Characterization and Quality Index of Kor River Water

The Kor River is a major riverine basin in the Fars Province, Southwest of Iran. This river supplies water for municipal, industry, and agricultural purposes, hence, it displays varying and different characteristics influenced by anthropogenic activities. An attempt has been made to evaluate Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), by using five water quality parameters including electrical conductivity (EC), sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), specific absorption rate (SAR), bicarbonate (HCO3-), and heavy metal concentration (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn) which measured at 25 different stations along the Kor River on April, 2010. A water quality index technique provides a single number that expresses overall water quality at a certain station and time based on several water quality parameters. The objective of this index is to turn complex water quality data into information that is understandable and useable by public peopole. The results of this study provide information on water quality trends and developing better pollution control strategies for the Kor River.