Ecological Assessment of Phytoplankton Diversity and Water Quality to Ensure the Sustainability of the Ecosystem in Lake Maybalyk, Astana, Kazakhstan

Zhanar Tekebayeva (), Aidana Bazarkhankyzy (), Aliya Temirbekova, Zhanar Rakhymzhan, Kamshat Kulzhanova, Raikhan Beisenova, Andrey Kulagin, Nurgul Askarova, Dinara Yevneyeva, Aslan Temirkhanov and Akhan Abzhalelov
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Zhanar Tekebayeva: Laboratory of Microbiology, Republican Collection of Microorganisms, 13/1 Valikhanov Str., Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Aidana Bazarkhankyzy: Laboratory of Microbiology, Republican Collection of Microorganisms, 13/1 Valikhanov Str., Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Aliya Temirbekova: Laboratory of Microbiology, Republican Collection of Microorganisms, 13/1 Valikhanov Str., Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Zhanar Rakhymzhan: Department of Environmental Management and Engineering, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, 2 Satpayev Str., Astana 010008, Kazakhstan
Kamshat Kulzhanova: Laboratory of Microbiology, Republican Collection of Microorganisms, 13/1 Valikhanov Str., Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Raikhan Beisenova: Department of Environmental Management and Engineering, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, 2 Satpayev Str., Astana 010008, Kazakhstan
Andrey Kulagin: Department of Environmental Management and Engineering, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, 2 Satpayev Str., Astana 010008, Kazakhstan
Nurgul Askarova: Department of Normal Physiology, Astana Medical University, Beibitshilik Str., 49a, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Dinara Yevneyeva: Laboratory of Microbiology, Republican Collection of Microorganisms, 13/1 Valikhanov Str., Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Aslan Temirkhanov: Laboratory of Microbiology, Republican Collection of Microorganisms, 13/1 Valikhanov Str., Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Akhan Abzhalelov: Laboratory of Microbiology, Republican Collection of Microorganisms, 13/1 Valikhanov Str., Astana 010000, Kazakhstan

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-16

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: water quality; microalgae; lake; phytoplankton; species diversity; bioindication; pollution; ecosystem sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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