The article discusses the features of the temporary distribution of precipitation at the stations of the Akmola region in the period from 1986 to 2020. The study of long-term fluctuations in atmospheric precipitation is currently one of the urgent global tasks. In many studies, global climate change is also considered as a human economic activity. In this paper, the distribution of precipitation by seasonal periods, statistical characteristics of the stations under consideration, large precipitation anomalies and synoptic conditions of precipitation distribution are also considered. For all the given years, normal, low-water, very wet years with atmospheric precipitation are established.

The spatial distributions of the potential ecological risk index (RI) and the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) in soils of the Zhetysu region (Kazakhstan) were examined. The enrichment factor ranged from 39.4 for cadmium to 21,481 for nickel. There are few non-ferrous metal enterprises and mineral deposits located in the region. Soil sampling was conducted at 54 locations across the region. The contamination indices were calculated based on the concentrations of four heavy metals in the soil in 2025: copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni). The RI index varied across the study area within range of 53–353, with an average value of 129. The main points of high environmental risk are the Balkhash Lake’s eastern coast (RI = 318) and industrial city Tekeli (RI = 353). The Igeo values were as follows: Cu −0.61–3.82 (mean: 2.07); Pb −0.58–3.35 (mean: 0.49); Cd −2.91–2.15 (mean: −0.11); and Ni −4.23–4.17 (mean: 0.43). The transport of contaminants occurs under the influence of the wind regime and water erosion processes. Lead, cadmium, and nickel have a variation coefficient greater than 50, indicating metal particle transport from adjacent areas. Wind patterns in certain areas of the region determine the distribution of foci of high heavy-metal concentrations in the soil.

This study presents long-term background concentration estimates for hydrochemical parameters in the Shu River at the Kaynar transboundary section for 2002–2025 and assesses chemical mass transport across this section. Annual mean values for 31 hydrochemical parameters were analyzed; 533 annual values were processed, and 498 remained after statistical extremes were excluded from background-concentration calculations. Background concentrations were estimated as one-sided confidence limits of the mean at a 0.95 confidence level. The Shu River water is characterized by a bicarbonate-sulfate composition and moderately elevated mineralization. Background-level exceedances of the reference maximum permissible concentration (MPC) values were observed for sulfate, nitrite nitrogen (NO₂-N), and copper. Suspended solids were assessed separately because the applicable criterion is expressed relative to the background concentration rather than as a fixed MPC value. The comprehensive water pollution index (CWPI) indicated moderate pollution in most years, with high pollution levels in 2002, 2003, 2006–2008, and 2016. Annual mass transport of ionic constituents increased from 555.2 thousand metric tons in 2021 to 899.6 thousand metric tons in 2023, while nutrient mass transport ranged from 3.14 to 3.55 thousand metric tons per year. Nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N) made the largest contribution to nutrient mass transport. The results support regional water-quality assessment and water-protection planning in arid transboundary river basins.

The article presents the results of a study on the contamination of the soil cover of the Zhetysu Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Soil samples were collected in 2024...2025 at 52 monitoring sites located in different natural and landscape zones of the region. The PCB content was analyzed using gas chromatography with an electron capture detector in accordance with the requirements of regulatory documents. The presence of polychlorinated biphenyls was detected in all studied soil samples. The total PCB concentrations ranged from 0.010 to 1.631 µg/kg. A significant diversity of individual congeners was identified, including indicator (“marker”) and dioxin-like compounds. The highest concentrations of the pollutant were recorded in soils of urbanized areas. A comparative analysis of the research results for 2024 and 2025 showed a noticeable decrease in PCB concentrations in 2025. This may be associated with seasonal features of sampling, redistribution of pollutants within the soil profile, and spatial heterogeneity of their distribution. The obtained results indicate a relatively low level of soil contamination in the region by polychlorinated biphenyls and can be used in organizing environmental monitoring of persistent organic pollutants within the framework of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s implementation of its international obligations under the Stockholm Convention.