.153, respectively). Key predictors of ET following precipitation events include shortwave radiation, season, day of the year, ambient temperature, vapor pressure deficit (VPD), long-wave radiation, precipitation amount, soil moisture, and annual variability. These findings enhance our comprehension of ET responses in bioenergy crop systems, with implications for water management in sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water quality in rural areas of developing countries is a notable problem. In this article, drinking water quality from eleven villages in the Pavlodar and the Akmola region of Kazakhstan was analyzed. Questionnaires of village respondents and chemical components of drinking water were analyzed to identify the quality of drinking water. In each of the villages, the chemical content varied depending on the source of drinking water. In the rural Pavlodar region, we observed that some cations and anions exceed the MPC. Respondents' perceptions of water quality are associated with water sources and physical components. For example, respondents' satisfaction by inside tap of central water systems' water was high, the answers of those whose water source was private wells showed more mixed satisfaction levels. The drinking water physical quality indicators are closely related to water mineralization and general hardness. The total microbial count of drinking water has a significant relationship with respondents' complaints about unpleasant taste, odor, and salinity. The relationship between perceived and physical water quality is a critical aspect of water resource management. By bridging the gap between scientific assessments and public perceptions, we can enhance public health, build trust in water management systems, and promote sustainability of water use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural by-products can be converted into organic fertilizers through thermophilic composting process. In this study, four combinations of different agricultural by-product materials were composted to find a mixing treatment that improves thermophilic composting process and produces good quality compost. Four treatments included M1 (straw, chicken manure, elephant grass), M2 (straw, chicken manure, cabbage leaves), M3 (straw, cow manure, elephant grass) and M4 (straw, cow manure, cabbage leaves). Compost phytotoxicity was tested on Brassica and Spinach seeds through germination tests. Experiment of evaluating the effects of these compost combined with inorganic nitrogen fertilizer on the growth and yield of cucumber was also conducted. Research results indicated that using agricultural by-product composting materials including straw, chicken manure with elephant grass or cabbage leaves gave better temperature behavior, compost quality and volume than others. Composts of the treatments are considered free of toxicity because they all gave a germination of over 80%. Applying 70% composts of M1 or M2 combining with chemical nitrogen fertilizer replaced for 30% of nitrogen in compost to soil significantly increased the growth and yield of cucumber. The agricultural by-products should thus be converted into nutritious compost which is healthy food feeding soil and crops to contribute to closing the food chain in circular agriculture, protecting environment, and developing agriculture production sustainably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated coal is widely used in the decontamination of by-products. One of the antioxidant antioxidants found in waste water was its adsorption ability using ketoconazole granulated activated carbon (GAC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Object: Substantiate the ecological and economic aspects of differentiated glyphosate application in comparison with traditional all-round application technology. Methods: Experimental field method of environmental research. Findings: By comparing the traditional all-round and differentiated methods of glyphosate spraying in the conditions of Central Kazakhstan, ecological and economic effects were obtained. Conclusions: The differentiated method of glyphosate spraying allows reducing the total agroecological load and the cost of agricultural production while not reducing the biological effectiveness of the action of glyphosate on the target objects (weeds). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The radiation emitted from cell phones has various deleterious effects on human health. The article considers the problem of the effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) of cell phones on the behavior of animals. The use of mobile phones is continually increasing throughout the world. All of the world population uses mobile phones widely; thus, having strong and daily effect on the brain. There is no restriction on the use of mobile phones. Getting more advantages and convenience of mobile communication, the population is trying not to hear the information about possible risks to their health, there is no element of self-restraint. The aim of this work was to study behavioral patterns in response to the influence of cell phones., Materials and Methods: The experiments were carried out on 90 white outbred rats weighing 250-300 g. Experiments were carried out and the effect of EMR from Samsung Galaxy J1 mini and Xiaomi Redmi S2 phones on animal behavior was studied. Behavioral reactions were studied using the open field method., Results: By the quality of the act of locomotion in the second experimental group is reduced by 30% and also in this group by the time of the act is 23% lower than in the control data. Vertical motor activity, a support stand, is also suppressed in the second experimental group: 61% lower in number and 47.2% lower in act time compared to the control group. Based on the data, we can conclude that the EMR of the phone Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini affects the behavior of animals to a greater extent than Xiaomi Redmi S2. By the frequency of the act, sniffing is 26% lower; by the time of the act, it remained at the level of control data in the second group. In the third group of the animals, the number and time of the act are 15% lower than the control data. The support stands as an indicator of research activity. In the second group the act of stand with support - by number was lower by 57% than the control data, this indicates that research activity is being suppressed., Conclusion: According to the above changes under the action of EMR from the Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini and Xiaomi Redmi S2 phones, the motor component of behavior is suppressed. The research component of behavior in all groups of animals is enhanced due to high rates of sniffing. It is possible that in animals under stress, the motivation to interact with the environment decreases, leading to an excessive self-accentuation of the animal., (Copyright: © Sultangaliyeva, et al.)