American Journal of Environmental Protection 2015; 4(3-1): 44-50
quality, thus, complex hydroecological studies represent
special value and scientific interest, allowing to evaluate the
interaction and mutual influence of hydrochemical and
hydrobiological indicators.
Masrik River flows into Sevan Lake, which has a great
importance for social-economic development not only for
Armenia, but also the neighboring countries, as a promising
source of fresh water [12, 13]. In this regard, the monitoring
and research on the river water quality is important in terms
of control of eutrophication processes and anthropogenic
pollution of Lake Sevan ecosystems.
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Masrik river basin, especially in the basin of its tributary, the
river waters characterized by an excessive intake of mineral
suspended matter in them.
2. Study Area and Methods
The river Masrik flows through the territory of
Ghegharkunik region. The river originates from the western
slopes of the eastern part of the Sevan mountain ridge and
flows into Sevan Lake. The Riverhead of Masrik river is at
an altitude 2880 m. The leng th of the river is 45 km,
catchment (watershed) area-685 km, the average slope in the
upper reaches is 158%. The annual average flow rate of the
river is 5.38 m3/sec.
Hydrochemical and hydrobiological studies were included
spring and summer of 2013 and 2014. Hydrochemical
monitoring includes 9 sampling points (fig.1). In the samples,
major ions, biogenic compounds and some heavy metals
were measured.
For studying planktonic algae 3 points were selected: 2
from tributaries of Masrik river-Sotk (point 2) and Aziz
(point 5) - and the last one from downstream of the river
(point 9). As a result of development gold mining industry in
Photo 1. Photos of Sotk River (a), the main tributary of the River Masrik;
River Masrik. (b); River Aziz (c), one of the left tributary of the River
Masrik; the place on this tributary under the impact of the local man-made
factor (d).
Mining waters characterized by high levels of electrical
conductivity and salinity. These integrated indicators showed
high level of mineralization in the water. Thus, the MPC of
all ore elements, Cu, Zn and Ni was exceeded. Along with
elements that were mentioned above, in mining waters the
sulfate ion is dominated and exceed MPC 4-5 times.
Fig. 1. The Map of Masrik River Network and Sampling Points
The MPC for HCO3, NO2, SO4 and Mg was exceeded as
well [1].
At the same time, it should be noted that the carbonate
mode of geochemical landscape promotes natural
neutralization of pollution of sulfate ion.
The quality of Masrik river waters is an integrated
indicator of the ecological impact of mining industry on the
environment. During an assessment of the ecological status