This paper reviews the application of foresight methods in the field of science, especially in the development of green technologies in various European countries, with the aim of identifying the most suitable approaches for future use in Kazakhstan. The analysis shows that green technology forecasting promises to be an effective tool for managing sustainable development. Methods for forecasting green technologies are focused on a systematic approach and integrated solutions, taking into account the environment and social aspects. It is also important to consider both global and local environmental issues to gain a full understanding of future development trends. The article provides a comparison of the Dutch and Danish approaches. Green technology foresight research can play an important role at the national level, especially in integrating sustainability considerations into technology development and innovation processes. They also contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable development strategies for companies and government in Kazakhstan. These studies contribute to increasing environmental awareness and awareness in society regarding the importance of sustainable development. Technology forecasting values the use of Delphi surveys to provide a better understanding of possible future trends. The knowledge gained is the basis for developing strategic plans in the field of green technologies and ensuring sustainable development of the energy sector.

Modern materials science sets itself the task of developing new materials with multifunctional coatings. Materials with such coatings are widely used in various fields of technology: construction and energy, microelectronics, aviation and others. The main reason for the emergence and development of technology for applying multifunctional protective coatings is the desire to increase the durability of parts and assemblies of various machine mechanisms. Wear-resistant hard coatings based on transition metal nitrides and carbonitrides are widely used to extend the life of forging and extrusion dies and high-speed machining tools. Over the past two decades, the widespread use of these coatings has stimulated and supported the development of new processes and materials in an attempt to further improve their properties. Among these coatings, the higher hardness, excellent oxidation resistance and high thermal stability of coatings such as TiSiN and TiSiCN make them the most promising candidates for demanding tribological applications. In addition, TiSiCN coating is a promising material used in marine environments due to its excellent anti-wear and corrosion resistance, as well as high hardness and low friction coefficient. These combinations of properties make TiSiCN coatings potential candidates for protective layers in the automotive and petroleum industries.

The article briefly examines the possibilities of producing TiSiCN coatings using different deposition methods to control the properties of the resulting films and the features of the reactive plasma spraying method. The work describes the most common methods and technologies for producing carbonitride coatings currently used. The latest developments and current trends in the field of plasma spray coating technologies are reviewed, taking into account important innovations for industrial coatings. New conclusions that were obtained as a result of fundamental and applied research in physics or chemistry are based on them. The article provides a comparative review of the characteristics of obtaining wear-resistant TiSiCN coatings and the features of using reactive plasma spraying to obtain wear-resistant coatings. Based on an analysis of the literature, it can be argued that the further development of reactive plasma technology is associated with the development of a new resource-saving method for the formation of composite coatings with increased corrosion and tribological characteristics, which corresponds to the development trends of world science. 

In this scientific work, we conducted a comprehensive study of yttrium aluminum garnet using computer modeling methods. Our efforts are focused on the precise analysis of elastic properties, the development of equations of state, as well as a detailed study of crystal and band structures. We conducted a detailed study of the mechanical parameters of the material, such as the modulus of elasticity and the Poisson's ratio, using modern computational methods. Virtual modeling methods allow us to study in detail the mechanical characteristics of the material. The main focus is on the creation and verification of computer models that accurately reflect the elastic properties of the crystal. The values obtained using various hybrid functionals were compared with experimental data. Virtual models allowed not only to study in detail the mechanical characteristics of the material, but also provided results that are significantly close to real experimental data. Comparisons were carried out according to the following parameters: cell parameters, band gap energy, effective charges of crystal atoms, equations of state and elastic properties. Also, the error levels relative to the experimental data are determined. We present the results of the analysis of the crystal structure of yttrium aluminum garnet achieved using various exchange-correlation hybrid functionals such as B3PW, B3LYP, HSE06, PBE. This aspect of the study includes the analysis of the crystal lattice parameters, the distribution of atoms in the crystal and the band structure, which is important for a complete understanding of the properties of the material.

The ubiquitous presence of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems has become a serious environmental problem with far-reaching consequences for both aquatic life and human well-being. This comprehensive review examines the multifaceted problem of microplastic pollution in freshwater, delving into its diverse sources, transport mechanisms, environmental impacts, detection methods, and mitigation strategies. The environmental impacts of microplastic pollution are many and varied, affecting aquatic organisms, food webs and biodiversity in general. Additionally, microplastic pollution raises human health concerns due to the potential risks associated with consuming contaminated freshwater resources.

