Eurasian Journal of Soil Science
Volume 14, Issue 4, Oct 2025, Pages 359-375DOI: 10.18393/ejss.1753346
Stable URL: http://ejss.fess.org/10.18393/ejss.1753346
Copyright © 2025 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies
Optimization and evaluation of wastewater and groundwater blending for irrigation in Arid Regions of Kazakhstan
, Asylkhan Shomantayev , Gulnur Daldabayeva , Abzal Shegenbayev , Bauyrzhan Otarbayev , Botagoz Absatova , Orken Baimakhanov , Khansulu Kuspangaliyeva 
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Kuspangaliyeva, K., Baimakhanov, O., Absatova, B., Otarbayev, B., Shegenbayev, A., Daldabayeva, G., Shomantayev, A., Bulanbayeva, P., 2025. Optimization and evaluation of wastewater and groundwater blending for irrigation in Arid Regions of Kazakhstan. Eurasian J. Soil Sci. 14(4): 359-375. DOI : 10.18393/ejss.1753346Author information
Khansulu Kuspangaliyeva , Kh.Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University, Atyrau, KazakhstanOrken Baimakhanov , Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan
Botagoz Absatova , M. Auezov South Kazakhstan Research University, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Bauyrzhan Otarbayev , Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan
Abzal Shegenbayev , Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan
Gulnur Daldabayeva , Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan
Asylkhan Shomantayev , Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan
Perizat Bulanbayeva , Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan
Publication information
Article first published online : 29 Jul 2025Manuscript Accepted : 26 Jul 2025
Manuscript Received: 18 Dec 2024
DOI: 10.18393/ejss.1753346
Stable URL: http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.1753346
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
Wastewater irrigation, soil salinization, modular treatment, sodicity, blending technology, sustainable agriculture, water scarcity, agricultural resilience. Corresponding author
References
Abdullaev, I., Rakhmatullaev, S., 2025. Water security in central asia: Towards sustainable development and resilience. In: Sustainable water management and irrigation systems. Natural Resource Management and Policy. Correia Leitão, J.C., Khairy, W., Pereira, D., Zascerinska, J., Gaspar, P.D. (Eds.). Vol 62. Springer, Cham. pp 47–70.
Ahn, Y.J., Juraev, Z., 2024. Examination of regional water governance and water insecurity issues in Central Asia. Sustain. Sustainable Water Resources Management 10: 118.
Aleshina, N.I., Makarychev, S.V., 2007. Use of urban wastewater for irrigation of perennial grasses. Journal of Agricultural Science 10(36): 23–28.
APHA, 2017. Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater (23rd edition). Rice, E.W., Baird, R.B., Eaton, A.D. (Eds.). American Public Health Association. USA. Available at [Access date: 18.12.2024]: https://www.standardmethods.org/doi/book/10.2105/smww.2882
Badr, E.S. A., Tawfik, R.T., Alomran, M.S., 2023. An assessment of irrigation water quality with respect to the reuse of treated wastewater in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia. Water 15(13): 2488.
Baimakhanov, O.S., Shomantaev, A.A., Umirzakov, S.I., 2024. Qualitative indicator of groundwater of the experimental plot of the experimental section of the inland defense forces in the village of Tasboget. Vestnik Kyzylorda University named after Korkyt Ata 71(4): 365–375.
Bari, T.A., Rimsha, J., Adeel, M., Abdullah, Y., 2024. Equitable water uses and environmental sustainability. Current Directions in Water Scarcity Research 8: 135-148.
Bektayev, N., Mansurova, K., Kaldybayev, S., Pachikin, K., Еrzhanova, K., Absatova, B., 2023. Comprehensive assessment and information database on saline and waterlogged soils in Kazakhstan: Insights from Remote Sensing Technology. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 12(4): 290 - 299.
Bernstein, N., 2011. Potential for contamination of crops by microbial human pathogens introduced into the soil by irrigation with treated effluent. Israel Journal of Plant Sciences 59(2): 115–123.
Budanov, M.F., 1983. Methods for assessing the suitability of wastewater for irrigation. Kolos Publishing, Moscow. Russia.
Burlibayeva, D., Fritz, A., Zhusupbekov, A., 2022. Assessing the potential for treated wastewater reuse in Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan: A soil and water perspective. Central Asian Journal of Water Research 8(1): 45–60.
