Abstract
A study was conducted to assess the hydrochemical composition and turbidity of the surface waters of the Ulba River under the influence of urban and industrial activities in Ust-Kamenogorsk. Samples were collected at four monitoring sites: the upper reaches upstream of the city, the middle reaches within the city limits, downstream of the industrial zone, and the lower reaches before the confluence with the Yertis River. Concentrations of a broad range of chemical elements were determined, including Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, P, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, Pb, etc., and water turbidity was also measured. The results showed that the concentrations of most elements were within established environmental standards; however, localized exceedances were observed for Al, Fe, Sr, and Ag in the middle and lower reaches. These exceedances can be attributed to anthropogenic impacts associated with industrial activities and urban runoff. Turbidity values ranged from 2.23 to 4.23 NTU, indicating a correlation with increased levels of suspended solids and metal concentrations. The study results confirm the effectiveness of integrated monitoring of hydrochemical parameters and turbidity as indicators of anthropogenic pressure, enabling the assessment of the ecological status of rivers in industrially impacted areas and providing a basis for further environmental monitoring.