Use of algal indices for determining of water quality in the Sirvan River tributaries (Kurdistan-Iran)
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Abstract
Zhaveh Dam was built on the Sirvan River (Sanandaj, Iran), after the confluence of the two main branches, namely Gaveh-rood and Gheshlagh, with the aim of supporting agricultural and industrial activities. Due to the importance and mutual relationship between algae and water quality, this paper studied water quality based on algal indicators (phytoplankton and algal periphyton) in this basin for the first time. Seasonal sampling was conducted at five stations, from the upstream region to the dam reservoir, from the fall of 2020 to the summer of 2021.
The saprobic index values classified the water in the “medium organic pollution” group in all samples. Most values of Palmer’s index, especially in algal periphyton, indicated “moderate to heavy” organic pollution. Also, based on “diatom species resistant to organic pollution,” about 68% of phytoplankton samples and 83% of algal periphyton samples were classified under “organic pollution likely to contribute significantly to eutrophication” and “heavily contaminated with organic pollution” groups.
Most of the Diatom Trophic Index (TDI) values in water and periphyton were more than 3.5, indicating “hypertrophic condition with very high nutrient load.” In conclusion, the high nutrient load and organic pollution in the river demonstrate the need to optimize wastewater treatment plants, control wastewater discharge into the river, and improve and rehabilitate the river ecosystem as prerequisites for future planning and water use.
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