WHAT ROLE CAN USHSOR PELOIDS AND BRINE PLAY IN SUSTAINABLE WELLNESS TOURISM? INSIGHTS FROM EASTERN KAZAKHSTAN

Myrzabay A. JETIMOV, Roza A. Mukhitdinova, Nurlybek Zinabdin, Yerkin Tokpanov, Emin Atasoy, Marko D. Petrović

GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 2026

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DOI 10.30892/gtg.68430-1911
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

The Alakol Depression in Eastern Kazakhstan contains saline lakes and therapeutic mud deposits that represent valuable natural resources for wellness tourism; however, many of these deposits remain insufficiently investigated from a geoecological perspective. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive geoecological assessment of the Ushsor peloids and brine and to evaluate their potential for sustainable wellness tourism development in the Alakol Depression. Particular attention was paid to determining the environmental safety, balneological characteristics, and recreational suitability of these natural resources under current sanitary and environmental requirements. Field investigations were conducted during 2024–2025, including systematic sampling of peloids and brine, physicochemical, hydrochemical, microbiological, and radiological analyses, and comparative assessment against sanitary and hygienic standards. The elemental composition was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), while the microstructure of the peloids was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Analytical determinations were performed in triplicate to ensure the reliability and reproducibility of the obtained results. The Ushsor peloids were identified as moderately mineralized sulphide silt muds with a favorable macro- and microelement composition and no exceedances of toxic elements. The brine demonstrated high mineralization and sulphate–chloride dominance, reflecting the hydrochemical characteristics of saline lakes within the Alakol Depression. Microbiological analyses confirmed sanitary safety and recreational suitability, while the integrated geoecological assessment indicated that the deposit possesses favorable natural characteristics for balneological application. These findings highlight the importance of Ushsor as a promising natu ral resource capable of supporting sustainable wellness tourism in Eastern Kazakhstan. The Ushsor deposit possesses considerable geoecological and wellness tourism potential; however, sustainable development requires infrastructure improvement, continuous environmental monitoring, conservation of natural resources, and long-term scientific support. The obtained results provide a scientific basis for the rational management and sustainable use of the deposit while promoting regional wellness tourism in accordance with environmental protection principles.