Javier Rodrigo – Page 2

Scientific Seminar Highlights the LESLIE Erasmus+ Project at Akhmet Yasawi University, Turkestan

May 19, 2025 Javier Rodrigo

New publication: Numerical Modeling of the Concentration of Microplastics in Lakes and Rivers in Kazakhstan

May 3, 2025 Javier Rodrigo

A new peer-reviewed article titled “Numerical Modeling of the Concentration of Microplastics in Lakes and Rivers in Kazakhstan” has been published as a result of a collaborative effort between the Department of Ecology, Life Safety and Environmental Protection at Abay Myrzakhmetov Kokshetau University (Kazakhstan) and the Instituto de Ingeniería del Agua y del Medio Ambiente (IIAMA) at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), Spain. This research represents a significant advancement in the application of mathematical modeling to assess microplastic (MP) pollution in freshwater ecosystems.

The study focuses on three lakes—Kopa, Zerendinskoye, and Borovoe—and the Yesil River. Through the application of differential equations, the researchers modeled the spatial distribution and seasonal variation of MP concentrations in both sediments and surface waters. Field data were collected during three distinct seasons (spring, summer, and autumn), providing a comprehensive basis for model calibration and validation.

Key Findings:

MP concentrations exhibit an exponential decay pattern with increasing distance from the shoreline, with the highest values consistently observed nearshore.
A decay coefficient of k = 0.09 was derived through sensitivity analysis, optimizing the model’s representation of concentration gradients.
Regression analysis was used to calibrate the model, enabling the determination of best-fit parameters for distance–concentration relationships.
Model performance was quantitatively assessed using statistical metrics such as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and the coefficient of determination (R²), demonstrating strong agreement between simulated and observed values.

This research constitutes one of the first detailed numerical modeling efforts addressing MP pollution in Kazakhstan’s freshwater environments. The results underscore the significance of spatial and seasonal dynamics in the distribution of microplastics and reinforce the need for robust monitoring frameworks.

Scientific and Policy Implications:

The integration of modeling with empirical data offers valuable insights into the behavior of MPs under varying hydrological and climatic conditions. These findings contribute to the broader objectives of environmental risk assessment and support the development of targeted strategies for mitigating plastic pollution in inland water bodies.

This work exemplifies the LESLIE project’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and capacity building in environmental modeling, offering a scalable approach for similar assessments in other regions of Central Asia and beyond.

The article is freely available and can be downloaded from the following link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390842539_Numerical_Modeling_of_the_Concentration_of_Microplastics_in_Lakes_and_Rivers_in_Kazakhstan

Education Environment Land Management

Round Table at Ualikhanov University marking 20 Years of Biotechnology Program and Honors Professor O. Aimakov

May 3, 2025 Javier Rodrigo

LESLIE Project Presented During Round Table Celebrating 20 Years of Biotechnology at Ualikhanov University

On April 10, 2025, Ualikhanov University hosted a round table to mark two significant milestones: the 20th anniversary of the university’s Biotechnology program and the 85th birthday of esteemed Professor O. Aimakov, a founding member of the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology. The event served both as a commemoration of past achievements and as a platform for discussing the department’s future priorities in research and education.

The round table brought together faculty members, students, and invited guests from academic and scientific institutions. The program included a series of reflective talks on the evolution of the Biotechnology program, research highlights from recent years, and strategic discussions on curriculum modernization in the context of global scientific and technological change.

As part of the academic session, Ms. Khava Yevloyeva delivered a focused presentation on the LESLIE project (Leveraging Education for Sustainable Land and Innovation in Europe and Central Asia). Her presentation introduced the main goals of the project—enhancing institutional capacity in higher education systems, developing interdisciplinary learning pathways, and supporting sustainable land management (SLM) through applied research and innovation.

Ms. Yevloyeva outlined the project’s key achievements to date, including:

The development of specialized training modules in land degradation neutrality and SLM practices;
The establishment of academic-industry collaboration frameworks;
Progress in creating the SLM International Hub as a knowledge-sharing and coordination mechanism across participating countries.

Her presentation generated considerable interest, particularly among students from the Biotechnology and Chemistry programs. Many attendees expressed enthusiasm for the interdisciplinary nature of the project, noting the growing importance of integrated environmental management in biotechnological applications—ranging from soil microbiome restoration to sustainable bioresource development.

A highlight of the discussion was the SLM International Hub, which was introduced as a dynamic platform aimed at fostering collaborative research, academic mobility, and joint innovation projects between universities, research centers, and stakeholders from Europe and Central Asia. Questions from the audience reflected a strong desire to understand how students and early-career researchers can actively engage with the Hub’s initiatives, including internships, research fellowships, and participation in pilot case studies.

