Abstract
The results of a comparative cytogenetic and morpho-biological study of indicator groups of animals living in the territory of the Altyn-Emel National Park and in the area of the preserved Suluchekinsky uranium deposit (Almaty region, Kerbulak district), where the experimental extraction of uranium by the UBL technology (Underground borehole leaching technology). In accordance with the indicators of EDR (equivalent dose rate γ – µSv/h) and surface alpha activity (α – part./min·cm2) for the entire territory of the deposit and adjacent surveyed areas, no area radioactive contamination has been established. However, in the circuit of the Kalkan seismic well borehole , the DER values are determined in the range (0.462–4.158 µSv/h), which exceed the standards. For indicator animals (fish and amphibians) living within the boundaries of the deposit, an increased level of cytogenetic disturbances (micronuclear test in fish) and anomalies of the oral apparatus in tadpoles of toads of the Bufotes viridis complex are observed.