Phytoplankton of river Masrik | Page 2

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. 45 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