Author(s)

Rashid Kulmatov, Nodirbek Mullabaev, Asqar Nigmatov, Dilafruz Kulmatova, Jobir Sobirov

Department of Applied Ecology, National University of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Laboratory of Hydrobiology and Ichthyology, Institute of Genofund of Flora and Fauna, Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The Aydar Arnasay Lakes System (AALS) is an artificial lake system which was created in 1969 by diverting flood water from Chardarya reservoir. It has developed into a wetland of 4000 km² area recognized by the Ramsar Convention as of global importance. It is not only a refuge for birds and wildlife but also has seen the emergence of fishery and tourism since. Understanding of its behavior with respect to the quantitative and qualitative aspects of water resources is important for future use and management, especially for further development of fishery and ecotourism. The factors influencing changes in quantity and quality of ААLS water were studied between 1993 and 2011. Starting from 1993 the water level and water volume of the lake progressively increased. The spatio-temporal distributions of pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, chloride, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) during 2003-2005 and 2009-2011 were determined. On the basis of the conducted hydrological and hydro-chemical research fishery development in ААLS is recommended. The question is posed what requirements have to be in met in the future in order to guarantee the prolonged existence of the lake at a suitable water quality.

Aydarkul-Arnasay Lakes System (AALS); Water Quality; Quantitative Assessment; Hydrology; Fishery

R. Kulmatov, N. Mullabaev, A. Nigmatov, D. Kulmatova and J. Sobirov, "Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Water Resources of Aydar Arnasay Lakes System (AALS)," Journal of Water Resource and Protection, Vol. 5 No. 10, 2013, pp. 941-952. doi: 10.4236/jwarp.2013.510097.