Extraction of inert materials in the Talas River bed

Coordinates: 42.539861, 72.207792

Industrial developments for the extraction of inert materials from rivers, such as sand, gravel, and pebbles, play a crucial role in construction and other industries, but their uncontrolled exploitation leads to serious environmental consequences. This process, carried out in the floodplain areas of rivers and along the riverbed, has a destructive impact on the ecosystems of water bodies, forest areas, and water quality.

Main Environmental Threats

Destruction of Floodplain Forests Floodplain forests play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance in river systems. They perform several important functions:

Protection against erosion: The root systems of trees and shrubs help to stabilize riverbanks, preventing their destruction and erosion. When forests are cut down or damaged, banks become vulnerable to erosion, which can lead to gradual soil washout and landscape alteration.
Water regime regulation: Floodplain forests help maintain the water balance of the river by retaining moisture and slowing down water runoff. The destruction of these forests leads to increased runoff speed, which can cause flooding during the rainy season and droughts at other times.
Habitat: Floodplain forests are important ecosystems that provide shelter and food for many species of animals and plants. Their loss results in decreased biodiversity and ecosystem destruction, which is particularly dangerous for rare and endangered species.
Riverbed Alteration The extraction of inert materials directly affects the geomorphology of the river. As a result of these developments, the following changes may occur:

Shifting and deepening of the riverbed: The extraction of sand and gravel from the riverbed leads to its deepening and changes in flow. This can cause the river to carve new paths, destroying coastal ecosystems and creating unpredictable changes in the riverbed.
Increased flood risk: Changes in river flow and deepening of the riverbed disrupt its natural ability to cope with floods. Floodplains that once served as natural reservoirs for floodwaters can no longer perform this function, increasing the risk of flooding in populated areas.
Drying of areas: In places where material extraction disrupts the natural river course, some sections of the river may dry up or become shallower, leading to deteriorating conditions for aquatic flora and fauna.
Water Pollution The extraction of inert materials can contribute to the deterioration of water quality in the river:

Increased water turbidity: Due to the mechanical processes of extraction, materials such as sand and silt are lifted from the riverbed, leading to increased water turbidity. This reduces water transparency, disrupts photosynthesis in algae, and worsens conditions for aquatic inhabitants such as fish and insects.
Chemical contamination: The use of heavy machinery in extraction often leads to leaks of fuel, oil, and other technical fluids. These substances enter the water and pollute it, causing poisoning of aquatic fauna and degrading water quality for humans and animals.
Decreased oxygen levels in water: Interference with river processes leads to slowed water flow in some areas, contributing to water stagnation and reduced oxygen levels. This creates unfavorable conditions for fish and other aquatic inhabitants, increasing their mortality.
Disruption of Ecosystems Industrial developments in rivers can cause the destruction of complex and balanced ecosystems:

Death of fish and aquatic organisms: The destruction of spawning grounds, increased pollution levels, and changes in river flow lead to the death of fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic organisms. Many fish species depend on stable flow and clean water for reproduction, and material extraction disrupts these processes.
Disruption of food chains: Aquatic plants, which are a food source for fish and waterfowl, suffer from increased water turbidity and changes in river flow. This disrupts food chains and leads to the extinction or decline of species that depend on these plants.

Social and Economic Consequences

In addition to environmental threats, industrial developments on rivers also pose significant risks to local populations:

Loss of water resources: Pollution of rivers deteriorates water quality, making it unsuitable for drinking and household needs. This is especially critical for rural communities that depend on river water bodies.
Safety threats: Changes in river flow and destruction of coastal areas increase the risk of flooding, endangering the lives and property of people living near rivers.
Decline in fish resources: Fishing is an important source of income for many communities living along rivers. Disruption of ecosystems leads to reduced fish populations, negatively impacting the region's economy.

Industrial extraction of inert materials from rivers has a devastating impact on nature. The destruction of floodplain forests, alteration of riverbeds, and water pollution disrupt ecosystems, degrade water quality, and pose dangers to people. To protect nature and ensure sustainable use of natural resources, strict environmental standards must be implemented, and alternative methods of material extraction should be employed.