The water Quality of the Shahid Rajaee Reservoir (Mazandaran-Iran): Based on Phytoplankton Community

Document Type : Regular Paper

Authors

1 Sari, Farahabad, Caspian Ecology Research Center (CSERC), P.O. Box 961

2 Sari, Farahabad, Caspian Sea Ecology Research Center, P.O.Box. 961

Abstract

Shahid Rajaee Reservoir (SRR) is one of the main reservoirs is located in Mazandaran province. There is no published data of algal study and water quality deduction based on biotic parameter in this area. Therefore, SRR was chosen to study the water quality and water pollution based on the phytoplankton community. Samples were collected at four stations during the six months sampling occasions (June, July, August, September, November 2012 and February 2013). Results showed that the water quality of selected sampling stations based on the phytoplankton communities (Shannon-Weiner diversity index H', 0.92-1.37) were classified as slightly polluted to polluted. The H' values reflected the excellent quality in June (2.80) and February (2.77), whereas the lowest quality were obtained in August (0.58). Based on the saprobic index values, the reservoir was categorized as ß –mesosaprobic class (moderate organic loading) except in August which was under α-mesosaprobic to ß–mesosaprobic (critical organic loading) classification. The water quality condition derived from the trophic classification (based on chlorophyll-a concentration) varied from good to poor class at different sampling months and stations. Based on the results obtained, the risk of pollution and water quality degradation was more noticeable at station 2 and during July and August 2012. In order to prevent the occurrence of eutrophication and algal bloom, it is necessary to conduct the regular monitoring and human activities surrounding the SRR and the river tributaries should be monitored.

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Iranian Journal of Science

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 16 April 2016

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