Degree of Master of

Overview of the AALS current ecological conditions

CEU eTD Collection
The current ecological condition of the AALS is considered to be visibly disturbed nowadays. Karimov outlines that due to a significant increase 44 km³ of the Aydar-Arnasay lakes system volume in recent years this system has attracted a high scientific interest. Hydrological, hydrochemical, and hydrobiological conditions of these lakes were actively investigated by national and international experts dealing with water issues in recent years (Mamatov and Kurnanbaev 2006). Saving and protecting the Aydar-Arnasay lakes and their valuable ecological functions are now seen as a priority for Uzbekistan (Karimov 2008).
Contemporary research of these lakes is mainly related to examination of mineralization, water quality, and hydrobiological conditions (Mamatov and Kurnanbaev
2006). According to the research of the Institute of Water Problems and Institute of Zoology, among the most distinctive features of this lakes system the following should be specified:

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  In the context of mineralization, water in the AALS is classified as moderately saline,
  

i.e. 5-7 g/l; chemical composition is basically chloride-sulphate-calcareous (Chembarisov, Reumov et al. 2006);

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  Annual water discharges from the Chardara and the collector-drainage run-off demineralize water in the lakes, a zone where Chardara water meets AALS water is characterized by lower mineralization of up to 2,0-3,5 g/l;
  
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  Concentration of pollutants during spring time is lower than maximum allowable concentration calculated for the lakes. This fact makes these lakes suitable for fisheries development (Giniatulina, Mullabaev et al. 2004);
  
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  The AALS is abundant of various species of phytoplankton (55 species); species of zooplankton range from 7,74 to 173,5 thousands species/m3 (Chembarisov, Reumov et al. 2006);
  
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  In 2006 the total amount of bacteria ranged from 0,98 to 1,54 million cells/ml;
  
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  The total amount of periphyton⁴ was represented by 176 algae taxon, 136 from which are diatoms (Giniatulina, Mullabaev et al. 2004);
  

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