Carr, R.M., Blumenthal, U.J., Mara, D.D., 2011. Health guidelines for the use of wastewater in agriculture: developing realistic guidelines. In: Wastewater use in irrigated agriculture: confronting the livelihood and environmental realities. Scott, C.A., Faruqui, N.I., Raschid-Sally, L. (Eds.). Earthscan, pp. 41-58.
Conrad, C., Usman, M., Morper-Busch, L., Schönbrodt-Stitt, S., 2020. Remote sensing-based assessments of land use, soil and vegetation status, crop production and water use in irrigation systems of the Aral Sea Basin. A review. Water Security 11: 100078.
Dash, S., Kalamdhad, A.S., 2021. Hydrochemical dynamics of water quality for irrigation use and introducing a new water quality index incorporating multivariate statistics. Environmental Earth Sciences 80: 73.
Dayal, A.M., 2014. Wastewater production, treatment and use in India. 3rd International Conference on Hydrology & Meteorology. September 15-16, 2014, Hyderabad International Convention Centre, India.
Elgallal, M., Fletcher, L., Evans, B., 2016. Assessment of potential risks associated with chemicals in wastewater used for irrigation in arid and semiarid zones: A review. Agricultural Water Management 177: 419–431.
El-Nahhal, Y., Tubail, K., Safi, M., Safi, J., 2015. Effect of treated waste water irrigation on plant growth and soil properties in Gaza Strip, Palestine. American Journal of Plant Sciences 4(9): 1736-1743.
FAO, 1985. Water quality for agriculture. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper No. 29, Revision 1. Ayers, R.S., Westcot, D.W. (Eds.). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Rome, Italy. Available at [Access date: 18.12.2024]: http://www.fao.org/3/T0234E/T0234E00.htm
GOST, 1990. GOST 17.1.2.03-90. Nature protection. Hydrosphere. The criteria and quality characteristics of water for irrigation. Available at [Access date: 18.12.2024]: https://www.russiangost.com/p-55054-gost-171203-90.aspx
Islamzade, T., İslamzade, R., Azizov, R., Babayeva, T., Aliyeva, A., Haciyeva, X., Ashurova, N., 2025. Impact of Cadmium-contaminated water and irrigation levels on microbiological properties of soils with different textures. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 14(2): 107-115.
ISO, 2017. ISO/IEC 17025:2017. General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland. Available at [Access date: 18.12.2024]: https://www.iso.org/standard/66912.html
Jaramillo, M.F., Restrepo, I., 2017. Wastewater reuse in agriculture: A review about its limitations and benefits. Sustainability 9(10): 1734.
Malakar, A., Snow, D.D., Ray, C., 2019. Irrigation Water Quality—A Contemporary Perspective. Water 11(7): 1482.
Malki, M., Bouchaou, L., Hirich, A., Brahim, Y.A., Choukr-Allah, R., 2017. Impact of agricultural practices on groundwater quality in intensive irrigated area of Chtouka-Massa, Morocco. Science of The Total Environment 574: 760-770.
Master Plan, 2019. Master Plan of the city of Kyzylorda, Kyzylorda region. Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, No. 374.
Meiramkulova, K., Kydyrbekova, A., Kydyrbekova, A., Daldabayeva, G., Otarbayev, B., Shegenbayev, A., Khalkhabay, B., Baikenzheyeva, A., Bulanbayeva, P., Mkilima, T., 2024. Evaluating the long-term effects of recycled wastewater irrigation on soil health, crop yield, and ecological sustainability in arid regions. Journal of Ecological Engineering 25(12): 10–25.
Mezheyko, A. I., Vorotnik, T.K., 1990. Agrochemical assessment of irrigation water quality. Kainar Publishing. Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Omarova, A., Tussupova, K., Hjorth, P., Kalishev, M., Dosmagambetova, R., 2019. Water supply challenges in rural areas: A case study from Central Kazakhstan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16(5): 688.
Qadir, M., Wichelns, D., Raschid-Sally, L., McCornick, P.G., Drechsel, P., Bahri, A., Minhas, P.S., 2010. The challenges of wastewater irrigation in developing countries. Agricultural Water Management 97(4): 561–568.
Richards, L.A., 1954. Diagnosis and improvement of saline and alkaline soils. Agriculture Handbook, Vol. 60, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Washington DC, 160 p.
SanPiN, 1996. SanPiN 2.17.573-96. Hygienic requirements for the use of wastewater and their sludge for irrigation and fertilizer. State Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision of the Russian Federation.
