International Journal of Environmental Science and Green Technology

Ecological Aspects of the Constructing a Nuclear Power Station in Kazakhstan

Gulzat Abdikarim, Davlat Yuldashbek, Nurlan Akhmetov — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Kazakhstan is rich in natural resources, including coal, oil, natural gas, and uranium, and has significant potential for renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass. Nuclear energy is often considered an alternative source of energy, capable of reducing the impact on the environment compared to traditional fossil sources such as coal and natural gas. There are currently no operating nuclear power reactors in Kazakhstan. In this context, the potential impact of the planned nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan on the territory and environmental situation of Kazakhstan is considered. However, like any method of energy generation, nuclear energy has its own environmental aspects. NPPs emit almost no other pollutants, such as sulfur (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and solid particles, which are characteristic of burning fossil fuels. Low carbon emissions: nuclear power plants produce large amounts of electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions, which can help combat climate change. High-efficiency nuclear reactors are able to produce a large amount of energy from a relatively small amount of fuel. Uranium-235 and plutonium-239 radioactive elements are often used as reactor fuel. Used in nuclear reactors, they have high energy density. Kazakhstan’s uranium production is carried out exclusively by underground well drilling, which is the most environmentally friendly and least expensive method. Given that Kazakhstan accounts for 40% of global uranium production, it is assumed that transporting reactor fuel could be cost-effective. Stable electricity supply: nuclear plants provide reliable and continuous production of electricity, which makes them important for maintaining the stability of the energy system. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the development of nuclear energy can reduce the consumption of coal, oil, and gas, which in turn helps to reduce the negative impact on the environment associated with their extraction and combustion. Long-term energy: nuclear reactors can operate for several decades, which makes them convenient for providing long-term energy needs. The development of waste disposal technologies and research and development in the field of nuclear waste disposal create opportunities for safer handling of them and reduction of negative impact on the environment. These aspects make nuclear energy in Kazakhstan an important part of solving problems in the field of energy, ecology, and economy.

The Prospects of Using Biogas: Technological Achievements, Ecological and Economic Efficiency, Development in Global Energy

Nurlan Akhmetov, Davlat Yuldashbek — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article examines various aspects related to biogas production, its technological features, economic advantages, and the challenges faced by the industry. Biogas, as an important renewable energy source, is a mixture of methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) that forms during the anaerobic decomposition of organic materials. With the increasing environmental and economic issues associated with the use of fossil fuels, biogas has become a promising solution for reducing carbon emissions and recycling waste. The article analyzes global trends, current statistical data, and prognostic conclusions about the development of the biogas sector in the coming decades. It also focuses on the current state of biogas production in the world and Kazakhstan, as well as the potential for expanding this sector in the context of sustainable development.

Biochar: An Effective Solution for Sustainable Agriculture and Ecosystem Restoration

Davlat Yuldashbek, Nurlan Akhmetov — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article discusses various aspects related to biochar, its production, and its environmental and agricultural benefits. Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced from biomass through pyrolysis in conditions of limited oxygen. It possesses a range of beneficial properties, such as improving soil quality, increasing its fertility, enhancing crop yield, and carbon sequestration. Biochar helps retain nutrients, improves soil water retention, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Its application contributes to better seed germination, seedling growth, as well as increasing plant resistance to environmental stressors and diseases. The use of biochar in different doses and pyrolysis conditions can significantly enhance its effectiveness in agriculture and ecological rehabilitation. The use of biochar for the reclamation of contaminated soils reduces the availability of toxic substances, such as heavy metals and pesticides, making this material a promising tool for ecosystem restoration. Thus, biochar represents a promising solution for improving soil and ecosystem health, reducing pollution, and mitigating the impacts of climate change, providing new opportunities for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

Impact of Solar Incidence Angle on Output Power of PV Systems: A Field Study in Turkistan Region, Kazakhstan

Nurkozha Zhaksylyk, Naci Genç, Sherzod Ramankulov — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article explores the relationship between the angle of incidence of solar radiation and the output power of solar panels. The object of the study is a 26.1 kW solar power plant installed on the territory of Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University. The solar panels at this station are mounted at a tilt angle of 30° and oriented to the south. The main objective of the research is to determine the optimal installation angle of the panels by identifying the effect of the angle of incidence of solar radiation on the output power. During selected time intervals in the spring season, the angle of incidence (θᵢ) was calculated based on the sun’s altitude and azimuth. The obtained angular values were compared with actual output power data retrieved from the SOLARMAN monitoring system operating in real time, and the correlation between them was analyzed. The results of the study confirmed that the performance of the panels increases as the angle of incidence decreases. In other words, the efficiency of converting solar energy into electrical energy improves when sunlight hits the panel surface more perpendicularly. This research provides valuable practical insights for optimizing the tilt angle of solar panels during the design of solar power plants. Moreover, the results of this study have the potential to enhance the educational process in the field of solar energy and can be integrated into STEM-based learning environments. This research has been/was/is funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No. AP23488947)

Fish as Bioindicators: Monitoring Environmental Mercury Pollution with Aquatic Food Webs – A Mini Review

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Mercury pollution remains a persistent concern in aquatic ecosystems due to its persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Fish, as long-lived, trophically diverse organisms, are extremely effective bioindicators of mercury pollution, providing information on spatial and temporal ecosystem pollution trends. The following mini-review consolidates current information on the utilization of fish in tracing environmental mercury, with an emphasis on mercury uptake dynamics, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification along aquatic food chains. Special attention is given to the species-specific patterns of mercury deposition, physiologic and ecological regulation of mercury retention, and regional case studies demonstrating the application of fish-based biomonitoring. Brief overview is given of analytical methods used for the determination of total mercury and methylmercury in fish tissues, as well as recent advances in stable isotope tracing and molecular biomarkers. Besides, the review also addresses the impact of mercury-contaminated fish consumption on human health, coupling environmental monitoring with public health risk assessment. Last but not least, fish are an integrative tool to assess ecosystem integrity, determine pollution sources, and support regulatory mechanisms in mercury risk management.