Status quo analysis of the Aidar-Arnasay Lake System

Abstract

The Aidar-Arnasay lake system, situated within a natural depression in the southern expanse of the Kyzylkum desert, southwest of the Shardara reservoir, constitutes a unique hydrological entity. Comprising drainless lakes sustained by inflows from the collector-drainage network and the Shardara reservoir, this system has, over the span of 50 years, accumulated an astonishing 2.5 times more water than all 53 reservoirs combined in the province. However, recent studies conducted to assess the water quality in the Aidar-Arnasay lake system have revealed alarming concentrations of pollutants. A comprehensive analysis of the water samples has unveiled significant exceedances across nearly all measured indicators. Notably, the general mineralization of water stands out as a critical concern, surpassing the permissible norm by more than 25 times. This excessive mineralization poses a severe threat to the biological diversity within the system, impacting the overall ecological health of the region. The repercussions of these heightened pollutant levels extend beyond mere water quality concerns, adversely affecting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Urgent intervention and remediation efforts are imperative to mitigate the ecological consequences and preserve the integrity of the Aidar-Arnasay lake system, ensuring its sustainability for future generations.