Sparks, D. L., Page, A. L., Helmke, P. A., Loeppert, R.H., Soltanpour, P.N., Tabatabai, M.A., Johnston, C.T., Sumner, M.E., 1996. Methods of soil analysis, Part 3: Chemical methods. Soil Science Society of America, American Society of Agronomy. Madison, Wisconsin, USA. 1390p.
Stevens, D.P., McLaughlin, M.J., Smart, M.K., 2003. Effects of long-term irrigation with reclaimed water on soils of the Northern Adelaide Plains, South Australia. Australian Journal of Soil Research 41(5): 933 – 948.
Sultonov, Z., Pant, H.K., 2023. Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Water Management in the Aral Sea Basin. Water Resources Management 37: 5743–5757.
UN, 2015. Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations. Available at [Access date: 18.12.2024]: https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
WHO, 2013. Guidelines for the safe use of wastewater, excreta and greywater. World Health Organization (WHO). Available at [Access date: 18.12.2024]: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241546840
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: Wastewater irrigation, soil salinization, modular treatment, sodicity, blending technology, sustainable agriculture, water scarcity, agricultural resilience.
References
Abdullaev, I., Rakhmatullaev, S., 2025. Water security in central asia: Towards sustainable development and resilience. In: Sustainable water management and irrigation systems. Natural Resource Management and Policy. Correia Leitão, J.C., Khairy, W., Pereira, D., Zascerinska, J., Gaspar, P.D. (Eds.). Vol 62. Springer, Cham. pp 47–70.
Ahn, Y.J., Juraev, Z., 2024. Examination of regional water governance and water insecurity issues in Central Asia. Sustain. Sustainable Water Resources Management 10: 118.
Aleshina, N.I., Makarychev, S.V., 2007. Use of urban wastewater for irrigation of perennial grasses. Journal of Agricultural Science 10(36): 23–28.
APHA, 2017. Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater (23rd edition). Rice, E.W., Baird, R.B., Eaton, A.D. (Eds.). American Public Health Association. USA. Available at [Access date: 18.12.2024]: https://www.standardmethods.org/doi/book/10.2105/smww.2882
Badr, E.S. A., Tawfik, R.T., Alomran, M.S., 2023. An assessment of irrigation water quality with respect to the reuse of treated wastewater in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia. Water 15(13): 2488.
Baimakhanov, O.S., Shomantaev, A.A., Umirzakov, S.I., 2024. Qualitative indicator of groundwater of the experimental plot of the experimental section of the inland defense forces in the village of Tasboget. Vestnik Kyzylorda University named after Korkyt Ata 71(4): 365–375.
Bari, T.A., Rimsha, J., Adeel, M., Abdullah, Y., 2024. Equitable water uses and environmental sustainability. Current Directions in Water Scarcity Research 8: 135-148.
Bektayev, N., Mansurova, K., Kaldybayev, S., Pachikin, K., Еrzhanova, K., Absatova, B., 2023. Comprehensive assessment and information database on saline and waterlogged soils in Kazakhstan: Insights from Remote Sensing Technology. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 12(4): 290 - 299.
Bernstein, N., 2011. Potential for contamination of crops by microbial human pathogens introduced into the soil by irrigation with treated effluent. Israel Journal of Plant Sciences 59(2): 115–123.
Budanov, M.F., 1983. Methods for assessing the suitability of wastewater for irrigation. Kolos Publishing, Moscow. Russia.
Burlibayeva, D., Fritz, A., Zhusupbekov, A., 2022. Assessing the potential for treated wastewater reuse in Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan: A soil and water perspective. Central Asian Journal of Water Research 8(1): 45–60.
Carr, R.M., Blumenthal, U.J., Mara, D.D., 2011. Health guidelines for the use of wastewater in agriculture: developing realistic guidelines. In: Wastewater use in irrigated agriculture: confronting the livelihood and environmental realities. Scott, C.A., Faruqui, N.I., Raschid-Sally, L. (Eds.). Earthscan, pp. 41-58.
Conrad, C., Usman, M., Morper-Busch, L., Schönbrodt-Stitt, S., 2020. Remote sensing-based assessments of land use, soil and vegetation status, crop production and water use in irrigation systems of the Aral Sea Basin. A review. Water Security 11: 100078.
Dash, S., Kalamdhad, A.S., 2021. Hydrochemical dynamics of water quality for irrigation use and introducing a new water quality index incorporating multivariate statistics. Environmental Earth Sciences 80: 73.
Dayal, A.M., 2014. Wastewater production, treatment and use in India. 3rd International Conference on Hydrology & Meteorology. September 15-16, 2014, Hyderabad International Convention Centre, India.
