Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present significant environmental and health hazards due to their inherent persistence, ubiquitous presence in the environment, and propensity for bioaccumulation. Consequently, the development of efficacious remediation strategies for soil and water contaminated with PFAS is imperative. Biochar, with its unique properties, has emerged as a cost-effective adsorbent for PFAS. Despite this, a comprehensive review of the factors influencing PFAS adsorption and immobilization by biochar is lacking. This narrative review examines recent findings indicating that the application of biochar can effectively immobilize PFAS, thereby mitigating their environmental transport and subsequent ecological impact. In addition, this paper reviewed the sorption mechanisms of biochar and the factors affecting its sorption efficiency. The high effectiveness of biochars in PFAS remediation has been attributed to their high porosity in the right pore size range (>1.5 nm) that can accommodate the relatively large PFAS molecules (>1.02–2.20 nm), leading to physical entrapment. Effective sorption requires attraction or bonding to the biochar framework. Binding is stronger for long-chain PFAS than for short-chain PFAS, as attractive forces between long hydrophobic CF2-tails more easily overcome the repulsion of the often-anionic head groups by net negatively charged biochars. This review summarizes case studies and field applications highlighting the effectiveness of biochar across various matrices, showcasing its strong binding with PFAS. We suggest that research should focus on improving the adsorption performance of biochar for short-chain PFAS compounds. Establishing the significance of biochar surface electrical charge in the adsorption process of PFAS is necessary, as well as quantifying the respective contributions of electrostatic forces and hydrophobic van der Waals forces to the adsorption of both short- and long-chain PFAS. There is an urgent need for validation of the effectiveness of the biochar effect in actual environmental conditions through prolonged outdoor testing. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.

The possibility of producing cement clinker using low-energy, resource-saving technologies is studied. The composition of industrial waste for low-energy-intensive production of Portland cement clinker at factories in Southern Kazakhstan is analyzed. The possibility of replacing the deficient iron-containing corrective additive with “Waelz clinker for zinc ores” is shown. “Waeltz clinker from zinc ores” as part of the raw material charge performs several tasks: it is a ferrous corrective additive, works as a mineralizer for clinker formation processes, introduces coal into the charge and allows one to reduce the consumption of natural fuel. The processes of burning raw mixtures, wholly or partially consisting of industrial waste, are completed at 1350 °C. This reduces the consumption of main burner fuel for clinker burning and reduces CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. High-quality cement clinker is obtained based on raw material mixtures with Waeltz clinker from zinc ores from the Achisai Metallurgical Plant, phosphorus slag, coal mining waste from Lenger mines and sodium fluoride. The phase composition and microstructure of low-energy clinkers are revealed. Involving industrial waste in raw material circulation will reduce environmental pollution and improve the environment.

The article presents the results of a study of the possibility of reliably determining residual stress-strain state in polymers and composites using a combination of bridge curvature, optical scanning and FEM (finite element method) methods. A three-factor experiment was conducted to determine the strength of printed PLA plastic products. The influence of residual stresses on the strength of printed products was assessed. When comparing the values of the same strength stresses, a relationship was revealed between the nature of the stresses and the strength of the samples. There was an obvious tendency for the negative effect of tensile stresses and, conversely, the strengthening effect of compressive stresses, so with the same values of the tensile strength of the tensile stress fracter, the residual stress value of 42.9 MPa is lower than when compressing fibers at a value of 88.9 MPa. The proposed new methods for determining residual stresses allow us to obtain a complete picture of the stress state of the material in the studied areas of products, which may be necessary when validating calculation models of residual stress-strain state, clarifying strength criteria and evaluating the quality of selected technological modes of manufacturing products. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.

