Hydrochemical Characteristics of Groundwater in Northwestern Kazakhstan Aquifers: Implications for Livestock Water Supply

The uneven distribution of open water sources, low flow rates, and a high degree of mineralization of underground sources are constraining factors for the development of animal husbandry in West Kazakhstan.The purpose of the study was to evaluate the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater in the aquifers in northwestern Kazakhstan to determine their possibility for pasture water supply.During the study, 85 groundwater samples were analyzed for the concentration of anions and cations, and total mineralization and Piper diagrams were used to assess the quality of groundwater for livestock watering.The hydrochemical analysis of water was carried out using chemical and physicochemical methods.The analysis of water samples from boreholes and shaft wells located within the Common Szyrt and the Pre-Szyrt ledge of the studied region revealing groundwater from Upper Pliocene under-Szyrt sands and the locally aquiferous lower and upper quaternary horizon of the upper part of the Szyrt stratum showed that in 17.2% of the sources, the water was highly brackish and in 10.3%, it was saltwater.In boreholes located within the Caspian lowland of the studied region, exposing groundwater of the Upper Pliocene Absheron deposits, water in 25.7% of the sources was highly brackish, and in 17.1%, it was saltwater.In a separate area, boreholes with heavily salted water were found that needed deep desalination.Despite the great diversity of the composition and mineralization of groundwater, the authors established patterns in changing hydrochemical parameters.They differed in different areas and aquifer complexes and depended on the water body feeding conditions, the intensity of water exchange, and the nature and composition of water-bearing rocks and water-soluble salts.The findings suggest that the intensive use of pasture lands in a region with poor freshwater availability is possible using technologies for the desalination of brackish and salt groundwater.Enhanced water quality will lead to better livestock health and productivity, contributing to higher agricultural output.This, in turn, will promote sustainable agricultural practices, reduce the pressure on scarce freshwater resources, and improve food security.