Optimization and evaluation of wastewater and groundwater blending for irrigation in Arid Regions of Kazakhstan

Perizat Bulanbayeva; Asylkhan Shomantayev; Gulnur Daldabayeva; Abzal Shegenbayev; Bauyrzhan Otarbayev; Botagoz Absatova; Orken Baimakhanov; Khansulu Kuspangaliyeva

doi:10.18393/ejss.1753346

Optimization and evaluation of wastewater and groundwater blending for irrigation in Arid Regions of Kazakhstan

Abstract

This study evaluates the suitability of wastewater from the Modular Wastewater Treatment Plant (MWTS) in Tasboget village, Kyzylorda region, Kazakhstan, for agricultural irrigation, in alignment with the nation's "Concept for Transition to a Green Economy" (2013). Considering the severe challenges such as water scarcity and soil degradation in arid regions, the potential of treated wastewater as a sustainable resource is critically important. Through comprehensive physicochemical and microbiological analyses, the baseline quality of untreated wastewater was assessed, examining mineralization, toxic components, fecal coliform levels, and the risks of soil salinization and sodicity. The findings unequivocally reveal that untreated wastewater is unsuitable for direct irrigation due to its high mineralization (e.g., EC: 3.6 dS/m, TDS: 2304 mg/L), elevated chloride content (18.2 meq/L), high organic load (BOD: 120 mg/L), and significant microbial contamination (fecal coliform: 5,200 CFU/100 mL), all exceeding national and international standards. However, strategically blending this wastewater with clean groundwater at an optimal 1:3 ratio significantly improved its quality. This dilution reduced EC to 1.4 dS/m, SAR to 5.2, BOD to 45 mg/L, and fecal coliform to 800 CFU/100 mL, achieving a remarkable 93% suitability rating according to established agro-reclamation standards. The impacts of the optimized blend on soil quality were also positive; the 1:3 mix maintained soil EC (5.3 dS/m) and SAR (8.6) close to pre-irrigation levels, preserving soil structure and permeability. Furthermore, biomass yields and vigor of crops like alfalfa (8.5 t/ha), poplar (4.0 t/ha), and elm (3.4 t/ha) significantly increased under diluted wastewater application, with observed lower salinity stress compared to plots irrigated with untreated wastewater. This optimized blend minimizes environmental risks, enhances soil reclamation, and enables sustainable irrigation for both agricultural crops and woody plantations. The study emphasizes the importance of long-term soil and yield monitoring to ensure ecological stability and advocates for wastewater reuse as a viable and sustainable strategy to address water scarcity and promote resilient agriculture in arid regions. Our findings indicate that wastewater blending technology offers significant implications for regional water management policies and agricultural development.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Soil Sciences and Plant Nutrition (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Perizat Bulanbayeva ^* This is me
0000-0002-3879-0680
Kazakhstan

Asylkhan Shomantayev This is me
0000-0003-3089-8651
Kazakhstan

Gulnur Daldabayeva This is me
0000-0002-9586-798X
Kazakhstan

Abzal Shegenbayev This is me
0000-0002-5910-2840
Kazakhstan

Bauyrzhan Otarbayev This is me
0000-0001-5937-6465
Kazakhstan

Botagoz Absatova This is me
0000-0001-5495-4676
Kazakhstan

Orken Baimakhanov This is me
0009-0008-1949-2275
Kazakhstan

Khansulu Kuspangaliyeva This is me
0000-0002-5485-3565
Kazakhstan

Publication Date

October 1, 2025

Submission Date

December 18, 2024

Acceptance Date

July 26, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 14 Number: 4

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1753346

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA22DA34YA

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Bulanbayeva, P., Shomantayev, A., Daldabayeva, G., Shegenbayev, A., Otarbayev, B., Absatova, B., Baimakhanov, O., & Kuspangaliyeva, K. (2025). Optimization and evaluation of wastewater and groundwater blending for irrigation in Arid Regions of Kazakhstan. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science, 14(4), 359-375. https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1753346

AMA

1.Bulanbayeva P, Shomantayev A, Daldabayeva G, et al. Optimization and evaluation of wastewater and groundwater blending for irrigation in Arid Regions of Kazakhstan. EJSS. 2025;14(4):359-375. doi:10.18393/ejss.1753346

Chicago

Bulanbayeva, Perizat, Asylkhan Shomantayev, Gulnur Daldabayeva, et al. 2025. “Optimization and Evaluation of Wastewater and Groundwater Blending for Irrigation in Arid Regions of Kazakhstan”. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 14 (4): 359-75. https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1753346.

EndNote

Bulanbayeva P, Shomantayev A, Daldabayeva G, Shegenbayev A, Otarbayev B, Absatova B, Baimakhanov O, Kuspangaliyeva K (October 1, 2025) Optimization and evaluation of wastewater and groundwater blending for irrigation in Arid Regions of Kazakhstan. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 14 4 359–375.

IEEE

[1]P. Bulanbayeva et al., “Optimization and evaluation of wastewater and groundwater blending for irrigation in Arid Regions of Kazakhstan”, EJSS, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 359–375, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.18393/ejss.1753346.

ISNAD

Bulanbayeva, Perizat - Shomantayev, Asylkhan - Daldabayeva, Gulnur - Shegenbayev, Abzal - Otarbayev, Bauyrzhan - Absatova, Botagoz - Baimakhanov, Orken - Kuspangaliyeva, Khansulu. “Optimization and Evaluation of Wastewater and Groundwater Blending for Irrigation in Arid Regions of Kazakhstan”. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 14/4 (October 1, 2025): 359-375. https://doi.org/10.18393/ejss.1753346.

JAMA

1.Bulanbayeva P, Shomantayev A, Daldabayeva G, Shegenbayev A, Otarbayev B, Absatova B, Baimakhanov O, Kuspangaliyeva K. Optimization and evaluation of wastewater and groundwater blending for irrigation in Arid Regions of Kazakhstan. EJSS. 2025;14:359–375.

MLA

Bulanbayeva, Perizat, et al. “Optimization and Evaluation of Wastewater and Groundwater Blending for Irrigation in Arid Regions of Kazakhstan”. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science, vol. 14, no. 4, Oct. 2025, pp. 359-75, doi:10.18393/ejss.1753346.

Vancouver

1.Perizat Bulanbayeva, Asylkhan Shomantayev, Gulnur Daldabayeva, Abzal Shegenbayev, Bauyrzhan Otarbayev, Botagoz Absatova, Orken Baimakhanov, Khansulu Kuspangaliyeva. Optimization and evaluation of wastewater and groundwater blending for irrigation in Arid Regions of Kazakhstan. EJSS. 2025 Oct. 1;14(4):359-75. doi:10.18393/ejss.1753346

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