In this work, we present an improved model for ionization potential depression (IPD) in dense plasmas that builds upon the approach introduced by Lin et al., which utilizes a dynamical structure factor (SF) to account for ionic microfield fluctuations. The main refinements include the following: (1) replacing the Wigner–Seitz radius with an ion-sphere radius, thereby treating individual ionization events as dynamically independent; (2) incorporating electron degeneracy through a tailored interpolation between Debye–Hückel and Thomas–Fermi screening lengths. Additionally, we solve the Saha equation iteratively, ensuring self-consistent determination of the ionization balance and IPD corrections. These modifications yield significantly improved agreement with recent high-density and high-temperature experimental data on warm dense aluminum, especially in regimes where strong coupling and partial degeneracy are crucial. The model remains robust over a broad parameter space, spanning temperatures from 1 eV up to 1 keV and pressures beyond the Mbar range, thus making it suitable for applications in high-energy-density physics, inertial confinement fusion, and astrophysical plasma research. Our findings underscore the importance of accurately capturing ion microfield fluctuations and electron quantum effects to properly describe ionization processes in extreme environments. © 2025 by the authors.

The presented article is relevant, as Kazakhstan is the first of the countries of the Central Asian region that has moved to the probabilistic seismic hazard assessment and seismic zoning at the regulatory level, consistent with the basic principles of Eurocodes. The methodology used is being improved in accordance with global trends and includes both domestic developments in the identification and parameterization of zones of possible earthquake sources, and the advantages of the Western engineering approach. However, the accuracy of estimates is strongly influenced by the weak development of seismological networks in Kazakhstan, poor knowledge of active faults, insufficient involvement of local specialists in significant international research projects. The current state of seismic hazard assessment in Kazakhstan is presented. The aim of the article was to highlight the developments in the country in recent years in this field of research. The stages of the probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) development, methodological features in comparison with Central Asian countries, significance for the seismic safety of the country, the achieved level and difficulties are considered. The existing normative maps of seismic zoning based on PSHA and maps developed during current projects are characterized. The development of the modern probabilistic assessment is extremely relevant for the highly seismic areas of Kazakhstan. It is dictated by the need to update seismic design standards and the country’s declared harmonization of the construction regulatory framework with the European building codes. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Drought is a major environmental constraint that negatively affects crop germination, seedling establishment, and overall yield. This study presents a sustainable approach to improving wheat productivity under water-deficit conditions through the application of a gellan gum-based hydrogel enriched with the growth stimulant. The hydrogel was synthesized by inducing ionic gelation of gellan gum using potassium chloride and ammonium sulfate, forming a robust, cross-linked polymer network. Wheat seeds were coated with one to eight layers of the hydrogel using a sequential dipping and drying process. Optimal seedling performance was achieved with a two-layer coating, balancing sufficient water retention with adequate gas exchange. FTIR spectroscopy and pH analysis confirmed ionic interactions between Kaz-6 and the carboxyl groups of gellan, supporting its stable incorporation within the polymer matrix. Mechanical characterization showed that ammonium sulfate significantly enhanced gel strength and cross-linking density compared to potassium chloride. Laboratory germination assays and greenhouse trials demonstrated that seeds coated with gellan hydrogel containing Kaz-6 showed enhanced germination rates, greater biomass accumulation, and significantly improved drought tolerance—surviving up to 10 days longer than controls under water-limited conditions. These findings highlight the potential of biopolymer-based hydrogels as eco-friendly seed coating materials that can improve crop resilience and productivity in arid environments. The proposed formulation aligns with sustainable agriculture goals and represents a promising direction for future field-scale applications in climate-adaptive farming systems. © 2025 by the authors.