The review also highlights environmental factors that influence the abundance and distribution of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems, such as hydrological conditions, human activities and biological interactions. The transport routes and fate of microplastics, including sedimentation, adsorption and bioaccumulation, are considered. The article concludes by highlighting the urgent need for global awareness, research and coordinated action to address the critical issue of microplastic pollution in freshwater.

The paper presents the results of obtaining multicomponent heat-protective radiation-resistant ceramic materials based on the WO₃–Bi₂O₃–ZnO–TeO₂–CeO₂–ZrO₂ compounds obtained by mechanochemical solid-phase synthesis with further annealing at a temperature of 1000 °C. The introduction of doping substances into the structure in the form of metal oxides makes it possible to prevent undesirable structural changes in ceramics and improve the durability and stability of the system. The choice of the synthesis of ceramics based on zirconium oxide is associated with the presence of several valuable physical and mechanical properties of the substance, and, as a consequence, the possibility of application in the field of functional materials for use in a variety of technical fields. The processes of phase formation in multicomponent ceramics based on oxide refractory compounds (WO₃, Bi₂O₃, ZnO, TeO₂, CeO₂, ZrO₂) were studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive and x-ray phase analysis methods. Using a combination of the presented methods, the following results were obtained, which make it possible to comprehensively characterize the samples under study, as well as establish the dependence of the influence of variations in the oxides used on the phase composition and morphological features of the ceramics. Analysis of morphological parameters showed that with increasing dopant concentration, a denser structure of agglomerates is formed, which is associated with sintering of particles at higher dopant concentrations. According to the obtained results of energy dispersive analysis, it was found that the addition of ZrO₂ results a slight redistribution of elements in the structure, so the atomic content of Ce, W, Bi, and Te decreased by 2.58; 3.38; 2.12; 1.91 times, respectively, and the atomic content of Zn increased by 1.32 times. Analysis of diffraction patterns showed that the studied samples WO₃-Bi₂O₃-ZnO-TeO₂-CeO₂-ZrO₂ are characterized by the content of Zn₃(TeO₆), ZnTeO₃, CeO₂, Bi₂O₃, Bi₂WO₆, ZnWO₄, Ce₅Zr₃O₁₆, ZnO, (Zr_0.98Ce_0.02)O₂ phases.

The paper presents the results of modeling the production of a medical isotope using the medical isotope browser of the International Atomic Energy Agency. A web application for the production of medical isotopes allows you to obtain the necessary data on a nuclear reaction based on user data: target radionuclide, irradiating particle or irradiating radiation, energy range, irradiation and cooling time. Tabular values and illustrated graphs of the cross section of the nuclear reaction are obtained based on modeling the production of the isotope iodine-123 from tellurium-124; The isotope decay products are presented. The simulation results were compared with the data recommended by the IAEA for this nuclear reaction for the gamma-emitting radionuclide iodine-123. It is shown that gamma-emitting radionuclide iodine-123 is one of the most convenient radionuclides for single-photon emission computed tomography. When experimental methods are not available, modern technologies in the field of computer modeling allow specialists in a narrow profile to use the achievements of world science to solve problems, in this case, for the production of medical isotopes. Modeling approaches for the production of iodine-123 are recommended for the production of other medical isotopes.

This paper provides data of the reconnaissance (preliminary) radiation survey of mothballed uranium mining facilities (MUMF) and adjacent settlements in the southern part of the North-Kazakhstan region (NKR). It is shown that, according to the level of EDR values, MUMF locations, when the public periodically stays in these areas, do not pose any radiation hazard. The exception is Grachevskoe MUMF where EDR values reached up to 14.0 µSv/h. Around the settlements, EDR values vary from 0.1 to 0.5 µSv/h. Elevated values are noted on highways. Regulatory values of radon EEVA were also found to be significantly exceeded in Toksan bi vil. A minor excess of radon EEVA was detected in Novoukrainka vil. Exceedance of the content of ²³⁸U up to 4 MPC was detected in sources of drinking water supply. Exceedances of up to 5 MPC for ²³⁸U were also found in natural waters.  The total alpha activity showed an excess of up to 15 MPC. Natural waters exhibit an excess of up to 10 MPC. Based upon the data analysis during the reconnaissance survey, the Grachevskoe MUMF and Novoukrainka settlement were selected for a detailed survey.

