Integrated Chemical-Geoecological Monitoring and Engineering Approaches for Pollution Reduction in the Yertis River
Abstract
Within the framework of this research, an assessment of the surface water quality of the Yertis River was conducted using physicochemical indicators such as suspended solids, pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, organic matter, heavy metals, and pesticides. The results indicated significant surface water pollution, particularly in the Oskemen area, which is linked to industrial emissions and wastewater discharges. Exceedances of maximum allowable concentrations were recorded for several pollutants, including nitrites, copper, zinc, manganese, and phosphates. Additionally, remote sensing data was used to assess water conditions, with the calculation of spectral indices such as normalized difference water index (NDWI), modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI), and normalized difference turbidity index (NDTI) to monitor the water bodies. Analysis of the spatial distribution of these indices identified the most polluted sections of the river within Oskemen. The integration of ground-based research data on the Yertis River with satellite imagery provides a more detailed understanding of the dynamics of changes, including variations in water turbidity levels. A channel cleaning device is proposed as an engineering solution to improve river conditions and reduce turbidity. This device effectively removes pollutants at depths of up to 1.5 meters, ensuring consistent water clarity and enhancing the safety of navigation.