Analysis of Existing Studies on the Assessment of the Hydromeliorative Condition of the Aydar-Arnasay Lake System and Promising Scientific Approaches

Abstract

This paper provides a systematic review of research on the hydromeliorative status of the Aydar-Arnasay Lake System (AALS) from the 1950s to 2026. The system, formed under the influence of irrigation and collector-drainage runoff, is a large artificial-natural lake complex whose hydrological, ecological and economic condition is complex and changing. Research is classified into four directions: (1) hydrological regime and water balance, (2) mineralization and salt loading, (3) ecosystem and ichthyofauna, (4) water resources management and forecasting. The development of research reflects three stages: the first focused on natural hydrological processes, the second on the impact of irrigation systems, and the third on climate variability and ecosystem resilience. The strengths of existing work include long-term hydrometeorological and hydrochemical data, studies within the Ramsar Convention framework, and fishery and ecological monitoring. Weaknesses include fragmentation of research, lack of integration into a single system, scarcity of ecological data after 2006, and an incomplete salt balance. Promising directions include a transdisciplinary approach, integration with climate scenarios, systematic study of the Chordara–AALS–Aral Sea cascade, modelling of interaction with groundwater, and modern monitoring systems. Conclusion: preserving the AALS requires more than hydromeliorative research; an integrated, regional approach is needed.