The round table concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening interdisciplinary education and reinforcing the role of universities as key drivers of regional sustainability. The event not only celebrated a rich legacy of academic excellence but also showcased how forward-looking projects like LESLIE are shaping the future of science and education in Kazakhstan and beyond.

Further information can be found here: https://www.shokan.edu.kz/en/news/10-aprelya-2025-goda-v-kokshetauskom-universitete-imeni-sh-ualihanova-v-ramkah-utverzhdyonnogo-plana-meropriyatij/

Education Environment Land Management

TIIAME-NRU helds the International Conference on “Challenges and Prospects for the Development of Higher Specialized Education and Science in the Context of Globalization”

May 3, 2025 Javier Rodrigo

On April 10, 2025, the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers – National Research University (TIIAME-NRU) hosted the international conference “Challenges and Prospects for the Development of Higher Specialized Education and Science in the Context of Globalization.” The event convened leading academics and professionals to exchange knowledge and strategies for advancing education and science in a rapidly globalizing world.

Associate Professor Sh. Rakhmonov represented TIIAME-NRU with a presentation focused on the LESLIE project, outlining its main objectives and its role in enhancing scientific collaboration and educational innovation. His intervention emphasized the relevance of international capacity-building initiatives like LESLIE in fostering adaptive, multidisciplinary approaches to global challenges in education and environmental sustainability.

During the conference, Professor Rakhmonov also presented his research paper titled “Utilizing Remote Sensing Technologies for the Preservation and Development of Green Infrastructure: A Case Study of Tashkent.” His work addressed critical issues linked to urban ecological resilience, demonstrating how remote sensing (RS) tools—particularly Sentinel-2 satellite data—can support the assessment and planning of green infrastructure in rapidly urbanizing environments.

Key Findings:

The analysis covered green space dynamics in Tashkent from 2013 to 2023, identifying a net decrease in vegetated areas in central districts such as Mirzo Ulug’bek, Shayxontohur, and Yakkasaroy.
Conversely, the Sergeli district showed a positive trend due to recent urban greening efforts, including the establishment of the “New Uzbekistan Park.”
The study underscored the correlation between urban development patterns and the ecological degradation or improvement of specific zones within the city.

Recommendations:

Professor Rakhmonov proposed actionable measures to support sustainable urban planning, including:

The institutionalization of annual “green space reports” to monitor spatial changes and guide policy;
Legislative enhancements to safeguard green infrastructure during new construction projects;
Integration of RS-based monitoring systems into the workflows of local environmental agencies and planning departments.

His contribution highlights how science-driven approaches, aligned with the goals of the LESLIE project, can effectively bridge local environmental challenges with global sustainability frameworks. The conference concluded with a broad consensus among participants on the necessity of adopting innovative, interdisciplinary methods in higher education and research to respond to the evolving demands of globalization.

Climate Change Hydrology

New publication: Flood Modelling of the Zhabay River Basin Under Climate Change Conditions

February 16, 2025 Javier Rodrigo

A new research paper, “Flood Modelling of the Zhabay River Basin Under Climate Change Conditions” has been published in the JCR and Scopus-indexed HYDROLOGY journal. The full version of the manuscript can be downloaded for free here.

This work has been leaded by Aliya Nurbatsina (Institute of Geography and Water Security, Almaty, Kazakhstan), in cooperation with researchers from the Al Farabi Kazakh National University, and the Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain), among other institutions. This study applies the Soil and Water Integrated Model (SWIM) to project climate-driven changes in the hydrological regime of the Zhabay River.

The study employs a process-based, high-resolution hydrological model to simulate flood dynamics under future climate conditions.The outcomes of this study offer crucial insights for policymakers, hydrologists, and disaster management agencies in mitigating the adverse effects of climate-induced hydrological extremes in Kazakhstan.

Climate Change Hydrology

New publication: Assessing the Vulnerability of Lakes in Western Kazakhstan to Climate Change

December 27, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

A new research paper, “Assessing the Vulnerability of Lakes in Western Kazakhstan to Climate Change and Anthropogenic Stressors” has been published in the JCR and Scopus-indexed Water journal. The full version of the manuscript can be downloaded for free here.

This work has been done in cooperation between researchers from the Institute of Geography and Water Security (Almaty, Kazakhstan) and the Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain). This study, employing cartographic and remote sensing techniques, identified 323 lakes in Western Kazakhstan, covering a total area of 1944 km2. Comparative analysis with historical data from the 1960s and 1970s revealed a 23% decrease in lakes exceeding 1 km2.

