As part of the scientific program BR28712767 "Study of the ecological, socio-demographic, eco-geographical, paleobiographic aspects of the Urals and assessment of its natural resource potential", from May 19 to June 1, 2026, hydrobiological, microbiological, arachnological and hydrochemical studies were conducted on the Zhaiyk River in the West Kazakhstan region and Atyrau region.
During the expedition, material was collected for metagenomic studies of the microbiome, which will serve as the basis for further monitoring and forecasting the development of water bodies. Metagenomics allows for the analysis of DNA isolated from the environment. High-throughput sequencing of taxonomically significant gene libraries will not only determine the composition of the water microbiome but also identify the environmental drivers responsible for the evolution of aquatic microbiomes in the region.
This fundamental study is interdisciplinary, utilizing hydrological, hydrobiological, hydrochemical, and metogenomic research methods. In addition, mammalian tissues were collected for DNA extraction and subsequent genetic analysis.
Thirty hydrobiological samples were collected from three different geographical zones and 15 stations using Ekman-Burge, Petersen and Apstein net grabs.
Several hundred spider specimens were collected from six stations for arachnological research. The collection was carried out using a combined method, including hand collection, sweeping with an entomological net, shaking plants, and using soil traps.
Water quality was measured using a YSI Pro DSS multiparameter meter and a Hach HQ4300. Hydrochemical water samples were also collected from both depth and surface of the river for further laboratory testing.
During the expedition, 15 stations were established on the Zhaiyk River, located in three geographic zones. Steppe zone: Yanvartsevo village, Rubezhinskoye village, Darinsk village, Baikonys village, and the city of Uralsk. Semi-desert zone: Aksu village, Bogatsk village, Kolovertnoye village, Zhanabulak village, and Chapayevo village. Desert zone: Taipak village, Inderborsky settlement, Makhambet village, Atyrau city, Damba village.
