Environment and Life Quality by the Example of Surface Water in the Area of HPS-2 Influence (Almaty)

The article deals with some data on water sample analysis for ten heavy metal content of surface water in the area of the heat power station-2 (HPS-2) influence in Almaty. The samples have been taken from three points: the Kukuzek reservoir, the reservoir for ash accumulation, the pipe of flood gate. The analyses have been conducted using standard techniques: an atomic absorption spectrometer, a spectrophotometer, histological and cytological visual analysis of painted preparations. Water pollution by aluminum (Al) in all the studied objects, and heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) and manganese (Mn) at two sites has been found. The reservoir visited by people demonstrates the increased biological oxygen demand (BOD5), because of organic pollution. Three kinds of fish caught in its possess histological abnormalities in gills and a liver, that testifies to potential danger produced by heat power station water usage for the population. The pollution reduction level can be achieved by minimizing the discharge into the storage area and HPS-2 ash accumulation as well as introducing modern plasma-fuel technology on it.