A state-of-the-art and future perspectives of transboundary rivers in the cold climate – a systematic review of Irtysh River

Abstract

Study region: Irtysh River Basin, a transboundary river laying in the North hemisphere and serving as a home for around 15 million people in China, Kazakhstan, and Russia. Study focus: Considering existing pressures of climate change and anthropogenic activities on water resources, this research aims to evaluate recent (2010–2022) trends in research about a state-of-the-art of the river in a matter of relationships between hydrological budget, water quality, biodiversity, and policy issues. A literature review was carried out in English, Chinese, and Russian languages for defining key issues in the river management. New hydrological insights for the region: Melting of permafrost, glaciers, and snow in the upstream mountains of the River should be considered as one of the key processes in the hydrological budget. However, the high impact of evapotranspiration rate could offset the effect of the increased melting rate along the basin. Efficient operating of existing large dams and reservoirs and the planning of future installations deserves special attention in assurance of the respective water level for restoration of the ecological diversity of the basin. Implementation of water-saving techniques and restoration of tributaries of Irtysh also play a significant role in keeping the resilience of the river. Handling historical and existing contamination will also guarantee restoration of the river health. The basin management still lacks tripartite agreement, however the principles of hydrosolidarity and no-harm effect are followed by involved countries.

Keywords

• Irtysh River Basin
• Literature review
• Hydrological budget
• Water quality
• Biodiversity
• Policy