SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITION CONDUCTED IN THE KARATAL RIVER BASIN WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF A SLOVAK SCIENTIST

 

From June 16 to 20, 2026, a scientific expedition was organized within the framework of Project AP26102759 “Study of the impact of physicochemical and biological pollution of glaciers on water quality and individual indicators of flora and fauna of the Karatal River ecosystem.”

The expedition team included the project leader, Candidate of Biological Sciences Berikzhan  Oxikbayev, Professor Marian Janiga, Director of the Institute of High Mountain Biology at the University of Žilina (Slovakia), and researcher Kuanysh  Tokpayev.

Field studies were conducted on the Kora and Shazha rivers, which are the main headwaters of the Karatal River, as well as on the glaciers of the Zhetysu Alatau Mountains. During the expedition, physical parameters of river water were measured at designated monitoring sites, and samples of water, bottom sediments, and algae were collected for a comprehensive assessment of water quality. The collected materials were prepared for subsequent laboratory chemical and biological analyses.

During the expedition, Professor Marian Janiga shared his international experience in the study of high-mountain ecosystems and provided scientific and methodological guidance on sample collection, field observations, and the interpretation of research results. The participation of the foreign scientist contributed to enhancing the scientific quality of the research and strengthening international scientific cooperation.

As a result of the expedition, valuable data and samples were collected to assess the impact of glaciers on the aquatic ecosystems of the Karatal River Basin. The obtained materials will serve as the basis for further laboratory investigations within the framework of the project.