Metals in the Syr Darya and Shardara Reservoir, Kazakhstan: An Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessment

Abstract

Due to the loss of the Aral Sea fishery, there is a need to maintain the sustainability of other fisheries in Kazakhstan. One such fishery is the Shardara Reservoir, but while previous research indicates the reservoir contains surface water metal concentrations, their potential impact upon the health of the fishery, and those that rely on it, is uncertain. In this study, metal concentrations in surface water samples and fish collected from the reservoir, and two sites along the Syr Darya River, were measured and their potential impacts on the health of the fishery, as well as to local fish consumers, were assessed. This study identified little to no risk associated with the consumption of Shardara Reservoir fish. Yet, surface water metal concentrations were found to exceed regulatory values and were classified as highly polluted suggesting potential adverse outcomes for reservoir fish. The continued monitoring of these metal concentrations is recommended.