The physical and mechanical properties of concrete produced for road slabs using bulk fiber reinforcement with polypropylene macro- and microfibers were tested to address challenges in improving road slab performance. The study analyzed the effects of incorporating macrofibers and microfibers into the concrete composition. It was established that low-modulus synthetic fibers significantly influence the strength, density, water resistance, and frost resistance of concrete. Polypropylene macrofibers enhance compressive and bending strength, while polypropylene microfibers improve the cement matrix structure, optimize the pore space, and increase frost and water resistance. Experimental results demonstrated that using fibers of various sizes enables the production of concrete with enhanced strength, density, and durability. Moreover, combining fiber reinforcement with microsilica allowed an increase in bending strength by up to 35%, frost resistance up to F375, and water resistance up to W14. The study’s approach included selecting materials compliant with regulations, optimizing C25/30 class heavy concrete compositions with microsilica, and conducting tests to evaluate operational reliability. The findings validate the use of multidimensional polypropylene fibers and microsilica for road slab manufacturing, creating additional crystallization centers and reducing pore space. These results offer insights into enhancing mechanical and durability properties for infrastructure applications, contributing to reduced maintenance costs and extended service life. Copyright © Int. J. of GEOMATE All rights reserved, including making copies, unless permission is obtained from the copyright proprietors.

Titanium beryllide Be12Ti is not only a prospective material for the blankets of future fusion reactors as a neutron multiplier, but can also be used in other areas of the nuclear industry, such as reflectors in fission reactors, in rocket and space technology. This paper presents the results of experimental thermal desorption studies (TDS) of samples of monolithic titanium beryllide Be12Ti produced by "Ulba Metallurgical Plant" JSC (Kazakhstan). To conduct the thermal desorption spectroscopic studies, titanium beryllide Be12Ti samples were pre-saturated in deuterium medium at atmospheric pressure at temperatures of 873 K and 973 K. The TDS measurements of the deuterium release spectrum in the temperature range of 293 K-1473 K at linear heating rates of 10 and 20 К/min were conducted. Experimental data on the parameters of the interaction of deuterium with titanium beryllium Be12Ti have been established. Based on a preliminary analysis of the experimental data, a mechanism of deuterium release processes from the samples under linear heating is proposed. © 2023

Understanding Kazakhstan’s plague history is crucial for early warning and effective health disaster management. We used descriptive-analytical methods to analyze spatial data for human cases in natural plague foci in Kazakhstan during 1926–2003. The findings revealed 565 human cases across 82 outbreaks in Almaty (32.22%), Aktobe (1.59%), Atyrau (4.42%), Mangystau (21.24%), and Kyzylorda (40.53%) oblasts. Before antibiotic drugs were introduced in 1947–1948, major plague outbreaks occurred in 1926, 1929, 1945, 1947, and 1948, constituting 80.7% of human transmission. Plague spread through flea bites, camel handling, wild animal contact, aerosol transmissions, and rodent bites. Patients were up to 86 years of age; 49.9% were male and 50.1% female. Pulmonary cases were reported most frequently (72.4%), and person-to-person infection occurred at an incidence rate of 0.29 cases/10,000 population. Risk increased with human expansion into natural plague foci areas. Swift diagnosis and treatment are essential for curbing plague outbreaks in Kazakhstan. © 2024 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All rights reserved.

Article presents information on creation of the reference geodetic network for organization of geodetic monitoring of a long bridge, in particular the Momyshuly Street - Raimbek Avenue interchange in Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan. Almaty is located in a high seismic activity region. Issue of using satellite positioning technology to create reference geodetic network is considered. Overview of both classical methods of geodetic observations and modern devices and technologies used to determine quantitative characteristics of bridge deformations is given. Original technology of direct satellite measurements with analysis of its accuracy is presented. Results. Methodology for creating reference network for monitoring bridge deformations has been developed. Research results have been implemented in the project “Development of innovative methods for forecasting and assessing the state of engineering structures to prevent technogenic emergencies” and have also been used in the educational process. Scientific novelty. As a result of research work, following have been created and implemen ed in production:- diagram of reference geodetic network of b idge location area;-developed reference geodetic point of forced centering (FCP), which allows increasing productivity and accuracy of observations; Novelty of developed network and point design are confirmed by the Certificates of the Republic of Kazakhstan for work of science. Practical value. Results obtained can be used to improve level of industrial safety at other facilities and minimize risks caused by seismic activity in the area. © 2024, National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. All rights reserved.