Abstract
This study focuses on the geoecological assessment of hydromineral resources of saline lakes in arid regions under increasing recreational pressure and the growing demand for health and wellness tourism. Zhalanashkol Lake, located in the Zhetysu region of Kazakhstan, was selected as the study area due to the presence of mineral waters and therapeutic muds with potential balneological value. The aim of the research was to provide a comprehensive geoecological evaluation of lake water, bottom sediments, mineral springs, and therapeutic mud to justify their rational and environmentally safe use for recreational and medical purposes. Field sampling, laboratory physicochemical, microbiological and radiological analyses, as well as comparative geographical and statistical data processing methods were applied. The results revealed spatial differentiation in the chemical composition between the western and eastern parts of the lake. However, concentrations of macro- and trace elements were below maximum permissible limits. Microbiological and radiological parameters met sanitary safety standards. Therapeutic mud and mineral water showed low levels of potentially toxic elements and demonstrated characteristics favorable for balneological use. The work contributes to the development of the methodology for geo-ecological assessment of hydro-mineral resources in lake systems and expands scientific knowledge about the recreational potential of water bodies in South-Eastern Kazakhstan. The practical significance of the results lies in their use for environmental monitoring, planning of recreational nature management, and the development of medical and health tourism.