Elgallal, M., Fletcher, L., Evans, B., 2016. Assessment of potential risks associated with chemicals in wastewater used for irrigation in arid and semiarid zones: A review. Agricultural Water Management 177: 419–431.
El-Nahhal, Y., Tubail, K., Safi, M., Safi, J., 2015. Effect of treated waste water irrigation on plant growth and soil properties in Gaza Strip, Palestine. American Journal of Plant Sciences 4(9): 1736-1743.
FAO, 1985. Water quality for agriculture. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper No. 29, Revision 1. Ayers, R.S., Westcot, D.W. (Eds.). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Rome, Italy. Available at [Access date: 18.12.2024]: http://www.fao.org/3/T0234E/T0234E00.htm
GOST, 1990. GOST 17.1.2.03-90. Nature protection. Hydrosphere. The criteria and quality characteristics of water for irrigation. Available at [Access date: 18.12.2024]: https://www.russiangost.com/p-55054-gost-171203-90.aspx
Islamzade, T., İslamzade, R., Azizov, R., Babayeva, T., Aliyeva, A., Haciyeva, X., Ashurova, N., 2025. Impact of Cadmium-contaminated water and irrigation levels on microbiological properties of soils with different textures. Eurasian Journal of Soil Science 14(2): 107-115.
ISO, 2017. ISO/IEC 17025:2017. General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland. Available at [Access date: 18.12.2024]: https://www.iso.org/standard/66912.html
Jaramillo, M.F., Restrepo, I., 2017. Wastewater reuse in agriculture: A review about its limitations and benefits. Sustainability 9(10): 1734.
Malakar, A., Snow, D.D., Ray, C., 2019. Irrigation Water Quality—A Contemporary Perspective. Water 11(7): 1482.
Malki, M., Bouchaou, L., Hirich, A., Brahim, Y.A., Choukr-Allah, R., 2017. Impact of agricultural practices on groundwater quality in intensive irrigated area of Chtouka-Massa, Morocco. Science of The Total Environment 574: 760-770.
Master Plan, 2019. Master Plan of the city of Kyzylorda, Kyzylorda region. Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, No. 374.
Meiramkulova, K., Kydyrbekova, A., Kydyrbekova, A., Daldabayeva, G., Otarbayev, B., Shegenbayev, A., Khalkhabay, B., Baikenzheyeva, A., Bulanbayeva, P., Mkilima, T., 2024. Evaluating the long-term effects of recycled wastewater irrigation on soil health, crop yield, and ecological sustainability in arid regions. Journal of Ecological Engineering 25(12): 10–25.
Mezheyko, A. I., Vorotnik, T.K., 1990. Agrochemical assessment of irrigation water quality. Kainar Publishing. Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Omarova, A., Tussupova, K., Hjorth, P., Kalishev, M., Dosmagambetova, R., 2019. Water supply challenges in rural areas: A case study from Central Kazakhstan. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16(5): 688.
Qadir, M., Wichelns, D., Raschid-Sally, L., McCornick, P.G., Drechsel, P., Bahri, A., Minhas, P.S., 2010. The challenges of wastewater irrigation in developing countries. Agricultural Water Management 97(4): 561–568.
Richards, L.A., 1954. Diagnosis and improvement of saline and alkaline soils. Agriculture Handbook, Vol. 60, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Washington DC, 160 p.
SanPiN, 1996. SanPiN 2.17.573-96. Hygienic requirements for the use of wastewater and their sludge for irrigation and fertilizer. State Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision of the Russian Federation.
Sparks, D. L., Page, A. L., Helmke, P. A., Loeppert, R.H., Soltanpour, P.N., Tabatabai, M.A., Johnston, C.T., Sumner, M.E., 1996. Methods of soil analysis, Part 3: Chemical methods. Soil Science Society of America, American Society of Agronomy. Madison, Wisconsin, USA. 1390p.
Stevens, D.P., McLaughlin, M.J., Smart, M.K., 2003. Effects of long-term irrigation with reclaimed water on soils of the Northern Adelaide Plains, South Australia. Australian Journal of Soil Research 41(5): 933 – 948.
Sultonov, Z., Pant, H.K., 2023. Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Water Management in the Aral Sea Basin. Water Resources Management 37: 5743–5757.
UN, 2015. Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations. Available at [Access date: 18.12.2024]: https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
WHO, 2013. Guidelines for the safe use of wastewater, excreta and greywater. World Health Organization (WHO). Available at [Access date: 18.12.2024]: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241546840