The article presents results on the utilization of stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes to understand the origin and dynamics of water resou8rces especially ground waters. Research involved sampling from test boreholes and gauging stations, laboratory research into the ratio of stable isotopes and a chemical analysis. Results showed that stable isotopes may change depending on a season, which indicates that a source of water supply also changes over time. Research also addressed the impact of evaporation processes on water bodies. Results provide valuable information to efficiently manage and preserve water resources in the region.

The article presents characteristics of the plant cover at the “Aktan-Berli” site including the content of natural (⁴⁰K, ²³²Th, ²²⁶Ra) and artificial (¹³⁷Cs, ⁹⁰Sr, ²⁴¹Am, ^239+240Pu, ³Н) radionuclides. It has been found that the plant cover of the site is represented by ecosystems of high Kazakh hammocks bordering on ecosystems of lowlands in the west and ecosystems of ancient alluvial and modern alluvial plains. The content of free-water ³Н (FWT) and organic constituent (OBT) is below the detection limit of the methodological instrumentation in use (<8 Bq/kg). The concentration of natural radionuclides is typical, especially for Kazakhstani soil. The range of ⁹⁰Sr activity concentration in plants range from <0.7 to 6.7 Bq/kq, ¹³⁷Cs – from <0.6 to 1.1 Bq/kg, the content of ²⁴¹Am and ^239+240Pu are below the detection limit in most cases (<0,2 Bq/kg). Values of the radiation dose rate of plants are below the accepted international criteria. In general, the content of radionuclides in the plant cover of the “Aktan-Berli” site is significantly below the maximum permissible levels of radioactive contamination of forage plants posing no hazard when using the territory of interest for economic activities.

This article provides an overview and comparison of software tools to predict the public radiation effect under normal and off-normal NPP operating conditions. The main characteristics, functional features, advantages and disadvantages of the software packages RESRAD, CROM, PC-CREAM 08®, ESTE Annual Impacts, РОМ, ESTE, NOSTRADAMUS, RECASS, RODOS were addressed. Criteria for assessing the quality and efficiency of software tools were highlighted. The optimal computational toolware applicable to the NPP normal (CROM package) and off-normal (RODOS system) operating conditions was substantiated. 

The article addresses the basic tools for creating geospatial Web applications focusing on three key software products: ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Experience Builder and ArcGIS Enterprise SDK. Functionalities have been analyzed and compared. This covers advantages and disadvantages of each platform in the context of developing a Web application for the sustainable management of land resources and water bodies at the former Semipalatinsk Test Site in areas planned to be released to the economic turnover. Findings provide a comprehensive insight into the choice of the best tool to efficiently work out geospatial Web applications given specific tasks and specificity of the test site area.

A study of the bioavailability of a tightly bound tritium in the soil in situ under the conditions of the Semipalatinsk test site (STS) and in a laboratory vegetation experiment was conducted. Significant concentrations of organically bound tritium (OBT) were recorded in Stipa capillata plants growing on the territory of the STS. At the same time, tritium in the free water of plant tissues (TFWT) was not detected. In a model experiment using Cucumis sativus culture, the specific activity of tightly bound tritium in the composition of the solid phase of the soil and tritiated water (HTO) in the composition of the soil solution at the beginning and at the end of the experiment differed significantly. At the same time, TFWT activity in Cucumis sativus was 2 orders of magnitude less compared to the activity of tightly bound tritium in the soil and slightly differed from the activity of tritiated water in the soil solution, which is accessible to the root system of plants. The results of vegetation studies have shown that the direct source of tritium for experimental plants was a soil solution. However, changes in the tritium activity in the soil liquid and solid phases in vegetation vessels indicate that the source of tritiated water in the soil solution was a tightly bound form of radionuclide as a result of leaching processes. It is assumed that the possible causes of leaching of tightly bound radionuclide from the solid phase into the soil solution are the moisture regime, as well as the influence of the rhizosphere of plants.