The most significant decline was observed in the Atyrau and Mangystau Regions, where the number of such lakes diminished by a factor of three. These findings highlight the pressing need for an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to water resource management in Western Kazakhstan.

Education Microcredentials

LESLIE participates in the 19th International Conference on Science, Technology and Education Policy held in Jiaxing (China)

December 25, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

The objectives of LESLIE project have been introduced in the 19th International Conference on Science, Technology and Education Policy co-organized by Zheihang University, the Academy of Humanities and Social Sciences, Zheihang University, and the Engineering Education Committee of the China Association of Higher Education.

The conference was held in Jiaxing (China) between 12-19 December 2024, and included an oral presentation by Prof. Luis Manuel Sánchez Ruiz (Universitat Politècnica de València) entitled “Recent interest for microcredentials complementing the traditional university degrees. An European transnational experience”.

The objectives and activities developed so far by the participants of the LESLIE project in Central Asia were explained to the participants who showed a great interest in knowing actual experiences in the design and implementation of microcredentials in HE institutions.

Environment Land Management

LESLIE Day at Kokshetau Ualikhanov University: inspiration, innovation, future

December 25, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

On the 18th of December at the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology of Kokshetau Ualikhanov University hosted a vibrant event: LESLIE Day, bringing together faculty members, students, and participants of the project LAND MANAGEMENT, ENVIRONMENT & SOLID-WASTE: INSIDE EDUCATION AND BUSINESS IN CENTRAL ASIA.
During the event, the local coordinator, I.B. Ostretsova, gave a detailed presentation on the project’s goals and objectives, emphasizing its importance for sustainable development and environmental preservation.

Project participants N.N. Nurmukhanbetova and K.S. Evloeva shared their presentations, showcasing the work accomplished and the results achieved.
The highlight of the event was the students’ presentations of their models, offering innovative solutions to environmental problems on pre-assigned topics. Their creative approaches and enthusiasm were truly inspiring!
The students shared that participating in such events not only expands their knowledge but also motivates them to contribute to environmental protection and the development of eco-friendly technologies.

#LESLIE #Sustainabledevelopment #Innovation #Future

Economy Hydrology Land Management Uncategorized

UNICAS leads two seminars about LESLIE in Kokshetau (Kazakhstan)

December 9, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

Prof. Alessandro Figus from the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio (Italy) led two seminars at Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University to disseminate the objectives of the LESLIE project. Held on December 6, 2024, the workshops were attended by participants from the Faculty of Economy and the Department of Water Management.

During the seminars, Prof. Figus provided an in-depth overview of the LESLIE project, highlighting its primary goal of promoting sustainable land management practices. He also discussed the project’s specific objectives, such as developing innovative technologies, fostering international collaboration, and strengthening policy frameworks.

Furthermore, the seminars explored potential future actions and collaborations between the two universities. Participants were encouraged to actively engage with the LESLIE project and join the SLM International Hub, a global platform for knowledge sharing and networking.

If you are interested in joining the SLM International Hub, you can do it free of charge following this LINK.

Economy Environment Land Management

BINRM-TIIAME develops a technology to clean saline soil from harmful salts using biohumus

November 24, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

The NRU Bukhara Institute of Natural Resources Management, led by Associate Professor Kamal Shukhratovich Khamrayev and his dedicated team, is at the forefront of agricultural innovation. The Institute is currently undertaking a groundbreaking project to develop a sustainable solution for cleaning saline soil and restoring its fertility. The core of this innovative approach lies in the utilization of biohumus, a natural organic fertilizer derived from the vermicomposting process. By applying biohumus to saline soil, the Institute aims to neutralize harmful salts and improve soil structure, ultimately enhancing crop productivity.

To validate the efficacy of this technique, the Institute has established a 20.4-hectare experimental area. This expansive site serves as a living laboratory for testing various agricultural practices.

Cotton Cultivation: A significant portion of the experimental area, spanning 5.5 hectares, is dedicated to cotton cultivation. Within this area, 1.0 hectare is being cultivated using biohumus, while another 3.5 hectares is being irrigated through a drip irrigation system.
Winter Wheat and Horticulture: The Institute has ambitious plans to cultivate winter wheat on 10.0 hectares of the experimental area. Additionally, the remaining land will be transformed into a productive garden, showcasing the versatility of biohumus-based soil remediation.

Through this pioneering project, the NRU Bukhara Institute of Natural Resources Management is not only addressing the pressing issue of soil salinity but also promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. By harnessing the power of nature, the Institute is paving the way for a greener and more prosperous future for agricultural communities.

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