Monitoring the Water Quality of the Karun Bozorg River Based on the IRWQIsc Index in the Spring of 2022

Message:
Article Type:
Research/Original Article (دارای رتبه معتبر)
Abstract:

This study assessed the water quality of the Karun Bozorg (greater) River, from the junction of the Dez River to the junction with the Arvand River, using the IRWQIsc index. Twelve sampling stations were established at relatively equal distances (between 25 and 35 km) based on the main access points to the river. To analyze the relationships between water quality parameters and their distribution, we employed Spearman's correlation coefficient, hierarchical cluster analysis, and land use regression using the support vector machine method. The calculated IRWQIsc values ranged from 30.65 to 48.98 within the study area. The results indicated that, with the exception of two stations (1: Dehkhoda Sugarcane Cultivation and Industry and 4: Ahvaz City Entrance) that exhibited average conditions (48.98 and 46.32, respectively), the remaining stations were in relatively poor conditions. Furthermore, BOD and electrical conductivity levels at all stations exceeded Iran's drinking water quality standards. Phosphate concentrations ranged from 0.006 to 0.021 mg/L, while ammonium levels varied from 0.4 to 2.08 mg/L, with significant increases observed at downstream stations. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a strong relationship between electrical conductivity and total hardness (0.81). The hierarchical clustering of the stations indicated that Stations 9 to 12 experienced the highest pollution levels, primarily due to the influx of agricultural, industrial, and urban pollutants. The land use regression analysis demonstrated an R² value of 0.78, suggesting that spatial patterns of water quality could be effectively predicted. These findings underscored the necessity for improved pollutant management and continuous monitoring to enhance the river's water quality.

Language:
Persian
Published:
Geography and Environmental Planning, Volume:35 Issue: 4, 2025
Pages:
165 to 192
https://www.magiran.com/p2851958  
سامانه نویسندگان
  • Mohammad Nemati Varnosfaderany
    Author (3)
    Assistant Professor Department of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
    Nemati Varnosfaderany، Mohammad
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